Choosing a reliable fishing boat or a family vacation on the water often leads to a dilemma between the lightness of PVC materials and the strength of the metal. aluminum-boat It acts as the gold standard of durability, requiring no complex maintenance and fearing only galvanic corrosion if improperly operated. Azimuth Vector 370 This is a vivid example of how the classic Kazanka can be modernized to meet modern requirements for comfort and safety on the water.
This boat was designed to operate in the conditions of Russian reservoirs, where there are sharp stones, and shallow water, and sudden storm gusts of wind. aircraft alloy AMG5MThis is the key to buying, because it ensures that welds are strong and that they are resilient to impact when they come ashore, and for many aquatic motorists, it's the key to buying, because it ensures that there are no holes even when they come into contact with snags or unequipped berths.
The boat's exterior combines utilitarian rigor and streamlined shapes designed to improve hydrodynamics. Vector 370 It has a developed keel and zygomatic splashers, which allows you to feel more confident on the wave. Below we will discuss in detail the technical nuances that are hidden from the eyes of an untrained buyer, but are critical for safe operation.
Design features of the hull and deck
The basis of reliability of any small-sized vessel lies in the geometry of its bottom. Kieliness This model has a significant performance on the side, which allows the boat not just to slide through the water, but to cut the wave, providing a soft ride. This is especially important when moving against the wind, when flat-bottomed analogues begin to prowl dangerously and beat their noses against the water. Aluminum sheets are connected by argon-arc welding, which makes the seams tighter and stronger than the metal itself.
The deck space is designed with ergonomics in mind, and the bow is a knob that serves not only as a storage space, but also as a function. floatability In the event of a rollover, the interior is accessed through a sealed hatch protected by a rubber seal, which prevents water from entering the enclosure even when the wave is too strong.
Features of anticorrosion treatment
Factory processing involves not only painting, but also applying special soil that prevents the oxidation of aluminum. However, if you plan to operate a boat in salt water, it is recommended to additionally treat the transom plate and bottom with epoxy compounds.
The slab is reinforced by a profile pipe and is designed to install a motor with a capacity of up to 15-20 hp, depending on the modification and year of release. It is important to note that the mounting of the motor must be carried out strictly in the center to avoid a differentiation on one side. Shifting the center of gravity can lead to deterioration of handling and increased fuel consumption.
When buying a used version, carefully examine the inner corners of the transom, which is where the microcracks from the vibration of the motor most often appear. Knock metal: a ringing sound indicates integrity, a deaf one may indicate stratification or hidden defects.
Technical specifications and load capacity
To understand the real capabilities of the vessel, you need to turn to dry figures. Vector 370 belongs to the class of small boats, but its dimensions allow you to comfortably place a crew of three or four people on board. Load capacity The model is designed with a margin, which allows you to take on board the necessary equipment for multi-day fishing, including anchors, nets and fuel.
The table below gives the main parameters that will help you compare this model with competitors in the market:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Longest length | 3.70m | Dimension without roller |
| Body width | 1.45 m | Midel-spangout. |
| Height of board | 0.55 m m | Including the timber |
| Body weight | ~110 kg | No motor or gear. |
| Passenger capacity | 3-4 people. | With equipment in mind |
Consider that the actual weight can vary depending on the thickness of the metal used and the equipment. Some versions are equipped with more powerful transom plates or additional bulkheads, which adds a few kilograms to the total weight.
Components and execution options
The manufacturer often offers multiple versions of the same model to meet the needs of different user groups. Basic trim usually includes a bare case with welded keys and basic paint. customization And he prefers to install banks, kunduks and attachments on his own.
In more advanced versions, often designated as Luxury or Comfort, the boat is already equipped with soft seats, windshield and awnings, windshield in such modifications is made of impact-resistant plastic or Plexiglas and has a convenient shape that protects the driver from splashes. The presence of a tent transom allows you to close the stern from rain, creating a kind of cabin for overnight stay or storage.
- 🛡️ Basic version: Body, keys, drain plug, paint.
- 🚣 Fishing version: Added platforms for mounting sonar, anchor rum, mounting for spinning.
- ☂️ cruising version: Tent, soft seats, windshield, anchor in the kit.
