Legendary aluminum boat MCM It remains one of the most popular floating craft in the post-Soviet space, despite its age, with thousands of owners launching these vessels each year, valuing them for their maintainability, availability of spare parts and time-tested reliability, but the standard equipment and design features that are relevant half a century ago today require improvements to ensure modern levels of comfort and safety.
Well done tuning-boat The power of the hull, the redevelopment of the cockpit, the installation of a more powerful motor or electric tractor, all turn a utilitarian “iron” into a full-fledged recreational boat. In this article, we will discuss the key stages of modernization, drawing on the experience of real boat owners and the technical requirements for aluminum alloys.
Before starting the work, it is important to understand that duraluminium D16ATThe hull requires a special approach to welding and drilling, and unprofessional intervention can lead to microcracks and corrosion. repair and modernization must be carried out in compliance with technological maps, especially when it comes to the tightness of the buoyancy compartments.
Enhancing the transence and installing a powerful motor
The standard transom of the MCM boat is designed for outboard motors with a capacity of up to 12-15 hp Installation of a more powerful engine, for example, 20-25 hp, requires mandatory strengthening of this design. prairie may not withstand increased vibration loads and engine weight, which will lead to deformation or detachment.
The most common method of modernization is to install an additional dural sheet 3-4 mm thick on the inside of the transom. It is important to use welding in the argon environment or high-quality aluminum alloy rivets to avoid galvanic corrosion. scarf at the corners of the transom connection with the sides and bottom.
When strengthening the transom, use only aluminum fasteners. Steel bolts in contact with dural in salt or even fresh water will cause rapid electrochemical corrosion.
If you plan to operate regularly with a powerful motor, it makes sense to increase the angle. keeliness And you can do this by making extra profiles around the transom, which will improve the germination of the glides and reduce the load on the structure as you move along the wave, but remember that any change in the geometry of the stern affects the centering of the vessel.
Modernization of the cockpit and equipment placement
The regular layout of the MCM cockpit is spartan and not always convenient for long fishing or cruising with family. The first step to comfort is to redesign the seat system. Instead of hard cans that crash into the legs, owners often install soft ones. turn-seat or longitudinal runds.
Handuks serve a dual function: they serve as seating and storage tanks for gear, anchors and remixes. They use moisture-resistant fiberglass-plated plywood or sheet aluminum. It is important to provide sealed loops or removable covers to keep the interior dry.
- 🛶 Organization anchor-duck in the bow with the mooring through the lock.
- 🎣 Installation of rod holders along the sides or on the bulkhead.
- 💡 Installation of LED tape around the perimeter of the cockpit for lighting in the dark.
- 📦 Fixing the fuel tank in a special compartment or on the floor with a reliable mount.
Special attention should be paid to the floors, and the grids often bend and cause inconvenience, and replace them with grooved grating. aluminum-leaf or a waterproof plywood with a non-slip coating (e.g. a stamp) Spilant) will significantly improve the safety of the boat, the floor should lie on longitudinal stringers, spreading the load evenly.
☑️ Cockpit layout
Noise insulation and insulation of the body
Aluminum is highly thermally conductive and transmits sound very well, and the engine, the waves hitting the side, and even the wind, create a significant noise background in the MCM boat. vibration and noise insulationModern bitumen-polymer materials, such as Vibrosplast or Shumoff.They are perfectly suited for this purpose.
The material is glued onto the inner surface of the board, the bottom and bulkheads, and not only does this reduce noise, but it also slightly increases the rigidity of the structure, quenching the resonant frequencies, and it is important to degrease the surface before the sticker and carefully roll the material with a roller to avoid detachment.
⚠️ Warning: Do not completely seal all process holes and access to structural elements. Leave the possibility of visual monitoring of the condition of the seams and rivets for timely detection of corrosion.
In the cold season, the issue of insulation becomes relevant: the use of foamed polyethylene with a foil layer (PHOTO)penofol) on top of the vibroisolator, it preserves body heat and protects against cold metal. However, it should be remembered that the thickness of the insulation "eats" the useful volume of the cockpit.
Do I need noise insulation for a PVC boat?
For MCM-type aluminum boats, noise insulation is critical because of the metal's resonating properties. For PVC boats, this is less relevant because the material itself dampens the vibrations, but protection from the cold from water may be required.
