Many anglers and hunters, when faced with the choice of a first or additional boat, often turn their attention to the classic models of aluminum. boat Little 2It's a slew of conflicting opinions online, and it's important to separate fact from subjective impressions.
This article is a compilation of the real-life experience of owners who know firsthand what it is like to go out into the water in a bayonet wave or fishing in reeds. We analyzed the behavior of the hull, usability and durability of welds so that you can make an informed decision.
It is worth noting that Baby. It's not just a piece of metal, it's a cult for those who value simplicity and maintainability, and unlike today's inflatables, there are no cameras that can be pierced or transponders that are afraid of moisture, and let's see why this project is still relevant.
General impression and quality of body assembly
The first thing that catches your eye when you look at a boat is the monolithic structure, the body is made of aluminum alloy, which guarantees that there is no corrosion when properly maintained. weld are made qualitatively, although in budget series there may be minor defects that do not affect the tightness.
The bottom of the boat is designed to be shallow, flat, and easy to climb and approach the sloping shore, which is critical for fishermen who use the boat to throw nets or spin off the shore, but it's worth remembering that a flat bottom is always a trade-off between performance and stability.
When buying a used boat, be sure to inspect the transom from the inside: traces of plywood stratification or cracks in the metal around the engine fasteners are a reason to refuse the deal.
Some users complain about the stiffness of the wave, but this is expected for this dimension. The aluminum case takes bells on the water, transmitting vibration to the seats. However, for quiet fishing on lakes and small rivers, this level of comfort is considered acceptable.
Performance specifications in water
When it comes to performance, there's a lot of disagreement, and on the one hand, the boat is very good at steering, even with a small keel or a zygomatic incision. Little ones. quite high due to the wide side and high side, which requires careful control in strong side wind.
Resilience is a strength of this model, because of the width of the hull, you can get up and change fishing places without fear of flipping over, especially for anglers who use sonars or require active work with a rod, but sudden movements can still lead to a strong swing.
- ✅ High initial stability allows you to comfortably fish together.
- ✅ Excellent permeability in shallow water due to the flat bottom.
- ⚠️ On planing comes only with powerful engines (from 5 hp with two passengers).
- ✅ It is easily controlled at low speeds, which is convenient when trolling.
It is important to understand that maximum speed It's not only limited by the power of the engine, it's also limited by the length of the hull, and it's not only uncomfortable to accelerate above 20-25 km/h on a boat like this, but also unsafe because of the risk of losing control on the oncoming wave.
Capacity and comfort for the crew
Despite the name, the boat is capable of holding more than it first appears. Passport capacity is usually 2-3 people, but the real usable area allows you to accommodate two adult fishermen with all the equipment without feeling crowded. Useful floor area is about 2.5 square metersThis is a great example for boats of this class.
The design includes removable cans, which give you flexibility in the layout: you can move the seats for easy motor control or spread them to accommodate gear, and many owners upgrade the interior by adding soft linings or handbags.
⚠️ Warning: Exceeding the carrying capacity specified in the data sheet, reduces the height of the board above the water and makes the boat dangerous for operation even in calm water.
For night fishing or long forays, space allows you to accommodate a minimum set of things, but it is worth considering that the aluminum case cools down quickly, so having warm mats or inflatable seats becomes a necessity, not a luxury.
Compatibility with motors and transom plate
transom plate Baby 2 The transom height is standard, which allows the use of most popular models of domestic and foreign manufacturers, fastenings are made reliably, but require regular check of tightening of the bolts, especially after the first exits.
The optimal power for single fishing is considered 3.5-5 hp This engine will allow you to confidently enter the planing mode with one person on board. For two passengers, you will need a more powerful power plant, which will increase fuel consumption and the total weight of equipment.
☑️ Check before installing the engine
Don't forget about it. lower unit On a flat bottom, it's important to set the depth of the propeller correctly to avoid cavitation and loss of traction. Often, owners experiment with the tilt of the motor, finding the optimal position experimentally.
