Choosing a reliable and spacious boat for family walks or fishing on large bodies of water often leads to the consideration of classic models of duraluminium. Volzhanka 46 The model is well-deservedly a leader in the ranking of popular boats due to its time-tested design and affordable price, and represents an evolution of Soviet and Russian shipbuilding traditions adapted to modern comfort and safety requirements.
The basis of the popularity of this model is its versatility: it equally well copes with the role of a fishing boat and a family pleasure boat. Aluminum alloyThe hull's durability, the geometry of the bottom, the stability of the wave, is what owners often say is the balance between cost and performance that makes the boat attractive to a wide range of water-engineers.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the technical nuances that you need to know before buying or upgrading this boat. You will learn about the real speed indicators, stability features and nuances of operation in various weather conditions.
Overall dimensions and weight parameters
One of the key specifications that draw attention to when choosing transport for transport on a trailer is the dimensions. Volzhanka 46 The vessel is a classic 4,600 mm long vessel, which formally makes it a small vessel, with a hull width of 1,650 mm, providing enough interior space to accommodate three or four people without feeling crowded.
The dry weight of the body without motor and equipment is about 190 kg. This value is important to consider when planning towing: for long-distance transportation you will need a car of appropriate load capacity or a quality trailer with a brake system.
The 700 mm height of the boat is a compromise between stability and sailing. On the one hand, the high side protects against splashes and allows you to fish safely even when standing. On the other hand, with strong side winds, the boat can demolish, which requires attention when mooring. Passenger capacity The crew is officially declared as 5 people, but for comfortable fishing with a full set of gear, a crew of 3-4 people is considered optimal.
hull design and seaworthiness
The hull is made of aviation duraluminium by riveting, which ensures high maintenance in the field. The hull contours are of the "deep V" type in the bow with a noticeable flattening to the transom. Volzhanka 46 confidently hold the wave height up to 0.75 meters, gently entering it and extinguishing the impacts on the water.
The bow has a storage lock that also functions as a buoyancy, and the bulkhead that separates the nose from the cockpit is sealed, which is a critical safety feature. If the cockpit is tipped over or watered, the bow compartment will keep the boat from drowning completely, maintaining positive buoyancy.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the presence of unsinkable compartments, the standard equipment may not provide complete unsinkability when fully loaded with people. It is recommended that additional buoyancy units be installed under banks to meet modern safety standards.
The bottom of the boat is equipped with longitudinal redans, which improve the course stability in straight sections of the path. However, on sharp turns at high speed, the effect of catching the cheekbone when the boat is sharply tilted is possible, this requires the steering wheel to have some experience and accuracy in maneuvering, especially in planing.
Technical specifications and speed indicators
Tran boat is designed to install outboard motors up to 50-60 hp However, to achieve optimal speed specifications and economical fuel consumption, it is recommended to use motors in the range of 30-40 hp When installing more powerful units, there is a risk of deformation of the transom or loss of controllability.
With a 30 hp engine, a single-driver and tank boat goes into plane almost instantly. The maximum speed with one person can reach 45-50 km / h. At full load (4 people + equipment), the speed drops to 30-35 km / h, which is quite acceptable for a pleasure vessel.
The optimal power of the motor for Volzhanka 46 is 30-40 hp, which provides a balance between speed, fuel consumption and safety of operation.
Fuel consumption is directly dependent on the load and mode of operation of the engine. In economical mode (about 3000 rpm), consumption is approximately 8-10 liters per hour. At maximum speeds, consumption can increase to 15-18 liters, which should be considered when planning long-distance routes.
Cockpit layout and internal equipment
The interior of the cockpit is structured with a focus on functionality, and the bow, as mentioned, has a luggage lock, and the sides have hinged bars that not only protect the side when mooring, but also serve as the basis for mounting the railing (often optionally installed or self-made).
The seats (banks) in the basic configuration are made of plywood coated with moisture-resistant paint and installed on removable keys. This design makes it easy to transform the interior space: if necessary, banks can be removed, making room for cargo or overnight accommodation.
