Choosing a reliable fishing and recreational boat is always a compromise between cost, durability and performance. Metal boats in this segment occupy a sustainable niche, offering high wear resistance and maintainability, not available to PVC analogues. The focus today is on a domestic model that has proven itself as an affordable option for getting on the water.
It's about the model. Bester 390 DSThis project was designed with the specifics of small rivers and lakes, where speed is not so much important as stability on the wave and the ability to moor to unequipped shores. Designers have focused on balancing the body, which allows you to effectively use outboard motors of medium power without the risk of overfeeding or nose differentiation.
In this review, we will analyze in detail the design features, analyze the driving qualities and find out how this model meets modern safety and comfort requirements.
Structural features and materials of the bodyThe basis of the durability of any metal boat is the quality of the alloy used and the assembly technology. Bester 390 DS It is made of the AMG5M aircraft alloy, which has high corrosion resistance and tensile strength. The bottom thickness is 3 mm, which provides reliable protection against impacts on stones and drowners, and the sides are made of a sheet thickness of 2 mm to reduce the total weight of the structure.
An important element of the design is the presence of developed zygomatic spanks that move into a flat bottom.
This geometry allows the boat to confidently get on plane even with relatively weak engines, ranging from 5 hp At the same time, the flat bottom guarantees excellent stability in the parking lot, which is critical for fishing from the board. Welds are made semi-automatic welding in the argon environment, which eliminates the risk of leaks and ensures the monolithic structure for many years of operation.To protect the metal from aggressive environments, powder coating is used, which creates a durable polymer layer. However, despite the quality of the coating, owners should remember to periodically inspect the transom and waterline. Mechanical damage to the paint must be immediately repaired to prevent the development of electrochemical corrosion, which in fresh water develops more slowly, but still poses a threat to aluminum in contact with other metals.
⚠️ Attention: When installing attachments (anchor ducks, spinning holders) it is strictly not recommended to drill holes in the sides below the line of maximum filling with water without subsequent sealing and treatment of edges with anticores.
Ergonomics of the cockpit and layoutThe interior space of the boat is designed to accommodate two or three people and the necessary equipment. Banks. The mounts are made of the same alloy and have soft removable linings, which improves comfort during prolonged exposure to water, and the mounting design makes it easy to dismantle the seats, making room for large-scale prey or cargo.
The nose is equipped with a runduk, which serves not only as a storage place, but also serves as a structural element of rigidity.
Inside the runduk, it is convenient to place an anchor, life jacket or dry stock. The boat floor is flat, without protruding elements, which makes it easier to move around the cockpit and install additional equipment such as sonars or fishing boxes.To control the boat, a console or a place for the installation of the ramp is provided, although in the basic configuration control is most often carried out by a tiller thrust. Bester 390 DS has a sufficiently wide side, which allows you to feel confident even with active fishing spinning.
Driving performance and water testsOn the water. Bester 390 DS It's predictable and stable. With its moderate keeliness in the bow (about 8-10 degrees per transom) and flat bottom, the boat has a great swelling. It doesn't burrow its nose, it gently jumps over a small ripple. When it's glides full load (two people and gear), it's confidently steering its course and not prone to yaw.
| Parameter | Value/ specifications | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum length | 3900 mm | Overall length |
| maximum width | 1520 mm | Midel-spangout. |
| Height of board | 450 mm | Midle. |
| Load capacity | 400 kg | Including a lot of gear |
| Recommended engine power | 15 hp. | Optimum 9.9bhp. |
One of the key features is the low noise level when hitting a wave, characteristic of aluminum housings of the correct shape.
The sound is deaf and does not irritate the ear, unlike some steel counterparts. However, it is worth considering that a flat bottom when running against a short wave can cause a noticeable shaking (sleming), so it is recommended to slow down or go at an angle to the wave at a high excitement.Results of speed measurement with engine 9.9 hp
With a single driver (80 kg), the boat accelerates to 28-30 km / h With two passengers (total weight 160 kg), the speed drops to 22-24 km / h, which is an excellent indicator for a hull of this size. Fuel consumption when driving on economy mode (about 20 km / h) is about 2.5-3 liters per hour.
Compatibility with motors and transomsTranza Bester 390 DS reinforced and designed to install outboard motors with a capacity of up to 15 hp, although The best choice is the 9.9 hp engine.The standard transom height (508 mm or 381 mm depending on the modification, more often found under the long leg), which allows you to install most popular two-stroke and four-stroke engines.
When choosing a motor, it is important to consider its weight, as an aluminum boat is sensitive to differentiation.
A too heavy motor can overwhelm the stern, increasing water resistance and fuel consumption. For engines heavier than 35 kg, it is recommended to use nose knobs to accommodate additional loads (battery, anchor, tackle) to align the keel line.☑️ Check before installing the engine
Tuning and refinement for fishingOwners often resort to basic equipment upgrades to improve comfort, and one of the most popular improvements is the installation of windshield and a tent transformer, which allows the boat to be used in a wider range of weather conditions, protecting against splashes and cold winds on planing.
There is also a demand for additional rundoos and shelves along the side, which allows you to spread out gear and personal belongings, keeping the passage in the center free. Many anglers install brackets to mount sonars and navigators directly on the nose jar or on a special rack, which makes it easier to control depth and course.
⚠️ Attention: Any aluminum welding work should be done only by specialists using argon welding. Attempts to weld cracks with an electrode on ferrous metal will lead to burning of the thin sheet and destruction of the alloy structure.
To improve safety and comfort, a non-slip coating (linoleum or special mats) can be laid in the cockpit, which will also reduce the noise level from moving along the bottom and knocking tackles.
Maintenance and storageAluminum alloy AMG5M requires little to no complex maintenance, but following simple rules will prolong the life of the boat for decades. After each release to the water, especially in salt or polluted water, the body is recommended to rinse with fresh water, which will wash away the residues of salts and organics that can provoke fouling or local corrosion.
Keeping the boat is best under a canopy or indoors, turning the keel up.
If this is not possible and the boat is on the shore bottom down, be sure to use stand under the cheekbones to provide ventilation of the bottom space and avoid deformation of the hull under its own weight and heat from the sun.How to wash the boat after fishing?
Use plain water and a soft brush. Do not use abrasive powders or aggressive chemicals that can damage the paintwork. Pay special attention to the transom and the engine attachments where oil and fuel accumulate.
Can I leave the boat on the water?
Long-term water storage is not recommended for aluminum boats without antifouling treatment, as this can lead to shell and algae fouling, as well as accelerate corrosion in the waterline.
Which anchor is better to use?
For a flat-bottomed boat Bester 390 DS The best option would be an anchor-cat or anchor of Denford weighing 3-4 kg. Flat bottom does not hold anchor on hard ground, so it is important to have a reserve of the length of the anchor cord (at least 30 meters).
Do I need to lubricate the welds?
Modern welds made with argon do not need additional lubrication, however, once a season it is recommended to visually inspect them for whitish coating (oxidants) and, if necessary, clean and coat with a layer of special primer for aluminum.
What to do if the boat gets a dent?
Aluminum has a shape memory, but when it hits hard, it can still be dented, you can try to squeeze it out from the inside if you have access, you can avoid touching the deep clamps yourself, so you don't disturb the geometry of the rods, or you can call in professionals to fix them.
Proper operation and timely elimination of minor paint defects allow the aluminum boat to serve 20 years or more without loss of driving qualities.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that Bester 390 DS It's a rational choice for those looking for a workhorse for fishing and hunting, and it's frivolous, but it offers a solid platform, tested by time and thousands of owners, and the right equipment and care will make it an indispensable water assistant.