Choosing a boat for fishing or relaxing on the water often becomes a difficult dilemma between comfort, reliability and cost. Dural boats powered They have been occupying a strong niche in the market for decades, offering a unique combination of strength and lightness: unlike fiberglass, they are not afraid of hitting stones, and are much easier to transport on the roof of a car than heavy iron.
Many of the water-powered vehicles still believe aluminum But the modern market offers many design options, from simple kandaks to complex hulls with marine logging, and understanding the nuances of the material will help avoid mistakes in buying and prolong the life of your boat.
Advantages and features of dural buildings
The main advantage of such boats is their indestructibility in real use. duraluminium (aluminum alloy with copper, magnesium and manganese) has a high specific strength, which allows you to make the sides thin, but rigid, which directly affects the load capacity and driving performance of the vessel.
Unlike PVC, metal is not afraid of sparks from a fire or accidental puncture on a sharp branch when landing. Repairing a dural boat also does not require special equipment: if you have welding skills or even use rivets and epoxy compounds, you can eliminate a break in the field. However, it is worth remembering galvanic corrosion, which can become the number one enemy if improperly operated.
When welding dural boats, be sure to use argon, since ordinary arc welding burns out thin metal and breaks the structure of the alloy.
The thermal conductivity of the material is important, and in the summer, the sides can get very hot in the sun, and in cold water, they cool down quickly, transferring the temperature to the inside of the cockpit, which requires a more careful approach to the interior space, especially if you plan to spend the night in a boat.
Key alloys: D16T and AMG
Not all aluminum boats are the same, and the choice of alloy determines the fate of your boat. D16TIt's duraluminum, which has been heat-treated (hardening and natural aging), which gives it high strength, and it's made of the famous Kazanka and Winds.
But the D16T has an Achilles heel, which is low corrosion resistance in salt water, and if you're planning to go out to sea or salt estuaries, this material will require a lot of corrosion protection, otherwise, you might see spot corrosion, which will eventually turn into fistula.
A more modern and expensive option is the alloy AMG (AMG5, AMG6)These are aluminum-magnesium alloys that are much better at resisting corrosion and have good weldability. AMG boats are often called "marine" and are in high demand among those who value longevity without unnecessary maintenance.
- ⚓ D16T High strength, low price, but requires protection from corrosion and is difficult to weld.
- ⚓ AMG - Excellent corrosion resistance, well cooked, but costs more and softer on the impact.
- ⚓ AMZ Aluminum-manganese alloy, (often used) for tanks and less loaded elements, bends well.
The myth of "food aluminum"
Many people think that boats are made from food aluminum, which is a misconception, because food alloys (such as AMB) are too soft for a hull that is subjected to shock waves.
Constructive solutions: riveting against welding
The technology of joining sheets of metal directly affects the maintainability and tightness of the boat. Kazanka-M or Ob-MThe seams were laced with a meerka or special mastics, and this design has the right to live at low speeds, but when glissed, riveted seams can become a source of leaks due to vibration.
Modern manufacturers are moving to ferro-weldingThis allows you to create monolithic seams that don't require seals and last for decades. A welded boat looks more aesthetically pleasing, it's easier to wash, because there are no protruding rivet hats that clog dirt and stain.
But welding has its nuances, too: Thermal effects can weaken the metal in the seam if the technology is broken. So when you buy a used boat, carefully inspect the welded joints for cracks. The riveted boat often just starts to leak when damaged, and the welded boat can burst at the seam when hit hard.
☑️ Checking the used dural boat
Overview of popular models and manufacturers
The market for dural boats is represented by both time-tested classics and new developments. The leaders of demand remain models that have proven their reliability over 40-50 years of operation.
| Model | Length (m) | Width (m) | Load capacity (kg) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kazankah-5M | 4.0 | 1.60 | 400 | Classic, low board, awning complete |
| Ob-M | 4.06 | 1.60 | 400 | High board, stability, heavier than Kazanka |
| Salute-480 | 4.80 | 1.60 | 500 | Upgraded, welded, improved seaworthiness |
| Pella-Fiord | 4.55 | 1.65 | 450 | Welded body, tiller control, comfort |
Model Kazankah-5M It's still the most popular option for beginners, and its low side is fishing-friendly, but dangerous on the wave. Ob-MOn the contrary, it has higher sides and a keeled bottom, which makes it more seaworthy, but also heavier on the go.
