Choosing a reliable boat for fishing or relaxing on the water is always associated with finding a compromise between cost, durability and functionality. Aluminum boats GirgisThe metal, produced in Russia, has long proved to be an affordable and practical solution for a wide range of water engines. Unlike fiberglass analogues, metal forgives many operating errors, is not afraid of hitting a rocky bottom and requires minimal maintenance in the off-season.
The company, based in Engels, specializes in the creation of small-sized vessels from the AMg5M aviation alloy. This material has high corrosion resistance and strength, which is critical for the conditions of Russian operation. Girgis Boats It's a choice that's often made by those looking for a simple, no-frills design, but with a guarantee that the boat won't crumble after the first season of active fishing. Let's look at what's behind the brand and whether it's worth paying attention to when buying.
The main emphasis in the production is on welded joints made by argon welding, which ensures the tightness and strength of the body. Unlike riveted structures, here the probability of leaking through the seams during vibration when moving at high speed is completely excluded. The main feature of the line is the ability to install outboard motors with a capacity of up to 30 hp on medium-sized models. This makes them universal assistants for both quiet rowing and dynamic movement through reservoirs.
Technical features and materials of the body
The foundation of durability of any aluminum-boat Girgis uses AMG5M sheet aluminum, which varies in thickness from 2 to 4 mm depending on the model and gain area. The bottom and zygomatic parts, which take on the main impact loads, are usually made of a thicker sheet, which increases the survivability of the housing when entering the unequipped shore.
The design of the sides and the transom is also noteworthy, and the trawler is often removable or reinforced, designed to fit a motor of a specific power. loading capacity Aluminum is light in itself, but as the thickness increases for the sake of strength, the weight of the boat increases, which can become critical when transported on the roof of a passenger car without using a trailer.
⚠️ Warning: When buying, be sure to check alloy certificates. Unscrupulous manufacturers may use technical aluminum or duraluminum, which is prone to electrochemical corrosion in salt water and less plastic.
Welds are made using additive materials similar to the base metal, which ensures the monolithic design. Visually, the seams should be smooth, without burns and indigestion. Quality of welding This is the first culture indicator to look at when you're accepting a product, and if you're planning to operate a boat in a challenging environment, it's the integrity of the welded joints that will guarantee your safety on the water.
Popular models: from "Crimea" to "Ob-3"
The range of the manufacturer covers various classes of small boats, from simple rowing boats to full-fledged motor boats. gyrgiskaThis is a classic high-sided flat-bottom, ideal for a quiet fishing trip in protected waters where no strong wave is expected.
For those who need more seaworthiness, models with a keeled bottom are offered, for example, a series of Ob or Kazanka-like Modifications: The silhouette makes it easier to cut the wave and make it easier to drive, and these boats are often equipped with bow bows, which is convenient for storing gear and anchoring equipment, and the choice of the particular model depends on whether you plan to fish on a wide reservoir or in narrow ducts.
The comparative table will help to orient in the main specifications of popular modifications:
| Model | Length, m | Width, m. | Load capacity, kg | Max, engine power, hp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Girgis-280 (Boat) | 2.8 | 1.2 | 250 | 5 |
| Girgis-320 (Crimea) | 3.2 | 1.35 | 400 | 10 |
| Girgis-360 (Ob-type) | 3.6 | 1.5 | 500 | 15 |
| Girgis-400 (Cater) | 4.0 | 1.6 | 600 | 30 |
It is worth noting that the equipment may vary depending on the batch and the specific dealer, some versions are sold with already installed banks and switches, others require independent tooling. Engine bay. In larger models, it often has a corrugated surface for better leg grip when catching fish or installing a motor.
Secrets of Model Marking
The numbers in the Girgis model name often indicate the length of the hull in decimeters or rounded length. For example, the 320 model is about 3.2 meters long. This is standard marking practice that allows you to quickly assess the dimensions of the boat without measuring with a roulette. However, always check the product passport, as modifications may vary.
Performance and behaviour on the water
The behavior of an aluminum boat on the water is significantly different from the behavior of inflatable PVC analogues. Flat-bottomed models They have excellent parking stability, which is highly valued by winter fishermen or overgrown backwater fishers, but at high speed and in lateral wave they can be prone to yaw.
The silted variants, on the contrary, are better at keeping the course, but require a more powerful motor to get on plane with full load. Aluminum has the property of resonating, so when driving on the engine, the noise level can be higher than that of fiberglass or PVC. For comfort, many owners recommend immediately after buying pasting the bottom and the board with vibration and noise insulation materials, such as vibration and noise insulation materials, such as: Splast Or analogues.
The boat's handling also depends on the position of the floorboards and the weight of the passengers, and the shift in the center of gravity can drastically change the differentiation. transom plate It should be set strictly vertically or with a minimum negative angle to ensure optimal exit to the planing mode. Incorrect adjustment of the angle of inclination of the motor will either lead to nose burrowing or goats.
To reduce noise and condensation inside an aluminum boat, use self-adhesive bitumen vibration insulation, which will not only drown out the ringing of metal, but also prevent water droplets from forming on the ceiling and sides in cool weather.
