In the world of small fleets, there are few models that can boast the same recognition and history as the turquoise 325This compact aluminum boat has become a popular choice for fishermen, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts since the Soviet era, and its simplicity, availability of materials and maintainability have made it an indispensable resource for thousands of water bodies in the country.
Now, with expensive composites and complex inflatable structures flooding the market, interest in the classic aluminum is not fading, and many owners are looking for time-tested solutions that can be serviced on their own and not be afraid to damage sharp stones or driftwood. flat-plate They continue to hold their positions despite the respectable age of the basic structure.
In this article, we will go into all aspects of owning this model, discuss the real driving performance, find out which engine will work best, and consider popular modernization methods. If you are planning to purchase this boat or already an owner who wants to improve his boat, this information will be extremely useful for you.
Design features and geometry of the body
The basis of reliability Turquoise 325 It's a body made of aluminum-magnesium alloy AMg5M. This material is not chosen by chance: it has high corrosion resistance and good weldability. The bottom and sides are usually 2 mm thick, which provides the necessary margin of safety at a minimum weight. However, it is worth remembering that aluminum is a soft metal, and strong shocks at high speed can lead to deformations.
The geometry of the body is a classic flat-head This shape is ideal for calm water, overgrown bodies of water and shallow waters where keel boats risk damaging the screw or gearbox. The lack of complex keel-likeness allows the boat to develop plane even with low-power engines, but makes it sensitive to lateral wave. In large open spaces in the wind, management can become difficult due to the sailing of straight sides.
⚠️ Attention: When operating a boat with straight sides on the wave, it is critical to correctly distribute the weight of passengers and cargo. Shifting the center of gravity sideways can lead to a sharp roll and even tipping, since the stability of flat-bottoms has its limits.
The design includes two transom cans (seats) that also serve as stiffeners to the side, increasing the rigidity of the hull. The nose is usually raised, which helps to overcome a small wave and reduces the risk of splashing the cockpit. The transom board to which the motor is attached is made of wood and reinforced with metal linings, which is the standard solution for boats of this class.
Secrets of welding AMG5
Use argon welding to repair the case. Normal electrode welding will not work, as aluminum requires protection with an inert gas. Before welding, be sure to clean the edges until they are shined and degrease the surface, otherwise the seam will be porous and leaky.
Technical specifications and load capacity
Understanding the exact parameters is essential for safe operation. turquoise 325 The boat is 3.2 meters long, making it easy to transport a vessel on the roof of a car or a small trailer, and the width of the midsection is usually 1.35-1.4 meters, which provides sufficient interior space for two or three people.
The most important parameter is the load capacity, which, according to data-sheet figures, is about 250-300 kg, including the weight of the boat itself (about 60-70 kg), which means that the payload is limited to 180-200 kg. This includes the weight of people, engine, fuel, gear and anchor, exceeding this limit dangerously reduces the freeboard and can lead to flooding if a wave hits.
Below is a table with the main technical data of the model:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Longest length | 3200 mm | Excluding the attachments |
| largest width | 1380 mm | Midel-spangout. |
| Height of board | 450 mm | In the middle part |
| Hull mass | 65 kg | No motor or gear. |
| Passenger capacity | 2-3 people. | Including the cargo |
It is worth noting that the actual weight of the boat may differ from the passport depending on the year of manufacture and the condition of the particular specimen. Older models could have an additional layer of paint or have reinforcements made by previous owners.
The real payload of the Biryusa 325 allows you to comfortably accommodate two adult fishermen with a full set of gear and a small outboard motor.
Choice of outboard motor: power and type
The choice of engine for Turquoise 325 The manufacturer usually recommended engines up to 5 hp, but practice shows that the boat is able to get on plane and with an engine of 8-9.9 hp, if there is only one person on board. For two passengers, planing with such a motor is already problematic due to the large area of the moistened surface of the flat bottom.
The best choice is lightweight two-stroke engines made in China or Japan. Four-stroke engines are usually heavier, which shifts the center of gravity and reduces payload. In addition, two-strokes are easier to maintain and cheaper to repair, which is important for budget operation.S) to avoid excessive water resistance.
- 🚤 Tohatsu M 9.8 It's a reliable Japanese engine, which is often put on aluminum boats, and it's lightweight and economical.
- 🚤 Yamaha 9.9 (deforested) - a popular option that allows in the future to unlock the full potential of power without replacing the engine.
- 🚤 Hidea HD9.9 Available clone of Yamaha, popular among small boat owners due to the ratio of price to quality.
When installing a motor with a power of more than 5 hp, you need to be extremely careful. High traction can lead to a transom angle of the trim, when the bow of the boat is raised too high and the stern sinks. This impairs visibility and controllability. In such cases, experienced boaters recommend using transom plates or choosing the length of the tube correctly for adjusting the angle of inclination.
⚠️ Attention: Installing a motor above 10 hp on the Birusa 325 is not recommended. The body is not designed for such dynamic loads, and the high speed on a flat bottom makes the boat unstable and dangerous to drive.
Exploitation: Water behavior and controllability
Conduct Turquoise 325 It's very water-dependent, and it's very calm, or it's a calm, temperate river, and it's very stable, it's very easy to throw gear, it's very easy to maneuver between snags or in the reed thickets, because of its vertical sides and flat bottom, and it's very sludgey, and it allows you to come close to the shore even where other boats would land.
