Searching for information about small boats often turns into a long and tedious process, especially when it comes to specific brands. Boats Azimuth They have a special place in the Russian market, causing lively discussions in the community of water engines, some praise them for their affordable price and simplicity, others criticize them for their design features and noise.
In this article, we have collected and systematized real-world user opinions so that you can get an objective picture. Aluminum boats This manufacturer has its own unique specifications that can not be ignored when buying, and understanding the nuances will help to avoid disappointment and choose a truly suitable boat.
You will learn about the real state. caseIt's important to consider not only the dry specifications, but also how the boat behaves in service after a few seasons. Let's look at what lies behind the plant's marketing promises.
Overall brand impression and build quality
Owners often note that Azimuth The main production is based on the proven technology of welding and metal cutting. Many users emphasize that when buying a new boat, the thickness of the used material is immediately noticeable. aluminum-alloy.
However, the quality of painting and processing edges can vary from batch to batch, there are complaints about possible leakage of enamel or not accurate grinding in hard-to-reach places. A critically important point is to check the bottom for dents at the stage of acceptance in the store.Because transportation sometimes leaves its mark.
Despite minor cosmetic flaws, structural strength remains high. Welds made with argono-arc welding are usually credible and do not flow even after heavy use. For many fishermen, this factor becomes the decisive factor in choosing between competitors.
- 🛶 High strength of welded joints even when hitting obstacles.
- 🛶 Use of corrosion-resistant alloy AMG for a long service life.
- 🛶 Simple design, allowing easy self-repair.
- 🛶 Possibility of installing powerful engines relative to the dimensions of the boat.
⚠️ Attention: In the initial inspection, carefully check the geometry of the transom. Distortions can lead to yawing of the vessel on the course and uneven wear of the lower unit engine.
Driving qualities and behavior on the water
The most talked-about aspect of the reviews is how the boat behaves for an outboard motor. Azimuth Perfect for calm water and shallow water, but can be uncomfortable on the wave, owners note the rigidity of the course, which requires from the steering mind and experience.
The keel bottom models are much better at performing, they cut the wave better and provide more predictable control, but it's worth considering that planing can take longer when underloaded, if not properly selected. boat-engine.
High-speed handling often depends on hydrowing and transom plates. Many users recommend that tuning be avoided, as the standard configuration does not always provide the perfect balance.
Effect of bottom shape on speed
The flat bottom creates more resistance on the wave, but provides maximum cockpit area. The silky versions lose speed faster in headwinds, but are more comfortable in movement.
Noise on the move is another thing that comes up a lot in discussions. Aluminum is a great sound conductor, so motor and wave impacts on the side are very well heard. Without additional noise insulation, long transitions can be tiring.
Comparison of popular models: Azimuth 300, 360 and 420
A variety of modifications allows you to choose a vessel for specific tasks. Model 300 It's often chosen as a lightweight hiking boat that can be carried on the roof of a passenger car, and it's simple, but it's limited in terms of engine power and comfort.
Azimuth 360 It's considered a mean of two fishing, and it's now possible to have a small tent and a more powerful engine, and owners value it for the balance between the load capacity and the weight of the structure itself.
For family holidays and serious water outlets is intended 420This is a fully-fledged boat with the possibility of installing a wheelhouse or windshield, and the capacity and seaworthiness here are going to a fundamentally different level.
| Model | Length, m | Width, m. | Load capacity, kg | Recommended engine, hp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azimuth 300 | 3.00 | 1.35 | 400 | 8 |
| Azimuth 360 | 3.60 | 1.45 | 550 | 15 |
| Azimuth 420 | 4.20 | 1.60 | 700 | 30 |
| Azimuth 460 | 4.60 | 1.70 | 800 | 40 |
The choice of boat size should be based not only on budget, but also on the mode of transportation: long models require a trader or boat trailer.
Operational features and maintenance
Aluminum boats don't require the same care as fiberglass, but they have their own nuances, and after every landing, especially in salt water, you have to wash the hull with fresh water, which will prevent oxides from forming and maintain an aesthetic appearance.
In winter, storage is usually easy, as the material is not afraid of temperature changes. However, if the boat has soft elements (seats, awnings), they are better dismantled and removed in a dry room. Metal parts of the fasteners can be corroded by prolonged contact with wet fabric.
Regular checks of the condition of the anodic protection (if it is provided by the design) will help to avoid electrochemical corrosion, and it is also worth paying attention to the condition of the seals of hatches and bulkheads, if we are talking about more complex modifications with runduks.
- 🛶 Regular lubrication of hinges and latches to prevent jamming.
- 🛶 Inspection of the bottom for friction against stones or sand after the season.
- 🛶 Checking tightening of Bancs bolt joints and seats.
- 🛶 Drying of internal compartments to prevent mold formation.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use abrasive cleaning products to wash the case. They can damage the paintwork, opening the way for corrosion.
☑️ Seasonal conservation of the boat
Frequent problems and methods of their solution
Like any other technique, by boats. Azimuth There are some childhood diseases, and one of the common complaints is that the cans (seats) are knocking on the side when you're driving on a wave, and this is solved by installing additional rubber seals or gaskets from the transporter belt.
Another thing is that the transom plate vibrates at high revs, and this is often treated by adding extra stiff ribs or by making the fastener more tight, using growers, and some owners reinforce the transom with plywood on the inside.
There are complaints about the quality of regular fittings, such as ducks for mooring or ruff bolts, and they are often recommended to be replaced with more reliable stainless steel counterparts immediately after purchase, a small investment that improves safety.
To eliminate the creak of metal parts, use silicone lubricant, not solidol, which can thicken in the cold.
The problem with painting is solved by local repair, and you just clean the damaged area, degrease it, and then you put a layer of soil on aluminum, and then enamel, and the key is not to start the process so that the oxidation does not go deep into the metal.
Summary and recommendations to buyers
In conclusion, the analysis of the reviews, we can say that boats It's a working tool for people who understand their specifics, and it's not about premium comfort, but it's about reliability and functionality for a reasonable price, and it's a choice for fishermen and hunters who care more about results than the outward gloss.
If you're planning to use a boat for family trips through reservoirs with frequent waves, consider models with a keel and longer length. For quiet river fishing and wetlands, flat-bottoms are perfect.
Buying a used boat from this brand can also be justified, since there is almost nothing to break there. A careful examination of the seams and bottom will find a great option for half the price. Aluminum lasts for decades with minimal maintenance.
What is the maximum speed of the boat Azimuth 360 with an engine of 9.9 hp?
At full load (2 people + equipment) the speed is usually 20-22 km / h. It is difficult to planing with such a motor, either relief or the use of a hydrofoil is required.
Do I need to register the boat Azimuth in GIMS?
Registration is required if the weight of the boat with the engine exceeds 200 kg. For light modifications with low-power engines (up to 5 hp), registration may not be required if the total weight is less than 200 kg.
Can I cook a cracked Azimuth body on my own?
Only if you have experience welding aluminum with argon, a conventional electric welding or semi-automatic without argon will not work and only make things worse by burning thin metal.
How thick is the bottom of the Azimuth boats?
Depending on the model, the bottom thickness varies from 2 mm to 3 mm. The side is usually thinner - about 2 mm. Longitudinal and transom edges are often used for reinforcement.