Finding a reliable swimming aid for fishing or family walks often leads to the question: where and how profitable Boat Little 2 to BuyThis classic aluminum flat-bottom has been a symbol of accessibility and simplicity in the post-Soviet space for decades, and unlike today's inflatable counterparts, it offers a unique combination of rigid housing, installation capabilities, and a unique combination of a single, flexible, and flexible body. boat-engine and maintainability.
Many beginners in water engines mistakenly believe that metal is necessarily heavy and rusts. aluminumThe silk that we use in manufacturing, when properly maintained, will last for centuries without requiring any complicated conservation, and if you plan to move through shallow water, grass, or rocky bottoms, then the rigid body will be your ultimate bargaining chip, which is why many people are still looking for this model, rather than its plastic or inflatable counterparts.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of ownership of the "Baby". You will learn what to look for when buying a used copy, how to choose the right engine and why bottom-thickness 2 mm It's a critical parameter for the longevity of the hull, and we'll also discuss the actual capabilities of the vessel and dispel myths about its instability.
Technical specifications and design features
The design of the vessel is a classic flat-bottom with high sides and a forehead. Dimensions The models make it easy to transport on the roof of a car or in a trailer, which is a huge plus for residents of remote areas. The body weight without equipment is about 64 kg, making it liftable for two people, but heavy enough to keep on the wave with the right load.
The main material is aviation aluminum, which is not corrosive as much as steel, but is afraid of electrochemical processes when in contact with other metals. Body thickness The aircraft and the sides vary depending on the year of release, but the standard is 2 mm. This is enough for confident planing with a motor up to 12 hp, although the passport often limits the power of 8 hp for safety.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used boat, be sure to inspect the transom. If the aluminum shows traces of rust from the engine mounting bolts (oxidation of steel in aluminum), this may indicate a leakage or the use of the wrong fasteners.
Inside the case, there are hand-helds that have a dual function of storing things and keeping things safe, but you don't have to rely on them alone. Floating The vessel is high, but the presence of additional inflatable tubes or foam inserts will never be superfluous, especially if you plan to go out on the water together or three with a load.
Comparison with competitors: Baby vs PVC and Kazanka
When the question arises about the choice, three options are most often compared: PVC inflatable boats, small metal boats of the Baby type and larger aluminum vessels like Kazanka. PVC boat It's a weight gainer and a compact folder, but it's a loss in speed and puncture resistance, and you can wear your shoes without fear of damaging the bottom, which is impossible with PVC.
Compared to Kazanka, our character is much lighter and cheaper, but Kazanka has better seaworthiness due to sharper contours. flat-bottom Baby can cause a lot of rolling, and for calm rivers, lakes and estuaries, it's perfect.
The table below compares the key parameters for clarity:
| Parameter | Baby 2 | PVC boat (320-360 cm) | Kazanka-M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | aluminum | PVC | Aluminum D16AT |
| Body weight (kg) | ~64 | ~40-50 | ~140 |
| Load capacity (kg) | 400 | 350-500 | 400 |
| Max, engine power. | 8-12 hp | 15-30 hp. | 12-25 hp. |
| Transportation | On the roof/trailer | In the trunk. | Just the trailer. |
Baby 2 is the “golden mean” between the fragility of inflatable boats and the weight of large metal boats, ideal for small ponds.
How to check the boat before buying
Because the classic model has been phased out or limited in mass production, the primary market is secondary hands, and you can find offers in powerboating forums, bulletin boards, and local fishing groups, and often good ones are sold on a "just take" basis with a cottage or garage, so you can find them in the same way. regional It can be more effective than the national one.
When you look at the used version, first of all, look at the geometry of the body. Aluminum is plastic, and when it hits rocks or shore, it can deform. Stand at arm's length and look along the side: the line should be flat. The presence of dents is not critical unless they disrupt hydrodynamics, but deep cliffs may indicate that the dents are not critical. metal-fatigue.
