Choosing the first or new fishing boat is always about finding a balance between load capacity, weight and budget. Inflatable boats with inflatable bottoms (NDD) in this segment occupy a special niche, offering comfort close to the rigid body, while maintaining transportability. Solar 350 NDNIt has been a bestseller on the Russian market for several years due to its reliability.
Many aquatic motorists see this 3.5-meter length as the middle ground, not a bulky four-meter boat that requires a powerful engine and trailer, but not a tight three-meter boat that is difficult to turn around together. In this review, we will examine in detail the technical nuances, current pricing policies and hidden features of operation, which are often silent in stores.
It is worth noting that NDM It's a huge change in the behavior of the vessel on the wave, compared to the pitting counterparts, and the hard bottom here is formed by high pressure in the cylinders, which creates a monolithic effect. Solar 350 There are specific features that you need to consider before buying, so as not to face unpleasant surprises on the water.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any PVC boat is the quality of the material. The manufacturer uses a five-layer reinforced fabric, the density of which is 750 g / sq. m. standard for boats of this class, providing protection against abrasion and ultraviolet light, the seams are made by double-cooking with overlapping-overlapping, which excludes the possibility of depressurization even under heavy loads.
The system deserves special attention. low-pressureUnlike the pyeol variants, there are no hard elements to assemble, the bottom consists of several sealed compartments, inflated to a pressure of 0.2-0.25 atm, which gives the body excellent hydrodynamics and allows you to pass through shallow water without fear of damaging the bottom of the stones or shells.
To strengthen the design and protect against punctures on the sides and in the bow is installed timberIt also acts as a mooring stop, protecting the main cylinder from friction on the berth or the side of another vessel, and has a handle in the bow to carry and fasten the anchor falin, making it easier to manipulate the boat ashore.
β οΈ Attention: Despite the high density of the fabric, you should not test the material for strength, dragging a boat on a sharp rocky shore. Abrasive wear will eventually reduce the resource of the fabric, especially in the area of cylinders.
The important element is the valve system. Solar 350 They use petal valves that hold air securely, they allow you to quickly put pressure on when necessary, and they ensure that water is leaky even when water sprays enter the valve group during pumping.
Technical specifications and dimensions
Understanding dimensions and weight specifications is critical to planning transportation and motor selection. Solar 350 It's designed to make the most of the 3.5 meters allowed, and here's a table of basic parameters that will help you navigate.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 350 cm | Inflatable elements |
| Full width | 160 cm | On the outer cylinders |
| Load capacity | 500 kg | Including the weight of the boat and crew |
| Weight gathered | 46 kg | Without motor and accessories |
| Passenger capacity | 3 people. | Best for two people with a load. |
Weight of 46 kilograms is a significant figure, and for one person, transporting a boat assembled can be a serious challenge, especially if you have to carry it on sand or mud. Load capacity 500 kg allows you to comfortably accommodate two adult fishermen with a full set of equipment, including anchor, tackle and fuel.
The dimensions of the cockpit allow three passengers to comfortably settle down, but for active fishing or glides with the engine it is better to limit yourself to two adults. 160 cm wide provides good stability, which is especially appreciated when fishing standing or catching large trophies.
Comfort and ergonomics on the water
The main advantage of the design NDMA The floor is a single flat surface that you can move around on, and this is especially true for spinners who often need to change their position to throw.
Inside the boat there are liner mounts for installation seat They are moisture-resistant, reinforced plywood and can be placed in different positions, and can be removed if necessary, freeing up space for large loads or overnight accommodation.
To protect against splashes and improve driving performance, the boat is equipped longitudinalThese elements at the bottom help the vessel to go smoother and improve the stability of the course. At high wave, the boat behaves predictably, gently cushioning the impacts due to the inflatable floor.
Use special rugs in the cockpit if you plan to fish in hot weather. PVC fabric in the sun can get warmer, and it is more comfortable to stand on the mat than on a hot bottom.
But you have to consider that the inflated bottom tends to bend under the weight of passengers, and this creates a hammock effect, which is a plus for some (softness) and a minus for others (less stability when standing), and unlike hard paiola, there is no feeling of a hard pad underfoot.
