In the expanses of the post-Soviet space, there are few people who are fond of fishing or resting on the water who would not have heard of the idea of fishing. squamous The Degtyarev Plant, among the entire range of models, stands alone. Oka 4 It's a legendary boat that has been a benchmark for reliability and simplicity for decades, and it can be found on thousands of bodies of water, from small streams to large reservoirs, and it's no coincidence.
Why is this model so compelling for water-powered vehicles? The answer lies in the combination of affordable prices, maintainability and high performance. load capacityUnlike modern inflatable analogues, the metal case is not afraid of sparks from a fire, sharp branches or stones on the shore. The Oka 4 was originally designed for harsh operating conditions, making it virtually indestructible with proper care.
But like any other technology, this flat-bottle has its own specifications that you need to know before you buy it. The specifications of the Oka 4 boat are not just dry numbers from your passport, it's an understanding of how the boat will behave on the wave, how many people it will actually withstand and what engine will be optimal for it. Let's analyze all the nuances in detail so that you can make an informed decision.
Structural features of the body and materials
The basis of durability Okey 4 This is the alloy used. The body is made from aviation (most commonly D16AT or AMg5), which is highly durable and, importantly, corrosion resistant, metal sheets are joined by argon-arc welding, which ensures that the seams are tight without the use of additional seals, eliminating the risk of stratification or leakage at the joints over time.
The shape of the body is a classic flat-bottom This geometry ensures maximum useful deck area at a given size, the bottom is reinforced by welded profiles that play the role of stringers and splashers, which give the structure rigidity and allow the boat to slide through shallow water without catching the bottom as much as it would with a smooth sheet.
It is important to note the presence of built-in floating-block There are cavities in the bow, under the banks and in the stern filled with polystyrene foam or simply sealed, and this is a critical safety feature: even if the boat completely capsizes or collects water, it will stay afloat, keeping the crew on.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the presence of floating blocks, you should not check their capabilities. Aluminum tends to tire from stress, and the sealability of compartments can eventually become impaired due to microcracks. Always carry a scoop and life jackets.
The boats have a welded perimeter. flat-bar It protects the upper edge of the side from impacts on berths and other vessels when mooring, and the absence of sharp angles inside the cockpit also improves safety by reducing the risk of injury when rolling.
Overall dimensions and weight parameters
When choosing a boat, dimensions play a crucial role, especially if you plan to carry it on the roof of the car or in the trunk. Oka 4 It is a small rowing boat and motor boat, with a length of 4 meters 50 centimeters, which is the optimal size for accommodating 3-4 people in comfort.
Midwives are 135 cm wide, and this is a fairly broad indicator for a boat of this class, which provides good stability. You can stand up full-length (according to the height of the person), or move freely on the cockpit, changing gear without risking to flip. The height of the board is 40 cm, which ensures dryness inside in moderate waves, although in the headwind the water can overwhelm.
The weight of the boat is a separate topic for conversation, with a dry weight of about 100-105 kg (depending on the equipment and year of manufacture). transportation It is either a two-wheeled boat or a trailer, but compared to its conventional counterparts, the aluminum boat is lighter and not afraid of being hit when loaded.
For clarity, we will summarize the main parameters in the table:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 4,500 mm | Including the transom. |
| maximum width | 1350 mm | Midel-spangout. |
| Height of board | 400 mm | Midle. |
| Load capacity | 400 kg | Including the weight of the people and the motor |
| Hull mass | 100-105 kg | No equipment. |
The load capacity of 400 kg allows you to accommodate on board three adult men of medium build with a full set of equipment or two with a large stock of things. capacity 4 people, but this is subject to the minimum weight of passengers and the absence of a powerful engine.
Passenger capacity and load capacity
The question is how many people can comfortably accommodate on the Okay 4Formally, data-sheet figures lists a capacity of 4 people, but experienced water-engineers know that comfort begins where each passenger has at least 60-70 cm of space in width.
