Buying a used boat is always a lottery, where not just money is at stake, but safety on the water. Boat metal to buy usedAluminum and steel behave differently in an aggressive aquatic environment, and the inexperienced eye may not notice critical changes in the metal structure that will become noticeable only during a storm or a strong roll.
The used water vehicle market is full of supplies, but it's hard to find a really good quality one. Many owners try to hide traces of corrosion or poor repairs under layers of fresh paint, which is why you need to understand clearly what alloys are used in shipbuilding and how they degrade over time before you make a deal.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of choosing a used metal. You will learn how dangerous electrochemical breakdown, how to distinguish a quality factory seam from an artisanal surface, and which brands to pay attention to first. The right approach to inspection will save your budget and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Aluminum Body
The main argument for buying a metal vessel is its incredible strength and durability, unlike fiberglass, which can get a hidden crack when hit by a log. aluminum It's more likely to get dented, but it's still tight, and it's not afraid of ultraviolet light, it's not afraid of temperature changes, and it requires less maintenance in the winter.
But there's a downside to this, because the main enemy of metal is corrosion, and it comes in all kinds of different kinds of corrosion, and surface oxidation is not scary, it even creates a protective film. electrochemicalThis is a type of stainless metal that occurs when different metals come into contact in salt water or just mineralized water, and if the previous owner installed the motor or equipment without insulation, the body could get through microcracks.
The second disadvantage is noise and thermal conductivity, and the metal gets hot in the sun and rattles in the wave, which can reduce fishing comfort, but for the northern regions and difficult operating conditions. metal boat It's a good idea to estimate the residual life of a particular instance.
⚠️ Warning: Never buy a boat if the seller refuses to show it on the water or says "no hole, but you can't swim because of traffic jams" is a sure sign that the boat is gaining water faster than the pump is working.
Criteria for selection: Duraluminium vs. AMG
When searching for an ad on request Boat metal to buy usedYou'll come across two main types of materials: Duraluminum (D16T grades) is a very strong and lightweight alloy that holds its shape even when thin, but it's a strong fear of salt water and requires a perfect corrosion-resistant coating. If the paint gets swelled, the dural starts to bloom white and then rot from the inside.
The second option is AMG alloys, which are softer, scratch more easily, and dents are more frequent, but they are virtually non-corrosive. AMG boats They can stand in the water for years without much care, and when you buy a used version of dural, you need to be extremely attentive to the condition of the bottom, whereas AMG will forgive many of the mistakes of operation.
For small boats up to 4 meters long, the normal side is 2 mm and the bottom is 3 mm. If you see a proposal with a thickness of 1.5 mm around the perimeter, it is either an outright marriage or a vessel that has already been digested several times. Metal thickness It is a safety margin that cannot be ignored.
How to quickly determine the type of alloy at home?
The easiest way is a magnet. Aluminum and its alloys are not affected at all. If the magnet sticks, you have steel. It is visually difficult to distinguish D16T from AMG, but D16T is usually harder to the touch and has a more pronounced graininess on the cut, if it is available for inspection (for example, in places where paint chips are).
Detailed instructions for inspection of the body
A used boat should be inspected in stages, and there is no rush, starting at the outer perimeter, carefully inspecting the zygomatic parts and the transom. These are the areas that experience maximum stress when hitting a wave, and the presence of repair marks, such as overlay patches or uneven coloring, should be a signal for a deeper inspection.
Then we'll move to the interior, get inside the boat and look at all the seams. ferro-welding It looks like a smooth, scaly roller, and if you see chaotic melting, traces of electrode welding, or worse, using a sealant to seal the cracks, it's a sign of artisanal repair, and the sealant loses its elasticity over time and starts to let water through.
☑️ Checklist of inspection of metal boat
Pay special attention to the transom. This is where the vibrations are highest, tap it with your knuckles or a wooden screwdriver handle. The sound should be loud and loud. A deaf sound can indicate metal stratification or hidden cavities filled with water or foam, which is often done by unscrupulous owners to "strengthen" the structure.
⚠️ Warning: Do not trust the seller if the boat has been thoroughly washed with chemicals and rubbed with polio before the sale, often masking fresh cracks or stopping the active oxidation process for a couple of days to show.
