Finding a reliable and compact boat for fishing or family water recreation often leads to a model known as a “swimmer”. boat 370This classic type, combining the maneuverability of a rowboat and the ability to install an outboard motor, has gained popularity due to its simplicity and functionality. Many aqueous motorists choose this length, as it is optimal for transport in the trunk of a passenger car.
The specifications of this model are often discussed in the context of self-assembly of plywood or buying a finished PVC product with inflatable tubes. Understanding real parameters such as load capacity and weight is critical for safe operation on water. In this article, we will discuss all the technical details so that you can make an informed decision.
General design features and purpose
The 3.7-meter long velbot is a symbiosis of shipbuilding traditions and modern materials, and in its classic design, it is a rigid hull with sharp contours, which allows it to confidently keep the wave. However, in its modern design, the 370 is often disguised as hybrid variants, where the hard bottom is combined with inflatable beads to improve stability.
The main purpose of these vessels is fishing in the coastal zone, hunting and tourism. boat 370 It does not require complex maintenance and can be stored in a garage or even disassembled in an apartment. Kieliness The bottom provides good swelling on the wave, which makes swimming more comfortable compared to flat-bottomed counterparts.
⚠️ Attention: When you build or modify the velbot, strictly monitor the sealing of the compartments and the quality of the materials used. Violation of the assembly technology can lead to loss of buoyancy.
An important element is the transom, which must withstand the load from the outboard motor. For a model with a length of 370 cm, usually provided for the installation of engines with a capacity of up to 10-15 hp, which allows you to develop a decent speed, but requires reliable mounting. The design of the transmolator is often reinforced with additional stringers or false bort.
Technical specifications and dimensions
Dimensions are a determining factor in the choice of boat. For the Model 370, the standard length along the outer circuit is 3700 mm, but the working length of the cockpit will be smaller due to the thickness of the cylinders or the side. The width usually varies between 130-150 cm, which provides sufficient stability for two to three people.
The weight of the structure depends on the materials. The plywood version will be heavier, but stronger on the break, whereas inflatable modifications are easier to transport. Load capacity A standard wheelboat of this length is usually about 400-500 kg, including the weight of passengers, equipment and the engine itself.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 3.70 m | Outwardly. |
| Width | 1.45 m m | Maximum |
| Height of board | 0.45 m m | Excluding transom |
| Load capacity | 450 kg | Recommended |
| Weight of an empty boat | 35-55 kg | Depends on the material. |
The free-board height is a critical feature for open water, as the low-side increases the risk of wave-sweeping. The 370 often uses a combination approach: a rigid bottom and inflatable tubes that add volume and buoyancy without increasing the weight of the hull.
Materials of manufacture: plywood against PVC
Material choice is a perpetual dilemma for the owner: Plywood velbots, often glued with fiberglass and epoxy resin, are highly rigid and durable. They are not afraid of sharp objects at the bottom as much as PVC, but require regular painting and maintenance.
Inflatable boats made of dense reinforced PVC (1100-1,200 g/sqm) are more weight- and compact, easier to drag to water and easier to store, but punctures and cuts are more dangerous, although modern materials have a high resistance to abrasion. Toughness inflatable floor (NDND) in such models is often inferior to plywood sludge.
Secrets of Plywood Durability
To extend the life of the plywood case, use aviation varnish or special yacht enamel in 3-4 layers. Pay special attention to the ends of the parts where moisture penetrates most quickly.
Hybrids that put inflatable shells on a rigid frame try to combine the benefits of both worlds, which gives you great swelling and splash protection, but the cost of these (composite) solutions is usually higher, and field repairs are more difficult.
Motor compatibility and speed quality
Boat velbot 370 is great friends with outboard motors. The optimal choice is considered a "two-stroke" or economical "four-stroke" with a capacity of 5-9.9 hp Installation of a more powerful engine (15 hp and above) is possible, but requires caution due to passport restrictions and the risk of loss of controllability at high speeds.
The speed specifications are directly dependent on the load. Alone with a 9.9 hp engine, such a boat can reach speeds of up to 25-30 km / h. At full load (3 people + tackle), the speed drops to 15-18 km / h, which is enough to move to fishing points.
- 🚀 For planing with full load, a motor with a capacity of at least 8 hp is recommended.
- ⚓ Installation of an electric motor is possible, but the battery life will be limited by the battery capacity.
- 🛡️ The tranny should be reinforced if you plan to use the glitter mode frequently.
It is important to choose the right daywheel (height of the active part of the screw). For a velbot with its keeled bottom, the motor often has to be raised higher than on flat-bottoms to avoid shocks to the wave and overgrown with algae.
When choosing a 370 wheelboat motor (priority), consider long leg models to make sure the propeller is deeper and more efficient on the wave.
Assembly DIY: drawings and nuances
Many enthusiasts prefer to build the 370 self-built, saving money and confidence in the build quality, starting with a proven blueprint that takes into account all the contours and cutting parts, most commonly using 10-12 mm thick birch plywood.
So we're going to do this by sewing and gluing or using temporary frames, and the key thing is to glue the seams with fiberglass and epoxy, and this creates a monolithic structure that's not afraid of water. Epoxy resin It penetrates the pores of the tree, creating a reliable barrier.
☑️ Stages of hull assembly
And don't forget to install the keys, the liner poles and the runducts. All metal elements must be made of stainless steel or brass to avoid corrosion. The wood parts inside the cockpit are better covered with a non-slip coating or covered with carpet.
Operation and safety regulations
Even a boat as reliable as the 370 requires safety regulations, life jackets are mandatory for all passengers, regardless of their ability to swim, and weather conditions also impose their limitations: it is risky to go out on open water in a small vessel in the wind above 3-4 points.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum load capacity specified on the passport or on the boat's nameplate, which can lead to lowering the height of the board above the water and tipping over.
Regular inspection of the condition of the hull before each exit is a habit of an experienced boater, checking for cracks, the condition of the translator fastener and the tightness of the inflatable elements (if any) takes several minutes, but saves lives. Background lighting The sound signal must also be on board according to the GIMS rules.
Safety on the water depends not so much on the size of the boat, as on the training of the crew and the serviceability of the equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a 15 hp engine on the 370 belbot?
Technically, many of these long wheelbots can withstand a 15 hp engine, but this can be dangerous because of the load capacity and stability limitations. It is recommended to follow the data-sheet figures of a particular model. Excess power can lead to yaw and difficulties in driving.
How much weight can the 370 bend be?
The average payload is about 400-450 kg, which includes the weight of the boat, the engine, the fuel, the people and the equipment, and the actual payload should be calculated by subtracting the weight of the boat and the engine from the total payload.
Do I need to register the 370 in the GIMS?
Under current Russian law, boats weighing more than 200 kg or with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration, if your bikeboat is lighter and your engine is weaker, registration is not required.
How do you paint a plywood velbot?
Two-component epoxy soils and polyurethane enamels are best suited for durability, creating a strong, chemically resistant coating; conventional alkyd paints (PFs) require more frequent renewal and are less resistant to abrasion.