The modern angler or hunter rarely imagines his leisure without a reliable swimming aid capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of operation. Swimmer 370 It has proven to be one of the most popular options in the low-cost small-size boat segment, and it attracts attention with its versatility, allowing it to traverse large reservoirs with equal success and maneuver in narrow ducts.
Unlike inflatables, the AMG aluminum-magnesium alloy housing provides durability and safety when faced with snags or rocky bottom. Many owners choose this model for its stability and the ability to install a sufficiently powerful outboard motor. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of ownership in detail. Swimmer 370From factory specifications to the nuances of modernization.
And it's worth noting that the popularity of this boat has given rise to many myths and speculations about its performance, some praising it for its unsinkability, others criticizing it for its weight, and to make an objective view, you have to separate marketing promises from actual engineering practices, and that's what this article is about.
Design features of the body and geometry
The basis of the reliability of any metal boat is the material and assembly technology. Swimmer 370 It's made of an aircraft alloy that doesn't corrosion to the same extent as conventional steel, and the bottom and sides are very thick, so you can optimize the weight of the structure without losing strength. Kieliness The bottom is 14 degrees, which is a compromise solution for this dimension.
This geometry allows the vessel to confidently hold a wave up to 0.5 meters high without burrowing its nose, while flat cheekbones provide stability in the parking lot, which is critical for fishing from the board. However, it is worth remembering that when completely calm, the boat can feel more roller than narrow trolling models.
⚠️ Note: When welding or repairing the body, only use argon welding with a filler material corresponding to the brand of the main alloy. Using conventional electric welding will cause magnesium to burn out and the seam to break down.
floorboards are particularly noteworthy, and can be made of water-resistant plywood as standard, but experienced users often change them to corrugated aluminum, which increases floor durability and makes it easier to clean from silt and sand after fishing.
Technical specifications and dimensions
To understand the real capabilities of the vessel, you need to turn to dry figures. Swimmer 370 belongs to the class of small vessels that do not require registration in GIMS (when installing the engine up to 10 hp and complying with the new rules, although it is better to specify the current legislation at the time of purchase), the dimensions of the model allow it to be transported on the roof of a passenger car or in a trailer.
The chart below shows the basic parameters that will help you compare this model to the competition. Pay attention to the load capacity, which is a key indicator of how many people and equipment you can take on board.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 3.70m | Including the transom. |
| Boat width | 1.45 m | Maximum |
| Height of board | 0.45m | Midel's. |
| Passenger capacity | 3 people. | With a buoyancy margin |
| Body weight | ~65 kg | No motor or gear. |
It is important to consider that the actual weight may differ from the manufacturer's stated by 5-10% depending on the year of manufacture and configuration, and the weight is also affected by the thickness of the metal, which can vary in different batches. Load capacity 400 kg allows you to accommodate three adult men with a minimum supply of equipment, but for comfortable fishing it is better to limit yourself to two.
When calculating your load capacity, always keep a 20% margin of maximum, which will ensure a higher landing of the boat and better handling on the water.
Driving and handling
How he behaves. Swimmer 370 This is probably the most common question that potential buyers ask: the boat confidently goes to planing with one person on board at a power of 5 hp, however, for comfortable operation with a full load, it is recommended to use engines with a capacity of 9.8-15 hp.
At high speeds, the boat exhibits a tendency to yaw, which is typical of low-keel hulls, and this can be compensated by correctly setting the transom angle or using a hydraulic lift (hydro wing) on a lower unit motor, which is a simple device that greatly improves course stability and reduces fuel consumption.
Maneuverability at low speeds, typical of trolling or fishing in reeds, is highly valued. The short base makes it easy to turn 180 degrees literally in place. However, be careful in lateral winds - the sailing of a high side can tear down a light boat if you do not use a cat anchor.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Selection and installation of the outboard motor
Selection of the power plant is a task that requires a balanced approach. Swimmer 370 The best choice is two-stroke or four-stroke engines with a capacity of up to 15 hp. More powerful motors can overload the transom and disrupt the differentiation, causing the boat to peck nose.