When you're fully loaded (4 people), the space in the cockpit is almost gone, and you'll have to sit tight, with your feet on the sides or on each other. stability The boats are changing, they're becoming more rolled, but they're less prone to swaying on short wavelengths because of increased draught, and it's not recommended to move inside when they're fully loaded.
The optimal operating mode is considered to be on board 2-3 people.
- 🎣 Fishermen have enough space to place gear, cages and sonars on the sides.
- ⚓ There is free passage to the transom to service the motor.
- 🛶 A high buoyancy and safety reserve is maintained when water enters.
The 400 kg load capacity is distributed as follows: the weight of people (for example, 3 people 80 kg = 240 kg), the weight of the engine (about 25-30 kg) and the payload (about 130 kg), which is enough for equipment for 2-3 days of autonomous swimming. load-out categorically impossible - this directly affects the height of the freeboard and the risk of flooding with water.
Distribute the cargo evenly across the sides. Shifting gravity to one side can lead to dangerous rolling, especially when landing or sudden movements of passengers.
Power limitations and requirements for the motor
Choosing the engine is one of the most important stages in preparing the boat for the season. Okey 4 The manufacturer recommends installing outboard motors with a capacity of up to 10-12 hp Tran boat is designed for the hinge of the motor with a short lower unit (standard S), although some owners successfully use the middle foot (L) with the appropriate modification or installation of the stretcher.
Why 10-12 hp? It's all about flat bottom design. When you try to accelerate the boat with a powerful engine (15 hp and above), you get a yaw effect and a dangerous vibration. The flat bottom doesn't have deep keels that stabilize the course at speed. sink-board It may not withstand increased dynamic loads from a powerful engine at full gas.
With an engine of 9.9 hp (often boosted to 15, but we are talking about a regular 10), the boat goes to the plane with one or two passengers. The speed will be about 20-25 km / h. This is not racing speed, but quite enough for a quick move to the fishing site or walk around the water area.
There are important nuances of operation with the motor:
- 🔧 Be sure to use the safety cable for the motor, run through the rim bolts on the transom.
- ⛽ Keep an eye on the fuel level, as when the tank is full and fully loaded, the center of gravity shifts in the stern.
- 🌊 On full glides with one driver, the boat can become unstable - use ballast in the nose.
⚠️ Note: Installation of a motor with a capacity of more than 12 hp on the Eye 4 is not recommended and can be regarded by the GIMS as a violation of the rules for the operation of small vessels, as this changes the design stability and speed inherent in the project.
Managing and Behavior on Water
The specifications of the Oka 4 boat on the water depend on its shape. Like any flat-bottle, it has a great design. passability Minimal draught allows you to come close to gently sloping banks, overgrown with grass, where keel boats would already be at the bottom, making it an ideal choice for hunters and fishermen working in river deltas and shallow lakes.
But the wave changes dramatically, the flat bottom doesn't cut the wave, it slaps it. At a wave height of more than 20 to 30 cm, there's a severe shaking that quickly tires passengers. You have to reset the speed on the excitement, you have to switch to displacement mode. Oka 4 He is confident and stable, gently swaying.
The steerability on the course is good thanks to flat cheekbones that work as stabilizing fins. However, on turns when a sharp gas discharge or adding thrust, the boat can be prone to yaw. Experienced drivers recommend turning with constant, moderate gas without making sharp movements with the tiller.
To improve seaworthiness, many owners set up nose-trap It's not only a splash protection, it also visually enhances the sense of safety, and it's worth mentioning that the aluminum case has a high sailing speed because of the vertical sides, so when there's a strong side wind, it can take a lot of effort to control.
The secret of stability on the wave
Experienced drivers of the Oka 4 advise to be on the excitement not to be located across, but along the diametrical plane of the boat, if the design of the seats allows, or to move closer to the stern to raise the nose and reduce the area of shocks against the wave.