Pay special attention to welds and riveting. Old riveting models may have leaks. Ask the seller to show you the boat on the water, or at least get water on the shore (if there is anything) The riveting leak is often eliminated by replacing rivets with better rivets or using special sealants, but it takes time and skill.
☑️ Checking the used boat
Motor choice and tuning to increase comfort
For planing alone or together with a minimum load, a motor with a capacity of 5-6 hp is enough, however, for a confident exit to plane with two passengers or with a full load of gear, it is better to consider power options 8-9.9bhp.Two-stroke motors are preferred because of the lower weight, which is critical for balancing a lightweight flat-bottom.
Standard equipment is often lacks convenience. Many owners immediately engage in modernizationThe first thing to do is to install soft removable seats, because rigid aluminum cans are inconvenient for long fishing, and the installation of windshields and a rain tent is also popular, which turns an open boat into a cozy shelter.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the motor more powerful than 12 hp Without the appropriate alteration of the transom and strengthening the body, this can lead to the destruction of the aft part at high speed or even to the tipping of the boat due to the shifting of the center of gravity.
And the useful tuning is also worth noting, for example, the installation of anchor ducks, fishing rod holders and a rod under a gas tank. Because Baby is often used for trolling or sheer flare, the ability to attach gear to hand greatly increases comfort. anchor-false - for such a light boat enough anchor weighing 3-4 kg.
The secret to quick balancing
To improve driving performance, many experienced water-engineers shift the engine slightly forward along the transom or add a counterweight to the nose if the boat is heavily burrowed with its nose on the wave.
Legal aspects and registration in GIMS
One of the main questions is whether registration is necessary? Under current Russian legislation, small craft weighing more than 200 kg in combination with an engine or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp) are subject to registration. The Baby weighs about 64 kg. If you put a 5-8 hp engine (weight about 20-25 kg), then the total weight will be less than 100 kg, and registration is not required.
However, if you decide to install a 9.9 hp or higher engine, or if the total weight of the boat with the equipment (anchor, gas tank, battery) exceeds 200 kg, a trip to GIMS is mandatory. It is also important to have a factory plate with the number and year of release. When buying a used boat without documents, it can be difficult to confirm ownership, so ask for a license. sales contract Or the product's passport.
Remember that even an unregistered vessel must be manned according to safety rules: life jackets by number of people, scoop, anchor and end. Lack of vests is the most common reason for fines in water inspections.
Care, storage and winter conservation
Aluminum doesn't rust like iron, but it oxidizes. To prolong the life of a boat, it's recommended to wash it with fresh water after each exit, especially if you've been swimming in salt water. Periodically (once a season) it's useful to treat the hull with special polyroles for aluminum, which create a protective film and return it. metallicity.
Keeping the boat upside down under a canopy or in a garage is best. Direct sunlight is not a threat to metal, but it can destroy the sealant in the seams and dry out the wooden elements (if any). In winter, snow and water should not get inside the inverted boat, otherwise frozen moisture can deform the thin elements of the structure.
Use car wax to treat the aluminum case after washing, which not only improves the appearance, but also creates a hydrophobic layer that reduces algae fouling and facilitates cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the real load capacity of the boat Little 2?
Officially declared 400 kg. In practice, the safe load for maintaining driving qualities and buoyancy margin is about 250-300 kg (2 people + engine + equipment).
Can I weld a cracked side of an aluminum boat?
Yes, aluminum is brewed with argono-arc welding (TIG), but it requires removing all attachments, cleaning the welding site to pure metal and having the skill to work with non-ferrous metals. For small cracks, it is often more effective to use fiberglass reinforced epoxy compounds.
How many people are comfortable in the little room?
The boat is designed for 3-4 people, it is comfortable to fish together, three adults will fit, but it will be a little cramped, especially if you use the engine, for family walks with children, a great option for 3-4 people.
Do I need to paint the bottom of Baby?
You don't need to paint if you're comfortable with the look, because aluminum oxide film protects the metal itself, it's usually for aesthetics or to hide multiple scratches, and you only need to use special aluminum paints (e.g., epoxy), otherwise the regular paint will fade after the season.