In the world of compact boats for fishing and recreation on the water, a special place is occupied by small models that can fit in the trunk of a passenger car. boat-boat It has proven to be a reliable and practical option for solo walks or fishing together, and it attracts attention for its design simplicity, which, however, does not deprive it of the necessary seaworthiness for calm water.
Many boaters choose this project due to the possibility of self-assembly from the aluminum-magnesium alloy (AMG) This approach saves a lot of money by getting a full-boat, albeit a small one, out of the boat, and unlike the inflatable ones, the Rusbot offers the confidence and stability that a rigid hull can offer.
However, despite the popularity of the model, potential owners have many questions about stability, load capacity and nuances of operation. Rusbot 45 It's not just a piece of metal, it's an engineering solution that requires an understanding of its capabilities and limitations, and in this article, we'll go through all the different aspects, from the technical data to the actual experience of water use.
Technical specifications and design features
The basis of the reliability of the boat is the material of the hull. aluminum-alloy This ensures an optimal balance between strength and weight, and the design involves the use of longitudinal and transom sets, which gives rigidity to the bottom and sides even in the absence of a complex frame.
The size of the model allows you to classify it as small-boat The length of the hull is 4.5 meters, which is the middle ground for one or two people with a full set of equipment. The width of the midget usually varies depending on the modification, but most often is about 1.6-1.7 meters, which provides acceptable stability.
- 🚤 Full length: 4.50 meters (excluding the transom extension).
- 📏 Maximum width: 1.65 meters (by cheekbone or sides).
- ⚖️ Weight of the hull: about 90-110 kg (depending on the thickness of the metal and the configuration).
- 👥 Passenger capacity: 2 people (according to GIMS standards, taking into account equipment).
⚠️ Attention: The actual weight of the finished boat may vary from the estimated by 10-15% depending on the quality of the welds and the amount of sealant or paint used. When designing a trailer or preparing for transportation on the roof, consider the maximum weight.
An important element of the design is turretIn most projects of "Rusbot" it is made removable or integrated into the aft, designed to install an outboard motor with a capacity of up to 15-20 hp This is quite enough to achieve a planing mode with one fisherman and a minimum load.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
Choosing between a factory product and an independent building, or comparing the Rusbot with competitors, you need to weigh all the pros and cons. The main trump card of this model is maintainabilityAluminum is easy to boil, and if the skin on the stones is damaged, the hole can be closed even in the field with a burner.
In addition, the owners note a high longevity Aluminum does not rust like steel, and when properly treated with anti-corrosion (such as anodizing or painting) it lasts for decades. The absence of rotting wood elements (except for paiola) also prolongs the life of the boat.
The Hidden Potential of Modernization
Many owners install additional knobs in the bow on Rusbot 45, making them airtight, which allows you to increase the useful volume for storing things without cluttering the cockpit, and at the same time increases the unsinkability of the boat due to air cameras.
But it's not without its model and its disadvantages. comfortWhen you're over 0.5 meters excited, the impacts on the wave can be felt because of the relatively flat bottom and the short length, which is a typical problem for all shorts, and Rusbot 45 is no exception.
- 🛠️ Easy to assemble: The drawings are available, the technology is understandable to the beginner.
- 💰 Budgetary: the cost of metal and consumables is lower than the price of a finished PVC boat of a similar class.
- 🌊 Stiffness of course: On choppy water (excitement), comfort is reduced, neatness is necessary.
- 🚗 Transportability: requires disassembly or a large trailer/cargo on the roof.
And it's also worth mentioning the thermal conductivity of the metal, and in cold weather, sit on the aluminum bottom or on the sides without any of the other sides. heat-insulation So installing wooden floorboards or carpeting is not just an aesthetic issue, it's a necessity.
Assembly and necessary materials
The process of creating a boat yourself begins long before the first welding seam. cuttingMistakes at this stage can be costly, as it will be difficult to correct the geometry of the sheets already cut, and it is recommended to use laser cutting from professionals or carefully calibrate the dimensions when cutting manually.
So you need a specific set of tools to build it. semi-automatic (MIG/MAG) with argon protection or TIG welding for aluminum. Conventional electric arc welding for such thin sheets is not suitable, there is a high risk of burning through the metal.
Required tool for assembly:1. Welding machine (AC/DC for aluminum).
2. UCM (Bulgar) with metal discs.
3. drill and drill on aluminum (cobalt).
Strubs and sheet-fixing clamps.
5. Marker and metal ruler.
An important aspect is the choice of sealant, seams between sheets that are not boiled solidly, or the place where the elements are pasted must be processed. polyurethane sealant It's elastic on the water, and it's not afraid of ultraviolet light.
