PVC boat "Malyutka-2": a complete analysis for fishermen and tourists

Boat. Baby 2. It is a legendary model among domestic PVC boats, which has gained popularity due to its combination of compactness, reliability and affordable price. This two-seater boat, built in Soviet times, is still in demand among fishermen, hunters and tourists. universality: suitable for calm rivers and lakes, and for sea walks with chop up to 2 points.

In this article, we will discuss specificationWe'll compare the modifications, tell you about the choice of engine and accessories, and give you practical tips for repair and tuning. hidden "diseases" of the model, which are silent sellers For example, why do some specimens diverge seams after 3-4 seasons and how to avoid this.

Technical specifications of "Baby-2": what you need to know before buying

Basic version Baby 2. has the following parameters:

• 📏 Length/width270×135 cm - optimal for transportation in the trunk of a passenger car (if folded).
• 👥 Passenger capacity2 persons (maximum 220 kg) or 1 person + load up to 150 kg
• 🛡️ Materials: PVC 0.7-0.9 mm thick (depending on the year of production). Modern versions often come with reinforced bottoms.
• ⚡ Engine power: up to 5 hp (passport), but experienced owners install up to 8 hp with modifications.

It is important to bear in mind that boat It varies from 18 to 22 kg depending on the configuration. Baby 2K.) heavier by 3-4 kg, but better controlled on the wave. motor-traffic (height 380 mm) and without it - this affects the ability to install the engine.

Parameter	Baby 2 is the standard	Baby 2K (with a keel)	Baby 2T (with a transcension)
Max, engine power.	3.5 hp	5 hp	5 hp (up to 8 hp with a reinforced transcension)
Weight.	18 kg	21 kg	20 kg
Price (new), 2026	from 28,000	from 35,000	from 32,000
Features	Flat bottom, no keel.	Inflatable keel, better course stability	Trawn for the engine, reinforced seams

⚠️ Attention: If you're buying a b/u "Baby 2." In 2010, you should check it out. valve-state In older models, they often stick to the base and start poisoning the air, and you can test this with a soap solution: apply it to the valve and pump the boat — if bubbles appear, the valve is replaced.

Pros and cons: honest analysis from the owners

Advantages of Baby 2. There are many, but there are also critical flaws that are not covered in the brochures. Let's look at both.

Pros:

• 💰 Price/quality: one of the most affordable boats in its class, and the new one costs less than many Chinese boats.
• 🚗 Compactness: folded is placed in a backpack (size 60×40×20 cm).
• 🛠️ Repairability: PVC is easy to glue, patches are kept for years when installed correctly.
• 🌊 Sustainable: Due to the low center of gravity, it is difficult to turn even in sharp turns.

Cons (and how to get around them):

• 🔧 Weak stitches: boats before 2015 release often have seams on their noses after 2-3 seasons. PVC glue "Crystal Moment" or "Uranus." before the start of operation.
• ⚓ Poor handling without a keelThe way out is to put a removable keel or load on the nose.
• 🔥 Afraid of ultraviolet light.: if stored in the sun, PVC becomes brittle. light-cloth or special UV protective sprays.
• 🔊 Noise: when driving for an outboard motor, the bottom of the drum is drummed. soundproofing Or a rubber mat.

What engine is suitable for “Baby-2”: a review of options

According to the passport, the boat is designed for engines up to 5 hp, but in practice the owners install more powerful engines - the main thing is to correctly distribute the load and strengthen the transom.

1. Outboard motors up to 3.5 hp Lightweight (weight ~10 kg), economical, do not require registration in GIMS.

• 🛶 Wind 8M. (2.6 hp) - domestic, reliable, but noisy.
• 🛶 Honda BF2.3 Quiet, Japanese quality, but expensive (from 80 000 RUB).
• 🛶 Yamaha 2FMHS Light (9.5 kg), suitable for fishing in quiet water.

2. Motors 5-8 hp - for experienced users. transaxialization (can be made independently from plywood 10 mm) and registration in GIMS, if the power exceeds 5 hp

• 🏆 Nevod-5M. (5 hp) - budget, but capricious in service.
• 🏆 Mercury ME F 5 M Reliable but heavy (26 kg).
• 🏆 Tohatsu MFS 8C - maximum allowable power for "Baby-2" with reinforced transcen.

⚠️ Attention: If you install a motor more powerful than 5 hp, be sure to check centre-upOverloading the feed leads to a pecking nose and the risk of turning on the wave. Optimal distribution: motor + fuel tank per transom, cargo (battery, box) closer to the nose.

Tuning and improvements: how to make “Baby-2” better

Even standard. Baby 2. After a few improvements, it turns into a more comfortable and safe boat. top-5 modificationsWhich can be done yourself:

1. Installation of a removable keel

Problem: without a keel, the boat is not keeping its course well, it blows away with the wind, the solution is to make a keel from a PVC pipe (50 mm diameter) or buy a ready-made one (for example, a keel from a PVC pipe). "The Kilt Kit for Little Boy." from "Breeze."He's wearing Velcro or screeds.

2. Bottom reinforcement

The standard bottom is bent under weight, which leads to "the trampoline effect" The options for amplification are:

• 🛠️ Stick it on. rubber-mat (thickness 5 mm) on PVC glue.
• 🛠️ Install plywood (thickness 6-8 mm), fixing it on the belts.
• 🛠️ Stick it on. PVC tape At the seams of the bottom for additional rigidity.

3. Organization of storage of things

There are no pockets or compartments as standard.

• 🎒 Sew tarp-pocket On the sides (you can order from the chamber master).
• 🎒 Install plastic-box (for example, «Plano») under the seats.
• 🎒 Use it. germ-bag with cylinder attachments.

