In the world of water tourism and fishing, there is often a need for a reliable but not overly cumbersome swimmer, and this is the solution for many, the Navigator 2, a classic example of domestic engineering adapted to harsh operating conditions. This model, often assembled by enthusiasts on its own drawings or purchased from private craftsmen, has proven to be a workhorse on small rivers and lakes. Aluminum alloyThe slab used in its creation guarantees durability, but requires the right approach to assembly and maintenance.
Unlike the lightweight inflatable analogues, Navigator 2 This is a great way to ensure stability on the wave and safety when in contact with snags or rocky bottom. However, before deciding to buy a finished product or self-weld the case, you need to study the design features in detail. In this article, we will discuss the technical nuances, consider the possibilities of modernization and give practical tips for the operation of this popular project.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of any metal boat is its hull, which takes on all the loads. Navigator 2 It was originally designed to use available materials, so the de facto standard became the most effective. aluminum-alloy The thickness of the sheets varies depending on the location in the construction: the bottom is usually made of a sheet 3-4 mm thick, and the sides can be thinner - 2 mm, which allows you to reduce the overall weight without critical loss of strength.
Particular attention should be paid to the way elements are connected. ferro-weldingIt's a sealed, strong, vibration-resistant seam, and if you're thinking about self-assembly, remember that seam quality is a direct factor in unsinkability, and it's possible to use rivets, but it requires that you seal them with special compounds that can lose their properties over time.
Housing geometry Navigator 2 It's a compromise solution: flat bottoms provide excellent sleeve sliding even with low-power motors, and a small keel in the bow helps to keep the course better and travel the wave easier than pure flat bottom models, but this shape is sensitive to side wind and requires careful control.
Dimensions and weight specifications
When choosing or building a boat, it is critical to understand its actual dimensions, as they determine transportability and capacity. Navigator 2 It is a small-sized motorcycle, which allows it to be transported on the roof of a passenger car in assembled form or with minimal disassembly. Standard dimensions usually do not exceed 3-3.5 meters in length, which is optimal for fishing alone or alone.
The weight of an empty body is a parameter that is often underestimated by beginners. Aluminum is light, but structures with reinforced transcense other banks (seats) can weigh from 40 to 60 kg. For one person, lifting such a weight on board or launching into the water can be a serious test. door-wheel to facilitate movement on solid ground.
The load capacity of the model depends on the volume of water displaced and the buoyancy reserve. Navigator 2 It's designed to carry a payload of 250-300 kg, which includes the weight of passengers, motor, fuel, gear and anchor, and exceeding this limit is not only dangerous, but drastically reduces driving performance, turning a gleaming boat into a displacement boat that can barely break away from the water.
Choice of outboard motor and installation of transom
The choice of a power plant for Navigator 2 Factory designs or blueprints often involve the installation of motors with a capacity of 5 to 15 horsepower. Low-power "spots" (5 hp) will allow you to go to the planing with only one person on board and a minimum load. To fully operate two will require a motor of at least 9.9 hp.
The boat's trawler must be reinforced. A 2 mm thick aluminum plate may not withstand the vibration and weight of the motor, especially a two-stroke one, which is heavier than four-stroke analogues of the same power. squirt-board from moisture-resistant plywood sheathed with aluminum, or weld additional stiffness ribs into a metal transom, the motor must be fastened through rods that will not damage the metal when puffed.
When installing the motor on an aluminum transom, be sure to use rubber gaskets between the rods and the metal to avoid damage to the corrosion coating and the appearance of microcracks from vibration.
It is important to consider the daytownt (distance from anti-cavitation plate to the bottom). Navigator. The optimum height of the installation may differ from the recommendations for a deep V. A motor that is too high will capture air on turns, and a motor that is too low will create excess water resistance.
Drawings and self-assembly (Do it yourself)
Many boaters prefer to build a boat DIY to be sure of each welded seam. Navigator 2 It's because of the availability of blueprints online, but blindly following the patterns of the Internet in the '80s can lead to errors, and modern security requirements and the availability of new materials dictate their own adjustments.
Before the work begins, you need to prepare the sweeps of the sides and bottoms. It is better to order sheet aluminum from professional equipment (laser cutting), since a hand-held jigsaw can leave serrated edges that are difficult to brew properly.
☑️ Preparation for welding of the shell
Pay special attention to tightness. Even if the boat is planned as open (without deck), the presence of the vessel is not very difficult. float-block (sealed sealed compartments or foamed space under the banks) is a safety requirement, and if punctured against a sharp stone, they will prevent the boat from sinking with the crew.
Tuning and modernization for comfort
The basic hardware is often Spartan: two cans and a transom. Navigator 2 The first thing that owners do is to put up the soft seats on the rotary seats, which is critical to keeping the spine healthy when cruising on the wave, and the hard aluminum can will be felt by back pain after an hour of fishing.
The second stage is the organization of the rundooks, where the metal boxes, welded into the nose or attached along the sides, remove the gear, anchor and zIP from under the feet, freeing up space. battery for the sonar and the navigator, protecting it from splashes and impacts.
