Choosing water equipment in the region, where the Vyatka and Cheptsa rivers are the arteries of life, has always been a responsible matter. For residents of Kirov and Kirov region, Arsenal store has long become a point of attraction where you can not just buy equipment, but also get qualified advice. boat-engine - a device, the reliability of which depends on the safety of the water and the success of the entire fishing season.
In the current market environment, the range has shifted towards time-tested brands and new players capable of offering a decent alternative to the departed giants. Kirov Arsenal In this context, it acts as a filter that screens out openly low-quality goods and offers only those models that actually work in our latitudes.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what exactly the retailer offers, how not to make a mistake with power and what technical nuances should be considered when buying a gasoline or electric “heart” for your boat.
Assortment policy and presented brands
Analyzing the shelves and the store's remnants, you can see a clear strategy for building a portfolio of brands: they don't chase quantity for quantity, but instead rely on distribution contracts with plants that have service centers in the Volga region, and the range is based on medium and low-power engines, which is logical for local water bodies.
First of all, the lines attract attention. Tohatsu and Sea-ProThese are the workhorses that have already proven themselves among local fishermen. Japanese engineering combined with adaptation to Russian operating conditions makes them the sales leader. Less represented, but also featured in the catalog and powerful models for boats, but the main focus is on the segment up to 20 hp.
- 🇯🇵 Tohatsu - Reliability standard, lightweight aluminum alloys in lower unit, low vibration level.
- 🇨🇳 Sea-Pro - optimal price-quality ratio, a wide service network in Kirov.
- 🇺🇸 Mercury - premium segment, high technology and excellent traction at low speeds.
- 🇨🇳 Parsun A budget solution for those looking for a start-up engine or a support boat.
⚠️ Attention: When buying an engine at Arsenal, make sure to check for the official dealer's hologram on the body. The market is oversaturated with counterfeit, and the lack of an official guarantee can make the purchase a problem in the first breakdown.
It's important to understand that having a brand in a store is only half the story, and the key is having consumables and parts for these particular models in the service center of the city, and that's usually the case at Arsenal, because they buy in large quantities of the same model range.
Gasoline two-stroke engines: classics for fishing
Two-stroke engines remain the most popular choice among Kirov fishermen, with their main advantage being light weight and simplicity of construction. For transportation on the roof of a car or in the trunk of a station wagon, this is often the decisive argument. Arsenal has a wide range of models from 2.5 to 15 hp.
Constructively two-stroke It's easier to maintain in the field, and the mixture of gasoline and oil is prepared in advance or fed through a separate tank (depending on the model), which ensures that all the nodes are lubricated, but you have to remember the increased fuel consumption and the need to accurately observe the proportions when preparing the mixture.
To extend the life of a two-stroke engine, use only a special two-stroke oil for water technology (marked TC-W3), not an automobile one.
The two-stroke engines on sale today are equipped with emission reduction systems that make them cleaner, but their smell and smokyness remain a hallmark. For short trips, catching perch is ideal.
Four-stroke engines: comfort and economy
If you plan to use a boat for a family holiday, long walks or trolling fishing, it is worth taking a closer look at the boat. four-stroke They bring in models that are as noise-prone as a refrigerator, and that's a big change in how we think about being on the water.
The difference in design is that you have a separate crankcase lubrication system, like a car. You don't have to mix gasoline with oil, you just pour clean gasoline into the tank and check the oil level in the crankcase, which reduces fuel consumption by 30-40% compared to two-stroke analogues of the same power.
| Characterization | two-stroke motor | four-stroke engine |
|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Easy, 20-30%. | Harder because of the construction. |
| Fuel consumption | Highly | Economical |
| Noise level | Highly | Low. |
| Service | Simple but frequent. | Harder, but less so. |
The only downside to four-strokes is their weight and dimensions, which can only be transported in a strictly horizontal position (or on a special side if the design allows) so that oil does not get into the combustion chamber. At Arsenal, consultants always warn about this, but it will not be superfluous to repeat it.
