In the world of boating technology, there is a special category of boats that have become a legend due to their simplicity, reliability and accessibility. aluminum boat LittleThe sleek boat, which has won the hearts of thousands of fishermen and hunters since the Soviet Union, has become a symbol of mobility on the water for millions of citizens, designed to carry a passenger car in the trunk.
The uniqueness of the design is the ability to quickly dismantling Unlike the inflatable PVC, the metal is not afraid of sparks from fires, sharp branches and aggressive environments, which makes operation as smooth as possible. Many owners still successfully use boats built several decades ago, which indicates a huge margin of safety of the material.
However, despite its apparent primitiveness, this type of vessel requires careful attention to corrosion and proper storage. If you plan to purchase a used copy or even build a new boat according to old drawings, you need to know the intricacies of care for aluminum-magnesium alloys. Below we will discuss in detail the technical specifications, assembly process and nuances that this legendary building hides. shatterable construction.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability boats Little. This is a combination of aluminium alloys, most commonly AMG or D16, which are highly specific strength materials and, critically for aquatic applications, have excellent freshwater corrosion resistance, and the thickness of the bottom and sides usually varies within 2 mm, which provides a balance between structural rigidity and its total weight.
⚠️ Attention: Aluminum is susceptible to electrochemical corrosion when in contact with copper or brass in salt water. It is strongly recommended not to use a boat in marine conditions without special anti-corrosion treatment and insulation of metal elements.
The hull is built on rivets, which is the standard for aluminum vessels of this class. The use of welding in mass production has been limited due to the risk of thin metal deformation and disruption of the alloy structure in the seam area. The rivet joint allows the hull to remain tight even under vibrational loads that occur when driving for an outboard motor.
The important detail is the shape of the bottom. Baby. It has a flat-kiled bottom, which allows it to feel more confident in the wave than flat-bottoms, but requires a more powerful motor to go into the planing. The angles of the joint sheets are reinforced by profiles that also serve as stiffness ribs, preventing the skin from deforming when it hits the water.
The process of assembling and disassembling the craft
The main advantage that many people choose this model for is the ability to transport in disassembled form. dismantling The vessel is divided into three main parts: bow, center (bottom) and stern, as well as two sides, which can be removed separately or remain part of sections depending on the modification.
☑️ Checklist for boat assembly
The key to tightness of the joints is the rubber seals that are laid between the metal sheets that are connected, and over time, the rubber loses its elasticity and may need to be replaced or it will need to be replaced. aluminum-boat It will start to draw water at the joints, and when you assemble it is important to make sure that the seal is not squeezed or, conversely, there are no gaps.
The fastening of the sections is carried out using bolt joints that pass through special flanges. To prevent unwinding from vibration, it is recommended to use a grover or a thread fixator. After each operation, especially in salt water, it is desirable to rinse the bolt joints with fresh water to avoid acidification of the thread.
Storage nuances of sealants
Rubber pads are recommended to be lubricated after the season with talc or silicone lubricant, and it is better to store them in a straightened state, without cracks, in a cool place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent premature aging of rubber and loss of sealing properties.
Technical specifications and load capacity
data-sheet figures Little ones. Although the boat may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the manufacturer, the basic parameters remain the same. This vessel is a light pleasure and fishing boat designed for operation on inland water bodies in calm weather.
Below is a table with the main technical specifications of the standard model:
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Longest length | 2950 mm |
| largest width | 1150 mm |
| Height of board | 400 mm |
| Load capacity | 200 kg |
| Weight gathered | 36 kg |
It is worth noting that the stated loading capacity 200 kg includes the weight of passengers, engine, fuel and equipment. The real payload for comfortable fishing of two people is about 120-140 kg. Exceeding this limit leads to a significant decrease in the height of the board above the water, which makes swimming dangerous even with a small wave.
The bottom of the boat withstands pressure, allowing the use of outboard motors with a capacity of up to 5 hp, although the optimal power is considered to be 3-4 hp When installing a more powerful engine, there is a risk of breaking the transom or loss of stability, since the center of gravity is shifted, and the bottom area is small.
To extend the life of the transom, install an additional wooden lining of moisture-resistant plywood treated with oliphide between the aluminum transom and the suspension of the motor, which will distribute the pressure from the strubcines and prevent the metal from thrusting.
