Metal boat "Eightyclinque." From the Chkalov Shipyard in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia's marine engine industry, this model, produced since Soviet times and upgraded in the 2000s, combines simplicity, reliability and affordable price. But is it that good in practice? Real-life owner reviewsWe analyzed the specifications and compared the Eight Link with modern analogues to help you make an informed decision before buying.
The boat's peculiarity is its bottom-shaped (hence the name), which provides good wave stability and handling, but this design has a downside: some users complain about the use of the technology. Increased noise and vibration when driving at high speeds, especially with engines with a capacity of more than 15 hp In the article we will analyze how this nuance affects comfort, and whether it can be leveled by the correct selection of the engine and modifications.
We have reviewed over 150 reviews on the forums.Drive2, Fishers' Forum, Masters Fair), social media groups and YouTube video reviews to highlight keys and cons We also interviewed metal boat experts and repairmen to help us understand what to look for when buying used boats and how to extend the life of the boat.
Technical specifications of the "Eight-Clinks": what you need to know before buying
Boat. "Eightyclinque." It comes in several versions, but the classic version has the following parameters:
- 📏 Length: 3.6-4.2 m (the most popular options are 3.8 and 4.0 m)
- 🛶 Width: 1.4-1.6 m (depending on the modification)
- 🔧 Material: aluminum-magnesium alloy AMg5 or AMg6 thickness of 1.5-2 mm
- 🚤 Maximum engine power: 20-30 hp (according to the passport, but real reviews are advised not to exceed 15-18 hp)
- 👥 Passenger capacity: 3-5 people (depending on the load)
- ⚖️ Weight: 80-120 kg (without motor and equipment)
One of the key benefits is that maintenance-freenessUnlike PVC boats, the metallic Eight Blade is not afraid of sunlight, mechanical damage, and does not require annual stitching. aluminum need anticorrosion (especially if the boat is kept outdoors or in a damp room) and regularly check the rivets.
Important nuance: factory modifications may differ in transmutationFor example, the models with transcenuous (with a thickness of 3-4 mm) are better suited for motors with a capacity of 20+ hp, but are 10-15% more expensive. When buying a used boat, be sure to check the condition of the transom - this is one of the most vulnerable places when operating with heavy engines.
The advantages of the boat “Eightyclin”: why it has been chosen for 30 years
Despite the appearance of modern analogues, "Eightclinic" remains in demand due to a number of indisputable advantages:
- Durability and durability. With proper care, the boat serves 20-30 years Many owners note that even after 10 to 15 years of operation, the housing remains sealed unless there are strong impacts on rocks or ice.
- Resilience on the wave. The eight-sided bottom provides a good
seaworthiness- the boat does not "blow" nose in the wave and is less prone to lateral rolling compared to flat-floaters. - Repairability. Rivets and welds can be remanufactured in any workshop, and spare parts (such as cans or trans-shipments) are sold separately, and the repair price is 2-3 times lower than that of PVC boats with damaged cylinders.
- Universality. Suitable for fishing, hunting, cruising and even transporting goods (subject to loading regulations). workboat for a cottage or small business (for example, for the delivery of goods on the river).
It is worth noting separately. affordabilityThe new Eightyclin is costing 120-180 thousand rubles (depending on the configuration), which is cheaper than many imported analogues. 30-70 thousand rublesBut here it is important to carefully check the condition of the body and transmolant.
When buying used boats, pay attention to the rivets along the keel - if they are rusty or weakened, this is a sign that the boat was operated in aggressive conditions (salt water, frequent impacts on the ground).
Cons and typical problems: what owners are afraid of
Despite the obvious advantages, the “eight-clinic” has disadvantageThe most common complaints from reviews are those that are often ignored by sellers.
- 🔊 Noise and vibration. Because of the rigid hull and octagonal bottom of the boat is strong resonate At high speeds (especially 15+ hp motors), some owners liken sound to "crushing nails in a jar."
vibratingon the transom or using soft suspension motors. - 💦 Splash on the move. When you're in the wave or when you're in a big break, you're splashing the water around. squirter Or makeshift windshields, but that doesn't always help.
