Finding a reliable and practical fishing boat or a family vacation on the water often leads water-engineers to study models that have been tested by time. PellaThe magnesium alloy vessel, long considered a benchmark for reliability in the Soviet and post-Soviet spaces, has unique properties that distinguish it from its usual aluminum or steel counterparts.
In this article we will discuss in detail technical specifications of the Pella boatSo you can see if it's the right fit for your needs, and we're going to look at the dimensions, the weight, the load capacity and the design features that make this model legendary, and understanding these parameters will help you avoid mistakes when choosing transport for transportation and operation on the water.
Many owners value this model for its survivability and ability to hold the impact, which is critical when landing on unequipped shores. However, like any technique, it has its own nuances that you need to know about in advance. Let's dive into the numbers and facts to get a full picture.
Historical background and body material
Boat. Pella It was first produced in the 1970s at the Onego Petrozavodsk plant, and the main feature that determined the fate of the model was the fabrication material, the AMG5M alloy, which was not a random choice: magnesium gives the metal high strength at a relatively low weight, as well as excellent corrosion resistance in fresh water.
Unlike steel, which rusts, or pure aluminum, which is softer, magnesium It allowed us to create a body that was almost unafraid of impacts on rocks and logs, and the technology involved welding, which ensured that the seams were tight, but also limited the field's maintainability, and it had a riveted-welded structure with longitudinal and transom stiffness sets.
⚠️ Attention: despite its high corrosion resistance, the aluminum-magnesium galvanic pair can actively break down when in contact with salt water or when electrical equipment is not connected correctly.
The design of the boat was designed to meet the requirements of the time: high sides for safety, sculpted contours for stability and a flat bottom for the possibility of approaching the gently shore. pella It is popular among fishermen and hunters.
Overall dimensions and weight
One of the key parameters when choosing a floating craft is its dimensions. Length The Pella boats are 4,600 mm, which makes them four-meter motorcycles, and they're the optimal size for moving around large lakes and reservoirs where there can be excitement, and they're 1,730 mm wide, which provides enough stability to accommodate three or four people with a load.
The bow height is 730 mm and the stern height is 680 mm. These parameters allow you to feel confident even when passing a head wave from other boats. However, it is worth considering that the high side increases sailing, which can be noticeable with strong side winds.
The dry weight of the hull without equipment and motor is about 190 kg. This is quite a heavy figure compared to modern aluminum counterparts, but quite acceptable for a metal boat of this size. Transportation on the roof of a passenger car is possible, but requires good physical training or the use of a winch.
Below is a table with the main dimensions for ease of comparison:
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Longest length | 4600 | mm |
| largest width | 1730 | mm |
| Height of board | 730 | mm |
| Hull mass | 190 | kilogram |
| Load capacity | 500 | kilogram |
When transporting a Pell boat on a trailer, be sure to check the condition of the supporting rollers, since the weight of the boat is large and can push soft coatings.
Capacity and passenger capacity
Officially a boat Pella It's certified for four people, and it's not just the size of the cockpit, it's the estimated size of the cockpit. load-carrying capacityThis figure includes the weight of passengers, engine, fuel, equipment and anchor equipment.
In practice, because of the width and stable shape of the hull, the boat is able to carry more weight while staying afloat. However, exceeding the limit of 500 kg leads to a significant decrease in the freeboard height, which increases the risk of flooding with the wave.
- 🎣 Perfect for a company of 2-3 fishermen with a full set of gear.
- ⛺ Comfortable for a family holiday with two children and a small amount of things.
- 🚣 Allows you to place an outboard motor with a capacity of up to 30 hp without critical overloading of the stern.
Shifting cargo to one side or on the nose can impair the driving performance and handling of the vessel, especially on planing.
⚠️ Attention: full load (4 people + engine + cargo) planing may be difficult or impossible with low-power engines, in which mode the boat goes into displacement mode, increasing fuel consumption.
Driving qualities and requirements for the motor
The hull of Pell's boat has sharp-bumped contours with a pronounced cheekbone in the nose, a shape that was chosen to provide a soft input to the wave and reduce shock overload, the bottom is flat, with a small keel in the aft, which facilitates planing, but requires proper differentiation.
For confident planing with one driver and a minimum load, it is recommended to use an outboard motor with a capacity of 10-12 hp, however, the best option is the installation of an engine with a power 15-25 hp. This allows you to reach speeds of up to 30-35 km / h and feel comfortable on the wave.
