Metal small craft of the Soviet period still cause keen interest among fishermen and lovers of recreation on the water, and boat Southwest 1 This model, produced by the Kherson Shipyard, has become a benchmark for reliability and simplicity, combining the availability of materials with the time-tested design of the hull. Many country owners and avid fishermen are still looking for these used copies or ordering their production according to original drawings.
Unlike modern PVC analogues, Southerner 1 is an all-welded structure made of aluminum-magnesium alloy AMg5M, which provides it with high resistance to mechanical damage. The main difference between the model "1" and the more famous "Southern 2" is the absence of a tiller console and the presence of a transom plate designed for motors with a capacity of up to 12 hp. This feature makes it attractive for those who prefer the classic landing and control of the engine “handle” or plan to install remote control yourself.
In this article we will analyze all the technical nuances, consider the real possibilities of modernization and evaluate the feasibility of buying this vessel in modern conditions. You will learn about the intricacies of welding, the features of stability on the wave and how to turn an old "basket" into a comfortable fishing boat.
History of creation and design features
Designing a boat Southerner 1 It was the 60s of the last century, when the shipbuilding industry was faced with the task of mass saturation of the population with affordable boats, designers relied on technology: the hull was assembled from sheet rolled by welding, which allowed for stream production, and the result was a boat that can rightly be called “people’s”, along with the Kazanka and Obu.
The hull has rounded nasal contours and a sharply pronounced keeled bottom that turns into flat cheekbones. This geometry provides a good germination per wave, although it is inferior in this parameter to more modern gleaming models. aluminum-alloy, used in construction, is not subject to corrosion as much as steel, but requires careful handling during welding, as it is prone to the formation of hot cracks.
The boat is structurally devoid of many of the excesses of modern comfort, lacking soft seats, windshields and rundles, all of which the owner had to do on his own, but gave rise to a culture of tuning these boats, the Tran is reinforced with overhead elements, which allows you to install outboard motors of medium power, although the passport power is limited to 12 horsepower.
Technical specifications and dimensions
To understand operational capabilities Southerners 1 The size of the vessel allows it to be carried on a passenger trailer, but the weight in the running condition requires a powerful winch or the help of several people to launch, the hull is 4.49 meters long, which makes it a class of quite spacious four-seater boats.
The midwives are 1.6 meters wide, which provides acceptable stability, but do not forget about the height of the board at 0.5 meters. When fully loaded and sliding with a powerful engine, the sides can seem low, especially when cornering. The vessel's load capacity is 400 kg, which includes the weight of passengers, engine, fuel and equipment.
Below is a summary table of the main parameters that will help you compare Southerner 1 with competitors:
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Longest length | 4,49 | n |
| largest width | 1,60 | n |
| Height of board | 0,50 | n |
| Hull mass | 145 | kilogram |
| Passenger capacity | 4 | man. |
The weight of the boat at 145 kg is a significant advantage over steel counterparts, but requires a reliable trailer for transportation.
Performance in water
Conduct boats Southwest 1 In quiet water, the vessel behaves predictably and steadily, the rounded contours of the bow contribute to a soft entrance to the wave, which reduces the number of splashes flying into the cockpit, but when the wind is more than 3-4 points, the boat begins to prowl appreciably, requiring constant control of the course.
The time to get on plane with a 9.9-12 hp engine and a single driver is about 10-12 seconds. When fully loaded (4 people), planing becomes difficult or impossible, and the boat goes into displacement mode. In this mode, the maximum speed rarely exceeds 15-18 km / h, and fuel consumption remains moderate.
⚠️ Note: When installing a motor with a power of more than 12 hp without reworking the transom and ballast systems, there is a risk of differentiation on the nose and flooding the waves through the board.
The boat's maneuverability is average, and at low speeds, the boat listens to the hummel well, but at full speed, the circulation radius increases. To improve performance, many owners install hydrowings on the engine's lower unit or transom plates, which allows them to adjust the differential and reduce fuel consumption.
Wind impact on the body
In strong side winds, the sailing of Southwestern 1, especially with an awning or high sides, can significantly derail the vessel from the course.
Tuning and modernization of the boat
Purchase Southerners 1 It's often seen as a garage tuning project, and it's a basic spartan configuration, so the first thing owners do is improve comfort, and the most common modification is to install a tiller console or redesign the control remotely, so you can put the engine further in the stern, improve the weight, and make room in the cockpit.
The second important step is to organize storage and seating, and standard cans are rigid and uncomfortable for hours of fishing, and the owner can:
- 🪑 Make soft seats with moisture-resistant upholstery on a frame of plywood or aluminum.
- 🎣 Install knobs under the seats for storage of gear, which will further increase unsinkability.
- 💡 Install running lights and navigation equipment in accordance with the requirements of GIMS.
- 🛡️ Strengthen the bottom and cheekbones with welded aluminum profiles to protect against impacts on stones.
