The closing, third Our large-scale review is devoted to the most exciting stage - the launch and the real operation. boats. If we've looked at theory, drawings and assembly in the past, what we're looking at now is the practical results, and it's in the water that you see all the nuances of design that you can't really appreciate from the ground or from the garage.
It is important to understand that aluminum-boat Incorrect preparation can negate all assembly efforts. In this article, we will discuss in detail the behavior of the body on the wave, efficiency at different speeds and installation features. attachmentPrepare for a deep dive into the technical details.
Many boaters wonder whether it is worth the effort when it comes to self-building or buying a finished one. metal boat The answer lies in the balance between the cost of ownership and the pleasure of fishing. Boat A4 It is a universal solution, but is it really so?
First launching and primary break-in
First descent The A4 water boats are always a stress test for the owner, and you have to look carefully at the transom and zygomatic lines for any signs of deformation or leakage, and even a microscopic gap in the weld, invisible in the dry state, can become a serious problem under water pressure. Tightness The first thing that is tested in the field.
When the first break-in should not immediately give full gas. Aluminum alloy, which is made of the boat, should "get used" to temperature expansions and loads, it is recommended to move the first 30 minutes at low and medium speeds, periodically stopping for visual control. flaws before they cause an accident.
Before the first long swim, be sure to check the operation of the drainage valves and make sure that the plugs are installed tightly and have rubber seals.
Particular attention should be paid to the behavior of the boat. Unlike fiberglass analogues, metal has its own inertia and reacts differently to shocks against a wave. Boat A4 It's been shown to be quite stable, but an empty hull can be very slapped on the water, and to soften the course, it's recommended to load the bow or use a more powerful motor that will put the vessel on mode faster.
Driving qualities and controllability on the wave
One of the main specifications of potential owners is seaworthinessDuring the tests. boat It's a very strong wavelength, up to 0.5 meters high, and the bottom silhouette allows you to effectively dissect the oncoming wave, although there's a noticeable leaping edge in the lateral wave, which is typical of narrow-hulled waves. aluminum-boat flat-lined stern.
The management is directly dependent on the motor-plantWhen using motors up to 15 hp, the boat obeys the steering wheel willingly, but tends to burrow with its nose when a sharp gas discharge occurs. This phenomenon, known as "glue," requires the steering wheel to be a certain skill and smoothness.
- 🌊 Smoothness: Depends on the load; an empty boat is harder to work the wave.
- ⚓ Stability of course: High when driving in a straight line, requires steering on turns.
- 🔄 Circulation: The turning radius is medium, the roll on turns is moderate due to the width of the body.
⚠️ Warning: When driving at high speeds (>35 km/h) with a full load (2-3 people), there is a risk of overflowing the cockpit with off-board water. Be careful not to make sudden steering shifts.
Compatibility with outboard motors
Selection of engine The A4 is a trade-off between speed, efficiency and safety. mounted-engine Exceeding this limit can lead to overloading of the transom plate and imbalance. Aluminum holds vibration well, but critical loads are contraindicated.
The most optimal option is considered by many owners to be two-stroke engines with a capacity of 9.9-15 hp They provide access to the air. gelling With one or two passengers and a reasonable speed when fully loaded, four-stroke counterparts will be heavier, which will shift the center of gravity and can impair driving performance, especially at the start.
When installing the motor, it is important to choose the right height anticavitationalIf you lift the motor too high, you get cavitation and loss of traction; if you lower it too low, you get more water resistance and you get worse control. The optimal position is considered to be the position when the plate is 2-3 cm below the bottom when moving.
Internal layout and ergonomics
Interior space boats It is designed to be as functional as possible, and despite its compact size, it has a knuckle for the storage of gear, anchor line and life jacket, and aluminium cans (seats) are removable, allowing for space to be transported if necessary. bulky or catch.
The ergonomics of the workplace depend on the height of the passengers. For people of tall height, the space in the nose can seem limited, especially if there are additional drawers. leg-holdwhich prevents the sliding of the sliding.
| Parameter | Meaning / Description | Impact on comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Cockpit width | 1400 mm | High stability, comfortable for two people |
| Height of board | 450 mm | Medium protection against splashes, requires accuracy |
| Load capacity | 400 kg | Allows you to take equipment for 2-3 days |
| Body weight | ~65 kg | Needs help getting to the shore |
Secrets of modernization of the salon
Many owners install additional soft linings on aluminum cans, which greatly improves comfort during long transitions, and also popular installation of a removable sun tent, which is attached to standard leers.
Maintenance and durability
Aluminum alloys, used in the production The A4 boats are highly corrosive, but this does not mean that there is no need for maintenance. The main enemy of the metal is the galvanic vapor, which occurs when aluminum comes into contact with other metals (for example, steel bolts or brass propeller) in salt water. protector Regular lubrication of contacts is required.
After each operation, especially in salt water, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water, which washes away the salt plaque, which can lead to pitting corrosion over time. attachmentRegular examination allows you to identify microcracks at an early stage.
- 🛠️ Fixing audit: Once a season, check the tightening of all bolt joints, as vibration can weaken them.
- 🧼 Cleanup: Use soft detergents that do not contain abrasives and chlorine to avoid damaging the oxide film.
- 🔋 Conservation: During winter storage, it is recommended to treat metal surfaces with a special lubricant to prevent oxidation.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep an A4 boat with water inside or under a tight awning tightly adjacent to the sides. Condensation and moisture stagnation under the awning accelerate corrosion processes at times.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
In his class. The A4 looks like a good competitor to the factory models, and the main advantage is its maintainability and capability. self-refiningUnlike fiberglass, aluminum is easier to cook and handle in case of serious damage, but the weight of the finished product is often higher than that of composite boats of similar size.
Cost of ownership metal boat It's not afraid of being hit by rocks, logs or ice, which makes it ideal for shallow rivers and wild shores. The A4 boat is the choice of a pragmatic angler who values reliability over aesthetics and is ready to put up with some discomfort for the sake of cross-country.
☑️ Final inspection before purchase/construction
In the third part of the review, we can say that boat-plane It's a workhorse for serious fishing and water recreation, and if properly operated and maintained, it will last decades, perhaps even by inheritance.
The A4 is the optimal balance between cost, strength and functionality for a single fisherman or a small company of two people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the real speed of the boat A4 with a 15 hp engine?
At full load (2 people + equipment) the speed will be about 25-28 km / h With one driver, the boat can develop up to 35-38 km / h depending on the state of the water and the engine setting.
Do I need to register the A4 boat with GIMS?
Registration depends on the weight of the boat and the power of the engine. If the weight of the hull with permanent equipment exceeds 200 kg OR the engine power is more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp), registration is mandatory. For the A4 with an engine up to 10 hp and light equipment, registration may not be required, but it is better to clarify the current rules.
Can I use the A4 in the winter?
Yes, aluminum boats are great for winter fishing. Metal doesn't become brittle in the cold like some plastics. However, you have to keep in mind that metal cools very quickly, so staying in such a boat requires warm clothes and mats.
Where to find drawings for self-construction?
Original drawings are often published in magazines such as Boats and Yachts or in specialized powerboating forums, and there are ready-made kits for self-assembly that include cut metal.