Finding the perfect fishing or hunting boat is often a difficult choice between the lightness of PVC materials and the reliability of the metal. LAS 5M This 3-meter-long “baby” has become a legend because of its unique design, which allows you to safely go out into the water with chop, where ordinary flat-bottomers already feel uncomfortable.
Unlike the classic Kanak or both, this model is built on a catamaran pattern, which dramatically changes the behavior of a vessel on the water. You don't need to be a professional driver to drive it confidently, because stability here is built on the geometry of the hull itself. Many owners note that this is the decisive factor when buying, especially if you plan to catch standing or full-length.
The main feature of the model lies in the combination of two cylinders and a platform, which provides incredible stability even with sudden movements of passengers. LAS 5M It is often chosen by those who value safety and durability, not wanting to put up with punctures and repairs of rubber boards. Let's take a closer look at what this aluminum "tank" is and why it deserves the attention of a modern boating.
Design features and architecture of the body
Architecture LAS 5M It's based on the catamaran principle, where the floats are two elongated aluminum cylinders, connected by a solid deck, forming a single rigid structure, which eliminates the rolling sideways that inevitably occurs in monohole boats, and the midsection width of this model is about 1440 mm, which at 3 meters long gives excellent stability.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the high stability, sudden movements and a sharp rise in full growth on the sides can lead to overturning, as the center of gravity shifts beyond the dimensions of the cylinders.
The material of manufacture is the aircraft alloy AMg5M, which has high corrosion resistance and strength. Optimal balance between weight and strength Welds are made with quality, which eliminates the need for annual knob or joint squeezing, as is the case with some budget counterparts.
The bow of the boat is equipped with a beam that protects the board from impacts on the berth or rocky bottom, and inside the cylinders there are buoyancy compartments filled with polyurethane foam, which ensures that even when the cockpit is fully filled with water, the boat will remain afloat, performing the function of an unsinkable raft, this forethought of manufacturers makes the operation of the vessel as safe as possible.
The secret to LAS's unsinkability
Inside the LAS 5M cylinders are polyurethane foam blocks that do not absorb water even when the hull is damaged, and the volume of this foam is designed to keep a fully watered boat afloat with the crew and engine.
Technical specifications and load capacity
When choosing a boat, numbers play a key role. LAS 5M (often referred to simply as "Weasel") has a compact size, but impressive payloads, full length is 3000 mm, and width is 1440 mm. the height of the board above the water allows you to feel confident even in a small wave, without getting splashed into the cockpit.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Full length | 3000 mm |
| Full width | 1440 mm |
| Height of board | 380 mm |
| Hull mass | ~55 kg |
| Load capacity | 350 kg |
With a 350kg load capacity, you can accommodate two adults, equipment and an outboard motor, and the boat weighs about 55kg, making it relatively easy to transport on a roof or in a trailer, but unlike inflatable boats, it's not easy to disassemble quickly, because it's an all-metal structure.
The important parameter is the permissible power of the motor. LAS 5M It is recommended to use engines with a capacity of up to 5 hp, although some owners put and 6 hp With a motor of 5 hp, the boat develops a speed of about 15-18 km / h with two passengers, which is enough to move along the water area of a reservoir or river. Excess power can lead to burrowing of the nose and loss of controllability.
The optimum power of the motor for the LAS 5M is 5 hp, which provides a balance between speed, fuel consumption and safety of operation.
Performance in water
How he behaves. The LAS 5M in real conditions? The first thing that you notice is its ability to steer. The tunnel structure of the bottom (the space between the cylinders) makes it very stable, and it doesn't scour side to side against wind or waves, which reduces the fatigue of the steering wheel.
The seaworthiness of the catamaran is estimated higher than that of classical flat-bottomers. Lass It's a very strong, small wave cutter, and it doesn't tend to roll, and it's especially appreciated by spinning anglers who need a stable platform to throw baits, but remember, it's not a sea boat, and you can't go out into the open water with a storm warning.
- 🌊 Excellent stability in the parking lot - you can fish standing up without fear of rolling.
- 🎣 Convenience of placement - a wide cockpit allows you to spread the tackle on the sides.
- ⚓ Good handling - the boat listens to the slightest movement of the tiller.
When you're driving on plane with one person, the boat can jump a little on the wave, because it's quite light. But with two passengers or a load at the stern, it lies flat on the water and goes softly. The noise is moderate, the metal doesn't rattle as much as it might seem if the motor is properly mounted on a transom.
