The decision to buy a reliable and spacious boat for fishing or family holidays on the water often leads potential buyers to the products of the Novosibirsk plant Aquilon. This is one of the few enterprises in Russia that retains the traditional riveted connection of the hull elements, ensuring high maintenance and durability of the structure. If you are looking for a way to buy a boat Aquilon, you need to understand the wide range of models, since the plant produces both utilitary Kazankas for hunters and comfortable boats with logging.
The main advantage of these vessels is the use of D16AT aviation duraluminium, which is more durable and corrosion-resistant than conventional alloys. Many newcomers mistakenly believe that all aluminum boats are the same, but the technology is not the same. rivet And the quality of the seams at Aquilon remains the benchmark in the budget segment, and before you place an order, it is worthwhile to carefully study the differences in bottom geometry and types of contours, since seaworthiness and comfort on the wave directly depends on this.
In this article, we will take a look at what to look for when buying, which models are in high demand and how to choose the right engine for a particular case. We will analyze real feedback from owners, discuss the intricacies of transportation on the trailer and give recommendations for initial maintenance. The right choice will allow you to enjoy water walks for many years without the need for frequent and expensive repairs.
Advantages of Aquilon aluminum housings
The main argument for buying the brand’s products is a combination of affordable prices and time-tested design. The plant does not seek to introduce complex composite materials or expensive fiberglass molding, relying on proven metal. The shells are assembled by hot riveting, making them immune to impacts on rocks, snags or ice, which are often found on Siberian rivers and lakes. Unlike welded analogues, the rivet seam does not crack when deformed, but only requires lifting or replacing individual rivets.
An important aspect is the ability to self-renovate. The owner can weld (or rivet) additional shelves, cockpit or remodel the cockpit to suit his needs. Aluminum D16T has high specific strength, which allows you to make the sides thinner and lighter, while maintaining a margin of safety. However, it is worth remembering that metal requires attention to electrochemical corrosion, especially when used with powerful engines.
⚠️ Attention: When installing an electric transom motor or a powerful gasoline engine, be sure to use zinc treads, and ignoring this rule will lead to rapid destruction of the bottom part of the body due to the galvanic vapor.
Another advantage is liquidity: Aquilon used boats are very quick to find new owners in the secondary market, thanks to their reputation for being "unkillable" boats, they are not afraid of the sun, do not require complex drying after the season, like some plastics, and can winter right outside under the awning. In Russia's harsh climate, this is perhaps the most rational choice.
Overview of popular models: from Oka to Baikal
The manufacturer's line covers almost all classes of small craft, so before you buy a boat Aquilon, you need to clearly define the use scenarios. Aquilon 46 or Aquilon 49These are full-fledged motobodies with a spacious cockpit and the ability to install wind protection, ideal for families on large reservoirs, where stability on the wave is important.
For lovers of fishing in remote places created a series Aquilon 36 and Aquilon 39They are lightweight, virtually indestructible structures with a flat or slightly keeled bottom, allowing you to come close to the shore and pull the boat out on land by hand, equipped with minimal equipment to reduce weight, but have a reinforced transient under the engines up to 15-20 hp For trolling and long crossings on Ladoga or Onega, it is better to look at models with a logging, such as: Aquilon 54.
The M-indexed (renovated) model range is particularly noteworthy, often with the nose geometry changed to better ascent and the addition of handbags to store things. Buyers often choose them because they are free of some of the “childhood diseases” of early releases. When choosing a specific modification, check with the dealer for the year of release and the presence of a reinforced transom.
Secrets of Model Marking
In the model name, the numbers often denote the length of the body in decimeters. For example, Aquilon 46 is about 4.6 meters long, the letter "M" means an upgraded version with improved ergonomics, and the "P" - the presence of a tiller control as standard.
It is also worth mentioning the specialized versions for hunting, which can be equipped with cloaking nets and sites for the installation of low-power engines, regardless of the model, they are all united by a common technological base and high quality of assembly.
Technical specifications and choice of motor
The key parameter determining driving performance is the engine power allowed. For most models of the middle class (3.6-4.2 meters), the optimal choice is motors with a capacity of 9.9 to 15 hp. More powerful power units may require the installation of a hydrowing or change the angle of inclination of the lower unit to avoid yawing and coking the engine.
When selecting an engine, it is important to consider the full weight of the boat, aluminum bodies are heavier than plastic counterparts, so the power reserve should be with a small surplus, this will ensure a confident exit to planing even with a full load of crew and fuel. outboard Japanese brands such as Tohatsu or Yamaha are famous for their reliability.
| Model boat | Length, m | Width, m. | Max. Power, hp. | Passenger capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquil 32 | 3.20 | 1.45 | 6 | 2-3 |
| Aquilon 36 | 3.60 | 1.50 | 10 | 3-4 |
| Aquilon 39 | 3.90 | 1.55 | 15 | 4 |
| Aquilon 46 | 4.60 | 1.75 | 25 | 5 |
| Aquilon 54 | 5.40 | 1.90 | 40 | 6 |
You don't have to chase the maximum power you've got on your passport. recommended The power for comfortable and economical operation is 20-30% below the limit, which will extend the engine life and reduce fuel consumption, and in operation in shallow water, the rotor clearance parameter is important, which in flat-bottomed aluminum boats can be limited by design.