- ⚙️ Managing difficulties. The boat is not keeping its course well at low speeds (especially without a keel), which means that you have to constantly steer.
steeringset up trimmer-plate. - 🔥 Corrosion problems. If the boat is stored in a wet room or not treated with anticort, rivets and welds begin to rust after 2-3 years, especially vulnerable places of attachment of the transom.
Another nuance. inconvenienceBecause of the rigid body, the Eight Blade is harder to carry on a roof than inflatable boats. trailer Or they put the boat on the trunk with special rollers.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to use a boat on salt water (for example, in the sea bays), be sure to wash the hull with fresh water after each exit.
Comparison with analogues: which is better than the "Eight-Clinks"?
To understand how competitive the “Eightclin” is today, compare it with popular alternatives in the same price segment:
| Parameter | "Eightyclinka" (Chkalov factory) | Kazanka-M. | "Oka-3" (Ladoga) | PVC boat (e.g., Bark 380) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | Aluminum (1.5–2 mm) | Aluminum (1.2–1.5 mm) | Aluminum (1.8–2 mm) | PVC (thickness 0.9–1.2 mm) |
| Max, engine power. | 20-30 hp | 15-20 hp. | 25-35 hp. | 15-20 hp. |
| Resilience on the wave | Good (thanks to the 8-sided bottom) | Medium (flat-head) | Nice (keel) | Weak (soft sides) |
| Noise | High. | Medium | Low. | Minimum |
| Price (new) | 120-180 thousand | 90,000 to 130,000. | 150-220 thousand. | 80-150,000 |
The table shows that "Eightyclinque." lose "Oke-3." It's more comfortable (noise, handling), but it's more expensive and maintainable. strength and seaworthinessIf you want a reliable working boat for a river or a lake, the Eightyclin is a smart choice. keel-model (for example, "Oka." or "Volgar").
Why is the “Eightyclin” cheaper than the “Oki-3”?
The main reason is the technological complexity of the production: the "Eight-Clink" is made of sheet aluminum with minimal welding (the main seams are rivets), while the "Oka-3" has a complex keel design that requires precise flexibility and welding. In addition, the Chkalovsk plant optimized production by unifying parts, which reduces the cost.
Reviews of owners: real experience of operation
We have analyzed reviews on forums and social networks to highlight typical This is what the owners say:
👍 I bought a used "Eightlink" 2015 for 50 thousand rubles, rolled back already 3 seasons - no problems! Yamaha 9.9 It's a great pull, it's better on the wave than a friend of PVC's. The only downside is the noise, but I'm used to it. — Igor, Moscow
👎 "I took a new one in 2022, a year later, it leaked at the transom anchorage. Factory marriage? Or should I? I had to slap it over and smear it with sealant." — Alexey, St. Petersburg
🤔 "For fishing on the lake, it's perfect. But if you want to walk far along the river with the current, you better take something from the keels. The 15-hp eight-blade against the current is tight." — Dmitri, Nizhny Novgorod
Most often praised strength and unpretentiousnessbut scolded for noise and inconveniences in transportationInterestingly, among owners of used boats, there are almost no complaints of corrosion - apparently, those who buy used options are preparing for anti-corrosion treatment in advance.
Status of rivets (no rust and backlash)| Integrity of welded seams (especially at the transom)| Hermeticity of the body (check with inflating or soap solution)| Condition of paint and anti-corrosion coating |Compact (presence of cans, plugs, drain plugs)->
How to improve the “Eightlink”: tips from experienced owners
Many of the boat’s shortcomings can be eliminated. low-costHere are the most effective feedback solutions:
- 🔇 Noise reduction:
- Install rubber-stick between the transom and the motor.
- Stick it on. vibrating (for example,
SPLEN) to the bottom of the boat. - Use the engine with soft-suspension (for example, Tohatsu MFS 9.8).
- 🌊 Improved handling:
- Install kielson (Extra longitudinal stiffness ribs).
- Refining the transom for fastening trimmer-plate.
- Move the center of gravity closer to the nose (for example, place the battery in front).
