Finding a reliable fishing or recreational boat often leads to buying an Armor boat, as the brand has earned a reputation for making durable and affordable aluminum boats. Many aquatic motorists see these models as the optimal balance between cost of ownership and operational reliability in Russian waters. When deciding to buy, it is important to understand that you choose a classic structure with a rivet joint that is time-tested and thousands of hours on the water.
But the market offers many modifications, and it's easy for an inexperienced buyer to get confused about the index numbers and series names. In this article, we'll look at whether you should buy an Armor boat, what are the hidden nuances of operation and how not to overpay for unnecessary options. We'll analyze real-world feedback from owners and technical features to make your choices balanced and reasonable.
Why choose aluminum boats of this brand
The main reason for the popularity of the plant "Master of boats" is the use of aviationUnlike PVC analogues, metal cannot be accidentally pierced with a snag or damaged against rocks in shallow water, making such vessels ideal for difficult conditions. Besides, aluminum does not require complex maintenance, drying after each trip and special storage, it is enough to wash away the dirt.
The second important factor is the repairability of the structure, and even in the event of serious damage to the housing, a qualified welder will be able to restore the leakage, which is almost impossible to do with a composite or plastic in the field. Boats of Armour Designed with ease of maintenance in mind, owners often perform minor repairs on their own using the materials available.
It's also worth noting that these boats are versatile, both for relaxed fishing on lakes and for cruising through reservoirs in moderate chop, and that the rigid hull provides better course stability than inflatable waters, making you feel more confident in the side wind.
- 🛡️ High strength of the hull, resistant to impacts on underwater obstacles.
- 🔧 The possibility of self-repair and modification of the structure.
- 🌊 Excellent cruising and stability on the water thanks to the V-shaped contours.
- 💰 Affordable price compared to imported fiberglass analogues.
⚠️ Aluminum conducts sound perfectly, so without additional noise insulation, the noise of the engine and the splash of waves will be heard in the boat much more strongly than in fiberglass models.
Overview of popular models: from Kazanka to Salute
The manufacturer's range is wide and covers the various needs of water engines, ranging from compact two-seater "landings" to full-fledged family boats. Armour 1650, which is a deep modern classic "Kazanka-M". It is equipped with a reinforced transc and improved bottom geometry, which allows you to install engines with a capacity of up to 30 hp.
For lovers of trophy fishing often choose the model series Bronc. These modifications can be equipped with windshields and awnings, turning a utilitarian vessel into a comfortable fishing boat. It is important to note that the modifications with logging are much heavier and require a more powerful engine to go into plane with full load.
The 4000 and 4600 ranges, which are marketed as family boats, have a larger hull width, which directly affects stability and allows you to safely navigate the vessel while you are stationed, and when choosing a particular model, you need to clearly understand how many people and cargo you plan to transport regularly.
What is the difference between the M series and the standard?
Models with the index M (Modern) have a strengthened profile, a more powerful transom under the engines up to 50 hp and are often equipped with handdukes in the nose, unlike the basic versions.
Technical specifications and design features
Structurally, all boats of this brand are riveted products made of aluminum-magnesium alloy AMg5M. The bottom thickness usually varies from 2 mm to 3 mm depending on the model, and the sides are made of a thinner sheet to reduce the total weight. Kieliness The forehead is about 10-12 degrees, which is a compromise between softness and stability in the parking lot.
The trunk of most models is reinforced with a wooden insert closed with aluminum, which allows you to fasten engines of various power without the risk of deformation. However, it is worth remembering that the stated maximum power of the engine is only relevant when the boat is loaded with no more than two people. At a full load (4-5 people), thrust may not be enough to enter the plane.
The interior space is often arranged with removable cans, allowing the cockpit to be transformed into fishing or cargo transportation. Some models have built-in gearboxes, but the size of the boxes is often criticized by owners for its small capacity.
| Model | Length, m | Width, m. | Weight, kg | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armour 1650 | 3.65 | 1.45 | 95 | 3 |
| Armour 1800 | 3.80 | 1.50 | 110 | 4 |
| Bronc 2 | 3.20 | 1.35 | 65 | 2 |
| 4000 armor. | 4.00 | 1.60 | 145 | 5 |
☑️ Check before buying a used boat
Comparison with competitors: PVC or metal?
