Water recreation and fishing require a reliable watercraft, and flat-plate For many years, it has been one of the most popular options among water-engineers, and its simplicity, affordable price and phenomenal maintainability make this type of vessel popular in both remote villages and large metropolitan areas, often the first introduction to motor control and navigation on the water.
But behind the exterior simplicity, there are many nuances to consider before buying or building yourself. Not every aluminum alloy is suitable for welding, and not every bottom geometry will provide the desired speed. In this article, we will discuss in detail the specifications, features of operation and secrets that will help you make the right choice.
Unlike inflatable analogues, the metal case requires constant attention to corrosion, but gives in return the passability that any PVC will envy. You can safely storm the shallow water without fear of punctures on the snag or rocky bottom. The main advantage of aluminum flat-bottom is the ability to install a powerful motor with a relatively low weight of the body, which provides excellent dynamics.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Aluminum Body
Choosing between metal and PVC is often a novice dilemma. Aluminum has a unique combination of lightness and strength, but it has its own physical limitations, and understanding these specifications will help avoid frustrations in the process of operation.
On the one hand, the metal is not afraid of sparks, which is critical for fishing with open fire or smoking. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity of aluminum is high, and in cold weather, sitting on board without insulation will be uncomfortable.
- 🚀 High speed and glides even with low-power engines due to light weight.
- 🛡️ Resistance to mechanical damage: scratches on stones or hits on logs are not scary.
- 🔧 Easy repair: the hole can be brewed or patched even in the field.
- ❄️ High thermal conductivity: in the heat, the sides heat up, and in the cold they give off heat, requiring additional insulation.
⚠️ Warning: Aluminum is susceptible to electrochemical corrosion when in contact with copper elements or stainless steel in salt water. Be sure to use zinc treads!
It is important to note that the longevity of the vessel depends on the quality of the welds. Factory models are controlled, but in artisanal assembly, errors in technology can lead to rapid destruction of the structure. Crimea or Ob.
Design features and geometry of the bottom
The geometry of the hull determines the boat's performance, and the flat bottom is ideal for calm water, shallow water and wetlands, but this shape has its own limitations on excitement.
There are modifications with a slight zygomatic bend or a false bort that improve the course stability a little. flat-bottom It's the king of shallow water, and it allows you to swim close to the shore, where it's only 10 to 15 centimeters deep, which is impossible for keel boats.
The slingboard is another important element, and in aluminum boats, it needs to be reinforced because the vibration from the motor is transmitted to the entire body, and often a sandwich design of two sheets of aluminum with a wooden insert inside is used to quench the vibrations.
Popular models and their specifications
The market offers a variety of options, from simple "troughs" to comfortable boats. Consider a few iconic models that have proven themselves in time.
One of the most famous is the boat. CrimeaIt's a legend of Soviet and post-Soviet boating sport, and it's very stable and spacious, but it can be a big weight to carry on a rooftop car without any special equipment.
The lighter ones are Kazanka-M models or modern counterparts from various manufacturers that use aviation aluminum. They are lighter, faster on the plane, but may be less comfortable on the wave due to their lower mass.
| Model | Length, m | Width, m. | Load capacity, kg | Max, engine power, hp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crimea | 4.3 | 1.6 | 400 | 30 |
| Ob-M | 4.06 | 1.5 | 350 | 20 |
| Salute 450 | 4.5 | 1.6 | 400 | 25 |
| Wind (project) | 3.5 | 1.3 | 250 | 9.9 |
When choosing a model, pay attention not only to the dimensions, but also to the height of the board. For fishing from a standing position or active fishing, the high side is a matter of safety and comfort. Low sides are good for rowing, but on the engine can be captured by splashes.
Choice of engine and transom
The aluminum flat-bottom is friendly with a wide range of engines. Wind and neva It's up to modern Japanese and Chinese 4-strokes, and the key here is the height of the transom and the power allowed.
To enter the sleeve with full load (2-3 people + equipment) on a flat-bottom about 4 meters long usually requires a motor with a capacity of 5 to 9.9 hp More powerful engines will allow you to develop high speeds, but will require transax reinforcement.