When buying an engine, pay attention to the length of the lower unit. Aquilon high-transport boats often require a long leg (L) to keep the propeller running at optimal speed and not taking in air.
Comfort and equipment: what to look at when buying
When you buy a boat, you buy not just a piece of metal, but a level of comfort on the water. Basic equipment is often spartan: a body, a transom and a pair of cans. However, modern versions are increasingly equipped with soft linings on boards, stationary fuel tanks and windshields. When inspecting a sample in the store, be sure to check the quality of painting the interior surfaces - aluminum must be protected from oxidation.
The buoyancy system is an important element. In Aquilon boats, it's made in the form of sealed blocks or sealed pipes on the sides. Make sure these elements are securely secured and not damaged. Lack of buoyancy can be fatal in an emergency, so never neglect to check this unit. It's also worth paying attention to the presence of knobs for storing things that aluminum boats often make built into the structure.
- 🛶 Banks: Check whether the seats are removable or stationary and whether they can withstand the weight of an adult with a margin.
- ⚓ Anchor rum: Make sure there is a reliable anchor anchor in the nose, as regular dips are sometimes weak.
- 🔋 Battery compartment: Some models provide space under the battery, which is critical for starting the motor with an electric starter.
For night fishing or long stays, the possibility of installing an awning or a running canopy is a useful addition. The factory often offers these options, but it is better to order them immediately with the boat so that the holes under the mounts are made qualitatively. Self-drilling of thin duraluminium without experience can lead to cracks.
☑️ Checking the boat before buying
Transport and storage of the boat
One of the features of aluminum boats is their considerable weight. If you plan to buy a boat Aquilon longer than 4 meters, the question of transportation is raised edge. To drag such a boat on the rocks, of course, you can (the hull will withstand), but to launch from the gently sloping shore almost always require a trailer.
When stored in the off-season, metal does not require conditions such as plastic, but has its own nuances. The boat is recommended to be washed from salt deposits (if you swim in the sea) and dirt. It is better to store it in an inverted form or on special kilblocks so that the hull does not deform under its own weight and snow. Dural is not afraid of frost, but rubber seals and gums can tan, so it is better to remove the vessel into a garage or under a canop.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a boat unattended for long periods of time, the underwater part that is growing with algae and shells is rapidly losing its driving performance, and constant contact with water accelerates electrochemical processes.
If you plan long-distance travel on the roof of a car, make sure that the fasteners do not damage the sideboard. Aluminum is soft, and the straps drawn over can leave dents. Use wide slings and soft pads. Also remember that the sailing of the inverted boat is high, and at high speeds it can become unstable.
Where to buy and how not to make the wrong choice
Buying an Aquilon boat is possible both directly from the manufacturer in Novosibirsk and through a network of dealers throughout the country. Buying from an official dealer is often preferable, as you get a warranty, pre-sales preparation and the opportunity to see the goods live. Dealers also help with registration documents with GIMS, which is now a mandatory procedure for boats with an engine power of more than 8 hp or longer than 20 meters (although for boats this is rare, the rules change, it is better to clarify the current regulations).
When ordering through an online store, carefully study the delivery conditions. Large cargo often requires special vehicles or payment for the services of a transport company. Factory packaging is usually reliable, but when you receive the goods, be sure to open the package and check the integrity of the case for dents during transportation. Hidden defects are better detected immediately before signing the transfer certificate.
Buying from an authorized dealer gives a guarantee on the case and assistance in registration, which saves time and nerves in the future.
Don't look for the cheapest price in the secondary market without careful scrutiny. Older boats can have fatigue cracks around rivets or corrosion. If the budget is tight, it's better to consider the basic equipment of the new model than risk buying a "boiler in a bag." Investing in a quality vessel will pay off with safety and fishing pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register the boat Aquilon in GIMS?
Registration is required if the weight of the curbed vessel exceeds 200 kg or the installed engine power is more than 8 hp (8 kW). Because aluminum boats are heavier than inflatable ones, and motors are often more powerful than 8 forces, most owners Aquilon 36 and larger are subject to mandatory registration and numbering.
Which trailer is better to choose for transportation?
For models up to 4 meters long, standard single-seat trailers for boats are suitable. For larger boats (4.6 m and above), a two-axle trailer or a single-axle trailer with increased load capacity is necessary, a winch and a keel roller are required for convenient loading.
Can I paint an aluminum boat?
Yes, you can and should if you want to improve the appearance or protect the metal, but ordinary paint will not fall on aluminum, requires a special primer for non-ferrous metals (for example, on an epoxy basis) and special paints, often using anodizing method or simply leave the metal in its natural form, polishing it.
Does aluminum thunder hard on the wave?
The metal case is really more sonorous than plastic or wood, especially when hit by a wave or when the engine is running on idles. However, when driving in gleaming mode, the noise of water and wind blocks the sound of metal. Many owners make noise insulation of the cockpit themselves.
History of the brand
The Aquilon plant traces its history back to Soviet times, producing boats for fishing farms and the military, and it is this experience that has allowed the riveting technology, which is now considered archaic but provides incredible survivability of the hull.