In the world of domestic water-motor construction, there are few models that cause so much controversy, nostalgia and, at the same time, constructive criticism, as well as the most important models. Tuzik 2This legendary flat-bottomed AMG5M alloy boat has become a veritable folk symbol of affordable water access for millions of fishermen and hunters, and its introduction in the late 80s ushered in a new era where metal became cheaper and more affordable than scarce fiberglass or imported counterparts.
However, time is inexorable, and today, decades after production began, many of the specimens require major repairs or deep modernization. CorrosionAnd the challenge for owners is to solve complex engineering problems: how to strengthen the bottom, what kind of engine to put, and whether to spend resources on restoring this veteran of water?
In this article, we will conduct a detailed analysis of the design, analyze the typical "sickness" of the body and consider the real ways of turning the old "tough" into a full-fledged one. boat You'll learn about the nuances of welding, the features of naktouse installation and why this boat is still in demand in the secondary market, despite all its obvious shortcomings.
⚠️ Attention: Aluminum alloy AMg5M, from which the body is made, in frequent contact with salt water or wandering currents is subject to electrochemical corrosion. Before buying a used copy, be sure to check the state of the seams and bottom for microcracks.
Technical specifications and geometry of the body
Constructively Tuzik 2 It is a flat-bottomed boat with a straight forehead and almost vertical sides in the bow. loading capacity with a minimum of its own weight, but completely deprives the boat of seaworthiness on the excitement. the length of the hull is 3490 mm, the width on the midfield is 1380 mm, and the height of the side is 500 mm. the Dry weight of the boat without equipment varies between 80-85 kg, which allows you to transport it on the top trunk of a passenger car, although with certain difficulties.
Unlike later versions, the classic Tuzik 2 The entire interior was an open cockpit zone, limited by sides, and the floor consisted of three removable wooden sleighs that relied on hinged bars, a solution that was technologically simple, but created discomfort when in the boat for long periods, especially in cold weather.
Transcription board, which is a critical element for installation outboardThe effluent had a kilvaternost angle of about 10-12 degrees. The standard power of the recommended engine was 8-10 hp, which allowed speeds of about 20-25 km / h with one driver. Exceeding these parameters led to excessive differentiation on the stern and the risk of overflowing through the low transom.
- 🚣♂️ Material: Aluminum-magnesium alloy AMg5M, bottom thickness 2 mm, side 1.5 mm.
- ⚓ Load capacity: Officially 400 kg, realistically taking into account safety - up to 300 kg.
- 🏎️ Engine power: Staff up to 10 hp, tuning versions can withstand up to 15-18 hp.
The quality of the factory assembly deserves special attention. In Soviet times, controls were tighter, but the human factor and the "planned economy" often led to skipping welds or using substandard solder. The critical zone is the junction of the transom and bottomwhere fatigue cracks most often occur due to constant vibration when the engine is running.
Typical problems and metal corrosion
The main enemy of any aluminum boat, and Tuzik 2 Although the AMg5M alloy is highly corrosive, long-term storage on the ground, in the dampness of the garage or in the sun without a canopy leads to irreversible processes. Most often, owners encounter pitting (point) corrosion, which quickly grows into through holes, especially in the lower part of the side and on the zygomatic bends.
The second common problem is the destruction of welds. Vibration from the engine, shocks to the wave or just natural aging of the metal in the heat zones of welding lead to the formation of microcracks. If you do not notice them in time, the boat will start to draw water faster than it can be drawn out. Repair of such damage requires a complete clean-metal and professional surface cleaning. ferro-welding.
Many owners make the mistake of trying to paint rust or seal holes with epoxy resins without first machining. This only gives a temporary effect. Aluminum requires a specific approach: the oxide film must be removed mechanically or chemically immediately before welding or painting with special soils.
⚠️ Warning: Never use paints or soils containing copper or lead compounds to protect the hull of the boat. When paired with aluminum in salt water, they create a galvanic pair, which accelerates the destruction of the metal at times!
To extend life Tuzika 2 It is recommended to carry out a complete defective case once a season, pay special attention to the inner corners and places of attachment of the cans. If you notice the bloating of the paint or change in the color of the metal (the appearance of whitish plaque), this is the right signal that the oxidation process is beginning.
How to keep a boat in the winter?
The boat should be turned upside down and mounted on soft supports (wooden bars covered with felt) to prevent deformation of the hull. It is better to store in a dry, ventilated room, avoiding direct sunlight that destroys the paint coating. Before storing, be sure to remove all contamination and dry the hull.
Modernization: strengthening the transom and deck
Modern requirements for comfort and safety dictate the need for serious refinement of the basic design. Tuzika 2The first step is usually to reinforce the transom panel, and the standard transom is often weak for motors above 10 hp and prone to vibration ("ring"). To reinforce the plates, stainless steel or duraluminium plates, 3 to 4 mm thick, are attached through rubber dampers or directly to the sealant.
The second stage of modernization is to create a full-fledged deck. An open cockpit is not only cold, it's dangerous: any drop to the bottom instantly turns them into wet cargo. Installing a deck made of plywood (FSF) coated with fiberglass and epoxy solves a lot of problems. The deck increases the rigidity of the hull, lifts passengers higher from the water and creates additional storage niches.
When installing the deck, it is important to provide audit hatches, which are necessary for pumping water that will inevitably accumulate in the hold, and for inspection of the condition of the bottom. floatability in case of rollover.
