Finding the perfect fishing boat often comes down to a difficult choice between comfort, load capacity and reliability. aluminum-boat They are well-deservedly the leader in the ratings of water engines, offering a unique combination of lightness and strength. Unlike PVC models, metal is not afraid of sharp stones, driftwood and ice, making it indispensable for harsh operating conditions.
When choosing a model motorized There are many technical aspects to consider, from the type of parts to the thickness of the sheet. lamb-alloy (aluminum-magnesium) has significantly better weldability and corrosion resistance in salt water than regular duraluminium, a fact that is often decisive when buying a boat for operation in the north or in coastal areas of the seas.
In this article, we will take a look at design features, compare popular models, and help you avoid the typical mistakes of buying. A properly selected boat will last decades, even if you take into account all the requirements for operation.
Advantages of aluminum housings over competitors
The main argument in favor of metal is its phenomenal wear-resistantYou don't have to worry about punctures on dry grass or branches sticking out of the water, which is often the case with inflatable counterparts. The body withstands blows on the pier and friction on the sand, maintaining the tightness and integrity of the structure for many years of service.
In addition, aluminum boats have excellent seaworthiness It's a hard bottom, and it's a way to create complex contours, and it allows you to feel more confident and walk at higher speeds without the risk of getting your back hurt by being hit by water. transmotor It can be relatively easy to pull ashore or transported on a light trailer.
But remember the thermal conductivity of the metal, because sitting on cold aluminum in windy weather can be uncomfortable, so experienced anglers always bring their seats or rugs made of polyurethane foam, but not having to dry the paioles and fear the fungus inside the cylinders makes it much easier to prepare for the season.
- 🚤 Durability: The service life of high-quality aluminum is calculated for decades without loss of properties.
- 🛡️ Safety: the impossibility of accidental puncture with a sharp object on the water.
- 🏗️ Toughness: the possibility of installing powerful motors and heavy equipment without deformation.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used boat, carefully inspect the welds for cracks, especially in the area of fastening of the transom and zygomatic stringers.
Types of construction: welded, riveted and combined
Structurally, all metal boats can be divided into three main groups, each of which has its own specifications of operation. Welded models They are considered the most reliable, as they are a monolithic structure without through holes in the body. Technology welding with argon allows you to obtain seams stronger than the metal itself, which eliminates leaks at the joints of the sheets.
The riveted boats, often called Kazankas, are assembled using rivets and sealing tape, a more budget-friendly option that is easier to repair in the field by simply replacing the leaked rivet. However, over time, the sealant can dry out and the boat will begin to draw water, requiring regular maintenance and inspection. watertightness.
The combinations combine welded bottom and riveted sides to reduce the weight of the structure while maintaining the strength of the most loaded part. The choice depends on your priorities: if you want maximum reliability and you are willing to pay, take welding, if repairability is important in the back taiga - riveting.
The riveting myth
There is a belief that riveted boats always flow. It's not: modern butyl rubber bands and high-quality rivets ensure tightness for 10-15 years, after which a bulkhead is required.
Alloy choice: AMG vs. Duraluminium
Understanding the difference between materials is critical to the longevity of your vessel. duraluminium Dural is an alloy of aluminum with copper, which is highly durable but low corrosion resistance. Dural boats necessarily require painting or anodizing, as they oxidize quickly in water and can break down, especially in salt water.
Alloys AMG They don't have that drawback, they don't rust, they don't require painting (natural oxidation is enough) and they're great brewing, and they make AMGs, which are the hulls of boats that are in the water and the boats that are in the sea fishing, and the price difference is significant, but it's completely justified by the life of the boat.
