In Soviet times, when the choice of swimming aids for the common man was limited, Boat Progress 2 This two-seater, aluminium-magnesium alloy AMG5M, was a symbol of freedom and independence, and many fishermen and hunters still nostalgically recall how the compact hull confidently cut through the wave as newer models were gaining popularity.
Now, interest in this model is growing again, but for other reasons, owners are looking for old blueprints to restore the rarity, or buying used versions for serious use. tuning. The Progress 2 boat has a unique feature: its length of 2 meters (actually a little more than 2.1 m) allows you to transport it on the roof of a passenger car without a special trailer, which is extremely rare for metal boats of this class. This makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the mobility and reliability of metal.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the operation, modernization and repair of this legendary boat. duraluminium This model is still valued above many modern analogues, and how to turn the old "lohanka" into a speed boat.
History of creation and design features
Development Progress 2 The company was built in Nikolaev, a factory that specialized in the production of small-tonnage vessels, and the engineers aimed to create a simple but reliable design that could be repaired in the field, the body was assembled from sheets of AMG5M alloy with a thickness of 1.5 to 2 mm, which provided excellent weldability and resistance to corrosion. Unlike the later Progresses (3, 4, 2M), the second model had more rounded nose contours, which improved swelling.
The deck was equipped with two hand-helds, a bow and aft, and a Bancami for passengers. Waterproof boxes They had a dual function of storing things and keeping them safe, and they were designed to easily remove the seats, freeing up space for loading or for putting in extra equipment, and they were one of the first boats to put ergonomics at the forefront.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a used boat Progress 2 be sure to check the condition of welds in the area of the transom and zygomatic stringers. This is where fatigue cracks most often occur after decades of operation.
Many people confuse this model with subsequent modifications, but Progress 2 It didn't have a full-fledged windshield cockpit like the larger ones, making it lighter, but also more open to splashing. However, for calm water and small lakes, it was ideal, and the simplicity of the design allowed owners to make changes themselves, which gave rise to many artisanal but effective solutions to improve performance.
Technical specifications and dimensions
To understand the potential of this vessel, you need to look at dry numbers. Dimensions Although it was modest in size, its buoyancy and payload capacity were calculated with a margin, which is typical for Soviet shipbuilding, and the weight of the hull in armament allows one person to transport it using simple devices.
Below is a table with the main technical data that will help you determine the feasibility of buying or restoring this model:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Longest length | 2100 mm | Excluding the attachments |
| Body width | 1100 mm | Maximum midget. |
| Height of board | 450 mm | The nose could be higher. |
| Hull mass | ~35-40 kg | Depends on the configuration. |
| Load capacity | 200 kg | Including passengers and motor |
It is important to note that loading capacity 200 kg is data-sheet figures. In practice, in good weather, the boat could withstand heavy loads, but it affected speed and handling. Installing an engine with a capacity of more than 5 hp already required caution, since the transom could not withstand vibrations at high speeds without additional gain.
For the modern user, an important parameter is the ability to install electric motorBecause of its light weight and compactness, Progress 2 is a perfect friend to electric traction motors, allowing you to spend the whole day on the water without the noise and smell of gasoline, making it an environmentally friendly choice for closed water bodies where there are restrictions on the use of internal combustion engines.
The secret of ease
Why is Progress 2 so light? It's not just about the size. Engineers used the lowest possible bottom thickness (1.5 mm), offsetting this by a frequent set of frames, which reduced the overall weight, but required careful operation in rocky shallow waters.
Installation of the outboard motor and refinement of the transom
Staff boat Progress 2 It was designed for low-power engines like Kama, Wind 2 or even Salyut, but modern realities dictate their own rules, and owners tend to supply more powerful units such as the "Salute". Yamaha, TohatsuHidea. Here lies the main nuance: the standard transom of the second model is not designed for the weight of a modern 5-horsepower engine and the thrust it develops.
The first thing to do in preparation for the engine installation is to reinforce the trans board. Often native aluminum already has residual strain or microcracks. It is recommended to boil or rivet an additional sheet of aluminum 3-4 mm thick on the inside of the transom, grabbing the board, this will distribute the load and prevent the stern from breaking down.
The second important aspect is the height of the DW setup, where Progress 2 has a flat bottom, with a slight upturn to the nose. air-sucker If you're too high, you lose traction, and the best solution is to make a removable transombar to adjust the height of the suspension depending on the load of the boat.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the recommended engine power without major body rework. Installation of a 10-horsepower engine on Progress 2 can lead to loss of stability and tipping of the boat when a sharp turn.
It is better to use welded or bolt brackets to fasten the motor, not standard rods, because vibration from a powerful motor can shatter threaded joints in thin aluminum. And you should also have a cutoff to protect the screw from impacts on aquatic vegetation or bottom debris.
