The modern small boat market offers a huge variety of options, but metal boats made of alloyed magnesium (LMG) occupy a special place in the niche of reliable equipment for difficult conditions. Querying "boats of the Ark of Ru" often leads fishermen and hunters to the official website of the manufacturer, but dry specifications do not always give a complete idea of how the vessel will behave in real water.
In this article, we will examine in detail all aspects of ownership of the products of the Novosibirsk Ark plant, from the peculiarities of the AMg5 alloy to the nuances of operation in storm conditions, you will learn why these boats are often called “unkillable” and what lies behind marketing terms like “anodized surface”.
Choosing between an inflatable PVC boat and a metal boat is always a compromise between weight and durability. Boats of the Ark They represent a middle ground, offering a durable body that is not afraid of sharp stones, ice and sparks from a fire, while remaining light enough to be transported on the trunk of a passenger car.
Features of LMG technology and the advantages of alloying
The main trump card of the manufacturer is the use of aviation alloy AMG5MIt's not just aluminum, as many newcomers think, but a complex composition of magnesium and manganese that, after special heat treatment, acquires unique properties. The boat's body is stronger than many steel grades, while remaining lightweight.
The key feature of the technology is anodizingAnd this is an oxide film that prevents corrosion without the use of paint. Unlike painted boats, where the chipping of the paint causes the metal to rot quickly, here the protection is built into the very structure of the material at the molecular level.
It's important to note that the material's high impact strength, which means that when it hits a rock or a log, it doesn't hit the metal like a fragile silumin, it just gets a dent that can be corrected if needed, making it ideal for rafting on shallow rivers with rocky bottoms, where PVC would instantly puncture the boat.
When buying used boat Ark carefully inspect the welded seams: they should be smooth, without porosity and cracks, as repair welding LMG requires specialized equipment and skills.
The production technology involves the use of argono-arc welding, which ensures tightness of the joints. However, it is worth remembering that although the alloy does not rust, it is subject to electrochemical corrosion when in contact with other metals in salt water, so zinc treads are mandatory when going out to sea.
Review of the model range: from “Crimea” to “Ob-2”
The plant’s range covers a wide range of needs, ranging from compact single-seat shuttles to full-fledged trophy fishing boats. Ark 580It is often compared to the legendary Kazanka, but in a modern version.
For those who like fast and maneuverable fishing, the Crimea series is a light flat-bottomed boat with high sides, which perfectly hold the wave and have excellent stability, and are often chosen by owners of small engines with a capacity of up to 15 hp, since the boat easily goes to planing even with one passenger.
A more serious option is the model. Ob-2.The cockpit's larger size and the ability to install a more powerful engine make it suitable for overnight stays on board and long journeys.
- 🚤 Ark-280/320 - ultralight single boats for quiet water and lake fishing, the weight of which allows them to be brought into the water without the help of technology.
- 🎣 Ark-580 (Crimea) Best-selling book, the perfect balance between capacity and weight, suitable for engines 9.9-15 hp.
- ⚓ Ob-2/Ob 3 Large boats with tiller or console control, designed for harsh conditions and powerful engines up to 30 hp.
- 🌊 Ark 600. - An enlarged version with high sides, focused on sea fishing and spray protection.
When choosing a particular model, it is important to consider not only the length, but also the geometry of the bottom. Flat-bottomed options will provide maximum parking stability and minimal draught, but will be harder to go on the wave. The silky bottoms found in older models cut the wave, providing a more comfortable ride, but require more engine power to enter the planing mode.
Performance and driving performance
Owners of the Ark boats often note their excellent germination on the wave due to their high board and forpict, which additionally protects against flooding. Unlike low "Kandaks", water is drawn in the Ark much less often, which is critical when fishing spinning in windy weather.
Stability is another strong point of these vessels, because the wide hull and well-designed contours allow fishermen to stand up to full height to cast or work with a sonar without fear of a sharp roll, but you should remember that the high side creates sailing, which in high winds requires careful management.
⚠️ Attention: Despite its high strength, you should not ram obstacles at full speed. Aluminum alloy is strong, but the inertia of a heavy boat on impact can damage not only the hull, but also the health of passengers.
Metal noise is a common stereotype that, in the case of LMG, is not working at its fullest, and the bottom thickness and structure of the alloy are better at quenching vibrations than thin steel, but when you move against a wave or rain, there is a metal knock, and you need to get used to it or use additional noise insulation.
The model's load capacity allows not only crew but also a substantial supply of equipment, for example, the 580 Series carries three adult men and a full suite of fishing equipment, while remaining within safe limits of buoyancy.
Comparison with competitors: Ark, Crimea and PVC
To understand the place of the Ark boats on the market, you need to do a comparative analysis with direct competitors. D16AT (often referred to simply as aluminum) and modern PVC materials.