Electric motors: a quiet hunt
A separate niche in the assortment of the store - electric motorsFor those who catch on pressed water bodies where gasoline is prohibited, or just appreciate absolute silence, this is the only way out. In Kirov, models with traction batteries that can be charged from a regular 220V network are popular.
The power of an electric motor depends on the weight of the boat and equipment. There is no horsepower in the usual sense, power is indicated in pounds of thrust (lbs). For an inflatable boat and one angler, 30-40 lbs. It is important to immediately budget for the purchase of quality quality equipment. traction-batteryAs the starting car batteries for this purpose are not suitable and quickly fail.
The secret to long-life battery life
Never discharge the traction battery to zero. Try to charge it when the residual capacity reaches 20-30%. Deep discharge reduces the number of battery life cycles by many times.
The maintenance of the electric motor is minimal: after every fishing, especially in salty or just muddy water, lower unit should be rinsed with fresh water. There are minimal mechanical components, there is practically nothing to break, unless you sink the engine deeper than the instructions.
Selection criteria: power and type of boat
The main mistake of a beginner is to buy an engine without considering the specifications of the boat. On the transom of any boat, whether it is PVC or aluminum, there is always a sign with the maximum allowable power. You will not be advised to exceed this parameter at Arsenal, because it is a matter of safety.
For a single inflatable boat up to 3 meters in length, the optimal choice will be a 2.5-5 hp engine. This will allow you to confidently go against the current on Vyatka, but will retain the mobility of the kit. Flagship or Solar. length 3.6-4 meters, here already need a range of 9.9-15 hp.
- 🚣 For boats up to 3 meters: engines 2-5 hp (weight up to 25 kg).
- ⛵ For boats 3-4 meters: engines 6-15 hp (weight 30-45 kg).
- 🚤 For boats and heavy boats: engines from 18 hp and above.
⚠️ Attention: The length of the engine's lower unit legs should match the height of your boat's transcenter: S (381 mm), L (508 mm), XL (635 mm), and the wrong selection will lead to cavitation (throwing air into the propeller) or, conversely, to the rotor's burying in water and loss of speed.
Also worth considering is the screw material. Aluminum screws are cheaper, but when hit by a rock or a snag, they bend and lose geometry. Stainless steel screws, which can also be found in the store's range, hold the punch better, but they are more expensive and heavier.
Service and seasonal storage
Buying an engine at Arsenal Kirov is the beginning of the journey, and in order for the equipment to last for years, you must comply with maintenance regulations, the first oil change (for four-stroke) and the candle check is recommended after the first 10 hours, as the parts are laundered.
Before winter storage, which in our climate lasts six months, you need to mothball the engine. For two-stroke engines, you put a mixture of increased oil in the tank, and you let the engine work for a few minutes so that the lubricant gets to all the nodes, and then the fuel is drained completely.
☑️ Preparing the engine for winter
Store the engine in a heated room or in a sealed case, so that the condensation does not cause corrosion of the internal cavities. Arsenal also offers pre-season and post-season service in its own service center, which eliminates the need to find masters yourself.
Regularly changing the oil in the reduct (once a season or every 100 motor hours) is the cheapest way to avoid major gear and bearing repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a outboard motor in GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, registration is subject to small vessels with an engine of more than 8 kW (approximately 10.88 hp). That is, engines 9.9 hp and below registration do not require registration if the total weight of the equipped vessel does not exceed 200 kg.
What is the best gasoline to fill in the engines Sea-Pro and Tohatsu?
The current two-stroke engine is recommended for AI-95 gasoline. AI-92 is allowed, but can lead to the formation of soak and detonation, which will reduce the life of the piston group. The main requirement is freshness of fuel. Gasoline older than 3 months is not recommended to use.
Can I store the engine in the garage at sub-zero temperature?
Yes, low temperatures are not bad for a properly preserved engine, condensate is dangerous, which is formed when temperatures vary, so before skidding into the heat, the engine must be well dried, and when stored in an unheated garage, cover with breathable material.
Is there a guarantee for Chinese engines in the Kirov Arsenal?
Yes, the store provides an official warranty from the manufacturer (usually 1 year) for all equipment, including the Parsun and Sea-Pro brands. The warranty card is filled in on sale and certified by seal.