Owners of legendary aluminum motobots, especially models Southerner-2The boat is famous for its reliability, but the design features laid down in Soviet times require modern intervention. Competent tuning allows you to turn a utilitarian flatboat into a full-fledged boat for family recreation and fishing.
The process of upgrading starts with assessing the current condition of the hull and understanding what tasks you are setting for the boat: some want to reduce noise, others want to increase speed or increase stability. Aluminum alloy D16TThe boat is made of, which is perfectly amenable to welding and riveting, which opens up wide opportunities for creativity.
Don't take it lightly, because the quality of the work you do depends on your safety on the water. In this article, we'll look at the key ways to improve the performance of the motorcycle bot, drawing on the experience of thousands of owners, you'll learn how to make swimming more comfortable and driving predictable.
Before you start cutting metal or re-sticking the deck, you need to plan your budget and work stages. Chaotic investments often lead to weight loss or weight gain. modernization The boat will last for decades, giving the owner excellent handling.
Improvement of seaworthiness and driving performance
Basic version Southerners-2 It has zygomatic keeliness, which is not enough to be able to plane with a sense of certainty in choppy conditions, and the first step to improving performance is to install additional splash-blowers and zygomatic keels, which reduces the impact load on the body when it enters the wave.
An important element is adjusting the shape of the stern, and many owners install transom slabs or hydrowings, which helps to lift the bow of the boat at high speeds. Hydrodynamics The boat changes significantly if the angle of attack and the area of additional elements are chosen correctly.
⚠️ Attention: Any welded elements to the bottom must be made in compliance with aluminum welding technology. A violation of the temperature regime can lead to the release of metal and loss of strength of the housing in the critical zone.
To reduce yaw, the course often uses a keel baller or increases the area of the lower unit, and this is especially true when you install powerful outboard motors, when the standard fin is not enough. course-stability It reduces the fatigue of the steering.
Noise insulation and vibration protection of the cabin
Aluminum has a high resonance, so the sound of the engine running and the waves hitting the side create significant discomfort. noiseproofingThe first layer is usually a bitumen-based vibration-absorbing material that is glued to the bottom and the board.
The second layer is a foamed polyethylene or felt that acts as a heat and sound insulator. It is important to carefully seal all process holes and hatches to avoid the effect of "drums." Quality processing reduces the noise level in the cockpit by 10-15 dB.
Special attention should be paid to the insulation of the engine compartment bulkhead, which is the main vibration noise from the outboard motor. foil-coated It also helps to keep the cabin warm in cool weather.
When sticking vibration insulation, be sure to degrease the surface with acetone or a special degreasing agent, otherwise the material will peel off after the active season.
Modernization of the deck and cockpit
State deck Southerners-2 It is often criticized for its slipperiness and lack of ergonomics, and replacing wooden cans with soft hazelnuts or installing cast seats with armrests dramatically changes the perception of the boat. Comfort. During long transitions, it becomes a priority.
Covering the deck with anti-slip material (e.g. EVA mats or special quartz chip lacquer) is a safety feature, preventing falls on wet surfaces, and providing convenient places for attaching gear and equipment.
The cockpit requires a very thoughtful approach, and the installation of stationary hazelnuts allows you to remove unnecessary things from under your feet, freeing the passage to your nose. zoning The space makes fishing or vacationing with family much more enjoyable.
- 🛡️ Installation of soft linings on board to protect against impacts.
- 🪑 Installation of rotary seats on pedestal bases.
- 🔦 Organization of niches for storage of batteries and anchor equipment.
Installation of the transom wheel and refinement of the transom
One of the most useful improvements for the motorboat is the installation of a transom wheel. Southerners It doesn't provide a convenient way to roll a boat ashore with the engine installed, and homemade or factory brackets solve this problem.
The wheel installation often requires the reinforcement of the transom plate, especially if heavy four-stroke motors are planned. transom plate It must withstand not only the thrust of the engine, but also the weight of the unit itself during transportation.