☑️ Tuzik's modernization plan 2
Ergonomics, too, is a big change in the way you feel about the boat, and the way you use the motor is a little more comfortable, but it's important to remember that you can center the weight of the passengers and equipment in the stern, and you can bury your nose in the waves even with a little wind.
| Parameter | Staffing Tuzik 2 | Tuning variant | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 10 | 18 | hp |
| Speed from 1 person. | 20-22 | 28-32 | km/h |
| Height of the side (effective) | 50 | 65-70 (with deck) | centimeter |
| Body weight | 82 | 95-100 | kilogram |
Choosing an outboard motor for Tuzik
Selection of power plant for Tuzika 2 It is always a compromise between power, weight and budget, and the classic and most rational choice is a two-stroke engine with a capacity of 9.8-9.9 hp. Yamaha, Tohatsu or their Chinese counterparts) weigh about 27 kg, which allows them to be installed manually without the use of a winch, and provide the boat with excellent traction.
Attempts to install engines with a capacity of 15 hp and higher on a standard, not strengthened transom, often lead to breakdowns. The transom plate can not withstand weight and vibration, and the boat itself will start to "goat" - jump on the wave due to too sharp entry into the water and flat bottom. If you plan to put the engine over 10 hp, you must install hydrodynamic lift (hydrowing) on the defoil and, possibly, weighting the nose.
Electric motors deserve special attention. Tuzika 2An electric traction, which is often used on small water bodies where gasoline is prohibited, or for a quiet approach to fish, is ideal. A traction battery weighing 15-20 kg, mounted on the nose, serves as an excellent ballast, improving the performance of the flat-bottom.
When installing the engine on the Tuzik 2, be sure to use transom wheels. The weight of the boat assembled with the engine and battery will exceed 100 kg, and dragging it with a drag will be extremely difficult.
It is also important to consider the length of the daidwig. For flat bottom boats with low transom, short leg (S) motors are better suited to avoid excessive water resistance and splashing the cockpit. Long leg (L) will require raising the engine, which may not always be conveniently constructive.
Comparison with analogues: Kazanka, Crimea, Ob
Other Soviet and post-Soviet boats Tuzik 2 It's a niche, unlike the famous one. KazanThe tuzik is more sloping and wet, but Kazanka is much heavier and harder to transport without a trailer, and the tuzik can be turned over and dragged to the water alone (with difficulty) or with a partner.
Compared to Crimea or ObeyThe boats have more advanced contours and often windshields and awnings, but the cost of these in the secondary market, as well as the complexity of maintenance (especially the Ob with its complex hull shape) is much higher. Tuzik remains the king of the budget segment for small rivers and lakes.
Compared to modern Chinese aluminium boats, Tuzik is better off in terms of maintenance and availability of spare parts (sheet metal), and modern counterparts are often made of thinner metal and have welds that are difficult to repair in the field without sophisticated equipment.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used boat, pay attention to the availability of documents (boat registration certificate). If the boat is removed from the register in the GIMS, it will be extremely difficult and expensive to restore documents, up to the need for a full examination and examination.
Registration and requirements of GIMS
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, boats weighing less than 200 kg and with an engine power of up to 8 kW (about 10.88 hp) are not subject to mandatory registration. Tuzik 2 Lightweight falls into this category, making it extremely attractive for those who do not want to mess with bureaucracy, but if you install a motor more powerful than 10 hp or the total weight of the curb vessel exceeds 200 kg (which is quite possible with tuning and heavy battery), registration is mandatory.
Life jackets by number of passengers, scoop, anchor and hull condition are requirements for non-compliance with which you can get a fine. Inspectors GIMS often pay attention to old boats, so neat appearance and the presence of side numbers (if there is a registration) are mandatory.
To pass the survey, the boat must be equipped according to the standards of supply. If you have made a major upgrade (changed the design of the hull, superstructure), theoretically, you need to make changes to the design data, although in practice for homemade hulls on the basis of factory buildings this is rarely done unless the basic dimensions change.
Tuzik 2 is the perfect platform for learning the basics of shipbuilding and tuning, and its simple design forgives many mistakes for beginners, and its low cost makes experiments affordable.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
What is the real load capacity of the Tuzik 2?
Although the rated carrying capacity is 400 kg, it is recommended to travel safely, especially in choppy conditions, not exceed 300 kg. This is the weight of two adult men of average build, engine, fuel and minimal equipment.
Can I put a 15 hp outboard motor on Tuzik 2?
Technically, yes, many people do. But it requires that you reinforce the transom, put the hydrofoil in place, and shift the center of gravity forward, and without modifications, the boat becomes dangerous, and you run the risk of flooding with water through the low transom and losing control.
What's the best way to paint an aluminum boat?
It is best to use special epoxy corrosion-resistant soils for aluminum (for example, Interprotect or analogues) and polyurethane enamels. Conventional oil paints will quickly get out. Before painting, sandblasting or stripping to metal is mandatory.
Where can I find the deck blueprints for Tuzik?
There are no factory deck drawings, because it's a tuning element, but there are lots of powerboating forums online with amateur drawings and patterns, and it's easiest to take the dimensions off the hull of your boat, given that the geometry could have floated a little over the decades.
Do I need to register Tuzik 2 in GIMS?
Registration is not required if the weight of the boat with equipment (but without fuel and cargo) is less than 200 kg and the engine power does not exceed 8 kW (10.88 hp).