Table of comparison of popular models of used boats
To make it easier for you to navigate the sea of offers, we have prepared a comparative description of popular models, which are most often found in the secondary market, prices are approximate and depend on the year of release and condition.
| Model | Materials | Length (m) | Average used price (ruble) | Typical problems |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kazankah-5M | D16T (Dural) | 4.5 | 35 000 - 60 000 | Body corrosion, flowing at the seams |
| Salute 480 | AMG (Aluminum) | 4.8 | 90 000 - 140 000 | Soft metal, dents in the sides. |
| Ob-3 | D16T (Dural) | 4.3 | 40 000 - 70 000 | Geometry disturbance during impacts |
| Wind (steel) | Steel | 3.8 | 15 000 - 25 000 | Through rust, heavy weight. |
As you can see from the table, metal boat Durals are cheaper but require more attention to anticory. AMG models keep the price better because they are considered more reliable in the long run. Steel options are the lot of the budget segment, but their weight often makes operation uncomfortable without a powerful trailer.
The price of a used boat depends on the condition of the welds and the absence of traces of artisanal repairs. A cheap boat with a digested bottom can cost more than a new one after restoration.
Legal aspects and documents
Buying a boat is not only a technical process, but also a legal process. In Russia, small vessels are subject to registration in the GIMS if their weight with an engine exceeds 200 kg or the engine power is more than 8 kW (about 10 hp).
The ideal option is the presence boat registration certificate If the boat has never been registered, you need a sales contract or a receipt from the original owner, and without these documents, you risk buying stolen property or a restricted boat.
When drawing up a contract of sale, be sure to indicate the factory number, stamped on the transom. This number must match the number in the documents. If the number is spiraled, erased or not readable, you can not make a deal, since it will be impossible to register such a boat.
Test drive and water test
There's no dry inspection that can replace going out. Make a test trip with the vendor. Pay attention to the boat's behavior as it moves. It shouldn't scour side to side without you, and it can indicate a hull geometry disorder that often happens after a major impact on the shore.
After 10-15 minutes of driving, turn off the motor and look into the hold. Water is normal, but it shouldn't come quickly. If water drips from the ceiling or oozes through the seams, it's a sign of serious problems. Also listen to the sounds: a metal clanging or creaking may indicate poorly fixed structural elements or rubbing bulkheads.
Take a white sheet of paper and solvent with you to inspect, wipe suspicious spots on the bottom, and if there are traces of fresh paint or sealant on the cloth, then the defects were tried to hide immediately before the sale.
Final recommendations before purchase
Decision Buy a metal boat from a used It should be weighted. Don't chase the lowest price on bulletin boards. A good boat made of quality metal rarely costs cheap, because it retains its functionality for decades. It's better to add a budget and take a proven option than to fight a leak every summer.
Pay attention to the package. Having a running awning, anchoring device and quality floorboards (floors) can save you a significant amount. Often sellers are willing to give up on the price if you pick up the boat along with additional equipment.
Remember that metal forgives mistakes, but does not tolerate indifference. Regular washing after salt water, storage under a canopy and timely restoration of paint coatings will prolong the life of your purchase for many years.
☑️ Final check before transferring money
Can I make a crack in an aluminum boat by myself?
Theoretically, you can if you have argon welding machine and skills to work with aluminum-alloyBut in the field, it's very difficult to do that, because when you heat it, aluminum changes its properties, and the welding site can become fragile, and you can use epoxy compounds with reinforcement mesh for temporary repairs, and you can trust the professionals to overhaul it.
What is the life of a metal boat?
With proper operation and storage metal boat The Duraluminum hulls are still in service today, and the main limiting factor is not the age of the metal, but the storage conditions and the presence of mechanical damage.
Do I need to paint a metal boat every year?
No, the quality of the factory coating lasts 5-7 years, however, if you find chipped or scratches, they should be painted immediately using special aluminum soils (for example, VL-023).
Which is better: buy a new boat made of PVC or used metal?
It depends on the task, for fishing from the parking lot, hunting and swimming in shallow water with rocks. metal boat For cruising, bathing and storage in an apartment without a trailer, a new PVC metal requires storage and transportation.