You should pay special attention to painting. Old coatings often have chips and oxides. epoxy Or special compositions for aluminum, you need to thoroughly clean the surface to metal. Quality painting will not only improve the appearance, but also protect the alloy from electrochemical corrosion, especially if the boat will be operated in salt water.
☑️ The plan of minimum tuning of the South
Self-manufacturing and welding
For many enthusiasts Southerner 1 It's interesting to build it on your own, and the designs are open source, and the aluminum welding technology is mastered by many home craftsmen, but remember that welding the AMg5M alloy requires a specific set of equipment, usually argon arc welding (TIG) using a non-melting tungsten electrode.
The process of assembling the case begins with the manufacture of a slip and a set of frames. Sheets of skin with a thickness of 2-3 mm (bottom and sides, respectively) are seized to the frame, after which the seams are welded. It is critical to observe welding modes so as not to burn through the thin metal and overheat the peri-seam zone, which can lead to a decrease in strength.
⚠️ Warning: The use of steel wire or electrodes to weld the aluminum case is strictly prohibited, resulting in instantaneous formation of the galvanic pair and rapid destruction of the seam.
Once welded, the hull must be tested for leakage, filled with water or using a pressure-pressured seam washing method, and only when you make sure there are no leaks can you start typing and painting. Southerner It is often even better than the factory, as it is made “for yourself”.
When welding aluminum, use only high-purity argon (99.98% and above), and the presence of nitrogen or oxygen impurities will lead to the porosity of the seam and its fragility.
Comparison with competitors and analogues
In the metal boat market, Southerners 1 There are several direct competitors, most notably the legendary Kazanka of various modifications and the Ob series boats. Compared to Kazanka 5, the Southern has more rounded contours and slightly better germination on the wave, but loses in load capacity and internal layout. Kazankas are often more spacious, but less seaworthy due to the flat bottom.
The Ob is structurally closer to the Southerner, but has sharper cheekbones, making it faster but less stable in the parking lot, and the choice between these models often depends on the availability of the particular specimen and the owner's personal preferences. Southerner 1 It's a great choice.
Modern aluminum boats, such as the Pella Fiord or the Salute, offer a higher level of comfort and safety, but their cost can be 3-4 times higher than the price of the restored Southern, so for many budget option remains uncontested.
Legal aspects and registration in GIMS
Registration remains an important issue boats Southwest 1 Under current Russian legislation, small vessels weighing more than 200 kg or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp) are subject to registration. Since the mass of the Yuzhanka hull is 145 kg, the engine power becomes the decisive factor.
If you plan to use a 12 hp engine (roughly 8.8 kW), registration is mandatory, you will need to have a boat's ID, pass an examination and have the rights to operate a small vessel with you.
For self-made boats, registration is more complicated, drawings, buoyancy and stability calculations, and a certificate of technical inspection will be required to be submitted to the GIMS.
Do I need a number on board?
Yes, if the boat is to be registered, the hull numbers must be marked on both sides at a distance of 1/4 of the length of the forestick.
Owner reviews and summary
Analysis of the reviews of real owners shows that Southerner 1 It's a workhorse, which users praise for being maintainable, because you can brew or patch the bottom even in the field, and many people say that after a good tuning (installation of soft seats, windbreaker and sonar) the boat becomes quite comfortable for family holidays.
But there are complaints: the main complaint is the noise of the body on the wave (the “drum effect”) and the need for periodic paint paint, and owners note that the regular layout is uncomfortable for trolling, requiring improvements.
In conclusion, it may be said that boat Southwest 1 It's a time-tested option for those who are not afraid to work with their hands and appreciate the simplicity of the design, it doesn't give you the feeling of speed of a racing car, but it will safely take you to a catchy place and return you back, and with proper care and timely maintenance, this aluminum boat can serve several generations of anglers.
The South 1 is the perfect candidate for the first experience of building or restoring a metal boat on its own thanks to the simple geometry of the hull.
Can I install a 15-hp engine on South 1?
Formally, the passport power is limited to 12 hp Installation of the 15 hp engine is technically possible, since the transom withstands, but this can lead to problems when registering with the GIMS and reduce safety at full load. It is recommended not to exceed the recommended values without major modernization of the case.
Which solder is better to use for filling holes in aluminum?
For temporary repairs in the field, you can use special two-component cold welding for aluminum. For major repairs, it is better to use argon welding with filler wire of the appropriate brand (for example, St. AMg6).
Do I have to take the boat out of the water after every fishing trip?
Aluminum alloy AMG5M is resistant to corrosion, but prolonged exposure to water, especially salty or contaminated, is undesirable. It is recommended to pull the boat on shore or on the trailer after use to prevent shells from fouling and oxidation of the underwater part.
Where to find the original drawings of Southwestern 1?
Original drawings can be found in specialized magazines "Boats and Yachts" from the past years, in powerboating forums or in the technical literature on small-sized vessels of the Soviet period, and there are modern digital versions adapted for laser cutting.