Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or relaxing on the water often boils down to a dilemma between comfort and mobility. In the inflatable boat market, two types of design are the most popular: hard floorboard-bottomed models and boats. NDMA (inflatable floor) The latter raises many questions for beginners who fear that the inflated bottom will be uncomfortable and the structure itself will be unstable.
In this review, we will discuss in detail what it is. NDNDBUnderstanding the principles of the air bottom will help you avoid mistakes when buying and choose a gear that is ideal for your tasks, whether it is quiet fishing in reeds or active glittering with a powerful motor.
Many experienced water-engines have long since switched to this type of design, evaluating their unique driving qualities, but do not blindly believe the marketing slogan: NDNDM has its own features that require careful study before purchasing.
Design features and design of the BDLD
The acronym NDND stands for "inflatable floor Bottom," which may seem tautology at first glance, but technically describes the layered structure of the floor. balloon-netThe top layer is made of strong PVC fabric, and the bottom layer is a grid of tapes connecting the top and bottom. When pumped, the tape is straightened, creating a rigid plane that can withstand the weight of passengers and cargo.
Unlike classical soldering, where stiffness is provided by sheets of plywood or aluminum, this role plays in NDND. high-pressureThe working pressure at the bottom is usually between 0.2 and 0.5 atmospheres (depending on the model), which allows the structure to remain in shape even under heavy loads. The boards of such boats also have a complex structure, often including a hut around the perimeter to protect against impact.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped NDND boat in direct sunlight on a hot day unattended. The air inside the cylinders expands when heated, which can cause seams to rupture or deform the structure.
And the important thing is that the sling system, which runs inside the bottom cylinder, is that it sets the geometry and keeps the bottom from becoming a shapeless bubble. built-in reduction valveswhich put excess pressure on, preventing inflating.
Comparison of BNDT and solder boats
The main battle in the market is between plywood and piellets, and payroll boats have a hard, often composite, plywood or aluminum bottom, which provides excellent stability and the ability to install full-fledged soldering flooring, but take longer to assemble and weigh more when dismantled because of metal or wooden elements.
The NDND boats are better at assembly speed and compactness when packaged. You don't have to mess around with heavy sheets of plywood, staining your hands on lubrication or dirt. You just need to spread the cylinders, pump them up and fix the transom. NDNDM is often better at running due to the streamlining of the bottom, which has no steps between the sections of the floorboard.
Below is a comparison table to help you make your choice:
| Characterization | NDND boat | Pillet boat |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly time | 10-15 minutes. | 20-30 minutes. |
| Packaging weight | Below (no plywood/aluminum) | Higher. |
| Bottom hardness | High (at the right pressure) | Maximum |
| Comfort of standing | Softly, depreciating | Harder, colder. |
| Term of service | 10-15 years | 10-15 years (bottom can rot) |
It's worth noting that modern manufacturing techniques have allowed NDND to almost catch up with pyolks in stiffness. The use of high-density reinforced PVC makes the bottom virtually indistinguishable from hard to the touch with proper pumping.
Driving qualities and behavior on the water
One of the key advantages of NDND is aerodynamics, the inflatable floor has smooth contours, which reduces water resistance when driving, and this is especially noticeable in planing: the boat is easier to go into mode and requires less power from the boat. boat-engine Fuel consumption can be 10-15% lower than a similar peyolka.
The softness of the structure plays into the hands of fishermen. When fishing in windy weather or on a wave, NDNDM extinguishes vibrations and impacts on water better than hard bottoms. You get less tired from being in a boat for several hours. Also, the inflatable floor is warmer: it does not conduct cold from the water as intensely as metal or wet plywood.
⚠️ Attention: When installing an electric motor on the NDND, make sure the transom plate is reinforced. Excessive traction of the electric traction can push the soft transom if it does not have a rigid insert.
But there are nuances: At high wavelengths, very lightweight NDND models can behave like floats, can be blown by side winds more than heavy peyolks, so it is recommended to choose models from 3.6 meters long with reinforced cylinders for open water and large reservoirs.
