Choosing a reliable fishing boat or family walks on the water often leads to a model. Reef 325 NDLDIt is a compact but roomy vessel that has proven to be one of the best options in the budget inflatable boat segment. Low pressure inflatable floor provides excellent stability and comfort, allowing you to stand in full growth even with a little excitement.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design features, advantages and possible disadvantages of this model. You will learn how the engine is optimal for this length, how to properly prepare the boat for the first launch, and what nuances of operation will help to extend the life of the material.
Many aquatic motorists choose this model for its versatility, which is suitable for both quiet fishing on lakes and for access to small rivers with moderate currents. PVCThe stainless gas used in production has a high density and resistance to mechanical damage, which is critically important in contact with rocky bottom or snags.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the material from which it is made. Reef 325 High-density reinforced polyvinyl chloride is used. The density of the tissue is 750-850 g / sq.m.This is an excellent indicator for boats of this class, providing protection from puncture and abrasion.
A key feature of the model is the low pressure inflatable floor (LDPB), which, unlike the solder floors, does not require the construction of complex aluminum sheets, but is a single chamber with internal bulkhead stringers that, when pumped, give the structure a stiffness, which allows you to quickly assemble the boat and immediately start moving.
The cylinders are divided into several independent compartments, which ensures buoyancy even in the event of damage to one of the sections, all seams are made by hot welding, which excludes the stratification of the material under the influence of sunlight and temperature changes. Seam tightness This is a parameter that is checked at the factory before the sale of the product.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight on a hot day unattended. The air pressure inside the cylinders rises when heated, which can cause the seams to deform or the valves to rupture.
For ease of movement inside the cockpit, the bottom is often covered with a special non-slip coating, which can be a corrugated cloth or a layer applied. anti-slip This solution allows you to feel confident on your feet even when the sides and floors are wet from splashes or rain.
Technical specifications of the model
Understanding the exact parameters is necessary for the correct selection of equipment and assessment of load capacity. Reef 325 The following key indicators should be taken into account when planning the purchase and operation.
The dimensions of the boat allow you to place it in the trunk of most cars in a deflated form, but in the assembled state it requires a space corresponding to a length of 3.25 meters. The width of the cockpit is sufficient for comfortable accommodation of two or three people with the necessary stock of equipment.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Total length | 325 cm |
| general width | 145-150 cm |
| Load capacity | 450 kg |
| Boat weight (set) | about 38-42 kg |
| Passenger capacity | 3 people |
It is important to note that the declared load capacity includes the weight of passengers, motor, fuel and all equipment. Recommended load For safety and performance, it is usually 70-80% of the maximum value, and exceeding the limits leads to lower height above the water and poor handling.
Benefits of the inflatable floor of the NDND
Use of BDL technology in the model Reef 325 It has some advantages over classic flat models, especially the speed of assembly, you don't have to spend time laying plywood or aluminum sheets and fixing them, you just spread the boat, pump the cylinders and the bottom, and then the boat is ready to descend.
The second important aspect is comfort, because the inflatable floor has a shock absorbing effect, and when you move on a wave, it extinguishes the shocks, making the swing less noticeable to passengers, and this is especially true when you're on water, when constant vibration and impacts on water can cause fatigue.
Use a foot pump with a pressure gauge to pump the bottom of the NDNDM. Hands to achieve the required pressure (0.2-0.3 atm) is almost impossible, and under-pumped bottom will bend under weight, worsening driving performance.
Also, the lack of rigid elements in the bottom design allows you to fold the boat into a more compact bag. Although the weight of the kit can be slightly higher due to the thicker material of the bottom, the lack of heavy floorboards makes up for this difference in the total weight of the gear you will have to carry to the water.
Motor choice and driving performance
For a 3.25-meter boat, the choice of engine is critical: too weak engine will not allow to get on plane with full load, and too powerful can lead to transom overload and a dangerous situation on the water.
The best choice for Reef 325 will become gasoline two-stroke or four-stroke engines with a capacity of 5 to 9.9 hp Motors with a capacity of 5 hp will provide confident movement, but the output to planing is possible only with one operator and a minimum load. For comfortable operation with a passenger or cargo, it is better to consider options in 8-9.9 hp.