- 🛡️ Protection against corrosion:
- Process the hull anticory (for example,
Zincolorgalvanol). - Paint the bottom polyurethane (for example, International Intergard 264).
- Regularly wash the boat with fresh water after salt water.
- Process the hull anticory (for example,
Some owners go further and install windshield, shock-absorbing or electrical However, such improvements require experience and may affect the development of centre-up.
⚠️ Attention: When installing additional equipment (such as a battery or fuel tank), be sure to keep an eye on the device. load-balancingOverloading the feed leads to the "buried" nose in the wave and deterioration of handling!
Where to buy and how much it costs: prices for 2026
New boats "Eightyclinque." You can buy it.
- 🏭 Directly at the Chkalovsk plant (Nizhny Novgorod) - the lowest prices, but you need to go pickup or order delivery.
- 🛒 Official dealers. (list on the plant’s website) – prices are 10-15% higher, but there is a guarantee and assistance with registration.
- 🌐 On the marketplaces. (Avito, yula, Drom.) - convenient, but the risk of running into dealers.
Current prices for new boats (2026):
- EightyClink-380. (3.8 m, engine up to 20 hp) - 130-150 thousand rubles.
- Eightyclinka 400. (4.0 m, engine up to 25 hp) - 150-180 thousand rubles.
- Eightyclinka 420. (4.2 m, engine up to 30 hp) - 170-200 thousand rubles.
B/O options can be found for 30-90 thousand rublesBut it's important to check. year-end and conditionBoats over 10 years of age often require transpant-plating or rivet-replacementwhich will cost you additional 15-30 thousand rubles.
When buying a new boat, check with the seller whether it is included in the kit. boat-port and GIM certificate of conformityWithout these documents, you will not be able to register a boat with an engine powering more than 10.88 hp!
FAQ: answers to frequent questions about the Eightfold
❓ Do I need to register the Eightfold in GIMS?
Yes, if you install a power motor over 10.88 hp (or 8 kW) Registration will require:
- Passport of the boat (should be complete with the boat).
- Motor ID.
- Receipt of payment of the state duty (about 1.5 thousand rubles).
The procedure takes 10 to 14 days, and without registration, you can be fined for the death penalty. 1,000 to 2,000 rubles (under Article 11.8.1 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation).
❓ Which motor is better to put on the "Eight Blade"?
The best options for reviews:
- Up to 10 hp. — Honda BF10, Tohatsu MFS 9.8 (quiet, economical).
- 10-15 hp. — Yamaha 15FMHS, Mercury 15 (Good quality/price balance)
- 15-20 hp. — Suzuki DF20, Parsun F20 (powerful but noisier).
Motors over 20 hp are not recommended to install - the load on the transom increases and handling deteriorates.
❓ Can the Eightfold be used at sea?
Technically possible, but with reservations:
- Only in coastal (Not further than 1-2 km from the coast).
- You need to establish kielson and strengthen the transom.
- Use the motor no more powerful 15 hp (For better handling on the wave).
- Have on board pump, lifejackets and walkie-talk.
For serious sea use, it is better to choose keelboat (for example, "Oka-3." or "Volgar").
❓ How to keep the Eightfold in the winter?
Rules for winter storage:
- Wash and dry the boat thoroughly.
- Process the hull anticory (especially the slacks and the slacks).
- Keep in dry-air (garage, shed)
- If you keep it on the street, cover it. breathable (not polyethylene!)
- Remove the engine and drain the fuel from the tank.
Don’t leave the boat in the snow, it will cause you to electrochemical corrosion aluminum!
❓ How Much Does the Eighty Blade Weigh and How to Transport It?
The weight of the boat depends on the length:
- 3.6 m - about 80 kg.
- 3.8 m — 90-100 kg.
- 4.0 m — 100–120 kg.
Modes of transportation:
- 🚗 On the roof of the car: You need strong rails and help from 1-2 people to load.
- 🚛 On the trailer: The most convenient option, but requires registration of the trailer (if its weight is > 750 kg).
- 🛶 On the trunk: Suitable for short haulage (e.g. garage to water).