Buying a first boat is always a compromise between the budget, the desired comfort and operating conditions. Metal boat for an outboard motor It is often the perfect choice for those who value durability and are not afraid of rocky rolls, and unlike inflatables, metal provides a sense of confidence and stability even in high winds and water turbulence.
However, choosing a particular model requires understanding the difference between alloys. Aluminum-magnesium Alloys do not rust like steel, but are more expensive. Duralis The hulls are easier to repair, but they require careful corrosion control, and it depends on the material how many seasons your boat will last without major repairs.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances that will help you not to make a mistake when buying. bottom thickness less than 2 mm It can be a fatal mistake for fishing in shallow water, and how to calculate the power of the engine.
Materials of the case: aluminum against steel
When choosing metal boat The first thing you need to do is to figure out the material. Steel is cheaper and stronger to hit, but it's heavier and more corrosive. Aluminum is lightweight, doesn't rust (although it oxidizes) and allows you to create more complex contours of the hull. For small rivers and lakes, where boats often have to be dragged around with a drag, weight becomes critical.
Modern manufacturers are more likely to use aviation aluminum with magnesium and manganese additives, which are highly ductile, allowing them to bend on impact rather than crack, and steel boats are more likely to be used for stationary engines or for operation in the harsh conditions of the North, where maximum strength is important.
When buying used boats, be sure to check the internal seams for “threaded” corrosion, which is often hidden under a layer of paint and sealant.
And the combinations, where the bottom is made of thicker metal and the side is made of thin metal, reduce the overall weight while maintaining the weight. wear-resistant However, welds in the intersection of dissimilar metals require special attention in maintenance.
⚠️ Aluminum boats should not be washed with aggressive household chemicals with high pH, as this destroys the oxide film and accelerates corrosion.
Design features and seaworthiness
The geometry of the hull directly affects the behavior of the vessel on the water. Flat-bottomed models are ideal for standing water and shallow water, but on the wave they begin to prowl dangerously and hit the water with the whole plane. V-shaped Or a keeled bottom that cuts through the wave.
The essential element is the presence of zygomatic stringers, which not only strengthen the hull but also act as hydrodynamic wings to help the boat to plane faster, and the absence of stringers on high-speed models leads to increased fuel consumption and instability of the course.
Pay attention to the height of the transom. outboard The standard height is 381 mm (15 inches) or 508 mm (20 inches). If you plan to put a long leg motor on a low transom, you will need a special charger, which can disrupt the weight of the vessel.
Choice of motor power and transom
Each metal boat It has a passport load capacity and maximum engine power, and exceeding these parameters is not only illegal, but also deadly. A weak transom can not withstand the vibration of a powerful engine, which will lead to engine tearing off at full speed.
When choosing an engine, consider that aluminum housings are easier to go to the plane than fiberglass analogues of the same length. So it often makes no sense to overpay for excess power. For a boat with a length of 4 meters with two passengers, a motor of 5-8 hp is usually enough.
☑️ Check before buying the engine
Special attention is paid to the fastening of the motor. Metal boats often install stainless steel or aluminum trunk slabs, which distribute the load. If the trunk is wooden (plywood), it must be protected from moisture, otherwise the swelling of the tree will lead to loosening of the fasteners.
| Boat length (m) | Optimum power (hp) | Max. speed (km/h) | Capacity (person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 – 3.5 | 2.5 – 5.0 | 15 – 25 | 2 |
| 3.6 – 4.2 | 5.0 – 9.9 | 30 – 40 | 3 |
| 4.3 – 5.0 | 15.0 – 30.0 | 45 – 60 | 4-5 |
| 5.0+ | 40.0+ | 60+ | 5+ |
Anti-corrosion protection and maintenance
Even if you chose aluminum-alloyThe aluminum-steel or aluminum-bronze vapor in salt water works like a battery, quickly destroying the body, and zinc anodes are used to prevent this from taking over corrosion.
Steel boats require regular paint, and before applying new enamel, the rust must be removed completely mechanically, and the use of rust converters only has a temporary effect unless there is a high-quality water insulation. Epoxy soils They show the best results in the long run.
The Secret of Long Service of the Anodes
Install zinc treads directly on the transom or bottom near the engine's lower unit, and change them when the weight loss is more than 50%.
You also need to keep a humidity check inside the boat, and the water that accumulates in the bilge niches and under the banks causes corrosion from below, and regular drying and ventilation is a guarantee that your body will be able to get rid of the water. motorboat It won't rot in three seasons.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep a boat with an engine installed in water for long periods without using special antifouling coatings that are allowed for your area.
Tuning and improvement DIY
Metal is a valuable material for modernization, and unlike plastic, it's easy to insert additional hatches into the aluminum board, install sonar brackets, or secure safety bands, and the main thing is to use a polyurethane-based sealant for any drilling.
A popular modification is the installation stripes Rubber or plastic profiles save the sides from scratching on the berths and hitting other boats, and often install additional knobs in the nose to store equipment, which improves weight distribution.
Any drilling of metal should end with immediate treatment of the edge of the hole with anticort and installation of fasteners on the sealant.
For the comfort of fishing, many owners install soft overhead decks made of EVA foam. They are not only pleasant to the touch, but also work as thermal insulation, allowing you to fish in early spring without the risk of freezing through a thin bottom.
GIMS registration and legal aspects
Under current legislation, boats weighing more than 200 kg (complete with an engine) or with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration. However, the rules may change, so it is always important to check the information at the local branch.
A boat with a power of more than 10 hp (or 8 kW) requires a category B (outboard) license, a major fine and a parking lot, and annual transportation tax if the power exceeds a certain threshold.
Don't forget to put in the equipment: life jackets by number of people, anchor, scoop and lifeline, these elements are checked by the GIMS inspectors first, and the absence of a vest is the most common reason for fines.
Do I need to register a boat without a motor?
If the weight of a curb boat without a motor exceeds 200 kg, registration is required regardless of the engine. For light aluminum boats (up to 200 kg), registration is not required unless they are equipped with a motor of more than 8 kW.
What is the penalty for not having the right to control?
The fine for operating a vessel without proper rights is from 2000 to 4000 rubles, and the vessel can be detained until the cause of detention is eliminated.
Can I change the engine power on my own?
No, changing design features (including power) requires changes to documents and re-registration, and unauthorized flashing or replacing engine parts to increase power is illegal.
How often do I need to take a checkup?
Small vessels used for non-commercial purposes are inspected (technical inspection) once every 5 years, if less than 5 years have passed since the date of release.
In summary, it can be said that metal boat It's an investment in safety and durability, and the right maintenance and maintenance will allow you to enjoy fishing and cruising for years without any major problems.