When buying, be sure to check with the seller the brand of the alloy. If you are offered "aviation aluminum" for a boat without specifying the marking, most likely, this is a dural that will require careful care. For fishing in fresh water, dural will also work, provided careful storage, but for the north and the sea - only AMG.
| Characterization | Duraluminium (D16T) | Aluminum-Magnesium (AMG) |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | Low, needs protection. | Tall, not rusting. |
| Weldability | Bad, need some special wire. | Great. |
| Strength | Very high. | High. |
| Application | Inland water bodies, dry storage | The sea, the constant presence in the water |
Tran and outboard motors: what to pay attention to
The key element for a motor fishing is turretIn aluminum boats, it can be built-in (an extension of the hull) or removable. The built-in transom is tougher and more reliable, it better transfers the engine's traction to the hull, but increases the weight and dimensions during transportation. The removable option is more convenient for storage in the garage, but requires reliable mounts that do not loosen from vibration.
It's important to pay attention to the height of the transom. The standard height for a short day-woot is 381 mm (15 inches), for a long one, 508 mm (20 inches), mounting a short day-woof motor on a high transom will lead to cavitation and loss of speed, and a long motor on a low one will create excess water resistance.
The transom boost is another important thing, and if you're planning to put a powerful motor on, make sure that the transom design is reinforced. rigel The vibration of a powerful engine can quickly shake the thin metal, leading to cracks around the mounts of the strubcines.
☑️ Check before buying a boat for an outboard motor
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the recommended engine power specified in the boat's passport, which may result in the boat tipping over or the transom being pulled off at full speed.
Comfort and equipment for fishing
Fishing is a long process, so comfort on board comes to the fore. Aluminum boats are easily equipped with additional equipment. lantern For fishing rods, install sonar and navigation mounts right on board, and many models already have handbags for storing gear, which frees up space in the cockpit.
Special attention should be paid to the cans (seats), which are often hard and uncomfortable in the factory, and experienced anglers immediately change them to soft seats with storage boxes inside or install rotary seats on pedestals, which allows you to change the position for the spinning throw without getting up.
To protect against sun and rain, many models provide for installation. tent The tent not only saves from rainfall, but also allows you to use the boat as a camping option, sleeping right on the water in comfort.
To reduce noise from rain and echoes in an aluminum boat, paste the bottom and sides from the inside with bitumen-based car noise insulation.
Care and operation in winter
Aluminum is not afraid of frost, but requires proper conservation. The main rule is that the boat should winter in an inverted form or on special kilblocks so that water and snow do not accumulate inside. Although AMH does not rust, dirt and organics left on the bottom can create pockets of local corrosion or just an unpleasant smell by spring.
Before storage, the hull must be thoroughly washed using neutral detergents. If the boat is riveted, check the sealant along the seams. Mechanical damage, such as dents, is better fixed immediately before the metal is "tired" and cracks appear.
Keeping the boat indoors or under a tight awning is best. Direct sunlight is not a threat to metal, but it destroys rubber seals, seat plastic and paintwork, if any. Regular inspection in the spring will reveal minor defects before heading out on the water.
Proper wintering of an inverted boat on a flat surface is the key to the absence of deformations of the hull and the extension of the service life for 10-15 years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does an aluminum boat make a lot of noise in the rain?
Yes, the sound of droplets on the metal is quite loud and loud, which can interfere with the conversation, but this is solved by pasting the body with vibration insulation materials from the inside, which also increases the comfort of driving on the motor.
Can an aluminum boat be painted with ordinary paint?
The usual paint with aluminum will not cling and quickly peel off. Dural boats require special soils (for example, VL-023) and epoxy or polyurethane paints designed for non-ferrous metals.
What engine to choose for a boat with a length of 3.5-4 meters?
For these dimensions, the optimal choice would be a motor with a capacity of 5-9.9 hp This is enough for confident planing with one or two passengers and cargo. More powerful engines may require registration of the vessel in GIMS, even if the boat is light.
How dangerous is aluminum when struck by lightning?
Aluminum is a great conductor, so it's best not to be in open water during a thunderstorm, but the risk of lightning striking a low boat on a large surface of water is statistically very small compared to high objects on shore.