Special attention should be paid to the possibility of installation electric motorMany owners prefer to use electric propulsion for a silent approach to the fishing site. Azimuth Vector 370 It allows easy to fix the electric traction, although for long transitions, the gasoline engine is still the preferred option because of its greater autonomy.
Driving and handling
The behavior of the boat on the water is a subjective sensation, but it is based on objective physical laws: when going to planing with a motor of about 9.9 hp, the boat behaves confidently. differentiator regulated by the position of passengers and cargo: with proper loading, the nose breaks off from the water smoothly, without sharp nods.
The boat is highly stable at full speed, and the cheekbones effectively divert the spray to the sides, although some of the water may still fall into the cockpit when the side wave is running, which is why having a scoop or automatic pump (if designed or installed additionally) is not a luxury, but a necessity.
The perfect load for planing: driver at the hummel, passenger on the nose, cargo evenly distributed on the sides, which provides minimal water resistance and better access to mode.
The low-speed maneuverability that is characteristic of all keel boats requires getting used to. Vector 370 It is quite large, so when mooring in tight harbors, you need to assess the trajectory of the movement in advance. Sharp steering at high speed can lead to dangerous rolling, so all maneuvers should be performed smoothly and predictably.
Transport and storage
One of the main questions for the owner of the boat is how to get it to the water. Weight 110 kg allows two or three to load the body on a car trailer or even on the roof of an SUV (if there are special mounts). boat-trailer.
For transportation on the trailer, the lodgings must be properly displayed; they must support the body in three to four points, evenly spreading the load; improper installation of the supports can lead to deformation of the bottom during prolonged parking or shaking on the road; it is recommended to periodically check the tension of the belts of the fixation.
☑️ Boat check before season
Storage in the offseason requires no special conditions other than dryness. Aluminum does not rot, but if you leave a boat full of water or snow, the weight of the precipitation can exceed the estimated loads on the boards. It is better to keep the boat under a canopy or cover with an awning upside down to allow ventilation of the interior space.
Maintenance and repair DIY
Aluminum's main advantage is its maintainability, and unlike fiberglass, which requires chemistry and time to polymerize, or PVC, which requires special adhesives, an aluminum boat can be brewed in the field with the equipment. Argon welding restores the tightness of the seam completely, returning the original strength to the metal.
Coloring the case is another aspect of care: factory paint can fade or chip over time on stones, you don't have to be a professional painter to revamp the coating, you just have to clean the damaged area to metal, degrease it and apply the soil to aluminum, and then the finishing layer of enamel, and not only improve the appearance, but also create an additional barrier to corrosion.
⚠️ Warning: When welding, be sure to remove all flammable items from the boat, including residues of fuel in the tanks, oils and even gasoline-soaked rags. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can accumulate at the lower points of the hull, creating an explosive mixture.
Regular maintenance also includes checking the fasteners, vibration from the motor can gradually weaken the bolt connections of the switches, waders and transomsboard, once a season it is recommended to pass with a key on all visible connections and if necessary use the carving lock.
Comparison with competitors and final verdict
In the aluminum boat market Azimuth Vector 370 It competes with models like the Crimea, Kazanka-M, and various modifications from the Master Lowker or Pelican, and Vector is better at ergonomics and welding quality than modern Chinese models, in metal thickness and adaptability to our realities.
The price of this model is usually in the middle segment, which makes it available to a wide range of fishermen and hunters. The investment in such a boat pays off for years of trouble-free service. If you want a workhorse that will not fail in the deep taiga or on a large reservoir, this option deserves the most attention.
Can I put a motor on Vector 370 more powerful than 15 hp?
Technically, the transom will withstand 20 hp, but this may require registration of the vessel in GIMS (if the weight with the engine exceeds 200 kg or the power will be above a certain threshold, current for the current year).
Do I need to register this boat with GIMS?
Registration is mandatory if the weight of the equipped vessel with the engine exceeds 200 kg, or if the engine power exceeds 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). Since many 9.9 hp engines formally pass through the power, the overall weight is often the decisive factor.
How to wash an aluminum boat properly?
Use plain water and a soft brush. Do not use aggressive alkaline or acidic agents that can damage the aluminum oxide film. After use in salt water, fresh water rinsing is mandatory to prevent corrosion.