Buying a first or additional boat for fishing and resting on the water often poses a dilemma for the amateur: choose a lightweight inflatable structure or a reliable metal body. Boat Tourist 3 For many years, it has been one of the most popular solutions in the low-cost aluminum boat segment, combining affordability, maintainability and time-tested design. If you are looking for information about where to buy a Tourist 3 boat, it is important to understand that this is not just a commodity, but an investment in a durable asset that, if properly maintained, will last for decades.
Unlike PVC analogues, which require constant drying and are afraid of punctures, aluminum Tourist 3 is almost immune to mechanical damage from rocky bottoms or snags. However, the decision to buy this model requires a careful approach, since aluminum has its own specifications in operation, weight and power requirements of the outboard motor. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances in detail to make your choice conscious.
The market of floating vehicles today is oversaturated with offers, and it is easy for a beginner to get confused in modifications and trim levels. AMG alloy boats (aluminum magnesium) has excellent corrosion resistance, but it's important not to overpay for the extra options or, conversely, not to save on critical safety elements. Let's look at what exactly makes this model a hit for fishermen and hunters.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of the longevity of the vessel is the material from which it is made. aviation or its analogues with the addition of magnesium, which gives the body the necessary strength at a relatively low weight. Optimal balance between wind sailing and shock resistance It is this characteristic that allows the boat to be used in shallow waters where keel-plastic vessels are at risk of a breach.
The design of the body is made according to the “monoblock” scheme or using longitudinal and transom redanes, which not only enhance rigidity, but also improve driving performance. Bones The boats are bent to effectively remove the spray, although in high waves and headwinds, protection is still inferior to higher sides of the boats. It is important to note that welds are made by argon welding, which ensures their tightness and the absence of galvanic corrosion at the joints.
And you should pay special attention to the transom, which is often removable or reinforced, depending on the modification. cross-board It can be made of moisture-resistant reinforced plywood or the same aluminum alloy. The first option is cheaper and lighter, the second one is more durable, but increases the overall weight. When choosing a version of the boat, be sure to check the material of the transom, as it is the one that experiences the maximum load from the vibration of the engine.
Why is AMG Aluminum Better Than Conventional D16T?
Alloys of the AMG series (aluminum-magnesium) have a significantly higher corrosion resistance in sea and fresh water compared to duraluminium D16T. Dural is prone to intercrystalline corrosion and requires careful painting, whereas AMG can be operated without coating for years, only oxidizing on the surface, which does not affect the strength.
Technical specifications and modifications
Understanding the technical parameters is necessary for the correct selection of the engine and equipment. Overall dimensions Tourist 3 boats allow it to be transported on the roof of a passenger car or in a trailer, which is a huge plus for city residents. Standard length is usually about 4 meters, width is just over 1.3 meters, and the height of the board allows three adult passengers to comfortably accommodate with minimal risk of scooping up water.
The table below shows the averaged specifications you should look at when buying, but remember that different manufacturing plants may make minor changes to the design, so always require a product passport.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Longest length | 4,000 mm | Convenient for transportation |
| Body width | 1320 mm | Optimal stability |
| Load capacity | 400 kg | Including passenger and motor weights |
| Body weight | 45-50 kg | Depends on the thickness of the metal. |
| Passenger capacity | 3 people. | GIMS standards |
There are several modifications that can be found on sale. The basic version often has no deck (sleigh), representing just a "trough" with banks. flat-floor It's made of corrugated aluminum or plywood, which makes it safe to move around the boat and allows you to place equipment without fear of getting it wet, and there are also options with a reinforced keel and a bolt around the perimeter.
Performance and driving specifications
Driving performance Tourist 3 With low-power engines (2-3.5 hp), the boat behaves like a classic rowing boat, reaching a speed of about 5-7 km / h. This is the ideal mode for trolling or quiet fishing, when you do not need to quickly overcome long distances. Noise in this mode is minimal, which is highly appreciated by fishermen.
When installing a 5-6 hp engine, the boat is able to enter planing mode, but only with minimal load (one person), in which case the speed can reach 20-25 km / h. However, it is worth remembering that the flat bottom is not designed for high speeds on the wave. Blows on the wave planing can be very noticeable for the spine, so in open water it is recommended to discharge gas.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to reach top speed when the boat is fully loaded or in strong headwinds. The flat bottom of aluminum boats is prone to yaw and hard hitting the water, which can damage the transom or cause passengers to fall out.
The boat is rated as medium-sized, because of its short length and light weight, it can be easily operated even without remote control, with a single thrust of a rummel, which is especially convenient when fishing in reeds or changing position quickly if necessary. However, the lack of a keel line (in the basic versions) makes the boat sensitive to lateral wind, which requires constant course correction.
