Choosing an inflatable watercraft for serious fishing or outdoor activities on the water often leads to the need to find a balance between comfort, load capacity and cost. In the segment of budget and medium-budget solutions, domestic products have been leading for many years, among which the brand stands out. riffA special place in the lineup is occupied by models with an inflatable floor. NDMA, which radically change the driving qualities of the vessel compared to the classic versions with slug.
The main thing that you should pay attention to right away is the rigidity of the structure. high-pressure It allows the platform to be monolithic, allowing you to be confidently planing even when you're fully loaded. NDMA It is a key stage of the upgrade, allowing you to use more powerful engines and comfortably move on large water.
In this article, we will analyze the design features of the Reef boats in detail, analyze their real capabilities and help you decide on the choice of a particular model. You will learn about the nuances of the assembly, the features of materials and hidden advantages that are not always written about in advertising brochures.
Design and construction of the inflatable floor of the NDLD
The basis of any boat with an abbreviation NDMA This is a floor made of reinforced PVC fabric that is pumped to high pressure, usually 0.5 to 0.8 atmosphere. Drop-Stitch Or a variation of it, where thousands of threads connect the top and bottom of the floor, which prevents the structure from blowing up to the sides and provides the necessary rigidity comparable to wood plywood.
It's important to understand that the inflatable floor of the Reef models is not just inside the cylinders, but is integrated into the power structure. The cylinders have special pockets or a fixation system, which eliminates the displacement of the floor when moving, and this arrangement allows you to distribute the load from passengers and cargo evenly throughout the area, which is especially important when you are excited.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time unattended, and the air inside the cylinders and bottom expands when heated, which can lead to a critical increase in pressure and rupture of the seams, even if you initially pumped it to the norm.
The reef boats are also made of multi-layer reinforced material. casting It is the presence of powerful stringers along the line of the junction of the side and the bottom that gives the boat its characteristic "sickness" and allows you to confidently keep your course in the lateral wave.
The secret to the stringency of NDNDM
Inside the inflatable floor are millions of vertical strands that act as struts. When you pump the floor, these strands are pulled, turning soft tissue into a hard stove. The higher the pressure, the harder the stove, but it's important not to exceed the manufacturer's recommended 0.8 atm, so as not to damage the connection of the threads to the fabric.
Overview of the model range: from 320 to 430 cm
The inflatable floor boat line covers a wide range of needs, from solo fishing to family trips, each model has its own specifications, which are dictated by its dimensions and estimated engine power.
Starting a series of models Reef 320 NDLDIt's a compact solution that's often chosen for its transportability, and when assembled, it can fit easily into the trunk of a sedan, but despite its short length, it can carry a motor up to 10 hp, which allows for decent speeds. Reef 350 and Reef 380This is the middle ground for most anglers, and there's a full-fledged cockpit for two adult men with a full suitcase of gear.
The flagships of the line are models Reef 400 and Reef 430 NDLDThese boats are heavy cruisers, often over 2 meters wide, which provides phenomenal stability, and you can safely sail to Ladoga or large reservoirs without fear of lateral rolling.
Comparative table of the main specifications of popular models:
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | River motor (L. S.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reef 320 NDLD | 320 | 145 | 450 | 10 |
| Reef 350 NDLD | 350 | 155 | 550 | 15 |
| Reef 380 NDLD | 380 | 165 | 650 | 18 |
| Reef 430 NDLD | 430 | 200 | 900 | 30 |
Materials and build quality
Reef boats use high-density reinforced polyvinyl chloride, typically a five-layer material that is resistant to fuel, ultraviolet and mechanical damage, and the density of the fabric varies from 750 to 1,100 g/sq.m depending on the model. cylinders and the bottom of the side, the maximum density material is applied.
Seams are the weakest point of any inflatable boat, and here the manufacturer uses double-sweetened slurrying technology with overlapping. In high-voltage areas (mounting switches, transom, handles), additional tapes are glued. The quality of the glue and compliance with the temperature regime during assembly at the plant directly affect the durability of the product.
The trawlers of the boats are made of moisture-resistant plywood, protected by sea lacquer or a coating of the same PVC. It is important to monitor the condition of the fastening elements of the transom, since vibration from the motor can weaken the connections. transmissibleThis makes packaging easier, but requires careful installation before every fishing trip.
- 🛡️ Wear resistance: The material is not afraid of contact with snags and rocky bottom, but sharp shells can become a problem with drag.
- 🌡️ Temperature: PVC retains elasticity at negative temperatures, however, cold storage is not recommended due to the risk of cracking.
- 🎨 Color scheme: Reef boats are usually available in protective colors (khaki, camouflage, dark gray), which is ideal for fishing, but less noticeable on the water in cloudy weather.
