Choosing a boat for fishing or outdoor activities on the water often comes down to finding a balance between cost, comfort and reliability. boat Reef 390 NDN It's one of the most popular of these, and it's not only at affordable cost, it's also a very thoughtful design that makes you feel comfortable in calm waters and in small, moderate rivers.
Many aquatic motorists see this model as a great alternative to more expensive brands, and not without reason. PVCAnd the high-pressure inflatable floor (HPD) provides a rigidity comparable to aluminum but less weight, and in this article, we'll go through the technical details, evaluate the real driving performance, and find out who really should pay attention to this model.
⚠️ Note: When choosing a 390, remember that the stated length is often overall, and the length of the usable cockpit (useful space) can be less by 20-30 cm, which is important to consider when planning the number of passengers.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the material. Reef 390 It is made of five-layer reinforced PVC, which is highly resistant to abrasion and ultraviolet rays. The density of the fabric varies depending on the batch and modification, but the standard for this model is considered to be an indicator of 850-900 g / m2. This provides the necessary margin of safety when in contact with rocky bottom or snags.
The key element here is itself. estuaryUnlike the flatbed boats, where the floor is made of aluminum or plywood sheets, it uses a design of thousands of strands connecting the top and bottom planes of the balloon. When pumped to an operating pressure of 0.8-1.0 atmosphere, the bottom becomes rigid like a board, which allows you to stand full-length without the risk of bending the floor and provides excellent hydrodynamics.
The seams in the Reef 390 are hot vulcanization, which means that the material is not just glued together, but chemically fused, which eliminates the risk of stratification during temperature changes or prolonged exposure to water. flat-bar - a rubber rod that takes the main blows when mooring.
- 🛡️ PVC reinforced high density protects against punctures and abrasion on the sand.
- 🌊 NMND construction provides the rigidity of the body and excellent germination on the wave.
- 🔥 Hot vulcanization The seams guarantee tightness in extreme conditions.
Technology for the production of NDT
Inside the bottom cylinder are thousands of vertical threads that keep it from swelling into a balloon when pumped, but keep it flat, creating a hard-floor effect with shock-absorbing properties.
Dimensions, capacity and weight specifications
The 390 in the model name indicates the total length of the boat in centimeters. However, for a potential buyer, it is more important to know the size of the interior space. The useful length of the cockpit is about 320 cm, and the width is about 145-150 cm.
The weight of the boat assembled is a critical parameter, especially if transport is planned in the trunk of a passenger car or by public transport. Due to the use of lightweight materials and the absence of heavy aluminum floor, the weight of the kit with the bag usually does not exceed 38-42 kg. Reef 390 It is relatively easy for your class, although it will be difficult for one person to drag it over long distances.
The model's load capacity is stated by the manufacturer to be in the range of 550-600 kg. This includes the weight of passengers, engine, fuel and equipment. The real operational load, at which the boat maintains optimal driving performance and high board, is about 350-400 kg. Exceeding this limit will lead to a strong burrowing of the bow in the wave and loss of speed.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 390 cm | Overall size |
| general width | 160 cm | Affects sustainability |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 45cm | High side for spray protection |
| Boat weight | ~40 kg | No motor or gear. |
| Max, engine power. | 15 hp | Optimum 9.9bhp. |
Driving qualities and compatibility with motors
On the water. boat Reef 390 NDN It's predictable and stable. It's a hard bottom that allows you to go fast even with medium-powered engines, and the shape of the cylinders is designed to minimize water resistance and provide a good plane output, and the high side is very splash-proof, which is especially true in wind or against current.
The transom part is reinforced by overhead elements, which allows you to install engines with a capacity of up to 15 hp However, the “golden mean” for this model are engines in the range of 9.9-10 hp With such a motor, the boat goes on plane with two passengers and a minimum load, developing a speed of about 30-35 km / h Installation of a more powerful motor (15 hp) makes sense only with single fishing or minimum weight of cargo.
The steering is important. The boat is responsive to cornering, but the soft sides can cause a slight roll on the turns, which is the norm for PVC structures. door-wheel And adjust the position of the motor in height to find the optimal angle of attack of the screw.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum engine power specified in the data sheet. Installing an engine that is too powerful on a transom can lead to the destruction of the transom board and the boat tipping over at a sharp set of speed.