Painting and anti-corrosion protection
The appearance of the boat and its durability depend on the quality of the paint coating. Aluminum is prone to oxidation, and although the oxide film protects the metal, in an aggressive aquatic environment it can break down. Before painting, you need to carefully prepare the surface: remove old paint, strip to metal and degrease.
It is best suited for the squashing. epoxy or special soils for non-ferrous metals (for example, FL-03K They provide adhesion and create a barrier layer, you can paint the boat with polyurethane or alkyd enamels designed for boats. A good alternative is to use the same. rubber-paintIt creates a matte, non-slip and tactile pleasant coating.
| Type of coating | Advantages | Deficiencies | Difficulty of application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional enamel | Brilliant, classic look, accessibility | It's cracking when you hit, you can see scratches. | Medium |
| Rubber paint | Anti-slip effect, hides defects, silent | Matte look, it might get dirty. | Low. |
| Powder paint | High strength, durability | Requires dismantling of all equipment and furnace | Tall (pro) |
When painting, it is important to observe the temperature and humidity specified by the manufacturer of the materials. Applying paint to wet metal or at low temperatures will lead to rapid peeling of the coating. Each layer must dry strictly for a time allotted.
High-quality painting of the boat yourself is possible only with perfect surface preparation. 80% of success is cleaning and degreasing, not the paint itself.
Electrification and navigation
Modern fishing and navigation are impossible without electricity. battery The battery should be installed in a special sealed box or a kunduk fixed on the floor to prevent displacement during pitching and water ingress.
To power navigation devices (echo sounder, GPS-navigator) and LED lighting, a battery with a capacity of 40-60 Ah is enough. If you use an electric motor, the capacity should be much higher - from 100 Ah. wiring is better to lay in corrugated tubes or cable channels, protecting against mechanical damage and ultraviolet light.
- 🔋 Installation USB plug It's for charging gadgets on the go.
- 🔌 Installation of the switch "mass" to completely de-energize the system.
- 💡 Organization of a separate chain for running lights with the mandatory use of moisture-proof cartridges.
It is important to provide for the possibility of recharging the battery from the 220V network when the boat is in storage, or from the charge of the main engine, if the appropriate generator is installed. AGM or GEL Batteries are preferred as they require no maintenance and are safer in enclosed spaces.
⚠️ Warning: All electrical connections on board must be soldered and insulated with adhesive heat shrinkage, twists in vibration and moisture quickly oxidize and cause fire or equipment failure.
Installation of an electric motor: features for MCM
In recent years, there has been a trend towards electrification of small vessels, and the MCM boat with its displacement hull is ideal for installation. electric motorThis ensures silent movement, no exhaust gases and vibration, which is highly valued by fishermen.
The installation of an electric motor on a transom MCM often requires the manufacture of a transition bracket, as standard mounts may not fit or be too short for the thick transom of a reinforced boat.
How long will the boat take on an electric motor?
When using a traction battery with a capacity of 100 Ah and driving at an average speed (about 30-40% of the power), the power reserve will be approximately 20-25 km, which is quite enough for fishing on a lake or river.
The main advantage is the ability to accurately maneuver and use the boat in areas with limited noise or exhaust. However, consider the weight of the battery, which can significantly affect differentiation.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Should I sew the deck on the MCM boat completely?
Completely covering the deck (deck) makes the boat unsinkable, but it weighs heavily and reduces usable volume, and it makes it difficult to dry and inspect the internal seams for corrosion, with partial closures with hatches to access.
What is the best thickness of aluminum to use for reinforcement?
To strengthen the most loaded places (transom, zygomatic parts) it is recommended to use a sheet 3-4 mm thick. The use of thicker metal is impractical due to weight growth, and a thinner one will not give the desired effect of rigidity.
Can you cook dural with a regular electrode?
No, you can't boil duraluminium with a conventional steel electrode or an electrode for ferrous metals, it will break the seam. It only uses argon arc welding.TIG) with the filler wire of the corresponding alloy (e.g. AD31 or AMG).
Do I need to take the boat off the water for the winter?
Yes, leaving an aluminum boat in the water for the winter is not recommended, and in addition to the risks associated with ice, prolonged exposure to the water accelerates corrosion, especially in areas of paint damage and fouling.