Legendary aluminum-boat MCM (Small outboard motor Modernized) for several decades remains one of the most discussed boats in the expanses of the post-Soviet space. Owner's reviews The polarization of this boat, while some call it an "unkillable workhorse" for harsh conditions, others criticize it for its low board and specific seaworthiness, is due to the fact that over the years of operation, each owner has faced unique challenges associated with the development of the new model. shell-building and materials.
In this article, we've analyzed hundreds of real-life exploitative histories to separate myths from facts. duraluminium D16AT, from which the boat is made, requires a special approach, and which motors We will not hide any disadvantages, because buying a used boat is always a risk that must be aware.
Before going into the technical details, it is worth noting that MKM It was created in an era where maintenance and availability were the priority, and that's why many owners still value this boat for being able to repair a hole or replace an element in the field, but modern requirements for comfort and safety dictate their terms, and the old "classic" doesn't always meet them.
Overall impression and quality of the body
The first thing that catches your eye when you look at it MKM It's massive and simple. It's made of sheets. duraluminiaOwners often note that the boat looks very brutal and reliable, but on closer inspection, nuances emerge. Body thickness It is 2 mm and the sides are 1.5 mm, which is a compromise between weight and strength for aluminum.
Many users complain about the so-called "ringing" of metal, and when the boat is excited or raining, there is a loud noise inside the boat, which tires passengers on long journeys. aluminum-alloy Prone to electrochemical corrosion in contact with other metals, so the state of anodic protection and quality painting They play a critical role in the durability of the body.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used MCM boat, be sure to check the condition of the transom and bottom for microcracks. Aluminum D16AT eventually "gets tired", and shocks to the waves can lead to the destruction of welds, which is visually not always noticeable immediately.
However, you can't deny the high maintenance, unlike fiberglass, a hole in the board. MKM You can brew or put an aluminum patch in your garage, and that makes it popular with people in remote areas who don't have specialized services.
Seaworthiness and behaviour on the water
The most discussed topic in feedback This is the behavior of the boat on the wave. MKM It has a fairly flat bow contours, which, when faced with a wave, often leads to a hard blow ("slaps"). Owners joke that the boat does not cut the wave, but hits it flat. This greatly limits the speed of the boat. wave-highnessI can't wait to be on this boat.
But in quiet water or in the event of a passing surge, the boat behaves in a stable and predictable manner. centre It provides good parking stability, which is highly valued by anglers, but if you accelerate above 30 km/h, the lack of developed zygomatic keels begins to affect the boat, and the boat can begin to prowl.
Why is MCM "nose-biting"?
This is a design feature of the contours, and a long, sharp, full-gas, full-loaded bow can go underwater, causing the cockpit to splash and lose speed.
It is important to understand that MKM It's not a pleasure boat for Ladoga in a storm, it's a utilitarian boat for relatively calm bodies of water, and attempts to use it as a seaboat often end in wet passengers and fright.
To improve seaworthiness, many owners install additional pads on the cheekbones or change the screw to a more stepper, so that the boat quickly goes to planing and slaps less on the waves.
Capacity, layout and convenience
Inside the cockpit MKM It is quite spacious for a boat less than 5 meters long, with a passenger capacity of up to 4 people, but with comfort and full fishing gear, it is better to accommodate three. Banks. (seats) are usually removable, which allows flexible configuration of the space under load.
Special attention deserves turretIt's reinforced and designed for outboard motors up to 30-35 hp (though some put more powerful), but low-sided cockpit areas create a sense of insecurity, especially when rolling, and water can easily spill overboard with sharp maneuvers or large wave approach.
| Parameter | Meaning | Owner's comment |
|---|---|---|
| Longest length | 4.50 m | Convenient for transport by trailer |
| largest width | 1.70m | It is narrow for three adults in full height. |
| Load capacity | 400 kg | It's really less if you want speed. |
| Hull mass | ~150 kg | It's a bit heavy for manual unloading. |
Small handbags are provided to store things in the nose, but their volume is often criticized, and owners are forced to place additional drawers or attach sealers directly to the cans. ergonomics It sacrifices functionality.