Comfort and additional options
The comfort of the water is made up of little things. The 390 Reef has a few convenient solutions. First, it has inflatable seats (cans) attached to the lyctros (strings) on the sides, which can be easily moved along the side or removed completely, freeing up space for cargo. Second, the bow often has an anchored rump, which facilitates anchoring.
The nose can be equipped with pockets or hinges to hold the bags, although the interior space is limited, the proper organization allows the echo sounder, gear box and thermos. safety-line on the perimeter, which can be held in case of an unforeseen situation overboard.
The valve system deserves special attention. The reef 390 uses Frog valves or their modern counterparts, which allow you to quickly pump and lower the boat. They are reliable and do not poison the air when properly closed. It is recommended to use a foot or electric pump, capable of giving pressure of at least 0.8 atmospheres, as manual pumps may not provide the desired stiffness of the bottom.
- 🪑 Removable seats It allows you to flexibly configure the interior space.
- ⚓ Reinforced squirrels In the nose and stern, mooring and anchoring are simplified.
- 🎒 Transport bag In the set has convenient handles and straps for carrying.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Comparison with competitors and market niche
In the Russian market Reef 390 Competing with models such as the Flagship 380, Hunter 380 and various modifications of the Miv. The main advantage of the Reef often lies in the price at comparable quality of materials. When compared with more expensive brands, you can see fewer additional "bunches" in the basic configuration, but the basic reliability remains high.
Unlike floorboard-bottom boats, the 390 NDNDB reef is a great build speed, you don't have to spend 15-20 minutes laying the floor and connecting the profiles, you just spread the boat, pump the cylinders and the bottom, and it's ready to go down, which is especially valuable in the cold season or on frequent trips for one day.
But there are also downsides: The inflatable floor is more sensitive to sharp objects (spikes, broken glass) than aluminum. In addition, when very excited, the soft bottom can create a trampoline effect, although in the 390 this is minimally expressed due to high pressure. For fishing with spinning cast from the shore, the hardness of the bottom of the reef is quite sufficient to confidently stand and cast.
To increase the life of a boat with NDND in hot weather, it is recommended to draw a small amount of air from the cylinders, since in the sun the pressure inside can critically increase.
Maintenance and durability
The life of the boat depends on the maintenance, and after each operation, especially in salt water or muddy rivers, The boat needs to be washed. The humidity left in the folds of the material can lead to mold and an unpleasant smell that is difficult to remove, and it is better to dry in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight on the pumped boat.
Storage should be carried out in a straightened or loosely folded state at room temperature. It is not recommended to keep the boat in compressed form for many months, this creates stress in the places of cloth folding. Once a season, it is useful to treat the material with special means to protect PVC, which restore elasticity and protect against UV radiation.
The repairability of the model is high. The kit usually comes with a patch and glue relay, small punctures are easy to seal even in the field, more serious damage to the valves or seams is better to trust specialists in service centers where there is equipment for hot vulcanization.
Proper drying and storage of the boat in the straightened form increase its service life by 1.5-2 times, preventing microcracks in the layers of PVC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I pump the Reef 390 with a conventional car compressor?
You can use a car compressor, but with caution. Most household compressors are not designed for long-term operation and can overheat, because they need to create a pressure of 0.8-1.0 atm, not just pump the tires. Also, it is difficult to control the exact pressure without a good pressure gauge, which can lead to pumping and deformation of the seams. It is better to use specialized pumps for PVC.
How many people are comfortably accommodated in the Reef 390?
Comfortably, the boat accommodates two adults of medium build with a full set of fishing equipment. Three people will fit, but it will be close to the side, and the buoyancy margin will significantly decrease, which is not safe on the wave. For three, you should consider models from 420 cm in length.
Do I need to register the Reef 390 boat with GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, registration is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) OR with an engine capacity of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). Since the weight of the Reef 390 is about 40 kg, and engines are usually put up to 10-15 hp, then when installing a motor with a capacity of 10 hp or less registration is not required. If the engine is 15 hp, registration is required.
What pressure should be pumped into the bottom of the NDND?
The working pressure at the bottom of the NDND should be 0.8 - 1.0 atmosphere (bar). Insufficient pressure will make the bottom soft, the boat will be worse to glid and more prowl. Excess pressure is dangerous to break the internal strands, especially in hot weather.