The compact outboard-powered boat offers a completely different horizon of opportunity for the water motor, which is not just a way to navigate the water, but a complete tool for fishing, hunting or family recreation that saves you time and effort. A small boat with an engine. allows you to quickly reach the cherished fishing point, overcome the oncoming current or wind, which on oars would be a serious obstacle.
However, despite the apparent simplicity of design, the process of selecting and operating such vehicles requires careful attention to detail, and many factors must be considered: from the type of material of the shell and its load capacity to the compatibility of the transan with the power of the selected engine, mistakes during the purchase stage can lead to discomfort on the water or even emergency situations.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the right combination of “hull-motor”, what are the nuances of registration in GIMS for small craft and how to ensure the safety of the crew. You will learn about the technical specifications that are really important, and get practical tips for the care of your boat.
Criteria for the selection of the case: PVC vs. Aluminium
The first and perhaps most important question when buying is the choice of hull material, with two main types of inflatable boats made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and light metal (aluminum) boats, each with unique specifications that determine their best use.
Inflatable boats PVC reinforced vehicles are very popular because of their versatility and affordability, and their key advantage is that they are compact in their transportation form. After you take the air, you can pack the boat in the trunk of your car and transport it to the descent without a special trailer, and the soft sides provide excellent shock absorbance when hitting a wave, which makes staying on board more comfortable.
As opposed to them, aluminum-boat (often called Kazankas or Ob) offer a completely different level of reliability and durability: Aluminum alloy is not afraid of punctures against sharp stones, branches or ice chips. Metal body is tougher, allowing you to install more powerful motors and feel more confident on the wave, but such a boat requires a trailer or a special place to store by the water.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing PVC boats, pay attention to the density of fabric. To install a motor with a capacity of 5 hp, it is recommended to use a material with a density of at least 750 g / sq.m, and for more powerful engines - from 1100 g / sq.m. Thin fabric can quickly become unusable from fuel spray and mechanical loads.
The design of the bottom should also be considered when choosing: For calm water and small bodies of water, a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDP) or plywood floorboard will be suitable. If you plan to go out to large water or a river with the current, you will need a hard inflatable floor (HPD with aluminum profiles) or a full-fledged aluminum housing with a keel that provides course stability.
Selection of optimal engine power
The choice of engine is a balance between the desired speed, the fuel budget and the need to register a boat. For small boats, the most common consideration is the power range from 2 to 15 horsepower. motor-power The manufacturer of the boat must comply with the recommendations specified in the product passport.
Motors up to 5 hp are often chosen for boats up to 3 meters long. They are lightweight, economical and generally do not require registration with the GIMS (provided that the total weight of the equipped vessel does not exceed 200 kg), such engines can reach speeds of about 10-15 km / h, which is enough to move on reservoirs or lakes.
More serious tasks require the installation of engines with a capacity of 9.9-15 hp. This is the “golden mean” for most anglers. Such engines can bring the boat to plane even with two passengers and a load. Many models have speed limits or deforestation up to 9.9 hp to simplify registration, but are structurally ready for heavy loads.
- 🚤 2-3.5 hp - ideal for quiet water, single fishing, extremely economical, but not taken to the plane.
- 🚤 5-6 hp - allow to plane one person with a minimum load, a good power reserve.
- 🚤 9.9-15 hp - confident plane with full load, the possibility of installing an electric starter (on some models), high speed.
Two-stroke engines are lighter, cheaper and easier to maintain, but require a fuel mix; four-stroke engines are heavier and more expensive, but they are quieter, more economical and run on pure gasoline, which for many becomes a decisive factor.
Tran and attachment installation
The tranny is the stern part of the boat, designed to attach the outboard motor, its quality and proper installation depends on the safety of the entire structure. In inflatable boats, the transom can be removable (inserted into pockets) or built into the design of cylinders. In aluminum boats, the transom is an integral part of the hull.
The standard height for most motors is 381 mm (15 inches) or 508 mm (20 inches) if the transom is too low, the motor will start to capture air ("cavitate"), if too high, water resistance will increase and efficiency will decrease.
Nuances of translance installation on PVC boats
On PVC boats, it is important to ensure that the transom straps are tightened evenly, distortion can lead to deformation of cylinders and even rupture of the seams under the load of the engine, and it is also recommended to use protective linings on the contact of the transom tree with the fabric to avoid rubbing when vibrating.
In addition to the motor itself, the transom is often fitted with additional accessories, such as fishing rod holders, sonar sensors or GPS antennas, and this is done with special brackets that are attached to the transom mirror, and it is important not to overload this area so as not to disturb the balance of the boat.
| Type of boat | Max power (hp) | Type of transom attachment | Recommended motor |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC 280-300 cm | 5-8 | Removable/Pluted | two-stroke 2-5bhp. |
| PVC 320-360 cm | 15-18 | Pluted reinforced | two-stroke 9.9bhp. |
| Aluminum 3.0-3.5 m | 15-25. | Integrated | four-stroke 9.9-15 hp |
| Aluminum 3.6-4.0 m | until 40.60. | Integrated | four-stroke 20-30bhp. |
Safety and equipment of the crew
The operation of any boat, even the smallest, is fraught with risks. Safety at sea Statistics show that most incidents occur with small vessels because of neglect of basic rules.
