The Russian market of small craft is full of PVC offers, but for many reservoirs and tasks, it is the aluminum hull that remains the only choice. LAS 3 (The Aluminum Folding Boat) is not just a boat, but a true symbol of practicality, accessibility and maintainability. Unlike its inflatable counterparts, it is not afraid of sparks from fires, sharp stones and prickly shrubs, making it an ideal choice for hunters, fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts.
The design of this model is based on decades-old drawings that are constantly being improved by modern manufacturers. The main advantage lies in modularity: the vessel can be disassembled into several parts for transport in the trunk of a passenger car or even put into an elevator. However, despite its simplicity, there are nuances of assembly and operation that every potential owner should know about.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of ownership of this boat in detail, you will learn about the real driving qualities, features of welds, possible options for installing the engine and ways to improve comfort. A unique feature of LAS 3 is the possibility of complete disassembly of the body on flat sheets without loss of tightness during subsequent assembly due to the special design of locks. This knowledge will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Design features and geometry of the body
The basis of reliability of any metal boat is the quality of the alloy and the geometry of the contours. LAS 3 made of aviation aluminum brand AMG5MThe bottom is usually 3 mm thick and the sides can be made of 2 mm sheet, which provides an optimal balance between strength and weight, and this configuration allows the vessel to withstand impacts on solid objects that would be fatal to a thin PVC side.
The geometry of the hull is designed to be water-resistant. A flat bottom with small zygomatic bends provides excellent parking stability, which is critical for fishing in standing water or on quiet rivers. However, it is worth noting that a flat bottom is not designed to go out on a large wave or high-speed plane with a powerful motor. When moving against a wave, you can have a so-called "slap" impact, which can be uncomfortable for passengers.
The hull is assembled without welding in the field, which is a key advantage over all-welded Kazankas. The sheets are joined by selecting and special locking joints that are pressed by bolts or rivets. The tightness is ensured by installing rubber seals or using sealing compounds at joints, which allows you to disassemble a boat for storage in a garage or transportation on the roof of a car.
⚠️ Warning: When you first assemble or after long storage, be sure to check the condition of rubber seals in the lock joints. Dried rubber is the main cause of leaks in the first minutes of getting on the water.
The weight of the structure in the basic configuration usually varies between 45-55 kg, which allows manageable to manage it alone, although the assembly requires the participation of two people for convenience. The dimensions in the assembled form allow three adults to comfortably accommodate with a minimum supply of equipment. The transom width and maximum width of the board provide sufficient space for the placement of fishing boxes or catch.
Assembly process and preparation for launch
Assembly LAS 3 It's a well-established algorithm that takes about 15 to 20 minutes for an experienced owner, but it takes more time for newcomers to adjust to the docking of the sheets, starts with the bottom sheet being laid out on a flat surface, and it's important that there are no sharp stones or debris on hand that could damage the bottom of the case before it's operational.
Then you put the side sheets in the bottom grooves, and the key here is to get the right tightening sequences, and if you pull the bolts in the beginning, you can deform the aluminum and break the geometry, if you don't pull it, you get a leak, and you're recommended to use a dynamometer key or just build muscle memory to twist the force.
☑️ Checklist of LAS 3 assembly
The transom is the final stage of the hull assembly. LAS 3 It's removable, it's placed in special slots on the stern, it's fixed by bolts or quick-release joints, and it's the transom that is the main load of the motor, so you have to pay special attention to controlling its fixation, and you don't have to take a thrust, because it's going to cause vibration and eventual breakdown of the attachments.
After assembly, it is recommended to conduct a visual inspection of all seams and joints. If the boat is stored in a disassembled form, before each season, it is worth updating the lubrication layer on the threaded joints to prevent aluminum from boiling.
Engine installation: motor selection and control
The choice of motor for LAS 3 The flat bottom and relatively short length of the displacement part of the hull do not allow high speeds. The optimal power of the outboard motor for this model is from 2 to 5 hp Installation of a more powerful unit, for example, 9.9 hp, is possible, but requires a serious modernization of the transom and will not give a proportional increase in speed, only increasing fuel consumption.
With electric motors, the situation is more favorable. With a low center of gravity and no vibrations, the electric motorcycle becomes the ideal partner for quiet fishing. A battery weighing 10-12 kg can be placed on the bottom in the center, which will improve the differentiation and stability of the vessel. With a 3 hp engine, the boat confidently keeps planing with one person, and with two it goes into displacement mode at a speed of about 7-9 km / h.
Driving a motorized boat requires skill, especially in windy weather, because of the sailing sides and flat bottom. LAS 3 To compensate for this effect, experienced owners often use an additional keel or aerodynamic linings, although they are not normally provided.