Unlike traditional aluminum, LMG does not require painting and is less prone to metal fatigue cracking. PVC boats benefit in weight and storage compactness, but lose in assembly speed, puncture resistance and durability. Metal lasts for decades, inherited, whereas PVC life is limited by ultraviolet light and mechanical wear.
| Characterization | The Ark (LMG) | Conventional Aluminium (D16) | PVC Boats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body weight | Medium (lighter than steel) | Medium/Severe | Low. |
| Strength | Tall (not afraid of stones) | High. | Medium (fears of punctures) |
| Corrosion | It doesn't rust (anodizing) | Oxidating, needing paint. | Not affected. |
| Term of service | 50+ years | 20 to 30 years | 10-15 years |
| Price. | High. | Medium | Low/Medium |
The main advantage of LMG over ordinary aluminum is the absence of the need for painting and high corrosion resistance without additional protection.
The price policy of the Ark is in the premium segment for metal boats, you pay for advanced technology and durability. If the budget is limited, you can consider the used market or models of conventional aluminum, but they require constant maintenance of the coating.
Transportation and storage: practical advice
Despite the name "light alloy", boats from 4 meters long are already difficult to lift alone. Transporting on the roof of the car will require a reliable trunk and soft lozenges or crossbars to avoid damaging the oxide layer when frictioned. Many owners use special trailers, which makes life much easier.
When storing, it is important to avoid contact with concrete or raw earth, it is best to use wooden bars or special stands for the keel and cheekbones, which will provide ventilation and prevent stains, although there will be no corrosion as such.
Winter operation requires no special conditions - the metal is not afraid of frost, unlike plastic or rubber. However, if the boat is used in salt water, before putting it on winter storage, you need to thoroughly wash the hull with fresh water to remove the salt plaque.
- 🚗 Baggage Use reinforced crosses with a maximum load of at least 100 kg.
- 🏠 garage - ideal place, but it is permissible to store under a canopy, if water flow is provided.
- 🧼 Washing After each fishing in salt water, rinse the body to avoid whitish raid.
☑️ Preparing the boat for winter
Tuning and reworking of the Ark boats
Factory equipment is often ministic, so tuning is the lot of owners. First of all, many install soft linings on cans (seats), because the metal is cold and hard to the touch. Using plywood coated with "boat lacquer" or special corrugated aluminum is a popular solution.
The second stage is the organization of the fishing space. squirrel-electric motorsIt turns a utilitarian vessel into a comfortable fishing boat, and it is important to use sealants and special marine fasteners when drilling holes in the hull, so as not to disturb the integrity of the anode layer.
To improve driving performance, hydrowings are often installed on the engine or transom plates, which helps to quickly get on plane and level the boat when underloaded. Windshields are also popular, especially on rumpled models.
⚠️ Attention: When self-drilling the body, use only aluminum drills and low drill speeds so as not to overheat the metal and not spoil the alloy structure at the drilling point.
Should I put an anchor winch?
On boats longer than 4 meters, the installation of an anchor winch (anchor-cat) greatly facilitates life when fishing in windy weather or on the current, allowing you to quickly fix the position.
Where to buy and what to pay attention to when choosing
Buying a boat is best from official dealers or directly at the factory, which guarantees obtaining a certificate of conformity, which is required for registration with the GIMS. When buying from hand, be sure to check the presence of the boat's passport and the compliance of the license plates on the transom with the data in the documents.
Inspect welds: they should be scaly, uniform, without visible burns or interruptions. The color of the seam may be slightly different from the main body - this is normal for LMG welding. The presence of dents is not critical, as long as they do not violate the geometry of the keel.
The basic version usually includes cans (seats), switches and a drawer; motor carports, rundooks and windshields are often optional; check with the seller in advance what is included in the price to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The final decision to buy should be based on your real needs. If you fish 2-3 times a season on the nearest lake, you may need a simpler model. But if the boat is bought for life for serious exits, the Ark will become a reliable partner.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register the Ark boat in GIMS?
Yes, if the weight of the equipped boat (hull + engine) exceeds 200 kg. Since the engines weigh from 20 kg, and the boats of the Ark-580 and above are heavier than 180 kg in themselves, registration is mandatory for almost all models, except for the smallest single ones.
What is the maximum engine you can put on the Ark 580?
The plant recommends engines up to 15 hp for comfortable and safe operation. Installation of more powerful engines (up to 20-25 hp) is possible, but requires caution and experience in driving, as the boat can become too fast and prone to yaw.
Can I cook a boat from LMG at home?
Theoretically, it's possible, but it's almost impossible. LMG welding requires argon, special additive rods (AMG5) and a high-skilled welder. You can't brew a conventional electrode or semi-automatic machine, because the metal will burn out or the seam will be brittle.
Will the boat slide the Ark under the bottom when pulled out?
Yes, the smooth surface of LMG is very slippery, but abrasive sand or shells can get micro-scratched over time, and it doesn't affect the tightness, but it can change the appearance. For frequent rock-drawing, it's the best material.