Decision Buy the boat of the Welbot 37 It's often a turning point for a fisherman or hunter who's outgrown the possibilities of inflatable watercraft and small aluminum kandaks. motorboat The AMG5M light alloy represents the perfect balance between load capacity, seaworthiness and handling, and many owners say that the thirty-seventh project has become their “middle ground” in the small-size world.
However, the purchase process requires careful study not only of factory specifications, but also of the real operating conditions. Aluminum-magnesium alloyThe hull has unique properties: it does not rust like steel, and is not afraid of impacts on ice or stones like fiberglass, while the weight of the empty hull allows you to transport the boat on a passenger trailer without the category "E", which greatly simplifies the life of the owner.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of ownership of this boat. seaworthinessWe're not going to use phrases that are templates, but we're going to provide the facts and experience of real users so you can make an informed decision.
Technical specifications and construction of the body
Construction Welbot 37 It's based on time-tested designs, but modern welding technology has improved the tightness of the seams, the length of the shell is 3.7 meters and the width of the transom is 1.6 meters, and this geometry provides excellent stability even with a full crew of three or four people with a load.
The most important parameter is the thickness of the metal. The bottom uses a sheet 3 mm thick and the side 2 mm thick. ratioThe weight of the boat as standard is about 105 kg, which is an excellent indicator for metal vessels of this size.
Secrets of the alloy AMG5M
Aluminum-magnesium (AMG) alloys have high seawater corrosion resistance and excellent weldability, and unlike duraluminium, this material does not require complex heat treatment after welding and is less prone to intercrystalline corrosion. Welbot 37 It lasts for decades even when used in salt water.
It's worth noting the quality of the transom, which is reinforced and designed to fit a motor up to 15 hp, although many owners successfully operate the boat with more powerful engines, using caution. bait-bull And the keys are made of stainless steel, which excludes the appearance of rusty flows on the sides in the future.
Navigability and behaviour on the water
The main advantage that makes fishermen Buy the boat of the Welbot 37 Because of its keel-shaped bottom and high board, it feels confident on Ladoga, Onega, even in the coastal seas, and it's not rolling, which is critical when spinning or mounting vents, when the sharp movements of the angler should not lead to dangerous rolling.
On the move. Welbot 37 It shows moderate squeeziness. When you install a 9.9 hp motor, you have a single-person speed of about 25-28 km/h. When you're fully loaded, you drop the speed, but the boat continues to plane with confidence. It's important to distribute the weight correctly: heavy loads like anchors or batteries are better placed closer to the nose or strictly along the diametric line.
The cornering behavior deserves special attention, because of the relatively narrow body when the bumper is sharply shifted, the roll is possible, but it quickly extinguishes, and experienced drivers recommend turning with added gas to avoid losing the planing. Kieliness The bottom contributes to a soft blow against the wave, breaking it before the forehead.
Engine installation and speed indicators
The choice of powertrain is a key step. The plant recommends engines up to 15 hp, but the "gold standard" for this model are considered two-stroke "nine" and "spots" (9.9 and 15 hp). Installation of a more powerful engine is possible, but requires agreement with GIMS and may require strengthening of the transom, since the standard transom-angle It's designed for certain loads.
Let's look at the actual speeds based on the load and the type of engine, and the averages depend on the propeller, the bottom condition and the weight of the crew.
| Motor (L. S.) | Loading (kg) | Speed (km/h) | Mode of traffic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tohatsu 9.8 | 150 (1 man + tank) | 28-30 | Full gas. |
| Tohatsu 9.8 | 300 (3 persons + cargo) | 18-20 | Full gas. |
| Mercury 15 | 150 (1 man + tank) | 35-38 | Full gas. |
| Mercury 15 | 300 (3 persons + cargo) | 25-27 | Full gas. |
When operating at economical speeds (about 15-18 km / h), fuel consumption of two-stroke engines is about 3-4 liters per hour. Four-stroke analogues will be more economical by 20-30%, but they are much heavier, which can adversely affect the economy. differentiation boats, especially when they are under load.
To improve the full load and weak engine plane, install an anti-cavitation plate on the sleeve, which will reduce yaw and allow the boat to go into plane mode faster.
Components and opportunities for modernization
Basic version Welbot 37 Often comes in the minimum configuration: the case, the hand-held (sometimes optionally) and the seats. the buyer will have to solve the issues of comfort. Standard wooden cans are not convenient for everyone, so many immediately order soft seats with hand-helds, which also serve as a function. floatability and extras.