Secrets of planing
To facilitate the plane on the Pella boat, it is recommended to move the cargo (passengers, anchor, gas tank) closer to the transom, which will raise the boat's nose and reduce the area of the wetted surface.
If you install a motor that is too powerful (over 30 hp), you risk damage to the transom or loss of controllability at high speeds due to the sailing and shape of the body. In addition, a flat bottom with heavy chop can cause yaws and impacts on the water, if you do not slow down.
The boat is controlled by a tiller console or remote control, depending on the configuration, and the standard location of the cockpit allows you to install a windshield and awning, which turns Pella into a full-fledged pleasure boat.
Accommodation and internal arrangements
The interior of the boat is designed to be as functional as possible, and the bow is a sealed fork, which serves not only to store things, but also to serve as a storage device. floatability This safety requirement is mandatory for metal boats.
The seats are usually wooden, removable or foldable, which allows you to transform the space under the load. The aft part includes a cutout for the installation of an outboard motor and a hazel for batteries and fuel tank. The boat floor is flat, which is convenient for moving, but slippery when wet.
- 🔧 The presence of longitudinal coamings allows you to install additional elements of equipment.
- 🪑 Removable banks allow you to make room for large-sized cargo.
- 🔋 The battery compartment is protected from water but requires regular ventilation.
Many owners customize the interior by installing soft seats, shelves for tackles and mounts for sonars. Magnesium alloy is easy to drill, which makes tuning easier, but requires mandatory treatment of the cut areas with anticor.
☑️ Checking the boat's readiness for the season
Care, maintenance and repair
Although Pella It's considered indestructible, but it still needs attention. The main enemy of magnesium alloy is electrochemical corrosion. If you're using a boat with electrical equipment or a powerful motor, you have to have a zinc tread on the transom, and it takes over the destruction, protecting the hull.
Every year, the bottom and sides are inspected for chips of paint and oxidation of metal. The appearance of white plaque or "bubbles" under the paint signals the beginning of the corrosion process. In such places, you need to clean the surface to metal, treat with a rust converter (specialized for aluminum) and paint.
⚠️ Warning: Never use copper or brass fasteners when repairing Pella's body, contacting these metals with aluminum-magnesium alloy in water will cause instant and severe corrosion. Use only stainless steel or aluminum.
Keeping the boat under a canopy or in a garage, turning the keel upwards, will prevent moisture and snow from accumulating inside the hull, and if you can't, use quality awnings that won't wipe the sides in the wind.
Regular treatment with a zinc tread of the transom prolongs the life of the Pell boat at times, preventing electrochemical destruction of the alloy.
Comparison with analogues and final conclusions
In the modern boat market Pella It competes mainly with second-hand models or new aluminum counterparts like the Crimea or Volzhanka, and Pella’s main advantage is its strong magnesium-aluminum alloy, which is stronger than the conventional aluminum used in most modern boats.
However, the weight of 190 kg is a significant disadvantage: If you often have to lower the boat from a steep shore by hand or drag it along the waist, Pella can be too heavy. Aluminum counterparts often weigh 100-120 kg, which makes life much easier.
In the dry residue, Pella It's a pragmatic choice, a workhorse for large bodies of water, where reliability and safety are important, not easy to transport, and it's a vessel for those who value time-tested design and are willing to put up with extra pounds for the sake of confidence in the future.
Can a crack be made on Pell's boat with a conventional welding machine?
No, conventional electric arc welding is not suitable for magnesium-aluminum alloys. Repair requires argon-arc welding (TIG) using a matching compound (AMG) filler wire. Incorrect welding will lead to thin metal burning and further destruction of the seam.
What is the real speed of a boat with a 15 hp engine?
With one driver and a minimum load, the Pella boat with a 15 hp engine goes on plane and develops a speed of about 25-28 km / h With a full load, the speed will drop to 15-18 km / h in displacement mode.
Do I need to paint Pell's boat inside?
The factory paint inside is usually minimal. Many owners don't paint the inner side, leaving the metal behind, but they do it with anti-cor, and the floor is often covered with linoleum or plywood for comfort and protection from abrasion.
Why is the boat called Pella?
The name comes from the ancient Greek city of Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, which symbolizes power and reliability, and there is a version that the name is associated with the pella, a material used in shipbuilding, but historically it has been established as a brand of the Petrozavodsk plant.