Choosing a boat for fishing or outdoor activities is always a compromise between the load capacity, the size assembled and the cost. River Bots 370 NDNDTIt's a one-size-fits-all solution for one or two people. low-pressure (NDND) makes this boat unique in its niche, offering a level of comfort comparable to a rigid hull, but retaining all the benefits of PVC.
Many aquatic motorists still argue about which is better: classic slate or modern inflatable floor. RiverBoats 370 It's designed to dispel the doubts of the skeptics, and it allows you to forget about assembling a designer on the shore and enjoy the process of getting out on the water, while maintaining excellent driving performance even on the wave.
In this review, we will analyze in detail the design features, evaluate the real capabilities of the boat on the water and find out who exactly will suit this model. A key feature of the model is the use of a reinforced profile of NDNDND with anchor slings, which allows you to safely operate a boat with engines up to 15 hp. This is an important technical nuance that is often overlooked when superficially familiar with a product.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any PVC boat is the quality of the fabric and the reliability of the seams. River Bots. Uses reinforced polyvinyl chloride density of 850 g / m2 (optional version of 920 g / m2). five-layerUV, fuel and mechanical damage resistant seams are made by hot gluing, which ensures tightness and strength of the joint, eliminating stratification during operation.
The main element of the design is the floor of the NDND. Unlike conventional inflatable floor (ND), it uses low-pressure technology with integrated stiffness stringers. The floor cylinder has a complex geometry with several compartments, which gives the body the necessary torpedo shape. Floor rigidity allows you to get up in full growth without the effect of a “ trampoline”, characteristic of cheap analogues.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the high rigidity of the NDND floor, it is not recommended to jump on a boat or jump from a height, this can lead to local overstretching of the fabric and disruption of the geometry of the seams.
The boats are divided into independent inflatable compartments, which ensures buoyancy even if one of the cylinders is damaged. keelAnd this is a squirrel that, together with the bottom, forms a very good squirting, which allows you to cut the wave with confidence, and all the valves are equipped with a petal system that prevents air from escaping when you eject pressure, and they have a standard diameter for easy connection of pumps.
When pumping a boat, use a pressure gauge pump, and pumping the floor in the heat can lead to deformation, and not pumping in cold weather can lead to loss of driving performance.
Driving qualities and behavior on the water
On the water. River Bots 370 It's predictable and stable, and with its V-shaped bottom profile and inflatable keel, it's a great way to steer, not to prowl against the wave, and the softness of the structure extinguishes the impacts on the water, making it comfortable to swim even in the presence of ripples or a little excitement.
The optimal power of the engine for this model varies in the range from 5 to 15 hp With a 9.9 hp engine, the boat goes into planing with two passengers and a load without problems. 15-horsepower engine The speed can reach 35-38 km/h, but the control becomes more sharp, requiring the driver to have certain skills.
And the important thing to note is that the transom is made of moisture-resistant plywood, reinforced with metallic linings, and it allows you to adjust the inclination of the daywut, which is critical to the optimal engine mode, and in the planing, the boat doesn't peck at the nose, keeping the horizontal course even.
Assembly, packaging and transportation
One of the great benefits of using the NDND floor is the speed of assembly, so you don't have to spend time stacking stringers and fixing floorboards, like you do with slate boats, and it takes only 10 to 15 minutes to get ready to go, with a good pump.
The assembly algorithm is as follows:
- 🎈 Spread the boat on a flat surface and spread the cylinders.
- 🔌 Connect the pump and pump the floor of the NDND to the working pressure (usually 0.2 atm).
- ⚓ Inflate the cylinders of the side and keel, controlling the pressure with a pressure gauge.
- 🔧 Set the seats (banks) and fasten the transom plates if they are removable.
When assembled, the boat is packed in two bags, one for the hull and one for attachments, and the package size allows the package to be transported in the trunk of most C-class cars and above, and the weight of the kit with attachments is about 55-60 kg, which is acceptable for a boat of this size.
☑️ Checklist before getting on the water
Comparison of BND and classical slag
Choosing between the floor of BND and hard sleigh is often a stumbling block for buyers, and to make an informed decision, you need to compare these technologies by key parameters. Below is a table illustrating the main differences.
| Parameter | Paul BND (RiverBoats 370) | Hard slate (Aluminum/Phanera) |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly time | 10-15 minutes. | 30-45 minutes. |
| Weight gathered | Lighter (no heavy plates) | Heavier than 10-15 kg |
| Comfort on the water | High (soft bottom) | Medium (hard surface) |
| Driving performance | Excellent (torpedo-shaped bottom) | Good ones (depending on build) |
| Transportation | Two bags, compact. | Requires space for long plates |
As you can see from the comparison, NDNDM It's a great builder and a great comforter, but it can lose in absolute rigidity when you're on a heavy boat, but for fishing and cruising, the inflatable floor option is preferable.
The myth of NDNDM floor puncture
There is a popular belief that inflatable floors are easy to puncture, and in practice, the floor fabric has the same density as the sides (850 g/m2), and it is almost impossible to damage it with a stone or snag during normal operation.
Installation and additional equipment
Basic equipment River Bots 370 NDNDT It usually includes the boat itself, two inflatable seats, a packing bag, a remix and a product passport, but to fully operate, the owner will need to buy a number of accessories that are not always included in the start kit.
First of all, it's about anchoring. anchorBut the anchor and the thack often have to be purchased separately, and it's also worth considering buying transom wheels, because it can be difficult to carry a boat assembled along the shore alone.
For fishermen, installation will be a useful addition. rod-holder The boat's design allows for additional perimeter fences, which improves the safety of people on board, especially children.
⚠️ Attention: When installing additional equipment (echo sounders, hinged tables), avoid drilling cylinders. Use only adhesive mounts or special brackets fixed on fun keys.
Care, storage and durability
The life of a PVC boat depends on the conditions of its storage and maintenance, and after each operation, especially in salt water or muddy waters, it's a very important part of the life of the boat. River Bots 370 It needs to be thoroughly washed with fresh water, which will prevent the breakdown of the fabric structure and the corrosion of the metal parts of the fittings.
Keep the boat in a dry, cool place, protected from direct sunlight. The ideal storage temperature is from +5 to +20 degrees Celsius. Before packing for long-term storage, make sure that the boat is completely dry to avoid mold inside the valves and on the fabric.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly, especially when the temperature changes. In winter, when stored in an unheated garage, the fabric becomes less elastic, so pump up Immediately after application to the heat can not - you need to let it warm up to room temperature.
Proper drying and storage at room temperature is the secret to the longevity of your River Bots boat.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use the RiverBoats 370 NDND in winter?
PVC boats are possible in winter, but they require caution: at temperatures below -10°C, the material becomes rigid and brittle; you need to use special winter valve lubricants and avoid hull shocks; you only need to keep the boat warm after winter fishing.
Which pump is better for pumping the NDND floor?
For a low pressure floor, two-stage foot pumps or high-quality electric pumps with the ability to adjust pressure accurately are ideal, and it is important that the pump can provide enough air to quickly fill large floor cylinders.
Do I need to register a 370 cm boat in GIMS?
Under current Russian law, boats weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp) are subject to registration. If your boat with an engine and equipment weighs less than 200 kg and the engine is weaker than 10.88 hp, registration is not required.
Is it possible to build a boat for one person?
Yes, the design of the NDND allows you to assemble the boat alone. The floor is spread out by itself during the pumping without requiring physical force to lay the floorboard. However, pulling the boat ashore or loading it into a car weighing about 60 kg can be difficult for one, it is better to have a partner or transom wheels.