One of the popular improvements is the installation of windscreen, which, although not provided for by the standard, craftsmen make stainless pipe or profile frames, which greatly improves comfort when driving against the wind and in cold weather, and it is worth thinking about a nose awning that protects against splashes.
- 🛶 Runduks: Sealed boxes in the nose and under the seats to store things that should not get wet.
- ⚓ Anchoring device: It is recommended to install a perimeter railing and a duck to fasten the anchor end in the nose.
- 🔋 Electric: Installation of 12V onboard outlets and LED lighting inside the runduks for the convenience of night fishing or parking.
Don't forget to protect against corrosion, despite the resistance of the alloy. Treating the underwater part with antifouling paint or just high-quality varnish will prolong the life of the case. Pay special attention to riveting places and welds - these are areas of potential risk.
Comparison with competitors and analogues
There are several direct competitors on the market, such as the Crimea, Ob or the Salyut series boats. Welbot 37 The Obi is better off because of its more perfect bottom shape and lower weight, which is smaller and easier to transport than the Crimea, although it is inferior to the cockpit.
The main difference from cheap Chinese counterparts is the quality of the metal and welding. The Russian AMg5M outperforms many imported alloys in impact toughness at low temperatures. winterfishing Or operating in the northern latitudes, that becomes a crucial factor.
☑️ Check before buying a used boat
And the price tag is worth mentioning: the 37 is in the mid-range, more expensive than the regular kandak, but cheaper than the specialized boats, and that makes it available to a wide range of water lovers who are not willing to overpay for the brand, but demand it. reliability and durability.
Legal aspects and registration in GIMS
Buying a boat is not only a joy, but also a responsibility, and according to current Russian legislation, small boats weighing up to 200 kg and with an engine power of up to 8 kW (10.88 hp) are not subject to registration. Welbot 37 We're already in the process of registering the body, with a 15 hp engine, and the body's mass is about 105 kg, plus a 35-45 kg engine, plus gear, and we're coming close to 200 kg.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used boat, be sure to require a contract of sale and boat documents. If the boat was previously registered, you must be deregistered by the previous owner. Without documents, you will not be able to undergo examination in the GIMS.
The registration process takes 10 to 30 working days, you will need to provide a passport, TIN, sales contract and technical data sheet for the boat. fitting: the presence of life jackets by number of people, anchor, scoop and lifeline is mandatory.
In practice, when installing the motor is more powerful than 10 hp on a boat that structurally allows such power (specified in the data sheet), problems usually do not arise.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do I need to paint the Velbot 37 inside?
Factory paint is usually of high quality, but to extend the life and improve the aesthetics, many owners paint the boat inside, it is recommended to use special soils for aluminum (for example, VL-023) and enamel for marine vessels, which will also facilitate the cleaning of the cabin.
Which screw is better to choose for the Velbot 37?
The optimal pitch of the propeller depends on the motor. For a 9.9 hp engine, 10-11 inches increments are often recommended for better traction, especially with loads. For 15 hp, 11-12 inches increments can be considered for maximum speed.
Is the boat afraid of galvanic corrosion?
Aluminum-magnesium alloys are resistant, but when in contact with stainless steel or copper in salt water, corrosion is possible. Be sure to use zinc treads on a transom if you operate a boat in salt water or an aggressive environment.
Is it possible to go to sea on the Velbot 37?
The boat is classified as a D-class (pools, reservoirs, small rivers) and can only be reached in the surf zone and in favorable weather (winds up to 3 points), and is not intended for the high seas due to the low elevation of the side and the lack of a self-draining cockpit.
Where can I find the drawings or the assembly scheme?
The original designs of the manufacturer are often not available in the public domain, but there are powerboating forums where users post cutting diagrams and assemblies, and when you buy a new boat, the passport and diagram are always included.
The wellboat 37 is an investment in safety and comfort, and the proper care and maintenance of the aluminum hull ensures that the boat will last you and your children for years to come.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a boat ashore with a full tank of fuel in direct sunlight unattended. Gasoline vapors can create excessive pressure in the system, and heating the tank is dangerous to fire. Always drain the fuel or shut off the faucet when you park for a long time.
In summary, it can be said that the decision Buy the boat of the Welbot 37 It is a rational choice for those who value the reliability of metal and proven design, it does not require complex maintenance, forgives the mistakes of beginners and gives confidence on the water. Competent equipment and compliance with the rules of GIMS will make your walks unforgettable.