⚠️ Warning: Never run the motor out of water, even for a split second. Some engines' aluminum lower units can overheat instantly, and the pump's rubber impeller can melt from friction without cooling.
Comfort and ergonomics: seats and equipment
Basic equipment LAS 3 It's usually spartan: bare aluminum and minimal fasteners. But the modern market offers a lot of comfort solutions. First of all, owners are thinking about installing soft seats. Standard wooden or plywood cans that come with a stiff and cold one, replacing them with soft upholstered seats on an aluminum frame, radically changes the perception of the trip.
An important element of ergonomics is anti-slip coating. Smooth aluminum becomes dangerous when wet, like ice. Sticking special grooved ribbons or applying liquid cork coating on the bottom and paiola is a mandatory procedure before the first exit. It is not only a matter of comfort, but also safety, especially when catching active fish or in pitching conditions.
You can adapt the space under the banks to store gear and personal belongings, and many anglers put sealed boxes in there that serve as both extra seats and buoyancy aids in the event of a rollover. LAS 3 requires a creative approach, since there are no regular harundukes in the design.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum length | 3000 mm | Overall length of the body |
| maximum width | 1360 mm | The widest sideways |
| Height of board | 380 mm | Distance from keel to top cut |
| Load capacity | 250 kg | Including passenger and motor weights |
| Body weight | 48 kg | Without motor and equipment |
Tuning and improvement DIY
Owning an aluminum boat often turns into a DIY hobby. LAS 3 is a great upgrader, and one of the most popular improvements is the nasal awning or running cockpit, which allows you to hide from rain and midges, turning the boat into an all-season boat, and the tent frame is usually boiled from dural pipes, which allows you to keep the design light.
Another popular development is the installation of a sonar and a navigator, which is to attach the sonar sensor to the transom or bottom using special brackets that can be made independently from the aluminum strip, and the wiring should be placed immediately in a corrugated cable channel, protected from ultraviolet light, so that it does not rub against the metal when vibrating.
The secret to a quiet move
To reduce noise from the waves hitting the metal floor, many craftsmen glue sheets of vibration insulation (bitumen or foamed materials) on the inside of the bottom, which reduces the vigour of aluminum by 40-50%.
And we should not forget about the anchor system. LAS 3 The installation of a reliable anchor ring in the bow and the proper storage of the anchor tile is a priority, and the anchor box can be arranged under the front can, providing quick access to the end in an emergency.
Care, storage and winter conservation
Aluminum is a very unpretentious material, but it also requires attention. LAS 3: Clean and dry. After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or in mud-covered water, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water. Tina left on the aluminum board begins to slosh and can cause local corrosion or unpleasant smell in the garage.
When stored in disassembled form, it is better to keep the sheets upright or suspended to avoid deformation. If the boat is stored assembled on the street under the awning, you need to ensure ventilation of the internal volume, otherwise the condensation that falls out during temperature changes will accumulate at the bottom.
Use silicone spray to treat rubber seals before long-term storage, which will prevent them from cracking and maintain elasticity until next season.
Winter preservation does not require complex chemicals, it is enough to thoroughly wash and dry the case, lubricate rubbing metal parts (hinges, locks) with conservation grease and remove it in a dry room. LAS 3 It can last for decades, passing from father to son.
The main secret of the durability of LAS 3 is regular washing with fresh water after a salty environment and storage in a dry, ventilated place in a disassembled form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to go to Lake Ladoga or Onega on LAS 3?
Entering large bodies of water with unpredictable weather on a flat aluminum boat is extremely dangerous. LAS 3 does not have the seaworthiness to allow an open wave, and even a small wind can quickly create a dangerous situation, and it is recommended to stay within sight of the shore and estuaries of the rivers.
How many people are comfortable in the boat?
Comfortable in LAS 3 We'll be able to accommodate two people of medium size with a full set of fishing equipment, three people will fit, but it will be a "transport" mode with minimal comfort and reduced safety due to proximity to the waterline.
Do I need to register LAS 3 in GIMS?
Registration depends on the weight of the boat in running order 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 10.88 hp), registration is not required. LAS 3 around 50 kg, you can install the engine up to 6-7 hp and stay in the legal field without registration, but always carry the boat and motor documents with you.
What to do if the boat breaks a rock?
For emergency repairs, holes in the aluminum case are great for epoxy plasticines ("cold welding") for metal. They hold on aluminum very tightly even under water. For routine repairs, it is better to use argon welding, since aluminum is easy to boil and the seam is stronger than the base metal.