The legendary Soviet aluminum-boat The MCM has been one of the most talked-about boats in domestic waters for more than half a century. Despite the model's venerable age, thousands of fishermen and hunters continue to search for information about its real-world capabilities, especially when it comes to transporting and installing the engine. The main issue that potential owners are concerned about is the weight of the hull, because it is on this parameter that the convenience of operating alone depends.
In this article we will discuss in detail specification You'll learn how the real weight differs from the data-sheet figures, what engines are suitable for this boat and why. loading capacity We will also touch upon the operation of the D16T duraluminium alloy, from which the boat is made.
Understanding the exact dimensions and weight is not only necessary to select the right trailer or boot on the roof of the car. Load distribution It's a direct influence on performance and water stability, and let's look at why this boat is still in demand and what are the nuances behind the dry numbers in the technical data sheet.
Historical background and design features
Model MKM The (Small Boat Upgraded) was developed in the early 1960s at the Kuibyshev Aviation Plant as a development of the popular Kazanka boat, designed to address its predecessor's main drawbacks: low stability and low payload capacity, resulting in a wider and heavier boat that can confidently hold the wave and withstand heavy loads, made possible by the use of a durable aircraft. duraluminia.
The design of the body is made with rounded contours of the nose, which significantly improved the germination of the wave compared to the sharp nose of the Kazanka. Onboard plating And the bottom is made of 2 mm thick sheet metal, which provides high strength, but inevitably affects the total weight of the product. Welds are made of argon welding, which was considered an advanced technology for mass production.
Why duraluminium?
The D16T alloy used to produce MCM is highly specific and corrosive, but it is subject to electrochemical corrosion when in contact with copper or brass, so it is important to monitor the condition of the transom and not use heterogeneous metals in the fastener without insulation.
It is important to note that turret The boats were originally designed to be fitted with outboard motors up to 25 hp, although modern owners often experiment with more powerful units. The rigidity of the design is provided by four transom cans, which also serve as seats for passengers, such a layout allows you to accommodate up to four people on board, but only under strict compliance with weight restrictions.
Weight of the boat MCM: data-sheet figures against reality
The issue of weight is the most painful for the owners of this model. According to the factory technical data sheet, the weight of the hull of the MCM boat is the largest. 138 kilogramsThis figure is not included in removable equipment such as windshield, awning or anchor box. For its time, this was an acceptable figure, but in modern conditions, when lightweight fiberglass technology prevails, the weight of 140 kg seems impressive.
However, actual practice shows that the actual weight often exceeds the declared. Mass gain This is due to several factors: residues of old paint, a layer of dirt and silt in the hold, and possible repairs using thicker aluminum linings. There are instances that weigh up to 150-160 kg, making them almost impossible for one person without the use of technical means.
- 📉 Passport weight of dry body: 138 kg
- ⚖️ Real weight, including aging and pollution: up to 155 kg
- 🚤 Weight with the engine installed 25 hp: about 200 kg
- 🎒 Weight with equipment and fuel: more than 220 kg
Even a small increase in weight is critical if you plan to lift a boat onto the roof of a car. Aluminum alloy It's light, but the skin thickness of 2 mm dictates its conditions. For comparison, modern PVC boats of similar size weigh 3-4 times less, but they do not have the strength and durability of metal.
When buying a used MCM boat, be sure to weigh it on a car scale. Visually, it is impossible to determine the difference between 138 kg and 155 kg, but for your back and suspension of the car it will be tangible.
Overall dimensions and load capacity
Dimensions MKM It's a fully fledged, small-scale open-water vessel, with a hull length of 4.5 meters, which provides good wave germination and comfortable plane, 1.6 meters across the midsection, which is much wider than its predecessors, and provides the necessary stability, allowing passengers to move around the sides without the risk of tipping over.
Load capacity The boat is officially declared to be 400 kg. This includes the weight of passengers, engine, fuel, equipment and the hull itself. If you subtract the weight of the boat itself (138 kg) and the engine (about 50 kg), then the payload is approximately 210 kg. This is what the boat can comfortably accommodate three adults with a small supply of equipment.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Longest length | 4,500 mm | No nasal reinforcement. |
| largest width | 1600 mm | Midel-spangout. |
| Height of board | 650 mm | Midle. |
| Load capacity | 400 kg | Total mass on water |
The height of the side of 65 cm is a great indicator for protection against splashes and wave swamps. precipitation The free board is reduced and the free board is increased.