- ⚙️ Two-stroke engines: lighter, easier to maintain, work in any rolling position, but noisier and require mixing oil with gasoline.
- ⚙️ Four-stroke engines: quieter, more economical, more environmentally friendly, but heavier and require strict oil levels in the crankcase.
- ⚙️ Electric motors: Ideal for quiet fishing in shallow water, but limited in battery life and speed.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum power of the engine specified in the boat's passport, which can cause the transom to break and the boat to tip over at full speed.
The motor's attachment must be reliable. Use only certified rods. If the troublin is wooden, check it regularly: the tree can rot inside an aluminum sandwich, which is invisible from the outside, but deadly.
Transport and storage
One of the main issues for the owner of a metal boat is its delivery to the water. Unlike inflatable counterparts, an aluminum flat-bottom can not simply be folded into a backpack. Even a small Kazanka weighs about 70-90 kg, which requires either a trailer or a strong company of friends.
For frequent trips, many water-engineers make or buy special trailer trolleys, which makes life much easier. When stored in winter, it is better to turn the boat upside down and install it on stands so that snow and water do not accumulate inside.
☑️ Preparation of the boat for wintering
If you keep a boat outdoors, make sure to awn it. Aluminum doesn't rust like steel, but it oxidizes and becomes covered with white plaque, which can eventually become ulcerative corrosion, and in winter, the boat can form ice that, by its expansion, can deform a thin metal.
Care, repair and maintenance
Aluminum requires less maintenance than steel, but it also doesn't forgive total neglect. The main enemy is fouling and dirt. After each fishing, it's advisable to rinse the body with fresh water, especially if you've been swimming in a salty pond or heavily polluted water.
Painting an aluminum boat is a separate topic. Normal paints are poorly maintained. You need special soils for non-ferrous metals (such as zinc or special epoxy compounds). If you decide to paint the boat, carefully prepare the surface: degreasing and matting are mandatory.
If a leak occurs, you don't have to panic. Aluminum is perfectly cooked with argono-arc welding. For temporary repairs in camp conditions, there are special two-component epoxy plasticines that harden even in the water and allow you to reach the parking lot.
Security and GIM requirements
The operation of any boat is regulated by the rules, aluminum flat-bottom vessels are subject to the same rules as other small craft, and the presence of life jackets by the number of people on board is a mandatory requirement for violation of which there is a fine.
Registration with GIMS is required if the engine power exceeds 8 kW (approximately 10.88 hp) or if the weight of the equipped vessel exceeds 200 kg. Many lightweight aluminum boats with engines up to 10 hp fall into the category of non-registration, but the verification of documents can occur at any time.
It is also important to remember navigation lights if you plan to go out into the water at night or in poor visibility, and you can attach them to removable racks on a flatbed so as not to drill extra holes in the body.
Do I need to register an aluminum boat with a 5 hp engine?
Not if the weight of the boat without the engine and equipment does not exceed 200 kg, in this case registration with the GIMS is not required, but the documents confirming the ownership and power of the engine, it is better to have with you.
Can a hole in aluminum be made with tin?
Technically, you can use special solders for aluminum, but such repairs are considered temporary. For reliability and durability, especially on the bottom, it is better to use argon welding.
What is the life of an aluminum flatbed?
When operated carefully and without severe corrosion, an aluminum boat can last 30-50 years or more, and the metal does not lose its properties over time, unlike plastic, which can "tire".
Why does an aluminum boat rattle on the move?
The normally poorly secured elements are thundering, such as cans, anchor boxes, or the motor itself. Check the rubber pads for an outboard motor and the can mounts. The hum can also be transmitted from the propeller if it is damaged or unbalanced.
How to remove a dent on the aluminum board?
You can try to straighten small dents from the inside using a wooden kiurha. If access is limited, sometimes you use a tapping method or vacuum extraction, but with aluminum you need to be careful not to break the metal because of its low elasticity compared to steel.