Legendary Ob The 3-meter model, produced by the Novosibirsk Chkalov Plant (NZEVT), has long been a symbol of reliability in the small-size world. The 3-meter model is a unique combination of accessibility, simplicity of construction and time-tested repairability. Unlike modern counterparts, this boat was designed to operate in harsh conditions of Siberian rivers, which dictated special requirements for hull strength and buoyancy.
Today, when the market is saturated with composite and PVC vessels, interest in the metal does not fade. Duraluminum alloyThe tin, which is used in manufacturing, allows the owner to fix the holes by welding patches right on the shore, which is impossible to do with plastic. It is this "unkillability" that makes the three-meter Ob a desirable trophy for hunters and anglers who value practicality over aesthetics.
However, when buying a used boat or deciding to buy one, you need to be clear about what you are going to face. Technical specifications This model has its own nuances, which can be both an advantage and a limitation depending on your goals, and below we will discuss in detail all the parameters, dimensions and features of operation.
Basic dimensions and weight parameters
The first thing to look for when choosing a storage or transportation location is the overall size. Ob 3 It's a small rowing boat or a motor boat, but its width is often surprising to beginners, and it's designed to provide maximum stability, which is critical when you're standing or you're cruising on a boat together.
The weight of the empty case is about 130-140 kg, which is an essential parameter. Boat mass It requires a reliable trailer or a powerful winch to launch, especially if the shore is sloping and clay, and it will be extremely difficult for a physically strong person to cope with such a mass on land alone, so having a second assistant or mechanizing the process is a must.
Waterline length and structural length affect driving performance, three meters is a borderline size that still makes you comfortable on the wave, but already requires accuracy when going against the current. Load capacity The model is officially declared in the area of 400 kg, which allows you to accommodate two adults and the necessary equipment without losing the power reserve.
It is important to consider that the real weight may differ from the passport due to the accumulated years of cargo, dirt in the hold or installed additional elements. Therefore, when planning a purchase, always lay a small margin for the carrying capacity of the trailer and the power of the tractor.
Materials of the body and design features
The basis of durability Obi. This material is highly specific strength, but it requires careful attention to electrochemical corrosion. Unlike steel, aluminum does not rust in the usual sense, but it can oxidize and break down when it comes into contact with other metals in salt water, although this is less relevant for freshwater bodies.
The case is assembled on rivets, which is both a plus and a minus. On the one hand, the riveted joint is less sensitive to vibration than the weld, and it is easier to seal in the field. sealing requires periodic attention and the use of special compositions based on the marigold or modern polyurethane sealants.
β οΈ Warning: When inspecting an old boat, be sure to check the rivet seams for metal fatigue. If radial cracks are visible around the rivets, the operation of the vessel becomes dangerous.
The bottom design is usually flat or with a slight zygomatic curve, which is typical for boats of this class. This provides good slewing when installing a sufficiently powerful engine, but reduces comfort when driving on high wave. Stiffness of the hull It is achieved by means of a system of spans and stringers, which also serve as places for fastening cans and runduks.
Capacity and passenger capacity
Interior space Ob 3 It's organized in a utilitarian way, and it's not the kind of frivolity that you see in pleasure boats, but the main area is a cockpit that houses two removable or fixed seats (banks), and it allows you to dismantle them if you need them to, to increase the payload.
Passenger capacity is officially limited to two or three people depending on the equipment and year of production. usefulness The boats often allow more equipment to be carried than similarly sized PVC boats, making the Ob ideal for multi-day alloys, where tents, motors and food supplies are to be carried.
βοΈ Checking the condition of the boat before buying
For anglers, it's important to have a runduk, and the nose is usually sealed, and it's not just for storing things, it's also for the function of keeping things. float-blockIn the event of a rollover, it is the air compartments and sealed rods that keep the boat afloat along with the crew.
The distance between the sides allows you to sit comfortably together, without touching each other with your elbows when rowing. The width of the cockpit in the area of 1.2-1.3 meters is optimal for placing a fishing box between the legs or installing a stationary sonar.
Power limitations and compatibility with motors
One of the most important questions for a potential owner is what engine to put. Factory specifications often indicate modest values of 5-8 hp, which corresponded to the realities of the Soviet era and the requirements of registration in GIMS. Obi. It allows you to withstand significantly large loads.