Two-stroke engines are preferred by those who value lightness and dynamism, are easier to maintain and cheaper to repair. Four-stroke engines will be more quiet and economical, but their weight can significantly reduce payload. Tohatsu 9.8 Or its Chinese counterparts.
When installing the engine, it is critical to correctly set the height of the anti-cavitation stove, which should be 0-25 mm below the bottom of the boat when entering the plane, too high a landing will lead to cavitation and overheating, and too low will lead to increased water resistance and fuel overrun.
The secret to fuel economy
To save fuel on long stretches keep the speed in the range of 3500-4000 rpm In this mode, the optimal ratio of speed and flow of the mixture is achieved, and the boat goes in transition mode, without requiring full planing.
Tuning and improvement DIY
Factory equipment often leaves much to be desired, so tuning Swimmer 370 Owners often install extra knobs in the bow to store things and provide extra buoyancy, which also frees up space on the floorboards.
One of the most useful improvements is the installation of the control console, which not only improves ergonomics, allowing you to fix the sonar, navigator and motor controls (distance), but also protects the operator from spray. The console can be made independently from plywood and fiberglass or buy a ready-made universal model.
⚠️ Note: When installing electrical equipment (navigation, light), be sure to use separate fuses for each consumer and lay the wiring in corrugated tubes protected from moisture.
It's also a good idea to install a rubber pier around the perimeter of the boat, which will protect the sides from scratches when moored against concrete walls or berths, and many craftsmen replace regular ducks for anchoring with more reliable welded elements made of stainless steel.
Competent tuning can turn the basic model into a full-fledged fishing boat, not inferior in comfort to more expensive analogues.
Maintenance and storage of the boat
A metal boat requires minimal but regular maintenance, and after every fishing trip, especially in salt water or overgrown water, the hull must be rinsed with fresh water, which will wash away the corrosive salts and organics that can corrosion over time, especially in the places where the paint chips are.
Store Swimmer 370 Best inverted under a canopy or in a garage. If the boat stays on the water for a long time, shell and algae fouling can significantly increase weight and reduce driving performance. In winter, it is recommended to periodically clean the hull of snow to avoid unnecessary load.
Once a season, it makes sense to inspect welds and painted surfaces. Small paint bubbles may indicate the onset of electrochemical corrosion. Timely cleaning and painting with special aluminum enamels will prolong the life of the boat for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need registration with GIMS for the Swimer 370?
Under current Russian law, vessels weighing more than 200 kg in running order or with an engine of more than 10 hp (8 kW) are subject to registration. Since the weight of the Swimer 370 hull is about 65 kg, you can install the engine up to 10 hp and not register the boat. However, the rules may change, so it is recommended to check the current information at the local GIMS office.
What is the maximum wave size of a boat?
Structurally, the boat belongs to the category "C" (coastal waters). Safe is considered a wave up to 0.5-0.6 meters. With a higher wave height, there is a risk of flooding through the side, since the height of the board is 45 cm.
Can I use a boat in winter for fishing?
You can use a metal boat in winter, but with caution. Aluminum becomes more fragile in the cold, and impacts on the ice can lead to cracks. In addition, the metal cools quickly, which creates discomfort for the legs. It is recommended to use special insulated mats and avoid sharp impacts on the ice edges.
What is better to paint the body if the paint is stained?
Aluminum boats are best painted with epoxy soils and polyurethane or epoxy enamels, and the surface must be thoroughly cleaned, degreased and grounded to provide non-ferrous metal adhesion before painting.
What is the real speed with a 9.9 hp engine?
With a 9.9 hp engine and one driver, the Swimer 370 boat develops a speed of about 25-28 km / h. At full load (2 people + equipment), the speed drops to 18-22 km / h. These figures can vary depending on the state of the bottom (fouling), screw and water conditions.