Small swimming facilities made of aluminum-magnesium alloy are firmly entrenched in the niche of budget water transport, and Solar 360. It's a very powerful model that captures the attention of fishermen and hunters because it's compact, lightweight and affordable, making it popular in areas with a well-developed water network, but like any technology, it has its own operational specifications that you have to consider before you buy it.
Unlike inflatable analogues, the case of AMG-5 is not afraid of sparks from a fire, sharp branches and stones on the shore, which significantly expands the possibilities of autonomous recreation. Bottom and side thickness This is a combination of strength and weight, allowing you to move a boat with a single person or a small crew, and in this article, we'll go into detail about what's behind the 360 marking, how the boat behaves on the water, and whether it's worth your investment.
It should be noted immediately that Solar 360 It's a classic flat-bottom, designed for calm waters, slow-flowing rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and it's not a seaworthy ocean boat, but it's a perfect fit for its tasks. Below, we'll look at the technicalities that are often overlooked when you first get to know its products.
Design features and geometry of the body
The basis of reliability of any boat is its geometry and material, and in the case of the 360, we are dealing with a classic flat-bottom scheme that provides maximum stability in the parking lot and when catching in the throw. Full length. The body is 3600 mm, which allows two and if necessary three passengers to comfortably accommodate with minimal discomfort. The width on the midsection usually varies between 1300 and 1400 mm, which is the standard for dimensions.
The case is assembled from sheets of aluminum-magnesium alloy, often labeled as AMG-5M. This material has high corrosion resistance and does not require painting, except for the aesthetic preferences of the owner. Welds made by argon-arc welding are critically important nodes. The quality of seams on Solar boats directly affects the unsinkability and durability of the product, so their visual inspection is mandatory when accepting.
The boats are small in height, usually around 400 mm, which reduces sailing, but requires caution in choppy conditions. flat-bar The nose is often designed as a zygomatic or sharp shape to better separate the wave, although the main modification remains flat-bottomed.
Technical specifications and load capacity
When choosing a boat, numbers play a crucial role. Solar 360. It is positioned as a light boat, but its actual carrying capacity depends on the equipment and thickness of the metal. The standard version is able to carry 2-3 people and cargo confidently on board. It is important to distinguish between rated carrying capacity and actual operational capacity, especially if you plan to install the engine.
The weight of the boat in the basic configuration is usually about 45-55 kg. This allows you to load it in the trunk of a station wagon or on the roof of a passenger car, although it is better to provide a trailer or trolley for regular transportation. transom hanging It is designed for motors up to 5-6 hp, which is optimal for such dimensions.
Below is a table with indicative technical data that will help compare the model with competitors:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 3600 mm | Outwardly. |
| maximum width | 1360 mm | Midel-spangout. |
| Height of board | 400 mm | Excluding the timber |
| Hull mass | ~50 kg | Depends on the thickness of the metal. |
| Passenger capacity | 2-3 people. | Including loads up to 250 kg |
It is important to note that additional elements such as jock, anchor-box Or reinforced cans, which increase the overall weight but reduce the payload, so balancing equipment becomes a key skill for the owner.
The real carrying capacity of the boat 360 cm is limited not only by volume, but also by the height of the board - overload is dangerous by flooding the waves even with a small wind.
Performance in water
Conduct Solar 360. In calm water, the boat is very stable, which is highly valued by anglers who use plumbing gear or snorkel fishing gear, and the absence of a keel allows you to come close to the slender shore, which is convenient for landing or loading the catch.
However, when you go out on a wave or when the side wind is affected by the absence of a pronounced keel, the boat begins to prowl, and requires active work with oars or steering wheels to hold the course. Sailing The model is medium, but due to the low weight sailing can become a problem in strong winds, if you do not take measures for ballasting.
When driving for an outboard motor, it is difficult to plane due to the flat bottom and low power of the permissible engines. The optimal mode is displacement. The speed under a 5-horsepower engine with one person on board will be about 10-12 km / h. Attempts to force the mode can lead to yaws and discomfort.
⚠️ Warning: The flat bottom of the Solar 360 counter-wave creates a "slap" effect. Do not attempt to reach high speed on choppy water, this can cause transom damage or passenger injuries.