How to make a removable floor for "Baby-2" yourself

1. Cut out of plywood (8 mm) two sheets according to the size of the bottom of the boat.

2. Drill the holes in the corners and treat the edges with sandpaper.

3. Secure the sheets at the bottom of the boat with the help of textile-string (Sold in the fishing shops) or the squirrels.

4. Put on plywood for depreciation polyethylene (thickness 3 mm).

5. Cover with moisture resistance varnish.

Repair of "Baby-2": step-by-step instructions

The most common problem is punctures and ruptures of PVCYou can eliminate them yourself without going to the workshop.

Small puncture (up to 5 mm)

You'll need: PVC-set (with patches and glue), acetone, roller.

1. Clean and degrease the puncture site with acetone.
2. Apply glue on the patch and boat, let dry for 5-7 minutes.
3. Stick the patch, roll the roller from the center to the edges.
4. Don't blow the boat up for 12 hours.

Breaking of the seam (up to 10 cm)

You'll need: Uranus PVC glue, reinforced-ribbon (width 5 cm), hair dryer.

1. Clean the seam with sandpaper (grain 120).
2. Apply the glue on both sides of the gap, warm up with a hair dryer (temperature 50-60 ° C).
3. Squeeze the seam and glue on top with reinforced tape.
4. Put the load on for 24 hours.

⚠️ Attention: Never use it for repairs. superglue or Moment 1 They destroy PVC, and avoid cyanoacrylate-based adhesives. "Uranus.", "Crystal Moment" or "PVC-Boat".

Storage and care: how to extend the life of the boat

Term of service Baby 2. It depends not only on the quality of the materials, but also on the proper care.

1. Washing and drying

• 🚿 After each exit wash the boat. freshwater (Especially if you are swimming in salty or dirty water)
• 🌞 Dry in unfoldedBut not under direct sunlight.
• 🧴 Once a season, treat PVC spray-proof (for example, «303 Aerospace Protectant»).

2 Storage

• 🏠 Ideal conditions: dry-room with a temperature of +5... +20 ° C.
• 📦 If you put it in long-term storage, sprinkle internal surfaces to avoid sticking together.
• 🚫 Don't keep the boat. winter-balcony PVC becomes brittle at -10°C.

3. Transportation

• 🚗 When transported in the trunk lay the boat straight, no creases.
• 🔗 Fix with belts, but do not drag - this deforms the cylinders.
• 🛵 If you are travelling on a motorcycle or quad bike, use it. screedSo you don't wipe the PVC.

Registration in GIMS: is it necessary for “Baby-2”?

Since 2021, the rules for registration of small craft have changed. Baby 2. The following rules apply:

1. Unregistered. This can be done if:

• ✅ Drive to. 5 hp (inclusive).
• ✅ Boat used paddle-only.
• ✅ Boat length < 2.5 m m m m (Baby 2 is 2.7 m, so this rule does not apply.)

2 Registration is mandatory if:

• ❌ More powerful engine 5 hp
• ❌ The boat is used in sea-water (Even with a 3 hp engine).

For registration you will need:

• 📄 Passport of the boat (if you bought a new one) or declaration (for use).
• 📄 Motor passport (if power > 5 hp).
• 📄 Receipt of payment of the state duty (300-800 RUB depending on the region).
• 📄 Application to GIMS (the sample can be downloaded on the website) germ).

The procedure takes 5-10 working daysAfter registration, you will be issued boat registration certificate and appropriate tail-room, which must be applied to the boat (the font size is at least 15 cm).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I install an electric motor on the "Baby-2"?

Yes, but with reservations. Maximum recommended power. 1 hp (746 W)Popular models: Min Kota Endura C2 30 or «Haswing Cayman»Important:

• Use it. battery capacity of at least 50 Ah.
• Secure the battery in a sealed box (for example, «Plano 1312»).
• Keep in mind that the time of operation on one charge will be 2-3 hours at full load.

Which pump is better for pumping "Baby-2"?

Best options:

• Hand pump (for example, Bravo BS-2.) - reliable, but it takes effort.
• Electric pump (for example, «Intex 68609») - pumps the boat in 5 minutes, but depends on the socket / battery.
• Foot pump. (for example, «Sevylor Foot Pump») is a trade-off between speed and convenience.

Advice: after pumping, check the pressure gauge - optimal value for "Baby-2" - 0.25-0.3 bar.

How many people can fit in the “Baby 2”?

Officially, 2 people (maximum load of 220 kg) However, many owners operate a threesome if:

• Total weight does not exceed 180 kg.
• The weather is windless and the excitement is no more. 1 point.
• The weight distribution is uniform (you can not put two on the stern).

⚠️ Risk: when the boat is overloaded sankThis reduces controllability and increases the risk of flooding.

How to choose a used "Baby 2" and not run into a marriage?

Check the following points:

1. Age of the boat: optimal under 5 years (PVC loses its elasticity after 7-8 seasons.)
2. Status of the seams: not required flaking.
3. Valves: pump up the boat and check soap-solution on leaks.
4. Bottom: it shouldn't be deep scratches or scuffs (This is a sign of exploitation on a rocky bottom).
5. Documents: Check if there are any passport (Without them, you will not register the engine > 5 hp).

The average price of used "Baby-2" in good condition - 12 000–18 000 ₽.

Can I use the "Baby 2" for fishing?

Technically, yes, but with severe restrictions:

• It is allowed to go to sea only in choppy conditions before 2 points.
• must have lifejackets and walkie-talk (or a phone in a sealer).
• Install. cat-anchor (weight 1.5-2 kg) for holding on the flow.
• Use the motor no weaker. 5 hp for maneuverability.

⚠️ Warning: PVC wears out faster in marine environments because of salt. freshwater!