First of all, everyone on board should have a life jacket of the appropriate size, and you should not rely on swimming skills: cold water, heavy clothing or a sudden blow can displace even an experienced swimmer. The vest should be zipped always, and not hanging on a hook in the nose of the boat.
In addition to vests, the anchor is an essential element of equipment with a sufficient supply of line. A small boat with a wind engine can be carried very quickly, and if the engine stalls or runs out of fuel, the anchor will be the only means of holding the position or preventing demolition to dangerous areas (thresholds, dam).
- 🛟 A life jacket for each passenger.
- ⚓ Anchor and anchor line (minimum 10-15 meters).
- 🔦 A light (signal) for night time or fog.
- 🔧 Remake and pump (for PVC boats).
- 🪣 Water drainage tap.
Features of operation and storage
Caring for a small motor boat extends its life and maintains its performance. For PVC boats, the main enemy is ultraviolet light and improper storage in a deflated state. After each operation, especially in salt or dirty water, the boat must be washed with fresh water and dried before packaging.
Metal boats require corrosion protection. Even if it's aluminum, saltwater galvanic fumes or paint damage can trigger oxidation. Regular washing, drying and chipping is a must. The motor also needs regular maintenance: oil replacement (in the gearbox and engine), candle checks and hinge lubrication.
Keep the PVC boat half-blown at room temperature, which will prevent cloth cloth cloth from breaking on the folds and maintain the elasticity of the material in the off-season.
When stored in winter, it is important to properly conserve the engine. For two-stroke engines, it is recommended to develop residues of fuel from the carburetor or use a stabilizer, and also store the engine in an upright position. For four-stroke analogues, the conservation procedure may include replacing oil and fogging oil in the cylinders.
Legal aspects: registration and rights
Owning a boat imposes certain legal obligations. In the Russian Federation, the rules for registration of small vessels are regulated by the GIMS of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The main criterion is the weight of the boat in service and the engine power.
Since 2012, there are regulations that state that registration and rights of category “G” (boatmaster of small boats) do not require boats weighing up to 200 kg inclusive (including the weight of the engine) and engines with a capacity of up to 8 kW (about 10.7 hp). However, there is an important nuance here: if the boat weighs 150 kg, and the engine has a power of 12 hp, but is deforcated documented up to 9.9 hp, registration is not required. If the engine is listed in the documents above 10.7 hp, even if it is physically weaker, you formally violate the rules.
⚠️ Note: Failure to register when exceeding the limits (weight > 200 kg or power > 8 kW) entails a fine. Furthermore, an unregistered vessel does not have a number, which can cause problems when checking documents or in case of an emergency. Always check the data in the PSM (Self-propelled Vehicle Passport) or boat's ticket.
You also need to consider where you plan to sail, and there are areas where small boats are prohibited or restricted (reserves, areas around hydraulic structures, border areas), and violations of these rules are also punishable by fines.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Practical advice for beginners
The first steps on the water can be exciting. The main rule is not to rush or overestimate your strength. A small boat is more sensitive to moving cargo than a large boat. A sharp rise or movement on the sides can lead to dangerous rolling.
When driving the motor, remember the dead zone behind the propeller. Never let people swim near a working or even a dead engine unless you are sure the propeller is raised out of the water.
The main skill for a beginner is the ability to trawl properly (go at low speed) and moor to the shore in the wind.
Learn how to start your motor by hand (if you have an electric starter, you should have a manual cable), replace a candle, or clean a fuel filter will save you when you are far from shore. Knowledge of the design of the lower unit and the ability to raise the engine in a transport position is critical when approaching the gently shore.
Do I need to register the outboard motor separately from the boat?
No, the engine is not registered separately, it fits into the boat's ticket (if the boat is subject to registration) as attachments, but you must have a check or a contract of sale for the engine, confirming your ownership, in case of checking the numbers on the lower unit.
Can I use AI-95 gasoline for a two-stroke engine?
The AI-95 can be used with caution, but modern two-stroke oils mix well with any gasoline. However, if the boat is idle for a long time, the AI-95 can oxidize and form resins faster than the AI-92. Many manufacturers recommend the AI-92. Always read the instructions for a particular engine.
Which is better: a three-bladed or four-bladed screw?
Three-blade propellers (standard) provide better top speed and efficiency on planing. Four-blade propellers give better traction at low rpm, bring the heavy boat to the plane faster and provide smoother running, but lower top speed slightly. 3-blade propellers are often recommended for small boats with low-power engines.
How often should you change the oil in the gearbox?
The oil in the gearbox of the outboard motor is recommended to be changed once a season (before winter storage or at the beginning of navigation). If you notice that the oil has become milky (emulsion), this is a sign of water entering the osteoils. You can not operate the motor with water in the gearbox - this will lead to the destruction of the gears.