Finding a reliable and spacious boat for fishing or family vacations on the water often leads to the consideration of classic aluminum designs. boat Favorite 350The model, which has proven to be a versatile option for Russian water bodies, combines time-tested design, affordable cost and sufficient load capacity to comfortably move several people with a load.
Unlike light inflatables, this model offers high resistance to mechanical damage and the ability to install a full-fledged outboard motor of medium power, which many anglers choose because of the ability to operate and store year-round without the risk of punctures. Favorite 350 It is not just a means of transportation on water, but a reliable platform that requires the right approach to operation and tuning.
In this article, we'll go through all the technical details, look at the actual capabilities of the hull, and discuss features that manufacturers often keep silent about, learn how to choose the right engine, what improvements to do first and why this boat has been popular for many years.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of reliability Favorite 350 This material is not chosen by chance: it has high corrosion resistance in fresh water and sufficient ductility to extinguish impacts on small obstacles without forming cracks. The thickness of the bottom and sides usually varies within 2 mm, which provides an optimal balance between strength and weight of the structure.
The structure is assembled by riveting, which avoids the deformation of metal that is characteristic of welding thin sheets. The riveting joints made of aluminum create a sealed seam that, when properly operated, lasts for decades. aluminum-boat This type does not require painting, as the oxide film formed on the surface of the metal, in itself is an excellent protective layer.
⚠️ Attention: When buying, carefully examine riveted seams. The presence of white plaque (oxidation) around rivets inside the case may indicate a violation of assembly technology or the use of poor-quality fasteners.
The models have a developed hinge timber, which serves not only for protection, but also as a basis for attaching the hinged elements. The shape of the nose provides an acceptable swelling on the wave, although the open design implies the mandatory presence of a scoop or automatic water drainage. To increase comfort, many owners immediately think about installing windshields or awning.
Technical specifications and load capacity
Dimensions Favorite 350 It is easy to transport on the roof of a passenger car or in a trailer, the length of the hull is 3,500 mm and the width is 1380 mm. This size allows you to accommodate up to three people with a full set of equipment, remaining within the permissible carrying capacity. rated carrying capacity is usually about 400 kg, which includes the weight of passengers, engine, fuel and equipment.
The weight of the boat without attachments is about 60-65 kg. This is quite a heavy figure compared to inflatable models, but quite acceptable for a metal hull. Boat weight It allows you to feel confident on the water even in strong side winds, providing stability that is not available for light PVC analogues.
For clarity, we will consider the main parameters in the comparative table:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 3.50 m | Including trans-panel plates |
| maximum width | 1.38 m m m m m m m m | In cheekbones |
| Height of board | 0.45m | The transanx may have less. |
| Load capacity | 400 kg | Including crew and engine |
| Recommended engine power | 10 hp. | Optimum 5-8 hp. |
Keep in mind that the actual payload depends on the weight distribution, that even placement of passengers and cargo on the cockpit is critical for maintaining driving performance and safety, and that overloading the transom part can lead to burrowing of the nose and slowing down speed.
Outboard operation
Installation of the engine is a key point in the preparation Favorite 350 The boat's traverse is designed to hold motors up to 10 horsepower, but The optimal power for this body is considered to be a range of 5 to 8 hp. The use of more powerful units can lead to excessive differentiation on the feed and reduce the efficiency of gleaming.
When choosing a motor, you should pay attention to the length of the lower unit. For boats with low sides, like the Favorite, short daydwout (S) engines are often suitable, but you need to experimentally adjust the height of the mounting to avoid cavitation or, conversely, excessive water resistance. Proper installation of the motor provides an exit to plane with two passengers on board.
The motor is fastened by rods to the transom plate. It is recommended (regularly check) the tightening of the fasteners, since engine vibration can weaken the connections. It is also important to use a safety cable that will prevent the loss of the motor in the event of breakage of the rods or transom.
☑️ Check before starting the engine
Driving performance with a 5-8 hp engine allows speeds of up to 20-25 km/h with one operator, enough to travel between fishing points on large reservoirs or moderate rivers, while maintaining fuel consumption that is economical, which increases autonomy.
Comfort and options for improvement (Tuning)
Basic equipment Favorite 350 It's often just an aluminum trough with two cans, and it takes a lot of work to turn it into a full-fledged fishing boat, and it's primarily the owners who install the rundooks, and the boxes that are built into the nose and the stern not only increase the useful storage capacity, but also serve as extra buoyancy.
