The water-motor industry offers many solutions for lovers of fishing and recreation on the water, however, plastic boat Malek The boat, built by BoatWise, has become a benchmark for the budget segment, attracting the attention of those looking for a balance between price and quality, and its simplicity of shape and reliability make it a popular choice for small rivers and lakes.
Despite its apparent simplicity, the craft has a number of nuances to consider during the purchase phase, and many owners are faced with the need to refine the basic equipment to improve comfort and safety. In this article, we will discuss the specifications, the process of plywood plating and discuss which engine is best for this model.
Technical specifications and dimensions of the shell
The fundamental factor in the choice of any boat is its geometric parameters. Malek It is a small vessel, which allows it to be transported on the roof of a passenger car or even in a trailer without special permits, the hull is 3 meters long, which is the optimal indicator for accommodating two or three people on board, a width of 1.3 meters provides sufficient stability, allowing you to safely navigate through the water even in the presence of slight excitement.
The hull is made of fiberglass by contact molding, which guarantees high strength and durability of the material. The weight of an empty boat is about 70 kilograms, which is the average for such dimensions. Load capacity The model allows you to take on board up to 250-300 kg of payload, including passengers, equipment and engine.
It's important to note the design features of the transom, which is reinforced and can withstand mounted motors up to 5 hp, although some craftsmen put more powerful units, the height of the side of 45 cm provides good protection against splashes, but requires care when landing, so as not to disturb the differentiation.
When buying, be sure to inspect the transom for cracks and bloating - this is the zone of maximum load when installing the motor.
Below is a table with the main parameters that will help you navigate the space and capabilities of the vessel:
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 3.00 | n |
| maximum width | 1.30 | n |
| Height of board | 0.45 | n |
| Load capacity | 250 | kilogram |
| Passenger capacity | 3 | chelo |
Sheathing boat Malek plywood: is sheepskin worth making
One of the most popular improvements that owners make is the skin. plastic boat Malek The factory version often comes with a minimum set of cans or none, which makes staying on the water not the most comfortable. Installing plywood floor (sleigh) solves several tasks: increases the rigidity of the body, improves thermal insulation and creates a flat surface for the placement of gear.
This project will require a moisture-resistant FF plywood of at least 9-12 mm thick. A thinner material is unacceptable because it can bend under human weight, creating a dangerous situation. The process begins with accurate measurements of the inner perimeter of the cockpit. It is important to consider the curvature of the sides, since the body is not perfectly rectangular.
⚠️ Attention: When plywood is cut, be sure to treat all ends and surfaces with olive oil or special impregnation for wood. Moisture is the main enemy even of moisture-resistant plywood, and without protection, the material will begin to layer after the first season.
Sleigh fastening is usually done on wooden sleigh bars that are supported by the sides, which allows the floor not to lie rigidly on the bottom, but to have a small gap for ventilation and water drainage. Some craftsmen additionally lay a layer of foamed polyethylene between the plastic and the wood for noise insulation and cushioning.
☑️ Covering tools
Choosing the optimal motor for the Malek boat
The power selection plant is critical for comfortable operation. the manufacturer recommends the use of engines up to 5 hp, but in practice owners often experiment with more powerful options. Two-stroke engines power of 3.5-5 hp allows you to reach a speed of about 12-15 km / h with one person on board, which is enough to move along the water area of a reservoir or river.
If you plan to use a boat for trolling or frequent exits together, it makes sense to consider engines with a capacity of 6-9.9 hp, however, here you need to be extremely careful: exceeding the recommended power can lead to transom overload and loss of stability on corners. Four-stroke models will be quieter and more economical, but their weight can become a problem for such a light boat, shifting the center of gravity.
When installing the motor, it is important to choose the right length of the lower unit. Malka The short leg (S) is optimal, because the transom height is standard. Using a long leg will require a stretcher, which is not always safe and aesthetic, and you should also pay attention to the possibility of installing an electric motor, which is becoming a popular alternative to the ICE for quiet fishing.