☑️ Check before the first launch
Tuning and modernization: from fishing to comfort
Owning a boat is always a creative process. Progress 2 tuning can be minimal or turn it into a full-fledged miniboat. Many owners start with a windshield installation, which not only protects against splashes, but also significantly improves comfort when driving against the wind. Glass can be made from 4-5 mm thick Plexiglas by fixing it on aluminum racks.
The next step is to improve habitability, and the native wooden cans are often rotten or uncomfortable, replaced with soft seats with waterproof upholstery or inflatable tubes on the sides (liquoises). balloon It solves two problems: it increases safety (the boat becomes practically unsinkable) and increases the internal volume, since the cylinders can be used as soft sides.
For fishing, it is critical to have a platform for the installation of sonar and rod holders. In a metal boat, you do not want to drill extra holes, so the best solution is removable structures attached to a timber or board. It is also worth thinking about the anchor device: there is no regular place for the anchor, so a special arc is brewed in the bow.
Use plywood or aluminum to make new floorboards. Tree be sure to treat with olive or yacht lacquer, otherwise moisture will lead to rapid rotting and the appearance of an unpleasant smell in an enclosed space.
Don't forget to light. If you have LED tape around the perimeter of the cockpit, you can move around safely in the dark, and you can use a small battery that's also useful for the sonar or the navigation. LEDs They consume minimal energy and are not afraid of vibration.
Repair of the hull and control of corrosion
Although the AMg5M alloy is considered corrosion-resistant, decades of exploitation in an aggressive aquatic environment leave traces. Progress 2 Electrochemical corrosion, which occurs when aluminum comes into contact with other metals (such as steel bolts of fasteners) or when wandering currents, first affected riveting sites and welds.
If you find a fistula or crack, do not rush to brew them with a conventional electric welding. ferro-welding The same brand of filler rod (AMg5) must be drilled before welding the edge of the crack to stop it from spreading further, and if welding is not available, special two-component aluminum powdered epoxy compounds can be used, but this is a temporary measure.
An important part of the repair is the surface preparation, the old paint and oxides must be removed to the pure metal, this is done by sandblasting or chemical washing. After cleaning, the surface must be degreased and ground. epoxyzinc or chromates, which create a passive layer of protection.
⚠️ Warning: When painting a boat, avoid using lead-based or copper-based paints in contact with aluminum. This will cause instant and irreversible corrosion of the metal. Use only compatible antifouling coatings.
After painting, it is recommended to inspect the case once a season and update the coating if necessary. Pay special attention to internal runduks: there often accumulates moisture that does not dry out, leading to hidden corrosion from the inside. Organize ventilation of compartments or leave technological holes for air access.
The quality of the surface preparation before painting determines 90% of the success, and no expensive paint will fall on oxidized or fatty aluminum.
Transport and storage
One of the main advantages Progress 2 Due to the length of just over two meters, the boat can be transported on the roof of a passenger car (VAZ-2104, 2109, station wagons). It is enough to install two soft-coated transom bars. However, at speeds above 80 km / h, there is a significant sailing, which can be dangerous.
For frequent trips, it is better to make or buy a simple one. boat-trailerThis will relieve the load from the car body and allow you to carry the boat with the engine and equipment. When transporting on a trailer, be sure to use a safety slip through the nose handle in case the coupling device breaks down.
Keep the boat upside down under a canopy. If left on the water for the whole season, shell and algae are guaranteed to be fouled, requiring serious cleaning in the fall. In winter, the metal boat must be thoroughly washed from salt (if operated in the sea or salt lakes) and dried.
Don't put the boat on sharp objects or stones, but use wooden bars or special beds that repeat the contours of the hull, and this will prevent the underbody from deforming under its own weight and snow loads.
Can I put a 9.9 hp engine on Progress 2?
Theoretically, it can, but it would require a major reinforcement of the transom and a rework of the entire aft. However, due to the short length (2 meters) and width (1.1 meters), the boat would become unstable in planing. When you go to the plane with such a motor, there is a high risk of loss of control or defferentry (instillation with the nose).
What to do to fix the leak in the aluminum case temporarily?
For emergency repairs in the field, epoxy plasticine (cold welding) for aluminum or a special polyurethane-based sealant (for example, 3M 4200) is best suited. The surface should be dry and cleaned before application. You can also use a rubber patch on sealant pressed with a wide washer bolt.
Do I need to register Progress 2 in GIMS?
According to the current rules of the Russian Federation, small vessels weighing more than 200 kg or with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration. Since the weight of Progress 2 is about 40 kg, it is subject to registration only if you install a motor with a capacity of more than 10 hp When using an electric motor or a low-power motor (up to 5 hp), registration is not required.
Where can I find the blueprints?
The original Progress 2 drawings can be found in old Boats and Yachts magazines from the 70s and 80s or in specialized powerboating forums, and often enthusiasts put scanned copies of factory documentation out in the public domain.
In conclusion, it is worth saying that Boat Progress 2 It's not just a piece of metal, it's a time-tested classic, and if you're smart about repairing and upgrading, it can provide hundreds of hours of enjoyable water rest, while remaining reliable and predictable in all conditions.