When deciding to buy an Armor boat, the buyer often fluctuates between metal and PVC. Aluminum housings benefit in durability and safety when in contact with sharp objects, but lose in weight and dimensions when assembled. PVC boat can be packed in the trunk of a passenger car, whereas a trailer or reliable top trunks on the roof are needed to transport metal.
In terms of performance, a hard bottom provides better ejection to the plane and less water resistance at high speeds. Soft PVC tubes extinguish part of the shock wave, but at high speed, the "slapping" of the bottom on the wave can be even more noticeable than on a properly designed aluminum case with a keel.
The financial aspect also plays a role: the initial investment in the metal is higher, but its lifespan is practically unlimited with proper care. PVC materials are susceptible to aging from ultraviolet light and require replacement after 7-10 years of active use, which makes the metal more profitable in the long run.
- ⚖️ Metal is heavier, but more durable and safer when hit.
- 🚗 PVC is easier to transport but takes longer to prepare.
- 📉 Metal boats are slower to lose value on resale.
- 🌡️ Aluminum cools and heats up faster, affecting comfort.
⚠️ Aluminum has a high thermal conductivity, so sitting on a metal board or bottom without a thermal insulating substrate in cold weather can be uncomfortable and harmful to health.
Tuning and improvement for comfort
Factory execution is often Spartan, so many owners immediately after purchase start to upgrade. soft-plate It's also popular to put jars and boards, because hard aluminum doesn't require long sitting without preparation, and it's also popular to put knobs in place to store things that protect your equipment from splashes.
The second important step is noise insulation, which uses bitumen-vibration materials that are glued onto the inner surface of the bottom and sides, which reduces resonance and makes the boat more enjoyable, especially when using powerful motors. tuning It also often includes the installation of sonars, spinning holders and navigation devices.
Some enthusiasts install small electric motors on their noses to move around quietly while fishing, which requires an additional battery and moisture protection. All electrical connections must be made in compliance with tightness standards, since salt water quickly oxidizes the contacts.
Use marine plywood to make additional shelves and drawers - it does not swell from moisture and goes well with an aluminum case.
Rules of operation and storage
Despite their strength, aluminum boats require certain operating rules, most notably electrochemical corrosion control, and when used in salt water or even in waters with aggressive environments, zinc treads should be monitored if installed, or the hull should be regularly inspected for whitish plaque.
Keeping the boat upside down under a canopy or in a garage to prevent precipitation from entering. If this is not possible, use special awnings that will prevent water from accumulating in the hold. Stagnant water accelerates the oxidation of the metal and can cause fistulas in the riveting sites.
Before each season, it is recommended to conduct an audit of rivet joints, if they detect (backlash) or signs of leakage, they should be promptly replaced, the use of quality sealants during repairs prolongs the life of the vessel and maintains its driving performance.
Regular drying and inspection of riveting is a guarantee that the aluminum boat will last you decades without serious repairs.
Where to buy: the factory or the secondary market
Buying a new boat from an official dealer guarantees no hidden defects and a factory warranty. You get a product with a known history, complete sets of documents for registration with the GIMS and confidence that the thickness of the metal is consistent with the stated, but the price in this case will be maximum.
The secondary market offers lower prices, but requires the buyer to be very careful. When buying a used boat, be sure to check for dents on the bottom that could be “fixed” by artisanal method with a violation of the metal structure.
When inspecting a used boat, ask the seller to fill it with water (if possible) or carefully inspect the internal seams for traces of a sealant that could have been used to mask leaks.
Do I need to register the boat Armor in GIMS?
Registration is required if the weight of the equipped vessel with the engine exceeds 200 kg or the engine power exceeds 8 kW (10.88 hp). Most models of armor with engines from 5 hp already require registration if the weight of the boat itself is large enough.
Which engine is better for the 1650 Armour?
The best choice would be a 9.9-15 hp engine, enough for a confident plane with two fishermen and equipment. Motors more powerful than 20 hp may be redundant for this model and lead to fuel overruns.
Can I paint an aluminum boat?
Yes, but it requires special training: metal stripping, degreasing and applying a non-ferrous metal primer, and the normal paint will quickly peel off due to the oxidation of the aluminum surface.