Tuning and refinement for fishing
Basic equipment of the boat Malek It's Spartan, so you need to make it better for a full-fledged fishing experience, and the first thing many owners do is install soft seats, factory cans are tough and uncomfortable for long periods of sitting, and you can replace them with plywood seats and foam upholstery, and you can attach them to rotary platforms.
The second important element of tuning is storage, and the plastic case has no boxes built in, so fishermen often put sealed boxes under their seats or use soft refrigerator bags attached to the bottom, which keeps gear and food dry and accessible.
The third aspect is sun and rain protection: installing a tent-transformer or even a simple umbrella mount greatly improves comfort, the awning can also serve as a shelter from insects in the evening, and the installation of battery-operated running lights is mandatory for navigation in the dark.
⚠️ Warning: Any drilling of the hull for seat or awning mounts must be carefully sealed. Use only marine sealants that are resistant to ultraviolet and salt water.
Ideas for homemade anchor devices
Many anglers make anchors out of PVC pipes that insert the anchor pin, which allows the anchor to be held vertically at the side without taking up useful space on the floor, and the tube is attached with clamps to the side, and a hole is made from the bottom to drain water.
Comparison with competitors: Malek vs Kazanka and PVC
When choosing the first boat, the question often arises: which is better, plastic, metal or PVC? Malek's plastic boat It's in the middle between the heavy Kazanka and the inflatable ones, and unlike aluminum, plastic doesn't rattle on the wave, doesn't require painting, doesn't get as hot in the sun, but it's less repairable in the field, because if aluminum can be temporarily riveted or brewed, it takes time for the resin to be polymerized.
Compared to PVC boats, Malek is better at planing speed (with the motor) and puncture resistance, not afraid of driftwood, reeds or sharp stones on the shore, but loses in compact storage: PVC boat can be folded into the trunk, and for Malk you need a trailer or a place on the roof.
The table below provides a brief comparison of key specifications for clarity:
| Characterization | Malek (Plastic) | Kazanka-M (Aluminum) | PVC Boat 300 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | ~70 kg | ~100+ kg | ~30-40 kg |
| Noise | Low. | High. | Medium |
| Repairability | Difficult. | Medium | High. |
| Price. | Budgetary | Medium | Other. |
Care, storage and winter conservation
Despite the high strength of fiberglass, proper care will extend the life of your boat for decades. The main enemy of the material is ultraviolet light and temperature changes. With prolonged storage in the sun, plastic can burn out and become more fragile.
After each foray into the water, especially if it was salt water or a body of abundant vegetation, the body must be rinsed with fresh water. Sludge and algae, drying on the surface, can create micro scratches and promote the development of microorganisms. To wash, use soft sponges and non-abrasive detergents.
During the winter Malka It is better to keep inverted on flat supports (kilsons) to avoid deformation of the hull under its own weight. If the boat remains on the water all year round, you need to regularly check the condition of the gelcoat and if necessary update the protective coating. Scratches to the fiberglass should be sealed immediately, without waiting for moisture to enter the structure.
The main secret of the longevity of a plastic boat is the timely elimination of small chips of the helcoat and storage in the shade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to go out on the Malek boat to gleam?
Yes, with a 5 hp engine and a load of no more than one person (or a very light passenger), the boat is able to go plane. However, the bottom design is not fully glides, so going to mode will be difficult, and driving at high speeds is not the most comfortable due to the shocks to the wave.
What is the maximum weight of the boat?
The official load capacity is 250 kg, which includes the weight of passengers, engine, fuel and equipment, and exceeding this limit is dangerous: the boat will become low above the water, lose stability and may get a hole when faced with a wave.
Do I need to register the Malek boat in GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, registration is subject to small craft weighing more than 200 kg. Since the weight of the empty Malk is about 70 kg, it does not require registration if the total weight with the engine does not exceed 200 kg. When installing a heavy engine, the situation may change, and weighing the kit will be required.
What is the best way to repair cracks on the body?
The fiberglass repair uses epoxy and fiberglass, and the crack site needs to be cleaned to a clean layer, degreased with acetone, applied to resin, applied to a fiberglass latch, and re-soaked with resin, repeated in multiple layers, and it's important to let each layer be fully polymerized.