☑️ Installation of the transom wheel
It is important to provide a mechanism for fixing the wheel in the raised position, so that it does not create resistance when moving and is not clogged with algae. fixer It will prevent the structure from breaking at high speed.
⚠️ Note: When drilling holes in the transom to fasten the motor or wheel, use aluminum drills and be sure to seal the holes with polyurethane sealant to avoid leakage.
Electrification and navigation equipment
A modern boat is unthinkable without a reliable power system, and the wiring is often not enough to connect the sonar, the navigator, the running lights and the cockpit lights. battery The deepest level becomes a necessity.
All electrical connections must be made using waterproof connectors and corrugated tubes, and the laying of cables along the side under the skin protects them from mechanical damage and ultraviolet radiation. wiring - fire safety deposit.
To control navigation, it is convenient to install a swivel bracket (fish tail) in the area of the control panel, which allows you to quickly navigate the water, and you should also consider installing USB sockets to charge your gadgets.
| Component | Recommended cross-section of wire (mm2) | Defense (A) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| The main plus from the AKB | 6.0 - 10.0 | 30-50 | Must be through the mass tumbler |
| Navigator/Earthrower | 1.5 - 2.5 | 5-10 | Separate safety lock |
| Side lights | 1.5 | 5 | Waterproof cartridge |
| Cockpit lighting | 1.0 - 1.5 | 5 | LED tape with IP67 |
Don't forget to install a mass switch that will completely power the boat out of the parking lot, which will prevent the battery from self-discharging and reduce the risk of fire. Security It should be above all else.
Secrets of choosing a battery
For a boat, it is better to use AGM or GEL batteries. They are not afraid of pitching, do not emit gas when charging and have a longer life than conventional starter batteries.
Strengthen design and anticorrosion protection
Despite the strength of aluminum alloy, the most loaded nodes Southerners-2 They may require reinforcement over time, and these are the zygomatic corners, the keel, the mounting points of the cans, and sticking extra strips of metal or welding the corners prolongs the life of the body.
Anti-corrosion treatment is a critical step in tuning, especially if the boat is operated in salt water or aggressive environment. Using grounding compounds for aluminum and quality enamel creates a reliable barrier. Oxide film It protects the metal itself, but mechanical damage requires repair of the coating.
Special attention should be paid to protection against electrochemical corrosion when installing attachments. Used anodes (protective protection) on the transom helps to maintain the integrity of the housing. protectors It allows you to replace them in time and avoid damage to the bottom.
- ⚓ Processing of welded seams with special compositions.
- 🎨 Painting the bottom with anti-fouling paint (for parking in water).
- 🔩 Replacement of steel fasteners with stainless or brass.
In conclusion, I would like to note that the tuning Southerners-2 It's a creative and endless process, and each owner finds something different by improving the boat for specific tasks.
The main principle of tuning Yuzhanka-2 is not to violate the integrity of the power sets of the hull without the need and always (prioritize) safety over aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum power of the engine can be put on the tuning South 2?
The boat is designed for motors up to 35 hp However, with enhanced transceiver and proper weighting (installation of nose compensators), many owners successfully operate engines with a capacity of 40-50 hp Exceeding this threshold can be dangerous due to low bottom keel.
Do I need to register the improvements in GIMS?
Under current Russian law, changes to the design of a small vessel (which include changes in engine type, changes in passenger capacity or load capacity) require registration, but the installation of a tent, a transom wheel or a replacement of seats is not usually considered a design change requiring entry into the boat's ticket unless the basic specifications of the vessel change.
How do you seal a hole in the bottom of the South?
For temporary repairs, epoxy adhesive with aluminum powder or special remakes for inflatable boats (cold welding) will be suitable. For major repairs, you need to use argon welding with filler material of the same brand (AMG5 or D16T), having previously drilled the crack.