Comparison with competitors and analogues
There are many analogues on the market, from Kazanka to modern Chinese models. Baby. It wins at the expense of its price and simplicity, and the table below compares key features with popular models of the same class.
| Parameter | Baby 2 | Competitor A (PVC) | Competitor B (Aluminum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case material | aluminum | PVC | aluminum |
| Weight in gear | ~35-40 kg | ~25 kg | ~45 kg |
| Puncture resistance | High. | Low. | High. |
| Price. | Medium | Low/Medium | High. |
Unlike PVC boats, the aluminum hull is not afraid of sparks from the fire, sharp boughs and dog claws. operation It's more fear-free, but the weight of the boat is still higher than that of the inflatable floor.
Transport and storage
One of the main problems of owners of metal boats is their transportation. Baby 2 It doesn't fold, so it requires a trunk on the roof of a car or a trailer, and it allows you to put the boat upside down on the roof of most wagons and SUVs.
It's important to keep the airing out when you store it. Although aluminum doesn't rust like steel, condensation inside the case can lead to damage to the wooden elements (cans) and mold on the gear, the ideal place is a dry garage or canopy.
How to protect the boat from ultraviolet light?
Aluminum itself is resistant to the sun, but rubber seals and wooden cans can dry out. It is recommended to cover the boat with an awning or store in the garage.
Winter storage requires no special conditions, except cleaning from mud and dirt. Metal calmly tolerates temperature changes, which distinguishes it from plastic counterparts, which can crack when hitting the ice.
Necessary maintenance and durability
Durability is the trump card of this model. With care, the boat lasts for decades, moving from father to son. The main care is to periodically wash and lubricate the moving elements, if they are present in your modification.
Special attention should be paid to the condition of corrosion coatings, if they were applied by the manufacturer additionally. scratches on aluminum oxidize to form a protective film, but deep damage is better to paint with special compositions to prevent further destruction of the metal structure.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use abrasive cleaning products to wash the hull, they can damage the oxide film and worsen the appearance of the boat.
Repairability Little ones. Unlike fiberglass, aluminum can be boiled in almost any environment, and the hole can be temporarily sealed with a wooden plug if there is no epoxy at hand, which makes the boat ideal for remote expeditions.
Summary and recommendations
In summary, we can say that the boat Baby 2 It's a great choice for those looking for a balance between price, reliability and functionality, and it's not without its drawbacks, like weight and noise, but its benefits in real-world fishing outweigh the drawbacks.
If you're willing to put up with having a trunk and not waiting for the comfort of a yacht, this boat will be a loyal helper for years to come, forgiving mistakes for beginners and delighting experienced water-engines with its predictability.
Baby 2 is a workhorse for fishing that requires minimal maintenance investment but provides maximum reliability on the water.
Before making your final choice, weigh the pros and cons, study the testimonials of specific years of release, as build quality can vary. Either way, a metal boat is an investment in safety and the pleasure of outdoor recreation.
Do I need to register the boat Baby 2 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 exceeds 200 kg, or the engine power is more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp), registration is mandatory. By itself, Baby 2 weighs less than 200 kg, but with a powerful engine and tank can exceed the limit.
What is the maximum weight of the boat?
Passenger load capacity is typically 250-300 kg, which includes the weight of people, motor, fuel and equipment, and exceeding this value reduces the buoyancy margin and makes the boat unstable.
Can I put a 2 electric motor on my baby?
Yes, it's a great option for quiet fishing. Electric motors are lightweight and do not require complex installation. For Baby 2, engines with thrust from 30 to 50 lbs will work, which will ensure good speed and maneuverability.
How to fix a hole in an aluminum case?
Temporary repairs can be done with epoxy resin with reinforcement fabric or special aluminum patches on sealants, and major repairs require argon welding to restore the strength of the metal.