Comparison with competitors: Girgis vs PVC and Glassplastic
When it comes to choosing, a potential buyer often swings between metal, PVC, and fiberglass (FRP). PVC boats They're very compact in storage and transportation, they're lightweight and they don't require registration in small sizes, but they're inferior to metal in puncture resistance and durability when they're used in rocky rivers.
Fiberglass offers better rideability and aesthetics, but it is fragile when hitting hard objects and difficult to repair in the field. Girgis aluminum boats occupy the niche of "workhorses" that can be dragged across the sand, thrown on rocks and stored in the open air (although the latter is not recommended). Repairability Aluminum allows you to brew a breakdown even in garage conditions with the availability of equipment.
- 🛡️ Strength: Aluminum is almost impossible to break, unlike PVC tubes.
- ❄️ Temperature: The metal does not smack in the cold, allowing you to fish in ice when PVC becomes brittle.
- ⚖️ Weight: An aluminum boat is heavier than an inflatable similar size, making it difficult to carry alone.
- 💰 Price: The cost of an aluminum case is often lower than that of high-quality fiberglass, but higher than that of basic PVC models.
The choice of Girgis is justified if you need a boat for the "forever" to ride on rivers with rolls, where there is a high risk of damage to the bottom, but if the priority is mobility and the ability to take a boat on a hike with a backpack, then the metal loses to inflatable brothers. Fiberglass boats It is worth considering those who appreciate comfort, design and are ready to take care of the equipment, storing it in a warm room.
☑️ Criteria for the selection of the material of the body
Tuning and improvement: from comfort to functionality
Buying a bare aluminum boat is often just the beginning of the journey. Basic equipment is usually minimalist, so owners start upgrading. First thing you need to do is take care of the anti-slip coating. Smooth aluminum becomes dangerous when wet, so applying it. Antislip paint or gluing a special tape on the deck is a measure of first necessity.
Then there's the installation of additional equipment. Fishing is critically important comfortable seats with backrests that attach to rotary platforms. The regular wooden cans that come with a kit are good for transportation, but not for hours of fishing. It's also popular to install rundooks in the nose to store things, which frees up space in the cockpit.
⚠️ Note: When drilling holes in the housing to install fasteners, be sure to use a sealant for aviation work and paint over the exposed edges of the metal to prevent oxidation and corrosion.
Electrification of the boat is another step in the tuning process, and the installation of the 12B onboard network allows the sonar, navigator, lighting and pump to be connected to pump water, and the wiring should be placed in corrugated hoses and fixed securely to prevent rubbing against the sharp edges of aluminum frames. Battery box It should be securely fixed, as it can easily be knocked out on water.
Competent tuning turns a simple aluminum flat-bottom into a full-fledged fishing boat, increasing comfort and safety by an order of magnitude.
Rules for storage and care of aluminum
Despite the resistance of aluminum to corrosion, it does not like contact with certain metals and corrosive environments. The main enemy is electrochemical corrosion, which occurs when aluminum comes into contact with copper or steel in the presence of electrolyte (water). Therefore, all fasteners inside the boat must be made of stainless steel or aluminum, and the use of copper wires without insulation is unacceptable.
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the boat needs to be rinsed with fresh water, and the salt that stays on the surface creates pockets of corrosion and destroys the oxide film, and if the boat is kept outside, cover it with a tent or film, but ensure that it does not create condensation inside, which will lead to a whitish coating of oxides.
Winter storage should be done in a dry room. Although the AMg5M is not afraid of frost, cycles of freezing and thawing water in microcracks or under a layer of dirt can gradually destroy the structure. Before wintering, thoroughly wash the case, remove the tin and silt, and treat the metal parts (if there are steel elements) with preservative lubricant. Regular care It will extend the life of the Girgis boat for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register the Girgis boat in GIMS?
Registration is mandatory if the weight of the curbed boat exceeds 200 kg or the installed engine power is more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). As most aluminum Girgis boats weigh more than 50-70 kg in dry form, installing a motor with a capacity of more than 10 hp is almost guaranteed to require registration and the availability of category B rights.
Can I make a break in the boat Girgis on my own?
Theoretically, you can, if you have argon welding skills and the equipment, but to restore tightness and strength, you should go to a specialized workshop. Incorrectly selected additive material can lead to cracks in the seam area during operation.
What is the maximum weight of the motor that the transom can withstand?
Depending on the model. For small lifeboats (such as the Crimea), the limit is usually 5-8 hp For larger models (Ob-3 and above), the transom is designed for 15-30 hp Exceeding the recommended power can lead to deformation of the transmuner and loss of stability of the boat.
Is the boat rattling hard on the wave?
Aluminum is a ringing material. You'll see the sound on the wave and when you hit the water, but modern sound insulation techniques (sticking the vibroplast on the bottom and on the side) can reduce the noise level to a comfortable level, comparable to plastic.
Where can I find spare parts and accessories?
Girgis and its dealers usually offer a basic set of spare parts. For tuning (chairs, rundooks, awnings), it is better to contact specialized manufacturers of boat accessories, since universal solutions are suitable for most models.