Assembly, installation of equipment and tuning
Installation of equipment LAS 5M The boat's trawler is made of aluminum and reinforced, allowing the engine to be fastened without any additional reinforcement, but for comfortable operation, many owners install konduks and cans. Standard equipment can be minimal, so retrofitting is a common thing.
Often, the boat is fitted with anchor lines, fishing rod holders and sonars. With the aluminum hull, it is easy to insert the necessary elements into the sides or fasten the brackets with rivets and sealants. It is important not to disturb the tightness of the cylinders when drilling, so all holes are better made above the waterline or carefully isolated.
☑️ Checklist before first exit
tuning LAS 5M is often about improving comfort: owners lay down anti-slip mats (splat), install soft seats on rotary seats and mount sun awnings. A tent transformer turns an open boat into a mini cruiser, allowing you to wait out the rain or escape the scorching sun.
⚠️ Note: When drilling holes in the case for equipment installation, be sure to use aluminum boat sealant and stainless fasteners to avoid electrochemical corrosion.
Comparison with competitors and alternatives
There are several analogues on the market, with which they are often compared. LAS 5MThe main competitor is the boat Siberia or various modifications of Kazanok. However, Kazanki have a monoholed hull, which makes them less stable on the wave and more rolling in the parking lot. The LAS catamaran scheme wins in the safety and comfort of fishing.
Compared to similarly sized PVC boats, the metal only loses weight and dimensions when transported. A 3-meter PVC boat can be folded into the trunk of a sedan, whereas a sedan can be loaded with a PVC boat. The LAS 5M requires a trailer to be transported or transported, but the metal is not afraid of fire sparks, sharp branches or predator claws, which makes it ideal for hunting.
In terms of durability, an aluminum catamaran has virtually no lifespan when properly maintained; PVC loses its properties over time, burns out and needs to be replaced after 5-7 years of active use; LAC can last for decades, passed down from generation to generation, making it economically viable in the long run.
- 🏆 Durability – the service life is calculated in decades.
- 🛡️ Reliability – you can’t break through with a stone or a bitch.
- 📉 Liquidity - used boats LAS very quickly find a new owner.
When buying used LAS 5M first inspect the transom and bottom for dents and cracks. Aluminum can "tire" from constant impacts on the bottom, so the presence of welded repair seams is a reason for bargaining.
Care, storage and transportation
Care for LAS 5M After each release, especially if it was salt water or a body of abundant vegetation, it is advisable to rinse the boat with fresh water. Aluminum alloy is stable, but dirt and organics can speed up the oxidation processes in the welds.
Transportation is carried out on a trailer or on the roof of the car. When installed on the roof, use wide soft lozenges to avoid scratching the bottom and sides. Weight of 55 kg allows two or even one strong man to load the boat on the roof, but it is better to use an inertial winch or help from a partner.
Keeping the boat under a canopy or in a garage, turning the keel upwards, this will prevent the accumulation of precipitation inside the cockpit and protect against ultraviolet radiation, which, although not terrible for metal, can damage rubber seals or painted elements. Before winter preservation, it is recommended to lubricate the mobile joints and check the condition of the transom.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that LAS 5M It's a boat for those who value safety and reliability over lightness and compactness, it doesn't require special maintenance, it forgives the mistakes of beginners, and it provides a stable platform for fishing in all conditions.
Can I put on LAS 5M engine more powerful than 5 hp?
Technically, it is possible to install a motor up to 6-8 hp, but this is not recommended by manufacturers. Excessive power can lead to transom overload, reduced stability and the risk of rollover, especially when the boat is not fully loaded. The optimal and safe limit is 5 hp.
Do I need to register LAS 5M in GIMS?
Registration depends on the mass of the motorized vessel in use. If the weight of the boat (55 kg) plus the weight of the engine (for example, 25 kg) exceeds 200 kg, registration is mandatory. If you use a light electric motor or motor up to 5 hp in conjunction with a light boat, and the total weight is less than 200 kg, registration is not required.
What is the real speed of the LAS 5M with a 5 hp engine?
With one person and a 5 hp engine, the speed can reach 20-22 km / h With two passengers and a load, the speed drops to 15-17 km / h. The speed depends on the load, the state of the bottom (fouling) and the propeller of the engine.
Does the 5M have a self-saturated cockpit?
No, the classic 5M LAS does not have a self-draining cockpit, and the water that gets in is removed by scooping or is drawn out after the boat is ashore/pier, and there are modifications with drainage holes, but in the basic version there are none.