The situation changes when a wave appears, the flat bottom doesn't cut the wave, it slaps on it, which creates a hard blow and discomfort for passengers. The speed of extinguishing the excitement in this design is low, so it can be unsafe and unpleasant to be in a boat on large reservoirs in windy weather, in such conditions it is better to stay protected by the shore or stop going out.
planing control requires habit. The lack of a keel makes the boat prone to yaw (wagging its nose) when passing a head wave; the steering wheel has to constantly work with a tiller to adjust its course; it also has to be considered that in planing, the boat becomes very sensitive to the movement of passengers.
To improve the performance of many owners resort to installation transom-wheel A high-quality anchor is a must, as the boat's sailing speed is high and without anchor it can be quickly blown into open water or stranded. It is recommended to use cat anchors or a 3 kg plow.
Tuning and modernization DIY
Possession turquoise 325 It's often a creative process. Standards are spartan, so tuning becomes a necessity for comfort. The most common type of redesign is seat improvement. Standard wooden cans are tough and uncomfortable when fishing for long periods of time. Owners replace them with soft seats with gearboxes inside, which also solves the problem of placing cargo low down the center.
The second important step is to protect the body, and aluminum doesn't rust, but when it comes in contact with water and steel parts, it can corrosion, and it gets very hot in the sun and cold in the winter. 3D-printed It's not only aesthetically pleasing, it's also reducing noise from wave shocks and metal ringing.
- 🛠️ Installation of floorboards - a removable floor made of plywood or corrugated aluminum will hide the ribs of stiffness and make moving around the boat more convenient.
- 🛠️ Transpranse refinement - installation of a transom plate (hydrowing) on the lower unit engine will help the boat to go out faster for planing and reduce yaw.
- 🛠️ Firming. - installation of slats with "lambs" for fixing rods, sonar and navigator.
The bow is also often upgraded, with an anchor leer and a tow bolt, and the regular elements may not be reliable enough, and additional knobs under the cans to store a dry set of clothes or a rim kit will be useful.
When pasting the Birusa salon, use a self-adhesive film with air channels, which is easier to lie on curvilinear surfaces and allows you to remove air bubbles with a spatula after sticking.
Care, storage and repair of aluminum housing
Aluminum boats are famous for their durability, but they also require attention. The rule is that after every operation, especially in salt water, the hull must be rinsed with fresh water. This washes away the salt and dirt that can trigger the oxidation process. The best way to keep the boat is in an inverted form under a canopy so that rainwater and moisture do not accumulate inside.
Repair of holes or cracks in Birusa 325 It's very real in the field if you have access to welding, but you can use aluminium epoxy compounds or cold welding to temporarily fix leaks, and you have to be completely dry and cleaned to metal before you apply the repair material, and you have to degrease the surface with acetone or alcohol.
☑️ Preparation for winter storage
Special attention should be paid to the wooden transom. Over time, the tree can become saturated with moisture and rot even when painted. Periodically check the condition of the transmutation board, knocking it through. If the sound has become deaf, it may have rotted inside, and the board must be replaced to avoid losing the engine.
⚠️ Warning: Never use abrasive powders or alkaline solutions to clean the aluminum case, which destroy the oxide film that protects the metal, which accelerates corrosion.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
Against the background of modern analogues, such as the boats of the Crimean series or more modern models from the Sibiryachka and Agra, turquoise 325 It's a bargaining chip, but it has a price tag and a simplicity, and it's cheaper than most competitors in its class, and you can find parts or a craftsman who can brew aluminum in any major city, which makes it the perfect choice for a budget entry into water sports.
Compared to similarly sized PVC inflatable boats, the aluminum boats benefit from puncture resistance and durability when used in rocky rivers. PVC is easier to blow and pack, but it is afraid of sparks from fires and sharp objects, and the choice between them depends on operating conditions: for throwing a boat from shore in a difficult place is better than PVC, for permanent parking on the base or frequent trips on a trailer — Birusa.
In conclusion, it may be said that turquoise 325 It's not designed for high-speed walks or sea trips, but for quiet fishing on a lake or river with a moderate current, it's hard to find a more practical and economical option, and with proper tuning, it can give its owner years of pleasant emotions and rich catches.
Can I put an electric motor on the Biryusa 325?
Yes, electric motors are a great solution for this boat, and no vibration and no noise are ideal for fishing, but the weight of the batteries is important, which will significantly reduce the payload. Birusa is optimal traction batteries AGM or LiFePO4 capacity of 50-100 Ah.
What is the minimum wave height feared by this boat?
Due to the low side (45 cm) and flat bottom, a safe wave height for Biryusa 325 is considered 0.2-0.3 meters. When you are excited above 0.5 meters, being in the boat becomes dangerous due to the risk of overcrowding and loss of stability.
Do I need to register Biryusa 325 in GIMS?
Registration depends on the weight of the boat and the power of the engine. If the weight of the boat with the engine is less than 200 kg, and the engine power does not exceed 8 kW (about 10.8 hp), registration is not required. The turquoise 325 with a light engine usually fits into these norms, but the weight of the engine and attachments must be counted accurately.