Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or recreation is always about finding a balance between cost, reliability and functionality. Aluminum boat 390 It occupies a unique niche in this segment, offering an excellent alternative to popular PVC models. The length of almost 4 meters already allows you to feel confident on the wave, but the vessel remains compact enough for transportation by passenger car.
Unlike inflatables, the rigid body provides a completely different dynamic and durability, you do not have to worry about punctures on reeds or sharp stones on the shore. Duraluminium alloysThe boats used in modern shipbuilding have high strength and corrosion resistance, which makes such boats a desirable acquisition for many water-engineers.
But buying aluminum requires understanding the material and the design, the weight, the need for a trailer to carry, and the stability, all factors that you can't ignore. Let's look at what a 390 mm long metal boat is and whether it's worth it to give it a preference over an inflator.
Advantages of a rigid body over PVC
The main argument in favor of buying metal boat It's not sinkable in the classical sense, and even if it's severe, it won't fold like a house of cards, but it'll stay afloat because of the air boxes or the buoyancy of the material itself, and it's a critical safety factor when you go out into large bodies of water, where help may not come immediately.
The second important aspect is durability and not having to have the constant maintenance that rubber is, you don't have to dry the boat after every fishing trip, you don't have to be afraid of sparks from a fire or rodents in the garage. Aluminum brand D16T practically not subject to aging under the influence of ultraviolet light and temperature changes.
⚠️ Warning: Aluminum is susceptible to electrochemical corrosion when in contact with other metals in salt water, and be sure to use zinc treads if you plan to venture into marine waters.
The third advantage is the ability to install a powerful motor: the rigid transom withstands vibrations and engine traction better than an inflatable cylinder, which allows higher speeds. For a length of 390 mm, this opens up the possibility of glides with full load, which on PVC analogues sometimes causes difficulties due to deformation of the bottom.
Technical specifications and dimensions
The size of 390 mm (or 3.9 meters) is borderline, on the one hand, it is still relatively light, on the other - a full-fledged boat for trolling or running fishing, the standard width of such models usually varies from 130 to 150 cm, which provides acceptable stability.
The weight of the empty hull is a key parameter. Depending on the thickness of the sheet and the design of the seams, the weight can be from 45 to 70 kg. This means that you can not load the boat on the roof of the car alone, you will need a trailer or a partner. Load capacity This often exceeds 400 kg, allowing you to take on board 3-4 people and the necessary equipment.
Designably, these boats are divided into flat-bottomed and keeled. Flat-bottomed is ideal for shallow waters and overgrown rivers, but it holds a wave worse. Keel adds stability and comfort on the move, but increases draught. The choice depends on where you plan to plow the water.
Comparison of popular models of length 390
The market offers many options, and it's easy for a newcomer to get confused about the names: the main players are Kazanka, Ob, Wind and various modifications from private shipbuilders, each model has its own features in the cutting sheets and configuration of seams.
For example, the classic Kazanka-M, or its modern counterparts, often have slicked contours, which is good for speed, but bad for stability in the parking lot. Apache or boaterThey focus on wide cylinders-bules, which increase stability.
For clarity, compare the average specifications of different approaches to the construction of the boat 390:
| Parameter | Classic flat-head | Keel model | The schooly option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length, m | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Width, m. | 1.3 - 1.4 | 1.4 - 1.5 | 1.5 - 1.6 |
| Weight, kg | 45 - 55 | 60 - 75 | 55 - 65 |
| Max. Engine, hp. | 15 - 20 | 25 - 30 | 20 - 25 |
The choice between the keel and flat bottom determines not only the comfort of the ride, but also the requirements for the power of the engine and the place of operation.
Features of assembly and welded seams
Quality. weld This is the Achilles heel of any aluminum boat, and this is where leaks happen most often over time, where factory conditions use argon-arc welding, which ensures the bonding is monolithic, but many garage manufacturers can save on welding skills.
When inspecting the boat, pay attention to the color of the seam. It should be uniform, silvery, without black spots of sodium or pores. Any irregularities of "scales" of different heights or visible cracks are an excuse to refuse to buy. Welding defects They can cause rapid destruction of the structure under load.
It's also worth checking for reinforcements in the mounting areas of the cans, switches and transoms. A thin sheet of aluminum will quickly wipe or recollect without additional linings. A good tone is the installation of a hinge beam around the perimeter, which protects the board from impact.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to make a crack in the body by yourself with a conventional electric welding, which will burn the metal and damage. Only argon!
For those who build a boat DIY or order a caste, it is important to remember to compensate for thermal extensions. Aluminum is very "cruising" when heated and cooled, so rigid structures should have tolerances.
Operation and care of aluminium
The maintenance of a metal boat is minimal, but it's necessary. Every time you go out, especially on a salt boat, you rinse the hull with fresh water, and it washes away the salts and organics that can start the oxidation process. Oxygen filmThe stains that form on aluminum are themselves protective, but the dirt violates its integrity.
Storage is best arranged on special slipways or kilblocks so that the hull does not deform under its own weight. If the boat is on the ground, there is a high risk of dents on the bottom. Winter storage on the street is not terrible if there is no water inside.
☑️ Annual TO boats
Painting an aluminum boat is a controversial issue, and on the one hand, it's beautiful, on the other hand, the paint can crack, and it will corrosion underneath, and if you paint it, it's only with special soils for non-ferrous metals and epoxy enamels, and many owners prefer to leave the boat in its natural form, polishing it once a season.
Tuning and modernization
The 390 is a great tuning platform, and the rigid hull makes it easy to mount additional elements, such as the steering console, sonars, anchor winches, which are more difficult to do on PVC boats because of the flexibility of the cylinders.
A popular improvement is the installation squirrel-mounted They also often change their regular wooden cans for lightweight aluminum with soft linings or even install swivel seats on pedestals.
Safety is also important: the installation of running lights, anchor tile and an additional gearbox greatly improves comfort, and aluminum is easy to drill and cut, which gives freedom of creativity, but requires carefulness to keep the tightness intact.
The idea for tuning
Aerodynamic visor: Many 390 boat owners install homemade polycarbonate windshields, which not only protects against splashes, but also allows for more powerful motors, since the wind does not hit the face and does not interfere with the control at high speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an aluminum boat be painted with ordinary car paint?
No, conventional paint will not fall on the aluminum oxide film and quickly peel off. It requires a special two-component soil for non-ferrous metals (for example, on a zinc or chromate basis) and specialized epoxy paint.
What is the maximum engine you can put on a 390?
Depending on the load capacity and design of the transom, usually for this length, motors up to 15-20 hp are recommended. Excess power can lead to a nose burrow or even breakage of the transom with a sharp gas.
How to eliminate leakage in the seam in the field?
Temporarily, you can use epoxy plasticine (cold welding) by first cleaning and degreasing the surface, but this is a temporary solution. Full repair requires drainage of the boat and professional argon welding.
Do I need to register the boat 390 in the GIMS?
Vessels weighing more than 200 kg or with a motor of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration. Since the 390 aluminium with an engine almost always exceeds 200 kg, registration is likely to be required.
When buying a used aluminum boat, be sure to knock on the bottom with a solid object. A deaf, rattling sound may indicate metal detachment or hidden seam defects that are not visible to the eye.