Experienced water-engineers successfully operate these boats with engines up to 15-18 hp maximum speed It can reach 25-30 km/h, which makes a heavy rowing boat into a full-fledged plane, and the key factor here is the weight distribution: shifting passengers and cargo into the bow helps the boat to go into mode faster.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Longest length | 3000 mm | By the side. |
| largest width | 1300 mm | Midel-spangout. |
| Height of board | 450 mm | Midle. |
| Hull mass | ~135 kg | No motor or gear. |
| Recommended capacity of outboard motor | 5-15 hp | Optimum 9.9bhp. |
It is worth noting that the installation of the engine is more powerful than 10 hp. may require the refinement of the transom or the installation of additional reinforcing linings, if the boat has a large residual life. transom plate It must be strictly perpendicular to the bottom plane to ensure the correct angle of the different.
Can I get a 20 HP engine?
Theoretically, you can, but it's a risk of overloading the stern, a bowburst, a lower rate of stability, and for 20 forces, you'd better look at the longer versions or the Kazanka boats.
Comparison with modifications and analogues
On the market, you can often find not just "Ob", but its variations, for example, Ob-M Or a rework called Ob-3. Ob-M The nose features a reinforced transom and slightly altered geometry, making it more suitable for medium-power motors. The regular Ob 3m often has a simpler, "clumsy" design.
Compared to the popular Kazanka, Ob wins in width and stability, but loses in the speed of exit to planing due to the flat bottom. Comparison of specifications It shows that Ob is more βswalledβ in quiet water, but safer for beginners due to its wide base.
The analogue of the modern world can be considered various Chinese aluminum boats, but their quality of metal is often inferior to the Soviet dural. Ob It is easier to find a drawing or a person who knows how to rivet aluminum in Russia than to cook specific alloys of Chinese analogues.
Special attention should be paid to PVC conversion. Many owners cut the sides and use the bottom as a rigid base for inflatable tubes, which creates a hybrid that combines floor rigidity and softness of the side, but this operation requires careful sealing of the sections.
Operation, storage and typical problems
The care of an aluminum boat is minimal, but it is mandatory, and the main rule is that after every fishing, especially in salt water or water with a lot of suspension, the hull should be rinsed with fresh water. Electrochemical corrosion can quickly destroy the bottom if the boat is stored with residues of moisture and dirt in the hold.
A typical problem with the old Oaks is the depressurization of rivet seams and the nose flunduck. The water entering the bow creates a nose different, which impairs the performance of the vessel. Regular drying and processing of seams with special mastics prolongs the life of the vessel for decades.
β οΈ Warning: Never keep a boat upside down in direct sunlight without awning. Aluminum heats up a lot and temperature swings can weaken riveted joints.
When stored in winter, it is recommended to install the boat on special slipways or kilblocks to avoid deformation of the hull under its own weight.
To protect the bottom from abrasion on the sand when pulling ashore, use removable runners made of hard wood or plastic linings that can be easily replaced.
If you plan to actively operate, it makes sense immediately after the purchase to conduct an audit of all power elements. Strength test The key, fastening of the cans and transom will take a couple of hours, but will save you from trouble on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register the boat Ob 3 meters in GIMS?
Registration depends on the weight of the boat in gear and the power of the engine. If the boat with the engine and equipment is more than 200 kg, or the engine power is more than 8 hp (10.88 kW), registration is mandatory. Given the weight of the Ob (about 140 kg) and the weight of even a small four-stroke engine (about 25-30 kg), you are likely to fall into the category of requiring registration.
What is the maximum speed to go on the Obi?
Design speed is limited by body strength and stability. For a standard Ob 3m, speeds up to 35-40 km / h are considered safe. Exceeding this threshold on a flat bottom can lead to wave shocks and discomfort for the crew, as well as increased fuel consumption.
Can I make a break in the body with a regular welding?
No, duraluminium requires argono-arc welding (TIG) and the use of a filler material of the same brand (e.g. AD31 or AMG). Conventional electrode welding will melt a thin sheet or make the seam brittle. It is better to use rivets with a meadow pad for field repair.
The Ob 3m boat is a workhorse for those who value maintainability and stability above speed performance and ease of transportation.