Finding components for Soviet and post-Soviet boats is often a fascinating quest, especially when it comes to legendary models such as the Soviet and Soviet-made. Kazanka-M, salute or ObOwners of these boats often face the need to replace the rotten plywood floor or install a new one. denThe official website of the manufacturer in this context is a conditional concept, since the mass industrial production of these elements was stopped decades ago, and the market was captured by small businesses and private craftsmen.
The modern market offers many solutions, from exact copies of original parts to improved versions of composite materials. websiteIt's almost impossible to order an original deck out of the box, like in the '80s. Most of the offers come from specialized workshops that deal with fiberglass and aluminum shipbuilding, which is why it's important to understand what you're looking for: historical authenticity or modern reliability.
In this article, we will discuss where to look for quality decks for boats of the NN family, what materials should be paid attention to and how to make a replacement to avoid typical mistakes. Deca It's not just a floor, it's a power element that affects the rigidity of the hull and the safety of the crew, and the wrong choice of material can cause the product to quickly fail under moisture and loads.
Where to look for original and high-quality analogues
Since there is no single production plant operating in the official website with a basket format for these boats, the search should be conducted in the direction of specialized companies. Often small production facilities based in regions of active water tourism (Karelia, Volga region, Siberia), produce excellent products. fiberglass They don't have big brands, but their products often outperform Soviet counterparts in quality.
⚠️ Warning: Beware of sites that offer "new original decks" at prices well below market prices, often under which thin, low-quality plastic will burst at the first serious load or wave shock.
When looking for a supplier, look for a portfolio of work done. A good manufacturer always shows real photos of their products installed on the boats. Official website In this case, it's replaced by a workshop page on social media or on powerboating forums where you can find live reviews, and it's important to check if the fixtures and seals are included, as the old holes may not match the new parts.
It may take longer than buying a finished solution, but you will get a product that is perfect for your particular instance of the boat, taking into account all its age-related deformations. Fiberglass In this case, it is the preferred material because of its flexibility in processing.
Materials of manufacture: fiberglass against aluminum
The choice of material for the deck is a trade-off between weight, strength and durability. Traditionally, NN boats were equipped with plywood flooring that quickly fell into disrepair. The modern alternative is divided into two main camps: fiberglass and aluminumEach of them has its own advantages and disadvantages that must be considered before buying.
Plastic glass decks are valued for their ability to create complex shapes and integrate additional elements, such as knobs or jar fixers. They are non-corrosive, easy to wash and can be painted in any color. However, when hit, a sharp object can penetrate a layer of plastic, although field repair is possible using a remix. Aluminum alloysIn turn, they provide maximum stiffness and lightness.
- 🛡️ Resistance to corrosion: Fiberglass is completely inert to water, while aluminum requires protection, especially in salt water.
- ⚖️ Weight of construction: Aluminum deck will be much lighter than fiberglass of similar thickness, which is important for low-power engines.
- 🔨 Repairability: Plastic is easier to restore with epoxy resin, and aluminum requires welding or special adhesive formulations.
Secrets of choosing the thickness of the material
The optimal thickness of fiberglass deck for a boat 3-4 meters long is 4-5 mm. The reduction in thickness will lead to a " trampoline" effect, and excessive thickening will unjustifiably increase the weight of the boat. 2-3 mm is enough for aluminum if there are stiffness ribs.
When choosing, you should also consider the temperature regime of operation: aluminum in the sun can heat up very much, making it uncomfortable to stay barefoot, while fiberglass retains a more neutral temperature. Official specifications Older boats often didn’t take these nuances into account, so upgrading the material is a smart move.
Technical specifications and compatibility
Not all decks are universal. Even within the same model, for example, Kazanka-MThe geometry of the hull may vary slightly depending on the year of production and the specific manufacturer (Kazan, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk). Therefore, the term "official site" is less important here than the presence of exact dimensions.
