Choosing a swimming boat for fishing and recreation on the water always involves a compromise between cost, dimensions and functionality. Domestically produced aluminum boats in this segment are firmly positioned to offer reliability at an affordable price. Boat North 520 It is one of the brightest representatives of this class, causing a keen interest among boaters throughout the country.
This model is an all-welded structure made of marine aluminum, which provides it with high strength and durability. Owners value it for its versatility: it behaves equally well on calm lakes and is able to safely tolerate a small wave in reservoirs. The dimensions of 5.2 meters allow you to accommodate a full company of 4-5 people on board, while maintaining mobility.
In this article, we will analyze the design features of the hull, analyze the driving performance and determine which engine will be optimal for this boat. You will learn about the nuances of operation, possible improvements and real user feedback to make an informed decision about the purchase.
Design features of the body and bottom
The basis of the boat’s reliability is its hull, made of aluminum-magnesium alloy AMg5M. This material has a high level of quality. corrosion resistance It's not a complex maintenance problem, like steel or fiberglass, and the bottom and sides are tightly designed to allow you to moor to unequipped shores and to navigate shallow waters without fear of damaging the skin.
The shape of the hull of the "deep V" with a kilvater angle of 14 degrees in the area of the transom provides excellent germination on the wave, while the cheekbones have a pronounced bend, which allows the boat to gently lie on board when cornering, preventing a sharp roll. North 520 It is designed to minimize impacts on water, making the stroke comfortable even with lateral excitement.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the high strength of aluminum, avoid hitting hard underwater objects at high speed, which can lead to deformation of the sheets of skin, which is difficult to straighten without special equipment.
An important part of the design is that there's a beam around the perimeter, and it not only protects the beam from damage when you dock, but it also serves as a convenient stop when you board the boat. forepicThis can be used to store anchors or gear by isolating them from the main cockpit.
Internal layout and ergonomics of the cockpit
The interior of the boat is designed to meet the needs of fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. The full length of the cockpit allows you to move freely around the deck without bumping into unnecessary elements. storage And the gear's on board.
The central control console is ergonomically positioned, providing good visibility and access to instruments, and as a basic configuration, it includes space for the installation of navigation electronics and steering. fuel-tankIt is often hidden in a john under the seat of the motorist, saving usable space.
To protect against sun and rain, there is the possibility of installing an awning. The frame is usually made of stainless steel or aluminum and is easily dismantled. running-arm Turns the boat into a full-fledged picnic boat, allowing you to spend the whole day on the water in any weather.
Motorization and driving performance
Train boat North 520 reinforced and designed to install outboard motors with a capacity of up to 60 hp However, the golden mean for this model, many experts believe the range from 30 to 40 hp It is within these limits the boat shows the best ratio of speed, fuel consumption and efficiency.
When you install a 40 hp engine, the boat with a full load (4 people and equipment) confidently goes to the planing. Maximum speed can reach 45-50 km / h depending on the screw and loading. It is important to choose the right pitch of the screw to the engine to work in the optimal range of revolutions.
- 🚤 planing: It occurs at 20-22 km / h, which saves fuel during transitions.
- ⛽ Fuel consumption: At a cruising speed of 30 km/h, it is about 8-10 liters per hour.
- 🌊 Manageability: High due to the long waterline and proper weighting.
For those who plan to use the boat primarily for quiet fishing, 15-20 strong engines will be suitable, they will provide a speed of about 25-30 km / h, which is enough to move between fishing points. However, with strong winds or against the current, the power reserve may not be enough for confident maneuvering.
When choosing a motor, consider not only the maximum power, but also the weight of the engine. Aluminum boats are sensitive to transom overload, which can disrupt the differet and impair driving performance.
Table of technical specifications
For convenience of comparison North 520 And with other models, we'll give you the basic technical parameters in the summary table, and these data will help you better understand the boat's capabilities.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Longest length | 5.20m |
| largest width | 2.05 m |
| Height of board | 0.85 m m |
| Load capacity | 600 kg |
| Recommended engine power | up to 60 hp |
With a capacity of 600 kg, you can carry not only passengers, but also a significant supply of equipment, fuel and catch, but it is worth remembering that the actual payload depends on the weight of the equipment and engine installed.
Operation and maintenance
One of the main advantages of aluminum boats is their unpretentiousness. Aluminum alloy It doesn't rot, it doesn't stratify, it doesn't fear UV light, but it doesn't mean that the boat doesn't require any maintenance, and it's mandatory to wash it regularly with fresh water after being operated in salt water.
When stored on water, it is important to monitor the condition of the bottom: watering with algae and shellfish can reduce speed slightly, but does not cause critical damage to the metal, unlike steel.
☑️ Seasonal boat service
In winter, the boat is better kept indoors or under safe shelter. Although frosts of aluminum are not terrible, temperature changes and the formation of condensation inside the runducts can lead to mold on the textile elements and corrosion of the fasteners.
Opportunities of tuning and refinement
Owners often aim to improve the basic equipment by adding comfort and functionality. winch Or an anchor ditch in the bow, which makes it much easier to anchor and pull the boat ashore.
Another common upgrade is to install additional hazelnuts or redesign existing seats, and some anglers are mounting special mounts for spinning and sonar directly into the cockpit design. The factory design of the transom allows you to install a hydraulic folding mechanism for the motor without any problems.
Secrets of tuning North 520
Experienced water-engines recommend to immediately install additional drainage holes in the runducts and lay additional wiring for future navigation installation, so as not to drill the sides later.
It's also worth thinking about protecting the windshield and the windshield. glass-glass With adjustable angle of inclination will improve visibility and protect against spray, it will not be superfluous to install running lights that meet the requirements of GIMS, if they are not included in the basic configuration.
The bottom line: is it worth buying?
Boat North 520 It's not the fastest boat or the most luxurious, but it offers a great balance of value. For anglers who need a reliable, roomy, passable boat for every day, it's one of the best options on the market.
The model's competitiveness is supported by the availability of spare parts and ease of repair. In the event of serious damage, the aluminum case can be brewed in almost any workshop, which is impossible to do with fiberglass in the field, making the boat an excellent choice for remote regions.
The North 520 is an investment in durability. Simplicity of design and reliability of materials ensure that the boat will last decades while retaining residual value.
To sum up, if you are looking for a versatile tool for waterwalking and fishing that does not require greenhouse storage conditions and complex maintenance, then North 520 He will be a faithful helper for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register the boat North 520 in GIMS?
Yes, registration is mandatory. The weight of the equipped boat together with the engine power of more than 8 hp (or 15 hp depending on the year of production and interpretation, but with the engine 30 + hp exactly) exceeds 200 kg, which requires registration and the right to operate a small vessel.
Can I use a boat at sea?
The boat is certified for inland waterways and coastal seas (up to 3 wave points) and is not recommended to go to the open sea at a considerable distance from shore on this model due to the lack of sealed compartments and limited autonomy.
Which one is better for the 520 North?
The optimal propeller depends on the load. For fishing with 2-3 people and a 30-40 hp engine, 11-13 inches screws have proven themselves well. For high-speed walks with a full load, you can try a step of 14-15 inches, but the engine must have a power reserve.
Does the boat have a self-touting cockpit?
The basic set does not have a self-draining cockpit, water is removed through drainage holes or manually, but the floor design allows you to organize the drain of water yourself when you rework it, installing additional ladders and valves.