Operation, storage and durability
One of the main advantages aluminum-boat - their unpretentiousness. Oka 4 You can store it on the shore, on a trailer, or even under a canopy, and aluminum doesn't rot, it doesn't dry out, it doesn't need painting, except for aesthetics, but if you're operating a boat in salt water, you have to wash it with fresh water after each exit, otherwise you can have electrochemical corrosion.
In winter, the boat should be turned upside down and mounted on stands (killblocks) to prevent deformation of the hull under its own weight and snow load. Rubber seals and a hut should be treated with silicone lubrication so that they do not dry out in the cold.
Repairability is the trump card of the model. dents in aluminum can be adjusted, cracks can be brewed. Unlike fiberglass, repairs don't require complex chemical compounds and drying in the chamber. You just need an argon welder or even a special repair kit for cold welding aluminum (as a temporary solution).
Term of service Okey 4 Boats built in the 80s still plow the waters, and the main condition is to avoid mechanical damage to the stones at high speed and to monitor the condition of the welds.
☑️ Preparation for wintering
Improvements and tuning for comfort
Basic equipment Okey 4 Spartan: the case, two or three cans (seats) and the keys. However, modern realities dictate their terms, and most owners immediately begin to work on the new model. modernizationThe first thing you do is swap out wooden cans for soft back seats that are attached to swivel seats, which greatly reduces fatigue during long fishing.
The second popular element of tuning - installation consoleAlthough the boat was designed as a tiller, the remote control of the gas and the ability to attach the sonar, navigator and holders for fishing rods make the fishing process much more convenient.
The third major upgrade is the organization of the rundoos. In the basic version, things just lie on the floor or cans, taking up space. Cooking or sticking sealed drawers in the nose allows you to store dry clothes, fuel and tools, releasing the cockpit. anchor-box in the bow with the anchor-camp on board.
⚠️ Warning: Any modifications to drill the hull or weld additional elements should be carried out with caution. Violation of the integrity of floating blocks or weakening of power sets can lead to loss of unsinkability or strength.
Lighting will also be useful. Installation of LED tape along the perimeter of the cockpit or spotlight on the console will allow you to fish comfortably in the dark, while observing the rules of navigation (do not blind oncoming boats).
Competent tuning turns a simple utilitarian flat-bottom into a comfortable fishing boat, while maintaining all its strength specifications and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to walk on Oka 4 on large reservoirs in windy weather?
The Oka 4's characterization as a flat-bottom boat involves use on calm water, rivers and lakes with a small wave. Going to an open reservoir in winds of more than 5-7 m / s is dangerous because of the low stability on the wave and the risk of being inverted or flooded with water.
Do I need to register Eye 4 in GIMS?
Under current Russian law, registration is not required for vessels weighing more than 200 kg (including engine weight) or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). Since the weight of the Oka 4 is about 100 kg, registration may not be required with an engine up to 5 hp (up to 100 kg). However, with a 9.9-10 hp engine, the total weight will exceed 200 kg, and registration is mandatory.
Which anchor is best used for this boat?
For a flat-bottom weighing 100 kg and a length of 4.5 meters, an anchor weighing 4-5 kg is optimal. The best fit is an anchor of the Cat or Grapple type, which is well held due to the weight and shape of the legs on the sludge or rocky bottom. Using an anchor that is too heavy will create problems when it is sampled manually.
How long does the aluminum body of Oka 4 last?
When operated with care and no mechanical damage (breakdowns), the aluminum hull lasts 30-50 years or more. The main enemy is electrochemical corrosion when in contact with other metals in salt water and constant impact loads. Regular inspection of the seams prolongs the life of the boat indefinitely.
Will the Oka 4 fit into the trunk of the station wagon?
The boat's length of 4.5 meters will not allow it to be placed in a standard trunk, even with the seats folded, it will protrude at least 2 meters. To transport, you need a trailer or a mount on the roof of the car (which is difficult because of the weight of 100 kg).