Choosing a reliable swimming aid for fishing or resting on the water is always associated with finding a compromise between cost, weight and strength of the structure. The 320 Armoured aluminium boat, which has become one of the market leaders in the low-cost small-size boat segment in recent years, attracts attention not only for its affordable price but also for its ability to operate in difficult conditions where PVC tubes can not withstand loads.
The design of this model is based on time-tested solutions, but modern technologies of welding and metal processing have significantly improved the performance. Armor 320 Behavior on the water predictable, which is especially important for beginners and experienced boaters who appreciate safety, in this article we will discuss in detail all aspects of ownership of this vessel.
The design focused on the rigidity of the body and its wave-holding ability. This is a critical parameter, because constant contact with water, especially salty or mineral-rich water, quickly destroys conventional alloys.
Structural features and materials of the body
The foundation of boat durability Armor 320 This material is not chosen by chance: it combines the necessary ductility for molding and high strength after welding. The bottom and sides are 2 mm thick, which provides excellent protection against impacts on stones, ice or fuel, which is often found on rivers.
The welding technology is particularly noteworthy, and the plant uses argon-arc welding, which creates a monolithic bond that is as strong as the metal itself. Seam tightness It is tested with kerosene or vacuum, which prevents leakage even during prolonged parking on water. The case does not require painting, since the aluminum oxide film itself is an excellent protective layer.
Why is AMG5M aluminum better than steel?
The aluminum of this alloy does not rust in the usual sense. It can oxidize, forming a thin film that protects the metal from further destruction, and the steel, when the coating is damaged, begins to corrode, losing strength and requiring constant repair.
The bottom of the boat has a pronounced keeliness, which has a positive effect on driving performance. When moving at speed, the vessel does not prowl from side to side, but confidently cuts the wave. However, it is worth remembering that flat sections of contours are also present, which allows you to safely moor to gently banks without risking damage to the skin.
- 🛡️ Impact resistance: The possibility of access to unequipped shores and overcoming shallow water.
- ⚓ Toughness: The absence of inflatable elements excludes puncture and loss of buoyancy.
- 🔥 Fire resistance: Aluminum does not burn, which allows you to use powerful engines without restrictions on exhaust temperature.
Composite and interior space
The interior space of the model Armor 320 It's designed with ergonomics in mind for a crew of two or three, and the transom is reinforced and designed to fit a motor of up to 15 hp, which is the optimal indicator for this displacement, and when you install a more powerful engine, the boat can start to prowl or burrow into the wave.
Seats (banks) in the basic configuration are usually removable and made of moisture-resistant plywood coated with varnish. They are installed on special hinged bars or lashes, which allows you to dismantle them if necessary and make room for the cargo. Load capacity The vessel allows you to take on board a significant supply of equipment, fuel and catch.
The bow is often equipped with a hazelnut or storage box, which also acts as an additional element of rigidity and unsinkability, and the polyurethane foam-filled compartments ensure that even a fully overturned and water-filled boat stays afloat. GIMEwhich the manufacturer is strictly following.
⚠️ Warning: Always check the condition of the seat fasteners when operating, and plane vibrations can weaken the locks, causing the center of gravity to shift.
Technical specifications and driving performance
To objectively assess the capabilities of the boat Armor 320 The dry weight of the body is about 55-60 kg, making it easy enough to transport on the roof of a car or in a trailer, but when assembled with the engine and equipment, it requires physical strength to move over land.
The maximum speed with an engine of 9.9 hp reaches 30-32 km / h, and with 15 hp it can exceed 35 km / h. Fuel consumption remains economical, not exceeding 5-6 liters per hour at full gas. Such indicators make the boat ideal for long-distance passages on large reservoirs.
| Parameter | Meaning | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 3.20 | n |
| Oversize width | 1.35 | n |
| Height of board | 0.45 | n |
| Load capacity | 400 | kilogram |
| Passenger capacity | 3 | chelo |
Importantly, the actual speed depends on the loading of the boat, the state of the bottom (algae fouling) and the propeller of the engine. A properly selected screw allows you to go to the plane with two passengers on board even with a 9.9 hp engine. planing This is a mode of movement in which the boat slides on the surface of the water, which significantly reduces resistance.
