Choosing a reliable boat for fishing or relaxing on the water often comes down to finding a balance between compactness and spaciousness. Viking 340 It is a model that has been in stable demand among domestic water engines for many years, a classic PVC inflatable boat designed to operate in a variety of weather conditions, from calm lakes to moderate waves on rivers.
The main advantage of this series is a time-tested design that combines ease of assembly and high maintainability, and the owner has a universal water cruising tool that can be transported in the trunk of a passenger car. loading capacity The model allows you to comfortably accommodate two adult passengers and the necessary set of equipment on board, which makes it popular among amateur fishermen.
In this article, we will discuss all the technical details, from the thickness of the cylinder material to the nuances of the transom installation, understanding the real capabilities of the vessel will help to avoid mistakes in purchase and operation, as well as to choose the right attachments for maximum efficiency on the water.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the materials used. Viking 340 Multilayer reinforced PVC is used, which is highly resistant to mechanical damage and ultraviolet radiation. The density of the fabric is usually about 750-900 g / m2, which provides the necessary margin of safety when in contact with rocky bottom or snags.
The design of cylinders is made by technology compartmentIn the event of a puncture of one of the cylinders, the second one will keep the boat buoyant, allowing the crew to reach the shore safely, and the seams are connected by hot vulcanization, creating a monolithic compound that is not afraid of temperature changes and prolonged exposure to water.
⚠️ Note: When buying, pay special attention to the quality of the gluing of the seams in the nose and at the transom. These are the areas that experience maximum loads when moving along the wave and require perfect tightness.
The bottom of the boat also deserves special attention, depending on the modification, it can be made of plywood or aluminum alloy. Plywood floorboards, coated with Olyodyekov coating, provide rigidity, turning inflatable sides into a full-fledged kielson, which allows you to develop higher speeds and feel more confident in the headwind.
- 🛡️ PVC reinforced - the main material, resistant to abrasion and punctures, ensuring a long service life of the product.
- 🌊 Sealed valves - allow you to quickly pump and blow air, reliably retaining pressure even with prolonged parking in the sun.
- 🔒 A reinforced transneur - made of moisture-resistant plywood or composite, designed to install a motor of a certain power without the risk of deformation.
It is important to note that all the components of the installation, such as pyre and switchholderThis prevents the fittings from being pulled off under load, and there is often a safety line running around the perimeter of the cylinders, which provides additional protection and a convenient handle for carrying or mooring.
Overall dimensions and weight parameters
The numbers in the model name directly indicate its length in centimeters. Viking 340 The boat is 3.40 meters long, which makes it a medium-sized inflatable boat, and it is a middle ground: it is still maneuverable enough to fish in overgrown backwaters, but it already has enough vigour to go out into open water.
The width of the boat is usually about 140-145 cm. This parameter directly affects stability. The wider body allows the fisherman to stand up to full height to throw gear or set up a tent without fear of sudden rolling. However, it is worth considering that increasing the width slightly reduces the speed specifications when using low-power engines.
The weight of the assembled structure varies depending on the configuration. The basic version with a plywood bottom weighs approximately 35-40 kg. If you choose the option with aluminum pyols, the weight can be slightly lower, but it will increase the rigidity of the structure. For transportation in a disassembled form, the boat is packed in a bag, the dimensions of which allow you to place it in the trunk of most sedans and station wagons.
Below is a table with the main technical specifications that will help compare the model with competitors:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 340 cm | Including inflatable tubes |
| Full width | 142 cm | Maximum cylinder width |
| Cockpit length | 250 cm | Useful space inside |
| Load capacity | 450 kg | Including passenger and motor weights |
| Boat mass | 38 kg | No motor or gear. |
When planning a purchase, it is important to consider not only the dimensions of the boat itself, but also the size of the package. Viking 340 It is usually around 110-120 cm long, but for owners of compact cars it can be a limiting factor when loading things into the cabin.
Capacity and load capacity
The manufacturer's stated capacity of 450 kilograms is the theoretical maximum at which the boat still remains buoyant. workloadIt's a squirrel that's usually 20 to 30 percent below the limit, and it's a high side above the water, and it's a good germination wave.
In practice. Viking 340 The third passenger is likely a child or an additional load in the form of equipment for long fishing. Weight distribution plays a key role: shifting the center of gravity to the nose or stern can significantly impair the handling and differentiation of the vessel.
How to distribute weight in a boat?
The heaviest load (battery, anchor, spare parts) should be placed closer to the center of gravity of the boat, usually under the seats or along the diametrical plane. Passengers should sit symmetrically. Avoid sudden movements along the sides, as this can lead to a critical roll.
The cockpit's volume allows you to accommodate the required number of gearboxes, sonar and even a small table. Some models are equipped with special mounts for installation. electric trolling motor It is on the nose, which expands the functionality of the boat for lovers of trophy fishing, where silence is important.
- 🎣 Fishing together - the optimal use case, allowing you to comfortably catch spinning or plumbing.
- ⛺ Tourism - the ability to place a small cargo compartment for overnight stay with a tent on the shore.
- 🚣 cruising. Capacity allows you to bring a picnic kit and security equipment for the whole family.
And remember, the weight of the outboard motor is also part of the total payload, and if you're planning to use a heavy four-stroke engine, the payload on passengers and cargo will automatically decrease, so you have to be a very complex calculation.