Analysis of price and configuration
The question of cost is always acute. Price of the boat Solar 350 NDND It's based on the cost of materials, complexity of production (manual assembly) and logistics, and it's currently in the middle market, offering good value for money.
The basic package usually includes the boat itself, two seats, a bag-pack, a remix and a passport. It is important to check for all the items when you receive. Sometimes manufacturers change the kit, adding or removing accessories, so exact configuration at the time of purchase, check with the seller.
Compared to competitors, Solar 350 Often benefits from better fittings and sophisticated ergonomics, cheaper analogues can save on tissue density or glue quality, which in the long run will lead to additional repair costs.
β οΈ Warning: Beware of suspiciously low-priced offers, fakes or expired-glue boats may be sold under the guise of the original, causing the seams to unstitch in the first season.
Investment in a quality boat pays off with a lifetime. Cheap models often require repair after 2-3 seasons of active operation, while proven brands last 5-7 years or more with proper care.
Motor choice and speed performance
For a boat 3.5 meters long and weighing about 46 kg, the best choice will be an outboard motor with a capacity of 5 to 9.9 hp Motors of lower power (2-3 hp) will only allow you to move slowly, but will not bring the boat with the crew to plane.
With an engine of 9.9 hp (often it is a converted 15-strong with a limiter) boat Solar 350 It can be safely glided with even two passengers, and speeds can reach 30-35 km/h, which is enough to travel along large reservoirs and rivers.
- π€ Motor 5 hp: Perfect for quiet fishing, economical, easy to transport, but glides are only possible with one person.
- β Engine 9.9 hp: "Golden mean" for this boat, provides a confident exit to the planing mode and good traction.
- π 15 hp: The maximum allowable power according to the passport, gives the maximum speed, but increases fuel consumption and weight on the transom.
It's important to pick up the right data-wheel. For inflatable-bottomed boats, long-leg motors are often recommended so that the propeller runs in clean water without taking in air. It's also worth paying attention to the weight of the motor: too heavy a unit can overload the transom.
βοΈ Checking before getting on the water
Transport and storage
Despite the inflatable sides, the boat is assembled in a considerable volume, packed in a bag, it is a heavy bowl that is difficult to fit in the trunk of a passenger sedan, most often used for transportation by the roof of the car or trailer.
When stored in the off-season, you need to observe the temperature regime. PVC materials do not like extreme frosts when they become brittle, and direct sunlight that destroys the structure of the polymer. The optimal place is a dry garage or storage room at temperatures from -10 to +30 degrees.
Before long storage, the boat should be thoroughly washed, dried and treated with a special means to protect PVC, this will prevent mold and preserve the elasticity of the material, you need to fold the boat carefully, trying not to create creases in the same places.
How to dry a boat after fishing?
After fishing, the boat is often wet, which is a mistake. Moisture between layers of fabric and in the folds can lead to mold and unpleasant smell. If you can not dry completely, at least wipe the cockpit dry and let the boat βventilateβ at home before packing into a bag.
Transportation on the roof requires reliable mounting. Wind flow at high speeds can put a significant strain on the bag. It is recommended to use special luggage baskets or soft cofres that protect PVC from the oncoming flow of stones and dust.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can a Solar 350 NDND sonar be installed?
Yes, sounder is possible and widely practiced, and you can attach it to a transom or a special bracket on board, but you have to consider that the inflatable floor can create vibrations that sometimes affect the clarity of the picture, but modern sonar models are successful at this.
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble a boat?
It takes about 15-20 minutes for a full assembly to be completed, including pumping the cylinders with a compressor, taking less time to disassemble, about 10-15 minutes, and in the cold season, the process can be delayed due to the reduced elasticity of the material.
Do I need to reload the boat during operation?
Yes, it's a mandatory procedure. In the sun, the air in the cylinders heats up and expands, increasing pressure, and when you go out into cold water, it compresses, and it is recommended to bring a pressure gauge with you and pump the cylinders to working pressure before heading out on the water, especially in hot weather.
What repairs are possible in the field?
It comes with a patch and glue remake, you can stick small punctures yourself, following the instructions, and for more serious damage (cuts, joints) it is better to contact a specialized service, as professional equipment is required for cooking.
Solar 350 NDNDD is a universal choice for two, combining the comfort of a hard bottom and the transportability of an inflatable board, requiring careful attention to storage and care.