Operation: motors and control
Management boat-baby The boat is driven by a rudder-controlled outboard motor, with its low draft and lightness, but its short base makes it sensitive to steering at high speed, and sharp turns can lead to dangerous rolling, especially if passengers are on board.
This model is ideal for lightweight two-stroke engines of domestic production or their modern Chinese counterparts. An important aspect is the height of the transom, which must correspond to the engine's daydude. Installation of the engine incorrectly (too high or low) will lead to loss of speed or splashing of the cockpit with water.
- 🚤 The optimal speed for an outboard motor 3-4 hp is about 15-18 km / h.
- ⚓ An anchor weighing 1.5-2 kg is enough to keep the boat on average strength.
- 🛶 Rowing properties are preserved, but due to the narrow body, rowing for long distances is tedious.
Care should be taken when operating in shallow water: although aluminum is stronger than PVC, hitting a hidden driftwood or stone at speed can lead to a dent or even a break in the bottom, repairing such damage is possible, but requires special equipment for welding aluminum or patching skills.
Safe operation of the boat depends on the distribution of weight. Never allow the concentration of cargo or passengers on one side, as the narrow design of the Little has a low rolling threshold when rolling over 20 degrees.
Comparison with competitors and modifications
In today's market aluminum-boat There are many models, but Baby. It's still in the niche of the most budgetary and simple solutions, and compared to the more modern Kazankas or Obyas, it loses in comfort and seaworthiness, but it wins in size in disassembled form and price.
There are various modifications, including versions with reinforced underbody for electric motors or altered bow geometry. Some enthusiasts are self-modernizing boats, installing soft seats, rundooks and even windshields, turning Spartan metal into a cozy fishing spot.
When compared to similarly sized PVC inflatable boats, Baby. It provides a hard floor, which allows you to stand confidently while fishing, and there is no risk of puncture, but the weight collected in the metal is still higher than in light inflatable counterparts, which is worth considering if you plan to often carry a boat alone.
Care, storage and repair of the hull
Durability aluminum-boat The main enemy is galvanic vapor, which occurs when different metals come in contact, and mechanical damage to the paint coating, and regular inspection of the body after each outlet allows you to identify small defects before they become a serious problem.
Keeping the boat upside down under a canopy or in a garage is best, providing ventilation to the interior space. If the boat is kept disassembled, the sections should not lie close to each other - air should circulate between them to avoid condensation, which leads to oxidation.
⚠️ Note: If you find a leak, do not use a regular silicone sealant to seal holes in the bottom. It only stays on the surface and quickly falls off under water pressure. Use epoxy compounds with reinforcement mesh or cold welding for aluminum for repair.
For painting and protection of the case, special soils for non-ferrous metals, such as GF-021, followed by the application of alkyd or polyurethane enamels, must be cleaned to a metallic shine and degreased before painting, and a well-designed painting will not only improve the appearance, but also protect the metal from corrosion.
How to fix a small dent on board?
To align the dent on the aluminum case, you can use the method of squeezing the inside with a wooden hammer. If access to the inside is limited, use a vacuum rectifier or carefully heat the dent site (with care not to let go of the metal hardening) and straighten with light strokes.
Can I put a tent on the baby?
Yes, it's possible to install an awning, but it needs to be reworked, you need to make a frame out of dural pipes and fix it on the hinges or special racks, and it's important to consider that the sailing of the boat with the awning will increase, and it will become more difficult to operate it in the wind, so use the awning only in the parking lot or in the calm.
Which glue is best for rubber seals?
For gluing or restoring rubber seals on aluminum boats, it is best to use polyurethane sealants-adhesives (for example, PU-40 or analogues) or specialized adhesives for rubber and metal. They retain elasticity after drying and do not break down from the effects of water and ultraviolet light.
Do I need to lubricate the bolt joints before assembly?
Yes, threaded joints are recommended to be lubricated with graphite lubricant or copper antifriction compound, which will prevent bolts and nuts from sticking together during operation, especially if the boat is used in salt water, and will facilitate future disassembly.
Is it really possible to make a baby yourself according to the drawings?
This is theoretically possible with access to sheet-bending equipment and aluminum skills, but it is extremely difficult to ensure the necessary tightness of rivet seams and geometry at home, so buying a factory copy, even used ones, is often cheaper and more reliable than self-manufactured.