☑️ Checklist before welding
⚠️ Attention: Aluminum does not change color like steel when welded, while remaining visually cold. There is a high risk of not boiling the seam or, conversely, burning a hole. It is recommended to practice on the trimmings before welding the case.
Operation and installation of the engine
Installing an outboard motor on a Rusbot 45 requires careful attention to the height of the transom. The standard height is 381 mm (15 inches) or 508 mm (20 inches), but on homemade boats this parameter often floats. Incorrect installation will lead to cavitation or, conversely, to a nose burrow.
The optimal power of the engine for this boat with one adult person is 5-8 hp If you plan to exit together, you will need at least 9.9 hp Exceeding power more than 15 hp does not make sense due to limitations on the length of the hull and may be dangerously for management.
| Engine power (hp) | Number of people | Mode of traffic | Fuel consumption (L/h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 | 1 | planing | ~1.8 |
| 9.9 | 1-2 | planing | ~3.5 |
| 15.0 | 2 | Full gas. | ~5.0 |
| 20.0 | 2 (max) | Not recommended | ~6.5+ |
When operating in solo mode, it is important to distribute correctly centre-upIf the motor is too powerful and the fisherman is sitting alone on the stern, the boat may start to prowl. Shifting the center of gravity closer to the midfield (middle) improves course stability.
To improve handling at low speeds, install transax plates (hydro wing) on the engine's lower unit, which will also help to quickly get into planing with heavy loads.
Security and GIM requirements
Despite its small size, the Rusbot 45 is subject to registration with GIMS if the engine power exceeds 8 kW (approximately 10.8 hp) or if the boat weighs more than 200 kg (including the engine). lifejackets It is needed under the law of common sense and safety rules.
Owners often forget the requirements for unsinkability. Metal boats that get a hole sink instantly. float-block (Polyurethane in sealed compartments or special cylinders) is a critical safety element.
- 🆘 Life jackets: It is mandatory for everyone on board.
- 🪢 End-falin: It should be placed in the bow to rescue the person who fell overboard.
- 🔦 Lighting fixtures: They are required to leave in the dark.
- 📜 Documents: rights to operate a small vessel (if the motor > 10 hp).
Special attention should be paid to the stability of landing. Entering a narrow metal boat from a high shore or from an unstable floating dock, it is easy to enter. flip overAlways stay overboard and try to step on the central axis (diametric plane) of the vessel.
⚠️ Attention: Aluminum is an excellent conductor of electricity. In a thunderstorm or near power lines, a metal boat becomes a potential target.
Comparison with analogues and final verdict
There are various analogues on the market, from the factory Kazanok and Obey to inflatable boats with NDND. Rusbot 45 occupies a niche between a heavy Kazanka and a light inflatable boat. It is stronger than PVC, but lighter and more compact in disassembled form than all-welded metal counterparts.
The main advantage is customizationYou build a boat for yourself, you make comfortable seats, rundoos, sonar mounts exactly where you want them to be, not where the factory designer decides, and it makes the operation more enjoyable and ergonomic.
Rusbot 45 is the perfect choice for a single fisherman who loves handcrafting and appreciates the reliability of metal, but does not want to carry a heavy hull of 300 kg.
So in conclusion, it's alive and well, and if you have access to welding and you want to have a unique vessel, Rusbot is a great solution, and the key is not to save on materials and to follow the assembly technology, then the boat will serve faithfully for many years to come.
Do I need to register Rusbot 45 in GIMS?
Registration is required if the power of the installed engine exceeds 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) OR if the weight of the equipped vessel (hull + engine + equipment) exceeds 200 kg. If the engine is weaker than 10 hp, and the boat itself is light (which is real for aluminum), then registration may not be required, but it is recommended to have documents for materials (checks) on the water.
What is the best aluminum thickness to choose for the skin?
The optimal thickness for the skin of the side and bottom is 2 mm. To strengthen the cheekbones, keel and transomb, it is better to use a sheet of 3 mm. The use of thinner 1.5 mm is possible for very light versions, but there is a risk of getting a "sound" body that will deform when hitting a wave or berth.
Can I paint the boat with ordinary enamel?
Conventional oil paint will quickly peel off. Aluminum requires special soils (such as VL-023 or zinc-containing) and two-component epoxy or polyurethane enamels. The alternative is anodizing, but at home for a large boat this is difficult to implement.
Will Rusbot survive wave 45?
The boat is designed for calm water: lakes, rivers with slow current, reservoirs. It can cope with a wind wave up to 0.5-0.7 meters, but it is strongly recommended not to go on it against a large wave or in a storm due to the short length and risk of overflowing.