Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or water recreation always starts with an analysis of the needs and budget. Viking boat 320 For many years it has been one of the most popular offers in the inflatable vessel market in Russia, combining affordable prices with quite acceptable driving qualities. This is a classic example of a “workhorse” for a fisherman who values practicality above frills.
The model is manufactured by Frigate, which in itself guarantees a certain level of quality of materials and assembly. However, like any mass-produced equipment, this boat has its own specifications that must be considered when buying. In this article, we will discuss in detail the design, real possibilities and ways of modernizing this vessel.
Many beginners mistakenly believe that all PVC boats are the same, but this is not the case. The Viking Construct It has a number of differences from the competition that can be crucial to your operating conditions, so let's look at what's underneath this brand.
Technical specifications and construction of the body
The basis of any inflatable boat is the material and geometry of the cylinders. Viking 320 It uses five-layer reinforced PVC, which has proven to be sufficiently resistant to puncture and ultraviolet light, and the material density is usually 750-850 g/m2, which is the standard for the budget and mid-range segment, and this fabric provides a good margin of safety, but adds weight to the product.
The shape of the cylinders is made using high pressure technology, which allows them to pump up to 0.25-0.3 atmosphere, which gives the sides the necessary rigidity and makes it easier to overcome the wave without bending under the pressure of water. The diameter of the cylinder is 36 cmThis is the best indicator for stability over a three-meter length.
A key element of the design is the transom. In basic configuration, it is often made of plywood coated with waterproof paint. This is quite enough for the installation of a motor with a capacity of up to 5 hp, but avid fishermen often think about strengthening it. The sealability of the compartments is ensured by high-quality gluing of the seams, although quality control at the factory sometimes requires careful check by the buyer.
- 🛶 Dimensions: Length full 320 cm, width 142 cm, diameter of the balloon 36 cm.
- ⚖️ Weight: The weight of the set with sleigh is about 42-45 kg, which requires transportation on the trunk or in a large trunk of the car.
- 👥 Capacity: rated carrying capacity is 450 kg, which allows you to comfortably accommodate two adults with a cargo.
⚠️ Attention: Do not exceed the recommended pressure in cylinders, especially in hot weather. Pumped PVC becomes brittle and can burst from impact on water when entering the plane.
Use a high-quality pressure gauge to check the pressure, rather than relying on the touch. In the sun, the pressure in the cylinders increases, and the excess pressure can damage the seams.
Types of bottom: slate mat or plywood?
One of the most talked-about issues when choosing this model is the type of bottom, and the base version is often equipped with a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) or hard sludge. Viking 320 It is more often associated with prefabricated plywood sleigh, consisting of several sections.
Hard bottoms provide better handling and allow you to stand on your feet when you're fishing for a throw. On the other hand, it takes time and requires physical effort to assemble and disassemble a structure like this. Each section weighs several kilograms, and it's not a pleasant thing to do to build a boat alone in the cold or in the rain.
There is also an inflatable floor option that is much lighter and more compact when assembled. However, the inflatable floor is more prone to puncture and creates a trampoline effect, which can be uncomfortable with prolonged parking. The choice between these options depends on how you plan to use the boat: for long journeys with cargo, a hard bottom is better, for fast fishing, the “weekend” will also suit the inflatable one.
When using plywood sleigh, it is important to monitor the condition of the lacquer coating and ends. Water trapped between sections can cause swelling of the tree and corrosion of the aluminum profiles connecting the sections. Regular drying and treatment with moisture retardants will prolong the life of your floor.
Motor selection and speed specifications
The question of which engine to put on the Viking 320 is faced by each owner: Passport power is limited to 5 hp, which is dictated by the strength of the transom and the overall safety of the boat. However, in practice, many owners try to install engines with a capacity of up to 6-8 hp, which requires prior strengthening of the transom.
With a 5 hp engine, the boat with one fisherman and a minimum load confidently goes to the plane. The speed is about 20-22 km / h If the load increases or there is a strong wave on the water, the boat goes into displacement mode, and the speed drops to 6-8 km / h. This is a completely working mode for trolling or moving between fishing points.