To improve driving performance and reduce noise when hitting a wave, many owners paste strips of rubber or special vibratory material on the bottom of the outside, which also protects the paint from abrasion on the sand when pulled ashore.
Comparison with competitors and analogues
There are many analogues on the market, such as the Kazanka, Ob boats or various Chinese replicas. Tourist 3 Compared to the Kazanka-M, the weight is smaller and the construction is simpler, devoid of heavy stamped elements. Compared to similarly sized PVC inflatable boats, the aluminum variant benefits in the speed of shallow water passage and the absence of fear of sparks from the fire or hooks of tackles.
However, if you compare with more modern aluminum boats with a kilted bottom (for example, "Winds" or more expensive series), then Tourist Kitty boats are better at cutting the wave and are less prone to lateral rolling, but they are much heavier and require a more powerful and expensive motor to enter the plane. The choice here is based on the reservoir: for calm rivers, lakes and reservoirs with a short wave Tourist 3 is a great choice.
Price policy also plays a role. In its segment, it is one of the most affordable metal options. Chinese counterparts may be cheaper, but the quality of welding and the thickness of the metal there are often questions. Domestic manufacturers in this class offer more predictable quality and availability of parts or repair elements.
Safe operation and care rules
Despite the strength of the metal, the boat requires proper maintenance. The main enemy of aluminum is not rust in the classical sense, but electrochemical corrosion and mechanical deformation. After each foray into the water, especially if it was salty, the hull must be rinsed with fresh water. Scale and pollution It should be removed with mild detergents, avoiding abrasives that may damage the oxide film.
Keeping the boat upside down under a canopy or indoors will prevent rainfall from entering, condensation and the destruction of wooden elements (cans, sleigh) from moisture. If the boat is stored on the water for a long time, you need to check the condition of the anodic protection (if installed) and inspect the hull for fouling.
☑️ Seasonal boat maintenance
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use alkaline solutions or acids or metal brushes to clean the aluminum case, which destroys the protective oxide layer and accelerates the corrosion of the metal.
Where to buy and what to pay attention to when choosing
You can buy a boat Tourist 3 both from official dealers of manufacturing plants and through the secondary market. certificate The product's passport, which shows the alloy brand and the thickness of the metal, visually inspect the welds: they must be smooth, without burns, pores and infusions, the color of the seam should be different from the base metal (usually darker or lighter depending on the additive), but should not have rainbow divorces indicating overheating.
When buying a used version, check the inside of the transom. If there are black spots or the tree has become soft, the transom is tired and needs to be replaced, otherwise the motor may sink with the boat. Also check the geometry of the hull: the boat should not have dents on the bottom that can disrupt hydrodynamics. The presence of factory paint is a good sign, but its absence is not a critical defect for aluminum.
The price of a new boat varies depending on the region, the configuration and the current rate of metals. Don't chase suspiciously cheap offers without documents - most likely, it is a "garage assembly" of thin sheet metal, not intended for shipbuilding.
Buying a boat without GIMS documents or with “garage” welding can lead to problems during registration and, most importantly, to a threat to safety on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register the boat Tourist 3 in GIMS?
Registration is required if the weight of the curbed vessel (hull + engine + equipment) exceeds 200 kg or if the installed engine power is more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). Since the weight of the Tourist 3 is about 50 kg and the engines are usually put up to 6 hp, in most cases with one person and a light engine registration may not be required. However, if you plan to install a 9.9 hp engine or carry a lot of cargo, the amount of masses will exceed the limit and registration will become mandatory.
What is the maximum weight of the motor can be put on a transom?
The regular transom of the boat Tourist 3 is designed for outboard motors with a capacity of up to 6 hp (about 25-30 kg of weight). Installation of a more powerful motor is possible only after consulting with the manufacturer or strengthening the transom, as vibration and weight can lead to detachment of the transom or deformation of the aft part of the hull. Excessive of the recommended power also shifts the center of gravity and impairs handling.
Can an aluminum boat be painted with ordinary paint?
Ordinary paints (oil, alkyd) are poorly maintained on aluminum and quickly peel off. To paint, you need to use special soils for non-ferrous metals (for example, based on zinc or chromium) and enamels designed for aluminum. Before painting, the surface must be perfectly cleaned and defatted. Often owners limit themselves to treating the bottom with anti-corrosion compounds without finishing.
How to eliminate leakage in the weld?
To eliminate small leaks in the aluminum case, there are special repair kits based on epoxy resins with aluminum powder or cold welding for aluminum. Before applying the composition, the damage site must be thoroughly cleaned, degreased and dried. For more serious damage, argon welding will be required, which can be performed in specialized workshops.