- 🚤 5 hp - an economical option for quiet fishing alone, speed about 15-18 km / h.
- 🚤 8-9.9bhp. - optimal balance of power and fuel consumption, plane with 2-3 people, speed up to 30-35 km / h.
- 🚤 Electric motors - suitable for quiet driving in restricted areas, but require heavy batteries, which affects differentiation.
When installing the motor, the transom height must be closely monitored. For PVC boats, the standard height is 381 mm (15 inches) or 508 mm (20 inches) depending on the modification of the transom plate. Incorrectly installing the lower unit will lead to cavitation, engine overheating and loss of speed.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting, make sure that the mounting bolts of the transom plate are tightened securely. Vibration from the operation of the motor can weaken the connections, which will cause the engine to shift during movement.
Components and additional equipment
Basic equipment of the boat Reef 325 This usually includes the boat itself, the bag, the refit and the pump, but for full operation, the owner will need to purchase a number of additional accessories that are not always included in the standard set.
First of all, you should take care of the anchor equipment. For a boat of this size, an anchor weighing 3-5 kg is enough. Using an anchor that is too heavy makes no sense and can create problems when lifting it, especially in windy weather.
☑️ Pre-season checks
For convenience fishing often install holders of rods, sonar and navigation devices, fastening these elements is better to make on removable platforms or special adapters, so as not to disturb the tightness of the cylinders by drilling. Removable equipment It allows you to quickly free up space if you need to move cargo or passengers.
Rules of operation and storage
The rules of operation are the key to the long service of your boat, and after each release, especially if it was salt water or a body of water with blooming water, the boat should be rinsed with fresh water, which will prevent the destruction of the material and the appearance of unpleasant smell.
Drying before packing is a mandatory procedure. Even a small amount of moisture left inside a rolled-up boat can cause mold and decay in the folds. If you can't dry the boat completely, try to at least wipe it dry and unpack it as soon as possible.
How to turn the boat down properly?
Turn the boat down the same line every time, change the fold line to avoid permanent crevices on the material, which can eventually turn into cracks.
Store Reef 325 It is a dry boat with temperatures ranging from -20 to +40 degrees Celsius, avoiding open fires, sharp objects and aggressive chemicals, and with proper care, the boat can last more than 10 years, maintaining its technical specifications.
Repair and maintenance
Despite the high strength of PVC, punctures and cuts are possible. The kit is always a remix with pieces of fabric and glue. For quality repairs, you need to degrease the surface, apply glue on both surfaces, let it dry and tightly press the parts, providing heat (dryer or sun) to activate the properties of the glue.
Regular maintenance of the valves is required, periodically check them for leakage using soap solution, if the valve starts to poison the air, you may need to replace the sealing gasket or clean the sand and dirt.
Timely minor puncture repairs take 15 minutes, whereas ignoring the problem can lead to a seam rupture and the loss of a boat on the water.
In case of serious damage, such as a seam rupture or damage to bottom stringers, it is better to contact a specialized workshop. Self-repairing complex units requires special equipment and skills, and inept actions can only aggravate the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I pump a Reef 325 with a car compressor?
You can use a car compressor, but with caution, you need to constantly monitor the pressure with the pressure gauge, because compressors often give excessive pressure, dangerous for valves and seams, it is better to pump by hand after the initial filling with air.
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble a boat?
It takes about 10-15 minutes for an experienced user to assemble (pump) and 10-20 minutes for disassembling (blowing and packing) the boat. Reef 325 NDLDTime depends on the pump power and weather conditions (wind can interfere with the process).
Can the boat survive the winter in an unheated garage?
Yes, PVC material is resistant to low temperatures, and the key is to keep the boat clean and dry, preferably straightened or loosely rolled up to avoid clamping on frozen material.
Which glue is best used for PVC repair?
For repairing PVC boats, a two-component polyurethane adhesive (such as Kleyberg, Texacoll or specialized adhesives from the boat manufacturer) is best used, providing an elastic and water-resistant seam that withstands deformation.