The load capacity of 400 kg is the maximum permissible weight, not the recommended one. For safe and comfortable operation on the wave, it is better to focus on a load of 300-320 kg.
Engine installation and driving performance
Train boat MKM It is designed to accommodate outboard motors up to 25 hp, which is limited by the strength of the stern and the overall hull design. When you install a 20-25 hp engine, the boat goes into plane with one person on board. With a full load (3-4 people), you may need a motor that is closer to or slightly higher than the upper limit for sure plane.
Many owners practice the installation of engines with a capacity of 30 hp, which gives an increase in speed, but requires extreme caution. Turning roll With this power, it becomes significant, and the risk of water flooding through the side increases, and the design of the keel and the contours contributes to good course stability, but there can be a noticeable keel pitching on a heavy chop.
☑️ Check before installing the engine
Fuel consumption when using a 20-25 hp motor is about 8-10 liters per hour at full gas. For long transitions, it is recommended to install a remote fuel tank, since the built-in tanks on older models often become unusable or have a small volume. The speed with a 20 hp engine and one driver reaches 35-40 km / h.
⚠️ Attention: Operating a boat with a power of more than 25 hp can lead to the destruction of the transom and loss of warranty (if it is still relevant), and it may raise questions for GIMS inspectors when checking the vessel's compliance with technical requirements.
Transport and storage
Transportation MKM The 140kg weight makes it impossible for a single person to load onto the roof of a passenger car without the use of special winches or lifts. Most owners use trailers, which is the safest and most convenient way.
When storing the boat, it's best to keep it under a canopy or in a garage. duraluminium It does not rust like steel, it is prone to oxidation and corrosion, especially in contact with salt water or aggressive environments. Winter storage in the open air without a tent can lead to the accumulation of moisture and ice inside the case, which will put additional stress on the seams.
- 🚗 For transportation on the roof, a reinforced trunk (up to 150 kg) is required.
- 🛡️ When stored outside, a breathing awning is mandatory
- 🧹 Regular washing with fresh water prolongs the life of rafting
- 🔩 Checking rivets and seams is required once a season
If you do decide to carry a boat on the roof, make sure that the body of the car and the roof racks are designed for this load. Often the limit static load on the roof of the car is less dynamic, but in the sum of the weight of the trunk and the boat itself, you can easily exceed the limits specified by the car manufacturer.
How do you protect the bottom with drag?
If you have to drag a boat along a rocky shore often, consider installing a keel lining made of hard wood or rubber. This will protect the thin bottom from abrasion and dents.
Comparison with analogues and final conclusions
Compared to the modern Kazanka-M, MKM It is more comfortable and stable because of its greater width and height, but it loses weight: Kazanka-M weighs about 110 kg, which is much easier to transport. On the other hand, modern PVC boats with a length of 4.5 meters weigh only 50-70 kg, but they are inferior in durability and cross-country in shallow water.
The main advantage aluminum-boat It's not afraid of driftwoods, rocky bottoms or sparks from a fire that will instantly burn PVC. If you prioritize reliability and the ability to operate in difficult conditions, and the issue of weight is solved by the presence of a trailer, MCM remains a great choice.
In summary, it can be said that MCU It's a trade-off between the comfort of a sea boat and the availability of a mass product, and its weight is a price for strength and safety, and before you buy, be sure to evaluate your physical capabilities and the availability of transportation equipment, so that owning this boat brings only the joy of fishing, not back pain.
Is it possible to swim on a boat MCM on Lake Ladoga?
It is possible to swim, but with great care. The boat has a category B (inland waterways), which allows access to large bodies of water. However, due to the small margin of buoyancy and openness of the cockpit, you should only go to Ladoga in calm weather and near the shore. When a wave above 0.5 meters high, it becomes dangerous to be on such a boat.
What is the real life of the MCM boat?
When used carefully and stored in dry rooms, aluminum boats last 30-50 years or more. Many of the 1960s and 70s are still in service. The main enemy is not time, but mechanical damage and electrochemical corrosion in contact with other metals.
Do I need to register a boat MCM in GIMS?
Yes, it is. The weight of the boat (138 kg) plus the weight of the engine (even the lightest 20 kg) exceeds 200 kg. According to the rules, small craft weighing more than 200 kg are subject to mandatory registration, regardless of the engine power, and the right to drive if the engine power exceeds 8 hp (or 10 hp depending on the year of issue of the license).