An important parameter is the way the mounting is done. Some modern IU decks are designed to be mounted on top of old side stringers, others require complete replacement of the support elements. Compatibility Also applies to the transom: if you plan to install a more powerful motor, the deck should have a strengthened mounting zone.
| Parameter | Fiberglass | Aluminum (AMG) | Plywood (Bakelite) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (kg/m2) | ~6-8 kg | ~3-4 kg | ~7-9 kg |
| Term of service | 15+ years | 20+ years | 3-5 years |
| Price. | Medium | High. | Low. |
| Difficulty of installation | Medium | High. | Low. |
Pay attention to the presence of anti-slip coatings. Smooth surface decks in the wet state becomes dangerous. gelcoat You can use a quartz chip or a special insert, and if you order a deck without coating, you'll have to solve this issue yourself after installation.
☑️ Checking the compatibility of the deck
Instructions for self-installation of the deck
Installation of a new deck is a process that requires precision and basic tools, first of all, you have to dismantle the old coating, often under it you find hidden pockets of corrosion or rot, which you need to eliminate before you install a new element. Surface preparation The key stage on which the durability of the entire structure depends.
After cleaning and degreasing the seats, fitting is done. Don't rush to fix the deck firmly. Make sure it lies flat, does not create stress on the sides and does not interfere with the installation of cans (seats).
- Dismantle the old deck and clean the case of dirt, rust and old sealant.
- Try on a new deck, if necessary, cut the edges with a file or a Bulgarian.
- Put the layer on. polyurethane sealant on the supporting surfaces of the hull.
- Lay the deck and press the load until the primary polymerization of the sealant.
- Secure the deck with screws, pre-drilling holes and treating them with anticor.
⚠️ Note: When drilling holes in an aluminum case, be sure to use a center drill and lubricant to avoid biting the tool and damaging the hole geometry.
The final step is to install decorative pads on screw hats and rigging. If the deck has ruffling, make sure it does not interfere with the slip of the legs when you board the boat. Correct installation ensures that the deck will not creak and rattle on the go.
Deck surface maintenance and maintenance
Even the best-quality deck requires attention. Fiberglass tends to fade under ultraviolet light, so using protective polishes with UV filters will prolong the life of the color and structure of the material. Aluminum needs periodic checks of the attachment sites for electrochemical corrosion, especially if the boat is stored on water.
Clean the surface with a soft brush and special means for boats. Aggressive chemistry can destroy the binder in fiberglass or the protective oxide layer on aluminum. Regular examination It detects microcracks before they become a problem, and the water that gets under the deck is the main enemy of the boat hull.
Use a Teflon spray to treat the contact points of the deck with the metal elements of the case, which will prevent metals from boiling and facilitate future dismantling during repairs.
During winter storage, it is advisable not to cover the boat with a sealed awning right down the deck if there is moisture inside, air must be available to evaporate condensate, a rule especially relevant for composite materials that can fog from the inside at extreme temperature changes.
Economic feasibility of replacement
Should we change the deck if the old one still holds? Owners often ask this question when they see price tags for new products. However, the savings on this element can come out sideways. A failed foot on the water is a risk of falling overboard, and rotten plywood underfoot is a constant source of dampness and smell in the boat. Investment The new deck pays off with comfort and safety.
In addition, a boat with a new, neatly installed deck made of modern material is significantly increasing in price in the secondary market, buyers are more willing to consider options that do not require immediate investment of forces and funds. Liquidity Assets are an important, though not obvious, factor.
In conclusion, finding an official site for the deck of the boat is a search for a reliable partner among small industries. The market offers solutions that exceed Soviet standards, and abandoning archaic plywood in favor of plastic or metal is a logical step in the development of your boat. The main thing is not to chase the lowest price and carefully check the geometry of the product before buying.
Replacing the deck is not just a cosmetic repair, but an investment in the safety and liquidity of the boat, which is better done using modern composite materials.
Can I make a deck myself from plywood?
Technically, it's possible, but it's not recommended, because even coated plywood quickly picks up moisture through the ends and openings of the fastener, and homemade decks are often heavier than factory decks and less durable, and you'd better order a fiberglass backbone.
Which sealant is best used for installation?
Polyurethane sealants (e.g. Sikaflex-291i) or MS polymers are best suited to combine heterogeneous materials (metal plastics) and seal seams in aqueous environments. They retain elasticity and are not afraid of ultraviolet light.
Do I need to paint a fiberglass deck?
If the deck has colored gelcoat, painting is not required. If the surface is matte or gray, painting with special epoxy or polyurethane paints for yachts will improve the appearance and simplify cleaning by covering the pores of the material.