Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or resting on the water always involves a compromise between cost, reliability and comfort. boat South 2It's become a kind of low-cost legend, and thousands of owners across the country have already tested it in real-world conditions, from calm reservoirs to rugged river slops.
Why is this model causing so much debate and discussion in forums? It's all about the unique combination of affordable price and design features that some call ingenious simplicity and others call excessive minimalism. real-lifeCollect breakdown statistics and highlight key points that will help you make an informed decision.
It should be noted immediately that Southerner It was designed as a mass product, accessible to the general public, and it has an impact on the materials and assembly technologies used, but it has been shown that, with the right approach and timely maintenance, this is a very important tool for the development of the technology. aluminum-boat It can serve for decades, becoming a faithful assistant in any water trips.
General specifications and design features
The design of the body is made of aluminum-magnesium alloy AMg5M, which provides decent corrosion resistance and lightness. Body thickness The sides and deck are made of 2 mm sheet, and this distribution of the thickness of the metal is not accidental: the most loaded parts are reinforced, which is critical for the durability of the vessel when hitting the water or touching the bottom.
One of the main features is the presence bulbous This solution was designed to improve the germination of the wave and reduce the impact load on the hull. Owners often note that the boat does a good job of cutting a small wave, although in serious excitement comfort is reduced due to the short length and width.
Technical details of welding
The welding of the case is performed by argon-arc method, which ensures high sealability of the seams. However, the quality of the seams on budget copies can vary, so the initial inspection and, if necessary, welding of critical nodes is a mandatory procedure for the new owner.
It is important to understand that Southerner It is a class of flat-wheeled vessels with a rather modest size, with a length of 4.1 meters, a width of 1.55 meters and a height of only 0.55 meters, which imposes limitations on the carrying capacity and scope, making the boat ideal for the future. two or three in calm water.
Driving qualities and controllability on water
The question of driving qualities is the most controversial in the reviews about boat South 2On the one hand, owners praise its stability afloat and its ability to carry the declared load, and on the other, many complain of the lewdness and low speed when using low-power engines.
For confident planing with two passengers and minimal equipment, it is recommended to use a motor with a capacity of 9.9 hp and above. 15 hp engine. The boat enters the plane in an acceptable time, but the power reserve for safe maneuvering against the wind or current remains minimal.
The boat's handling depends on proper weighting, and because of its short base and the specific shape of the bottom, shifting the cargo into the nose or onto the board can lead to a loss of weight. tilt Experienced water-engineers advise that passengers and cargo be placed strictly on the diametric plane or evenly distribute the weight on the sides.
And it's also worth mentioning the boat's behavior when it's in a state of flux, and it's more than 0.5 meters high. Southerner It starts to hit the nose hard, making it uncomfortable and even dangerous to operate, and the low side doesn't allow you to go fast in these conditions, because there's a risk of it. flooding over the side or cheekbones.
Comfort and ergonomics: the opinion of users
When it comes to comfort, here is Southerner 2 The seats are simple transom jars that have no backs and no soft coating, and prolonged use, especially when moving, causes fatigue in the back and legs.
Owners often complain of a lack of spray protection. The low side combined with the driver's high landing leads to the fact that when the headwind or excitement waterIt requires a scoop and a willingness to constantly scoop up water, which is a distraction from the controls.
- 🚤 The lack of windscreen in the basic configuration makes a trip in cool weather extremely uncomfortable.
- 🎣 The small deck area makes it difficult to navigate the boat while fishing, especially in gear.
- ⚓ The noise of the aluminum body when moving on a wave or rain requires an increase in voice to communicate.
However, for fishing in quiet weather or for short walks, the comfort level is quite acceptable. Many owners customize the interior by installing soft linings on cans and organizing handoos for storing things, which greatly improves the interior. ergonomics space.
To increase comfort, install a soft cushion on the trench, which will reduce the vibration transmitted to the spine, and allow you to stay functional longer while fishing.