In the stern, there's a cockpit rundock, which is often used to store fuel tanks or anchors, and the floor of the boat is made of corrugated aluminum, which prevents the legs from slipping even in wet shoes, but the lack of soft linings on the cans can cause discomfort during long walks.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
specifications comparison table
For ease of perception of information, the main parameters Voljana 46 This data will help to compare the model with analogues from other manufacturers, such as Crimea or Ob.
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Longest length | 4600 | mm |
| largest width | 1650 | mm |
| Height on midship | 700 | mm |
| Hull mass | 190 | kilogram |
| Recommended capacity of PM | 30-50 | hp |
And if you look at the table, you can see that the body weight is average in the industry, lighter composites can weigh 120 to 140 kg, but they're much less robust and maintainable, and steel competitors will be heavier, which will have a negative impact on speed with low-power engines.
Modernization and tuning of boats
Owners Voljana 46 They often make improvements to make them more comfortable, and one of the most popular modifications is the installation of windscreen, and the standard glass, if it comes with a complete set, is often low, so many people install tall glass from Kazanka or make them themselves from plexistal.
The second important element of tuning is the installation of runduk seats. Plywood cans are inconvenient for long fishing. Installing sealed plastic or fiberglass boxes that can store things inside solves two problems: comfort of sitting and storage organization.
The Secret to Rapid Modernization
Many owners install 5-10 mm thick foam sheets on the bottom, covering them with plywood or linoleum on top, drastically reducing noise from waves and motors, and also reducing condensation, making fishing in cold weather more comfortable.
It's also common practice to reinforce the transom, and if you're planning to put the motor closer to the power limit, it makes sense to boil an extra aluminum plate or install struts, which will extend the life of the stern and protect you from accidents.
Maintenance and durability of operation
The duraluminium from which the boat is made is susceptible to electrochemical corrosion when in contact with salt water or when grounding is incorrect. Therefore, owners operating the boat in offshore waters or in industrial water discharge areas should pay special attention to the condition of the hull.
Regular washing of the boat with fresh water after each exit, especially in salt water, is a mandatory procedure, it is also recommended to periodically inspect the rivet seams. The appearance of white plaque (oxidation) signals the beginning of a corrosion process that must be stopped by mechanical cleaning and coating with special soils.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat in water without antifouling. Prolonged exposure to the water not only leads to shell fouling, but also accelerates the corrosion of aluminum alloys.
With proper care and storage under a canopy or indoors Volzhanka 46 The strength of riveted joints has been tested over generations, and even when small leaks appear, they can be easily eliminated by cold welding or the installation of new sealing pads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a 60 hp engine on Volzhanka 46?
Formally, the transom can withstand up to 50-60 hp, but this is the limit value. When you install such a full-load engine, the boat can become unstable on the course, and the risk of damaging the transom or getting splashed with the cockpit increases significantly. The optimal choice is 30-40 hp.
What is the real speed with a 30 hp engine?
With one driver and a full tank, the speed will be about 40-42 km / h With two passengers - 35-38 km / h With a full load (4 people), the speed will drop to 28-30 km / h, but the boat will remain on the plane.
Do I need to register this boat with GIMS?
Yes, the hull weight is 190 kg and the length is 4.6 meters above the thresholds exempt from registration (weight up to 200 kg and length up to 20 meters, but the total weight with the engine should not exceed 200 kg for exemption, however, registration of the vessel is required if the length is more than 3 meters or the weight is more than 200 kg, or if the engine power is more than 8 kW (10 hp).
Where are these boats made now?
The original boats were produced at the Saratov Aviation Plant, and now production can be carried out by various private enterprises or small shipbuilding artels using old equipment, so the quality of the assembly can vary.
When buying used Volzhanka, be sure to check the condition of rivets in the area of zygomatic stringers and transoms - these are the zones of greatest tension, where cracks and leaks most often occur.