Modern boats, such as salute or PellaThey have a reinforced transom train under powerful engines (up to 30-40 hp), comfortable handicrafts and are often already equipped with remote control. They are more expensive, but comfort is worth it.
Comparison with PVC and fiberglass
When choosing a boat for the engine often raises the question: metal, PVC or fiberglass? Each material has its fans. PVC boats They're very compact, they're very portable, and they can be put in the trunk of a sedan, which is not possible for a dural boat over 3 meters long.
On the other hand, the dural is better at plane speed, the hard bottom doesn't play the wave like inflatable tubes, which makes it more stable, and you can also use the metal to have a full-fledged windscreen and a running awning with a frame, turning the boat into a mini-boat.
⚠️ Attention: Fiberglass boats are more comfortable on the go and warmer, but when hitting a rock at full speed, they can split. The Dural will only remember, keeping tight. Repairing fiberglass in the field is extremely difficult.
If we talk about durability, a well-made dural boat can last 50 years or more. PVC loses its properties over time due to ultraviolet light, and fiberglass can gain moisture in the structure (osmosis), although modern materials solve this problem.
Care, storage and wintering
For a dural boat to be a pleasure for years to come, it needs to be properly cared for. The main enemy is electrochemical corrosion. If you're using a boat in salt water or just want to protect the hull, you need to install it. protector (zinc or magnesium anodes).
The best way to keep the boat upside down is in a canopy or in a garage, and direct sunlight heats the metal, and if there's water inside, it turns into steam, creating pressure, and when it cools, it's a vacuum that sucks in the moist air, which speeds up oxidation.
Before wintering, be sure to remove all water and dirt. The bottom can be treated with asphalt or polymer-based anti-corrosion compounds, but only outside! Inside, the boat is not recommended to paint, as the paint will hide the possible corrosion centers that you need to see.
The main secret of durability of the dural boat is dry storage and the absence of contact of dissimilar metals (for example, steel bolts with an aluminum hull) without insulation.
Tuning and modernization
Dural boats are the perfect tuning facility. Owners often change standard seats to softer seats with backrests, install sonars, navigators and powerful audio systems. hydrofoil on the engine, which improves the output on the plane and saves fuel.
One of the most useful improvements is the installation of knobs in the bow, where regular Kazankas often empty noses or use them as a trunk, where everything is piled up, neat drawers allow you to put gear, fuel and spare parts in places.
Many also change the standard windshield to a higher one or install a full-fledged polycarbonate wheelhouse, which allows you to fish comfortably even in rain and cold weather, turning an open boat into an all-season tool.
Can I paint a dural boat with ordinary paint?
Normal paint (nitro, alkyd) will not last long on aluminum. Special primer for non-ferrous metals (for example, GF-021 will not work, you need epoxy-based or special primers) and polyurethane or epoxy paints are necessary. Without proper preparation, the paint will rise in bubbles after one season.
What is the maximum engine to be put on Kazanka-5M?
The boat is designed for engines up to 12 hp However, enhanced transom and consultation with experienced motorists allow you to safely operate engines up to 15-18 hp Exceeding this power can lead to a boat revolution on a sharp turn due to low side and loss of stability.
What to do if it is formed by a riveted seam?
Temporarily, special sealants can be used for underwater repairs (cold welding for wet surfaces), but major repairs require drying the boat, drilling old rivets, smearing the seam with a new sealant (for example, 88-NM or specialized shipbuilding) and installing new rivets.
Choosing a dural boat is an investment in reliability. Despite the advent of new materials, metal remains the king of harsh conditions. The right care and intelligent modernization will make your sailing safe and enjoyable, whether it is fishing or a family holiday.