The quality of the seams is more important than the density of the fabric, even the thickest PVC will not save if the glue is applied in violation of technology, and when buying, be sure to check the seams for bloating or non-proglyc.
Operation and assembly on water
Assembly of a boat from NDMA It takes longer than inflating a sleigh model, and it involves pumping the floor to high pressure, and it's almost impossible to use an electric pump here, because they rarely give the right pressure, and the mechanical leg requires physical effort, and it usually takes 15 to 20 minutes at a calm pace.
It's important to be consistent when you build, you pump the cylinders first (about 60 to 70 percent), then you pump the floor, and then you finish the pressure in all the compartments, and you can straighten the folds and avoid the distortions, and if you pump the floor completely before you put it in the cylinders, it can just not fit inside.
On the water, the Reef boats behave predictably. A wide nose cuts the wave well, and a hard bottom extinguishes the blows. However, there is a caveat: with complete calm and low load, the boat can be subjected to lateral wind demolition due to the high sailing of the cylinders. keel-layer Or distribute the cargo properly on the sides.
☑️ The algorithm of correct assembly
Tuning and refining the boats reef
Factory equipment is often minimal, so owners are actively engaged in the development of their boats. sniffle The spaces can be inconvenient, so additional elements are often inserted into the cylinders.
To improve comfort, many people are door-wheelBecause the boats are heavy, being able to move them around the shore without lifting on your shoulders is a huge advantage. It is also popular to install soft seat linings, as hard inflatable floors can tire your back when fishing for long periods.
Another important element of tuning is the protection of cylinders. protector-belt On the outside, the boat will extend its life significantly when pulled onto concrete slips or rocky shores. Some craftsmen also install additional gear pockets directly on board, using PVC glue.
⚠️ Note: When you self-tuning (valve insertion, pen gluing), use only specialized two-component polyurethane adhesive. Household "superglues" or shoe adhesives will destroy the structure of PVC and lead to loss of warranty.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Like any technology, Reef boats can have their own "childhood diseases" or problems that arise during operation, most often users are faced with air etching through valves, this is solved by replacing sealing rubber bands or cleaning the valve saddle from sand and dirt.
Sometimes there is a dissection of the cloth in the folding areas, if the boat has been kept in a crumpled state for a long time under load, to avoid this, it is recommended to periodically (once a season) completely inflate the boat and keep it in this state for several days, this straightens the folds and restores the structure of the material.
Transcens problems occur when the motor is not properly selected, exceeding the recommended power leads to deformation of the plywood and destruction of the mounts, if you plan to put the motor at the limit of permissible, it makes sense to strengthen the transcensor with an additional lining of moisture-resistant plywood or aluminum.
To quickly look for a puncture, use a soap solution. Apply foam to a suspicious area and wait for bubbles to appear. In windy weather, palm the application site so that the foam does not blow away immediately.
Summary and recommendations
Boats with inflatable bottoms NDMA They are a great value for money for the Russian consumer, they are devoid of many disadvantages of expensive brand analogues, while remaining functional and reliable. The rigid floor provides excellent seaworthiness, and a wide range of models allows you to choose an option for any budget.
The main advantage is the ability to plane with full load, which is not available for boats with sleigh of the same size, which makes them an ideal choice for fishing on large bodies of water, where you often have to overcome the wave. However, consider the weight in the assembled form: models from 380 cm and above require two people to carry or have a trolley.
If you're looking for a universal water-borne vehicle that will last for years with proper care, the NDNDR Reef is a rational choice, and the key is not to skimp on the engine and properly prepare the boat for the first season by checking all connections and pressure.
Can I pump the floor of the NDND with a car compressor?
Conventional car compressors are designed for low pressure (up to 3 atm for tires, but with a large volume). NDND requires a pressure of about 0.8 atm, but with high accuracy. The compressor can pump the floor and damage the seams if it does not have a precise pressure gauge and auto-disconnect. It is better to use specialized foot or electric pumps for pressure-adjusted boats.
How much weight can the Reef 380 NDND carry?
The passenger load capacity of the 380 is usually about 600-650 kg. This includes the weight of passengers, engine, fuel and equipment. In reality, the boat will come out with a load of about 300-350 kg (two people + engine 15 hp + tank).
Do I need to lubricate the valves before storage?
Yes, the valve threads should be lubricated with silicone lubrication, which will prevent plastic elements from clinging to the surface and make it easier to screw in/unwrap next season, but the lubricant should not be used on rubber seals inside the valve, as some types of lubricants can erode the rubber.
What is the difference between the NDND Reef and the sludge Reef?
The main difference is the floor design: slate (plywood sheets) is cheaper, easier to assemble, but gives a soft, "cruising" bottom. NDND (inflatable floor) is tougher, provides better driving performance and planing, but heavier and longer to collect. NDNDM is warmer for the feet in cold water.