Operation and selection of motor
Choice outboard for MKM The factory guidelines say 25-30 hp, but practice shows that when the boat is fully loaded, it only opens on engines 30 hp and above. Yamaha 30HMHS, Tohatsu 30 And more modern 40-strong.
With two-stroke engines, the boat goes to the gelling It's faster, but it's more fuel efficient and noise efficient, and it's quieter and more fuel efficient, but it's heavier, which shifts the center of gravity and can make driving worse. Many owners note that with less than 20 hp, the boat glides with only one person on board.
☑️ Check before buying a motor for MCM
The fuel consumption on planing with a 30 hp engine is approximately 8-10 liters per hour, which is acceptable for a metal body. aluminum-boat It creates greater resistance than fiberglass analogues of similar size.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum recommended motor power specified in the data sheet. The reinforced transom of the MCM holds the load, but the aft part of the body may not withstand vibrations and dynamic loads, which will lead to cracks in the welded transom area.
Problems with corrosion and maintenance
The enemy is the MCM is not water, but improper storage and galvanic vapor. Aluminum in salty or even just contaminated water actively corrodes if there are copper or brass elements on the case (for example, sonar sensors, fasteners). zinc protectors Regularly update the corrosion coating.
Another common problem is the leakiness of welds after wintering, and temperature changes and ice loads can lead to microcracks. pressing or at least a thorough visual inspection with soap solution before launching into the water is a mandatory procedure.
Painting a boat also requires a knowledge of technology. Regular enamel is bad and quickly peels off. The best-known are special soils for aluminum and two-component epoxy paints. Some owners completely paste the boat with film, which protects the metal from scratches and sun.
Regular washing with fresh water after each exit, especially in salt water, and the installation of an active zinc tread prolong the life of the MCM body by 2-3 times.
Tuning and modifications DIY
Owners MCMs are creative people, and the tuning of this boat has become almost a cult. snout They also often change the shape of the zygomatic keels, welding additional profiles.
The second most popular upgrade is the cockpit, and the standard wooden cans are changed to soft seats with runduks, installed. glass A more modern form of a head-on, mounting a control console, which makes a Spartan boat a comfortable resting boat.
Some enthusiasts go further and set the MKM They're stationary engines with shafts, but that requires a lot of alteration of the stern and the transom, which is not always economically viable. It's more rational to install a more powerful, lighter outboard motor.
Summary: Is it worth buying?
Summing up the analysis feedback, it can be said that MKM It's a boat for a specific environment and a specific user, and it's a great choice for a single fisherman or a small company living near a body of water who is not afraid to work with their hands and understands the specifics of aluminum.
If you want a quiet, soft, fast boat for family trips through the big reservoirs, you better look at fiberglass. But if you want a tank that you can pull ashore without fear of stones, and that you can repair with a hammer and weld. MKM It is not competitive in its price segment.
The main thing when buying is not to look at the year of release, but to look at the condition of the metal and seams. An old but well-maintained boat will last longer than a new one, but abandoned rust on the shore.
What is the maximum speed you can achieve on a MCM boat?
With an engine of 30 hp and one person on board the boat can accelerate to 35-40 km / h With a full load (4 people), the speed drops to 25-30 km / h, and the boat may not get on plane with less powerful engines.
Do I need to register a boat MCM in GIMS?
The weight of the boat (about 150 kg) plus the engine weight (over 50 kg) exceeds 200 kg, which requires registration and the right to category "C" (motor boat) at the helmsman.
Can I cook the body of the MCM with ordinary welding?
No. To repair the D16AT duraluminium casing, only argon arc welding (TIG) is required using a matching brand of filler material. Conventional electric arc welding will melt the metal or make the seam brittle.
How to properly store a boat MCM in winter?
The boat must be turned upside down or mounted on special kilblocks in a dry, ventilated room, it is important to avoid contact of snow and ice with aluminum, and to prevent accumulation of water inside the hull.