Problems with corrosion and build quality
The build quality is the Achilles heel of budget aluminum boats, and Southerner In reviews, there are often complaints about poorly executed welds, especially in the welding area of zygomatic and side stringers, in places there may be non-provars or, conversely, burnt metal.
Aluminum corrosion is a natural process, but in the case of a Southerner It can be accelerated by using dissimilar metals in fittings, and steel bolts, screws and brackets that come into contact with the aluminum body in salt water or even just river water, create a galvanic pair.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use steel fittings to attach elements to the body without insulation! Only brass, bronze or stainless steel with a mandatory gasket of dielectric (plastic, rubber) will help to avoid electrochemical corrosion.
Owners recommend that immediately after purchase, you conduct an audit of all seams and, if necessary, boil them again. anticorrosionThey are designed specifically for aluminum, which will prolong the life of the boat for many years.
Comparison with competitors and modifications
There are many analogues on the market, such as Kazanka, Ob, Salute. Southerner 2 It benefits from more modern body contours that provide better germination on the wave, but in terms of internal capacity and load capacity, it is often inferior to wider and longer competitors.
There are various modifications and tuning versions of this boat, and the manufacturer periodically releases updated versions with a modified transom shape or reinforced bottom, and there are many offers on the market from private craftsmen who offer a variety of products. improved versions Cockpit or modified geometry.
| Parameter | Southerner 2 | Kazanka-M | Ob-2. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length, m | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Width, m. | 1.55 | 1.6 | 1.5 |
| Load capacity, kg | 400 | 400 | 350 |
| Materials | AMG5M | AMG5M | AMG5M |
If you're going to choose between these models, you're going to have to be in the operating environment, and if you want maximum parking stability and fishing space, you're going to have to be in the fishing area. Kazanka If you plan to move around a lot and go out on a small wave, you can do it. Southerner It will be better because of the shape of the underside.
Recommendations for modernization and tuning
Most owners do not leave Southerner 2 The first step is almost always to install a windscreen, which not only increases comfort, but also provides safety by protecting your eyes from wind and splashes when you're driving.
☑️ The plan for the completion of the Southern
The second important step is to organize storage spaces, and the basic equipment is almost empty, and the installation of sealed tubes in the bow or along the sides allows you to unload the deck and increase the level of the deck. stability boats by shifting the center of gravity downwards.
⚠️ Attention: When installing any additional designs (tents, arcs, shelves), make sure that the mounting points do not fall on thin parts of the skin. Use reinforcing washers or welded bushings.
Also popular is the wrapping of the boat or painting it in bright colors, which not only improves the appearance, but also creates an additional protective layer that hides the small scratches and scuffs that inevitably appear during operation.
Summary: Is it worth buying?
Boat South 2 It's a specific product for a specific task, ideal for a single fisherman or couple looking for a low-cost, maintenance-friendly vessel for a calm water body, and for those who are willing to put up with asceticism for the opportunity to go out with a motor, it's a great option.
Southern 2 is an entry-level workhorse: cheap to buy and maintain, but requires improvements for comfort and safe operation.
However, if you are planning a family holiday with children, long-distance crossings or going out into open waters with unpredictable weather, it is better to consider larger and seaworthy options.
What is the maximum permissible motor to be put on the South 2?
The manufacturer usually recommends motors up to 15 hp Installation of more powerful engines (20-25 hp) is possible, but requires caution due to the short length of the body and the risk of loss of controllability.
Do I need to register the boat Yuzhanka 2 in GIMS?
Yes, if the weight of the boat with the engine installed exceeds 200 kg. Southerner 2 Weighing about 140-150 kg, when installing the engine heavier than 50-60 kg (which is typical for four-stroke 10+ hp or powerful 2-strokes), registration becomes mandatory.
How often should I check the sleeves?
It is recommended to carry out visual inspection of the seams before each season and after intensive operation (for example, after trekking on rocky rivers). If cracks or chips are found, repairs should be made immediately.