The second important step is to make the cockpit, and the smooth aluminum bottom is slippery, especially when it's getting water or fish slime. Slip-resistant coating This is a must-have tuning element, and it's a matter of not only comfort, but also safety, of using quartz sand paint, self-adhesive tapes or non-slip plywood slate.
⚠️ Attention: When installing additional handoos and equipment, strictly control the total weight. Each extra kilogram reduces the payload and can worsen the stability of the boat on the wave.
Also popular is the installation of windshield, even a small visor made of polycarbonate or glass significantly improves the conditions of stay in the boat when driving against the wind. Favorite 350 It is more characteristic of the management of the tiller.
To reduce rain noise on the aluminum floor, use self-adhesive vibration insulation (car) on the inner surface of the bottom, which will also improve thermal insulation.
Comparison with competitors and analogues
In the aluminum boat market Favorite 350 It competes with models like Crimea, Ob (smaller versions) and various Chinese counterparts, and the main advantage of the Favorite is its simplicity and maintainability. Unlike the more complex contours of Crimea, this model is easier to manufacture and maintain, which affects the price.
Compared to similarly sized PVC inflatable boats, the aluminum variant benefits in durability and the ability to install powerful attachments (anchor winches, sonars, powerful batteries) without the risk of damaging cylinders. However, it loses in weight: you can assemble and drag the PVC boat to shore alone, with aluminum it is more difficult to do this.
The thermal conductivity of the metal is important. Aluminum cools down quickly, so fishing in early spring or late autumn requires the use of special mats or insulated seats. In this regard, PVC benefits, since the material itself is a thermal insulator.
The secret of the durability of rivets
Experienced owners recommend once a season to treat riveted seams with special compositions based on zinc or simply thoroughly wash and dry the boat to prevent galvanic corrosion in the contact areas of dissimilar metals (if steel or brass rivets were used instead of aluminum).
Storage and maintenance rules
Although aluminum doesn't rust like steel, it's susceptible to oxidation and electrochemical corrosion, and after every release, especially to salt water or to places with flowering water, the body needs to be rinsed with fresh water, which washes away the corrosive salts and organics that can cause local metal destruction.
Store boat Direct sunlight is not a threat to metal, but it can destroy the sealant in the seams and fade plastic elements of the tooling. In winter, it is recommended to periodically clean the boat of snow to avoid excessive static load on the structure.
Regular maintenance includes checking the nut tightening on the banks and mounts, lubricating rubbing surfaces and monitoring the condition of the sealant. If you notice that the boat has started to draw water faster than usual, do not ignore this - it may require replacing the seal or processing the seam.
An aluminum boat requires little or no maintenance, but regular washing and proper up-bottom storage extend its service life to 30-40 years.
Owner reviews and practical experience
And the real-world user feedback analysis shows that most owners are happy with the purchase, and the main thing is that the hull is not dead, and you can drag the boat through the sand, you can grab it by the bushes, and it won't get anything. Favorite 350 The perfect choice for wild places where there are no equipped descents.
The downsides are often the hardness of the wave and the noise, the aluminum rings, and the high wave blows the water to the hull, but experienced anglers say that you get used to it, and the stability of the platform compensates for the shaking, and many use this boat as a tender for a yacht or as a work boat to circumnavigate the land.
In general, it's rated as a workhorse, and it's not going to be as emotional as a boat, but it's going to get you to the cool point and back, and for family trips to calm water, it's one of the best budget options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a 15 hp engine on the Favorite 350?
Technically, you can fix it, but it's not recommended by manufacturers. transom can not withstand the load at high speeds, and the boat itself will become unstable. Maximum passport power is 10 hp, optimal 5-8 hp.
Should I paint an aluminum boat?
You don't need to paint, because the oxide film protects the metal, and the paint can get scalded over time, and if you want to change color, you'd better use special soils for aluminum and two-component enamels, after you've cleaned the surface.
What is the actual load capacity, taking into account the weight of the boat?
The total load capacity is about 400 kg. If you subtract the weight of the boat itself (65 kg) and the engine (25 kg), the passengers and cargo are about 300-310 kg. This is comfortable for two adults with equipment.
Is Favorite afraid of 350 frosts?
Aluminum doesn't lose its properties in the cold, unlike PVC. You can use a boat all year round, even breaking through the ice. The main thing is to avoid sharp impacts on solid ice at high speeds.