Motorization and installation of equipment
The issue of installing the engine for owners Solar 360 The boat's traverse is designed to fit low-power engines, and the two-stroke models that are most often chosen are 2.5-5 hp from brands like Tohatsu, Yamaha Installation of the engine more powerful than 6 hp is not recommended without first strengthening the transom board and consulting with the manufacturer.
The important aspect is the mounting of the motor, and the use of regular mounting rods is often not reliable enough for long-term use. bolt-joint Or they use additional safety cables, which prevents motor loss in the event of vibration or impact on an obstacle.
☑️ Check before the first start of the engine
For the control of the boat often set the tiller control, but if there are two passengers it is more convenient to use cable-drawing It's a console, and it allows you to shift the center of gravity and improve the balance. electric motors on the nose or transom for silent movement in fish places.
Can I put the engine 9.9 hp on Solar 360?
Technically, you can screw it, but it's dangerous. The Tran can't withstand vibrations and weight, and the flat bottom can't go into the plane with that power, and the boat will just dig a wave with its nose, consuming excess fuel and risking splashing the cockpit.
Transport and storage
One of the main advantages of the 360 is its transportability, which means that the 50 kg weight allows you to bring the boat into the garage, barn or even leave it on the balcony (if size allows). carriage.
When transporting on the roof of the car, you need to use soft crossbars to avoid damaging the sides. Aluminum is soft, and rigid fastenings can leave dents. For storage, it is better to put the boat upside down or on special keel blocks, ensuring ventilation of the interior space.
Winter storage requires no special conditions - the AMG-5 does not rust or fear temperature changes, the main thing is to thoroughly wash the boat from silt and sand before setting for the winter to avoid abrasive wear and oxides.
For the convenience of loading the boat on the roof of the car, use an inertial winch or a special inclined rack - this will save your back and the paint coating of the car from scratches.
Improvements and DIY tuning
Basic equipment Solar 360. It's often spartan, so the owners are very much tuning. runduct They not only keep things dry, but they also act as forpices, making the nose more resistant and stiff.
Another important modification is the installation stringer Or extra stiffness if the factory structure doesn't seem stiff enough for your operating conditions, and they often change the regular wooden cans to lighter, stronger aluminum profiles with soft linings.
Don't forget to protect yourself. keel-rey The length of the bottom of the boat will be extended by rubber or dural, which is especially true for those who often change water bodies and do not have access to well-maintained slips.
⚠️ Note: When drilling holes in the case to install fasteners, be sure to use a polyurethane-based sealant. Aluminum is prone to electrochemical corrosion when in contact with stainless steel without insulation.
Comparison with competitors and final opinion
There are several analogues on the market, for example, the boats “Crimea”, “Ob” or more modern “Flagship”. Solar 360. It's lighter than many of them, but it can be seaworthier because of simpler contours. By comparison, keel-bottom boats are better at cutting wavelengths, but harder to make and heavier.
If you choose between an inflatable PVC boat and an aluminum boat, the choice depends on the conditions. aluminum It is more durable and not afraid of punctures. For constant trips to one body of water with the possibility of storing the boat in assembled form, aluminum is preferable.
In conclusion, Solar 360. It's a reliable workhorse for fishing and recreation, and it doesn't claim to be a speed record, but it does its job honestly, and if operated accurately and maintained on time, it can last for decades, from generation to generation.
Do I need to paint the Solar 360 inside?
Painting inside is optional, as aluminum doesn't rust. However, light paint (like white enamel) visually expands the space, lightens the boat and makes it easier to spot pollution or water in the hold. Many owners paint only jars and kunduks.
What is the maximum permissible weight of the engine?
The manufacturer usually recommends motors up to 5 hp (about 20-25 kg). Installing a motor heavier than 30 kg can lead to transax deformation and dispersion, especially in the nose. If you want a powerful motor, it is better to consider models from 4 meters in length.
Can I cook aluminum on my own?
Theoretically, you can use argon welding (TIG), but repairing the body of the AMG-5 requires experience and the right equipment. Incorrect selection of filler material (rod) will lead to the seam being brittle or, conversely, too soft. For serious repairs, it is better to consult professionals.