Comparison with competitors and analogues
There are many analogues on the market, such as the boats "Crimea", "Ob" or more modern "Salute". Armor 320 The advantage is that older Soviet designs often had an overly heavy body and flat bottom, making them rolling on the wave.
Compared to similarly sized PVC boats, the aluminum version loses weight (it is harder to carry alone), but gains in durability. Rubber is easily damaged by a fire spark or a sharp knot, whereas aluminum is not a threat. Service resource The metal boats are calculated for decades with minimal maintenance.
☑️ Criteria for the selection of a boat
Another advantage is the possibility of upgrading. Owners often set up a turret Hydraulic lifts, putting in pendants to protect against impacts, or mounting additional anchor ducks, PVC boats are much more constrained in design.
- 🚤 Crimea: It's heavier, wider, but less fast because of the contours.
- 🐟 PVC analogues: Easy to transport, but afraid of punctures and aging of the material.
- 🏗️ Salute: Close competitor, but often more expensive because of brand and trim.
Maintenance and care of aluminum housing
Despite the high corrosion resistance, the boat Armor 320 After each foray into the water, especially at sea, it is recommended to wash off the salt deposits with fresh water. Galvanic vapor of aluminum and salt water can lead to spot corrosion if not taken in time.
Once a season, it makes sense to inspect the welds and bottom for deep scratches, and minor damage can be polished with felt or treated with special polyroles for aluminum. Oxide film It has the ability to heal itself, but dirt and oils can interfere with this process.
⚠️ Note: It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive steel brushes or products containing chlorine to clean the aluminum case, which will destroy the protective layer and start the corrosion process.
Keeping the boat upside down under a canopy or in a garage to keep out water and snow from building up inside the hull, and while aluminum doesn't rust, constant moisture contributes to the development of microorganisms and pollution that are difficult to wash off before the next season.
Real feedback from owners and experience of operation
Analysis of the powerboating forums shows that most owners are satisfied with the purchase, with the main complaints being the quality of the components in the basic version (for example, soft cushions on the seats or the lack of switches in the kit), but this is easily solved by self-tuning.
Many users praise the boat for being “unkillable,” and it tolerates contact with rocky bottoms, which is the norm in many regions of Russia. Resilience Parking allows you to safely change fishing places or even fish standing, which is impossible on narrow inflatable models.
When buying a used boat Armor 320 carefully examine the transom from the inside. If there are traces of plywood stratification or cracks in the metal around the mounts, it is better to refuse the deal.
Negative reviews are most often associated with the wrong engine selection: Attempts to put a 20+ hp engine on this boat lead to dangerous situations on the water and rapid wear of the transom.
Conclusion and final recommendations
Boat. Armor 320 It is a middle ground between heavy classic Kazankas and light but vulnerable rubber bands, ideal for trolling fishermen, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who need reliability and predictability in their water behavior.
When you buy this boat, you get a tool that will last you for many years and possibly be inherited by children, the main thing is to follow the rules of operation, not exceed the recommended power of the engine and regularly take care of the children. aluminum-alloy.
The 320 armor is a choice for durability and safety, requiring storage space and a trailer to be transported due to weight.
Do I need registration with GIMS for the boat Armor 320?
Yes, registration is required. The weight of the curbed hull of the boat is about 60 kg. If you install a motor with a capacity of more than 8 hp (or 5 hp for some regions, but usually a threshold of 10 hp for engines produced after 2012, but the total weight of the engine with an engine above 200 kg requires registration). In this case, even with a light engine, the boat often falls under registration due to the design features or power of the engine. The exact answer depends on the year of the engine production and its power. For engines up to 10 hp (inclusive) and the length of the boat registration is not required, if the engine weighs less than 200 m.
Can I cook the body of the 320 Armor boat myself?
Self-welding aluminum is extremely difficult without special equipment (argon welding) and skills. Conventional electric welding is not suitable for this. If you have serious damage, you should go to a specialized workshop where you will make a defect and weld the crack with the right filler material, otherwise the seam will leak.
Which screw is better to choose for Armor 320 with engine 9.9 hp?
The best solution would be a propeller with a pitch that allows the engine to reach full speed (about 5000-5500 rpm) when the boat is fully loaded. Usually these are propellers with increments of 10-11 inches. Experimentally select the propeller: if the engine does not turn, reduce the pitch, if it turns too easily and does not give speed, increase.