For better stability on the course with a strong side wind, use a removable keel or choose models of NDNDND with an inflatable keel, which improves course stability.
Features of operation and assembly
The process of preparing the NDNDM for the launch requires a certain sequence of actions: first, the cylinders are pumped, then the bottom is pumped, if the bottom is soft, it will be uncomfortable to get up from the knees, and the performance will deteriorate.
It takes a minimum of time to assemble, but it requires attention to detail, you need to place the seats (banks) properly and lock them in locks, the Tran is installed in special pockets or slots, and unlike the soldering holes, there is no risk of losing screws or damaging the floorboards if you build them carelessly.
☑️ Checklist of preparation of NDND for the season
The NDNDB can also be kept inflated in a garage or shed, which eliminates the need for constant assembly and disassembly, but if there is not enough space, it should be blown out carefully, avoiding cloth cloth cloth in the same places, so that cracks in the folds do not form.
Repairability and durability
The question of durability is often: will the bottom burst? Modern day? reinforced PVC It's incredibly durable, capable of withstanding severe mechanical stress, and it's harder to pierce the bottom of the NDND into a snag or stone than you might think, especially if you're talking about tissues with a density of more than 750 g/sq.m.
These boats are repaired using standard methods: PVC patches and two-part polyurethane glue. Unlike solder boats, there are no wooden elements that can rot from moisture. The aluminum profile of the transom also lasts decades without corrosion if anodized.
The Secret of Long-Term Service of the NDND
The main enemy of the inflatable floor is not sharp objects, but improper storage. If you remove the boat wet or dirty, the sand between the layers of fabric will begin to work as an abrasive, rubbing the material from the inside when pumped. Always dry the boat before packing!
The warranty life of quality BND is from 2 to 5 years, but the real life of careful use reaches 15 years or more. The critical element is seams. On expensive models, welding with hot air, which is stronger than bonding, is used.
Criteria of choice: what to pay attention to
When you buy a boat, you're going to look at the density of the fabric first. 850 to 1100 g/sqmThinner fabrics (750 g/sq.m.) are suitable for quiet walks on oars or with a low-power electric motor, but they wear out faster when used actively.
And you can see the design of the transom, and it has to be rigidly fixed and it has to be protected from water. timber And it's a perimeter-wide requirement to protect the sides when you moor to the shore, and it's also important to have a liner cable that runs through special rings and allows you to pull the boat to the shore without leaving the water.
Size matters. For one fisherman with a small supply of gear, 2.8-3.2 meters will be enough; for two with a motor and a power reserve, it is better to choose models from 3.6 meters; the width of the boat should not be less than 1.4 meters for stability, otherwise the risk of overturning with a sharp movement will increase.
The golden rule of choice: Buy a boat with a margin of load capacity and length. The boat "back-to-back" on the passport quickly turns into a "trough" with a low landing with the addition of engine, fuel and trophies.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I put a powerful motor on the NDND?
Yes, modern models of NDNDM are designed to install engines with a capacity of up to 15-18 hp and even higher, depending on the length of the body, the main thing is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maximum power and correctly distribute the weight of the cargo.
Is the bottom of the NDNDH warm in the sun?
Yes, the dark color of the bottom can get warm in the sun, but the air layer inside the balloon works like a thermal insulator, so the feet are not as hot as on hot metal, and light mats or special shoes are recommended.
What pressure should be pumped to the bottom?
The optimum pressure is usually 0.2-0.25 atm (about 3-4 psi on low pressure pressure gauges or up to the point according to the sensations on high pressure gauges). The exact figures are always indicated in the product passport. Under-pumped bottom reduces speed and handling.
NDNDM or RIB - which is better?
RIB (rigid housing + inflatable tubes) is faster and more stable over a large wave, but it is heavier and requires a trailer to transport. NDND is a compromise between the comfort of the RIB and the compactness of an inflatable boat, ideal for storage in the trunk of a car.
Is it difficult to repair NDND in the field?
Small punctures can be sealed with a special remix even on a wet surface (using self-adhesive patches). For serious repairs with polyurethane glue, a dry and clean surface is needed, so large damage is better to eliminate at home.