Compatibility with outboard motors
Train boat Viking 340 The exact value depends on the specific modification and year of production, so always check the marking on the smock board. Exceeding the recommended power can lead to the collapse of the transom or loss of control of the vessel.
Two-stroke engines weighing up to 20 kg are considered the best choice for this model. They provide good dynamics, allowing the boat to go plane with one or two passengers on board. Four-stroke analogues are also applicable, but their greater weight may require more careful load balancing in the cockpit.
⚠️ Warning: Installation of a motor above 9.9 hp on a 3.40-meter boat is strongly discouraged without the manufacturer's approval, and can lead to dangerous nose differentiation and reduced stability.
The standard transom height is 380 mm (15 inches), which corresponds to most lower unit outboard motors. When installing the engine, it is important to adjust the angle of inclination of the lower unit correctly so that the screw operates in optimal mode without creating cavitation or burrowing nose into the wave.
To extend the life of the transom, use a motor suspension or transom wheels when maneuvering off the coast, which will reduce the load on the corners of the transmoltar board and prevent chipping paint coatings.
If you plan to change your engines frequently or use the boat in different conditions, it makes sense to look at the models with reinforced transmessels. They have additional stainless steel linings or composite materials that protect the wood from moisture and mechanical damage by the screw.
Package and additional options
Basic equipment Viking 340 The accessories market, however, offers many additions that can significantly improve comfort, and among the most popular options is the installation of an inflatable keel, which improves course stability and driving performance on excitement.
It is also worth considering the possibility of installing stopper And comfortable, soft seats with mounts, and regular cans are often made of simple plywood, and can be uncomfortable when you're on the water for a long time, and replacing them with anatomical seats that can be adjusted is one of the best investments in comfort.
☑️ Checking the completeness when buying
For those who like night fishing or multi-day hikes, a tent or a running awning will be a useful addition, which will protect them from the scorching sun in the afternoon and from dew or small rain in the morning. Tent fastenings are usually installed in special pockets or on huts.
- 🪜 Anchoring devices - the presence of an anchor ditch on the nose is mandatory for safe parking on the flow.
- 🔦 Lighting fixtures - the possibility of installing running lights for movement in the dark according to the rules of GIMS.
- 📦 Hermashers. - not included in the kit, but are a mandatory accessory for storing things dry.
Special attention should be paid to the possibility of installing sonars and navigators, for this purpose there are special brackets that are attached to the sides or banks, and the correct placement of the sonar sensor is critical to obtaining reliable information about the bottom topography.
Rules of operation and storage of PVC boats
Durability of the boat Viking 340 PVC material does not tolerate prolonged exposure to direct sunlight when pumped, as the pressure inside the cylinders increases, which can lead to deformation of the seams, so in the parking lot, it is better to shade or blow out some of the air.
After each foray into the water, especially if it was salty or heavily polluted, the boat must be washed with fresh water and thoroughly dried before packing. Humidity inside the bag is the main enemy of the reinforced layer and valves, leading to mold and unpleasant odor.
Algorithm for preparation for winter storage:1. thoroughly wash the boat with a soft detergent.
2. Completely dry in disassembled form (cylinders and floorboards separately).
3. to treat PVC with a special means (preservative) to prevent drying out.
4. fold without sharp classes and remove in a warm dry room.
Keep the boat at a temperature of -20 to +40 degrees Celsius, away from heating appliances and barbed-cutting objects. Regular check of pressure in cylinders (it should be 0.2 atm) will help to identify microleaks in time, which are easy to eliminate with the help of a remplekt.
Proper storage in the off-season extends the life of the PVC boat by 30-40%, the main condition is complete dryness and no direct sunlight during storage.
Compliance with these simple guidelines will allow your boat to Viking 340 remain a reliable assistant for many seasons, delighting with safe and pleasant walks through the water expanses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a 9.9 hp engine be installed on a Viking 340 boat?
Technically, you can set it if the transom allows, but it is on the verge of being allowed. For a length of 3.40 meters, this power can be excessive, which will lead to strong nose differentiation and reduced safety. It is recommended to limit motors to 5-6 hp for comfortable and safe swimming.
Which type of bottom is better to choose: plywood or aluminum?
Plywood floors (slip floors) are cheaper and warmer, but heavier and afraid of moisture when poorly maintained. Aluminum floors are lighter, do not absorb water and are more durable, but are more expensive and can be noisier. For fishing in the cold season, aluminum is preferred due to less thermal conductivity (if not lying on ice) and weight.
Do I need to register Viking 340 in GIMS?
Registration depends on the weight of the boat with the engine (take the passport of the engine, even if it is not yet installed, but planned) exceeds 200 kg, registration is mandatory. By itself, the Viking 340 boat weighs about 40 kg, so the weight of the chosen engine will be the decisive factor. Motors up to 5 hp usually weigh about 20-25 kg, which in total with the boat gives less than 200 kg, but with regard to fuel and equipment, it is better to clarify the current rules in your region.
How to properly seal a puncture at home?
You need to degrease the puncture site, clean it with fine sandpaper, apply glue on both surfaces (boat and patch), let it dry for 10-15 minutes, then press hard and roll it with a roller, dry it under load for at least 24 hours at room temperature.