For two people on board, 5 hp may not be enough to go to the plane, especially if heavy slate and battery are used, in which case the boat will “dig” water, creating a large kilvater stream, but not climbing to the bar. Optimal screw for such conditions - a step of 5-6 inches, which pulls better at low revs.
| Engine power | Download (1 person) | Load (2 persons) | Mode of traffic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 to 3.5 hp | 8-10 km/h | 6-7 km/h | Water-displacement |
| 5 hp | 20-22 km/h | 10-12 km/h | plane/Transitional |
| 6-8 hp (tuning) | 25-28 km/h | 15-18 km/h | Confident plane |
⚠️ Attention: Installing a motor more powerful than 5 hp per standard transom can lead to its destruction at high speed. Be sure to carry out work on strengthening only using high-quality marine plywood.
Can I put 9.9 hp on the Viking 320?
Theoretically, you could completely modify the transom and reinforce the cylinders in the bow, but it violates data-sheet figures and GIMS rules, making it illegal to operate without re-registration, and it's safer to look at a boat that's 3.5 meters long.
Tuning and improvement: making the boat better
Factory performance is just a base that every fisherman adapts to. Viking boats This is a mounting of a pier around the perimeter of the cylinders, and not only does it protect PVC from the reeds and sharp edges of the piers, but it also allows you to attach additional accessories.
The second important step is to upgrade the cockpit, and the regular seats are often stiff and uncomfortable, and replacing them with soft, folding seats with adjustable heights greatly improves comfort, and it's also worth considering installing rod holders and a sonar platform.
Transnant reinforcement is a procedure that many people use to install a more powerful motor, which involves sticking an extra layer of plywood or mounting a metal bracket, and it's important to use water-resistant epoxy resins and clean the surfaces thoroughly before gluing.
- 🔧 The liner cable: It is stretched along the side for insurance and convenience of mooring.
- 🎒 Runduks: Inflatable or hard crates in the nose for storing things that also work as additional buoyancy cylinders.
- ⚓ Anchor system: Installation of rim-gaka in the bow for convenient anchoring without tying the rope to the handles.
☑️ Tuning checklist
Operation and care of PVC
The life of your boat depends on how you care for it. PVC is durable, but it's not permanent. After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or dirty water, the boat needs to be rinsed with fresh water. Salt and silt break the structure of the material and accelerate the aging of the glue.
Storage is critical. You can't put a wet boat in a hurry, and when it's rolled up, wet PVC starts to spew, mold comes in, and seams can float, and the ideal option is to dry it straight in the shade and then store it in a case at room temperature.
In winter, the boat is better stored at plus temperature. If this is not possible, and it remains in the garage or in the country, make sure that it is completely dry and does not lie under direct sunlight (through the windows), as frost combined with ultraviolet light is destructive to plasticizers in PVC.
Puncture repairs It's a skill that every boater should have, and it's easy to seal small damages with a kit that comes with a stain, and it requires degrease, put glue on the repair site, let it dry and warm it up with a hair dryer, or leave it under a press, and major damage requires patches of the same material.
Proper drying and storage at a temperature of +5 to +20 degrees prolong the life of a PVC boat twice.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
There are many analogues on the market: frigate, hunter, Mev.Viking often benefits from the more rigid design and time-tested shape of the cylinders, but competitors can offer more modern solutions in the form of integrated anchor systems or lighter materials.
The main advantage of the Viking 320 is predictability. You know what you're going to get, and you know how to fix it. Parts and refits are available everywhere, and that makes the boat a great choice for those who don't want to depend on service centers.
In conclusion, Viking boat 320 It's a reliable tool for fishing and recreation, and it's not without its disadvantages, like weight and the need for careful care, but if you use it properly and tune it properly, it will serve you faithfully for many seasons, and it's the choice of a pragmatic person who knows the value of things.
What glue is best for repairing PVC boats?
For quality repairs, two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as Texacol or specialized PVC adhesives) are best used, providing a seam that is as strong as the material itself, unlike household “moments”.
Do I need to register Viking 320 boat with GIMS?
Under current Russian law, boats weighing more than 200 kg or with an engine of more than 8 hp (5.88 kW) are subject to registration. Since the Viking 320 is lighter than 200 kg, and the engine is usually put up to 5 hp, formal registration is not required, but you need to have documents for the boat and engine with you.
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble a boat?
It takes about 15-20 minutes for a full assembly (compressor pumping cylinders, sleigh installation, seats) and about 10-15 minutes for disassembly, drying and packaging.