The secret to a quiet move
To reduce noise from the waves hitting the metal floor, many craftsmen glue sheets of vibro-insulating material used in autotuning to the bottom (or inside if the design permits), which also reduces heat transfer from the sun.
And the awning is also a must, because aluminum in the sun is hot, and when it rains, the boat turns into a drum, and the lightweight dural tube frame and PVC awning fabric will protect you from the weather and allow you to fish in any conditions.
specifications comparison table
For clarity, compare modifications Navigator 2 The data may vary depending on the manufacturer or year of production of the drawings.
| Parameter | Navigator 2 (standard) | Kazanka- 2M | Salute 410 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length, m | 3.10 | 4.05 | 4.10 |
| Width, m. | 1.35 | 1.60 | 1.55 |
| Body weight, kg | ~45-50 | 110 | 140 |
| River. motor, hp. | 5-10 | 12-15 | 15-20 |
As you can see from the table, Navigator 2 It's a better weight and transportability, but it's a lower comfort and seaworthiness than the larger Kazankas and Salyuts, which are mobility choices than long-distance high-water crossings.
Operation and care of the aluminum case
Aluminum is an active metal, and although it's coated with an oxide film, the aluminum-stainless steel or aluminum-copper vapor in salt water acts like a battery, destroying the body. It is strictly forbidden to use copper elements (for example, screws) for fastening parts to an aluminum case without insulation.All fasteners must be made of stainless steel or aluminum.
After each foray, especially into salt water or industrial runoff, the boat needs to be rinsed with fresh water. Dirt and mud, drying on the bottom, can create local corrosion points. Regular inspection of the bottom for scratches and dents will help prevent through damage. Small scratches can be painted over with special soils for aluminum.
The main rule of longevity of an aluminum boat is the absence of contact of dissimilar metals in water and regular washing with fresh water after operation.
Store Navigator 2 It's better upside down under a canopy or indoors, direct sunlight is not as bad for metal as the accumulation of moisture and condensate inside the case, if it's on the ground, wintering outside is acceptable, but requires removing the motor and carefully drying all the niches.
Security and GIM regulations
Even a small metal boat requires safety regulations, and having life jackets in terms of the number of passengers is not just a formality, it is a necessity, a metal hull when hitting an obstacle at speed does not forgive mistakes, and a sharp roll can lead to a person being thrown overboard. Navigator 2 It has good stability, but its center of gravity is higher than that of inflatable boats with inflated cylinders.
⚠️ Note: Operating a boat with a power of more than 5 hp (or depending on current legislation, for example, more than 10 hp and a length of more than 20 meters) requires registration with the GIMS and the right to operate a small vessel.
Don't forget the anchor. For a boat of this size, you can have an anchor of 3-4 kg. Using a stone or a brick as an anchor is dangerous: if you get stuck, you can lose anchor when you try to pull the boat back, or damage the transom; better use folding anchors like a cat or Denfort.
Frequent problems and their solution
Owners Navigator 2 Often encountered leakage through welds after several seasons of active use, due to metal fatigue and vibrations, repair consists of cleaning the seam to pure metal and re-cooking with argon, the use of cold welding or sealants is a temporary measure that will not withstand prolonged contact with water and mechanical stress.
Another problem is the backlash of the cans, and over time, the mounts get loosened, and the solution is simple: replace the regular bolts with better ones, use a grover or a carving fixture, and you can also weld the can stops to the sides so that they don't shift during the course.
⚠️ Warning: When welding aluminum at home without argon, there is a high risk of burning a thin sheet (2 mm) or getting a porous, leaky seam. If you do not have experience in welding non-ferrous metals, trust this work to professionals.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use an electric motor on Navigator 2?
Yes, it's a great option. Electric motors are lightweight and do not create vibrations, which is ideal for an aluminum case. But consider the weight of the batteries: for a full day of fishing, you need a battery weighing 15-20 kg, which will significantly affect the differentiation of the light boat, it is better to place the battery in the nose or in the center for balancing.
What is the real speed of a boat with a 9.9 hp engine?
With one driver (about 80 kg) and a minimum load Navigator 2 With a 9.9 hp engine, it can reach speeds of about 25-30 km/h. With two passengers, the speed will drop to 20-22 km/h, since the bottom area is large for such power at full load. For speeds above 35 km/h, a motor from 15 hp is required, but this can already be dangerous for lightweight construction.
Should I paint an aluminum boat?
Aluminum is difficult to paint: ordinary paint quickly peels off. There are special epoxy soils and paints for aluminum (for example, Interlaking); paint the boat mainly for aesthetics or to hide scratches; the inside of the boat is often not painted at all, leaving matte metal, or use anti-slip coatings.
Will the Navigator withstand wave 2?
Open sea access Navigator 2 It's a boat for protected areas, lakes, rivers, small reservoirs, low side and low weight, making it extremely vulnerable to side waves, and even on a large lake with winds above 5-7 m/s, it can be dangerous to be on it.