Legendary dreamboat The design became a symbol of the availability of water tourism in an era of scarcity, allowing thousands of Soviet citizens to get their own boats, unique in the ability to transport the assembled boat in the trunk of a passenger car, which was a revolutionary solution for the time.
Today, when the market is flooded with PVC materials, aluminum It's becoming increasingly popular again because of its durability and maintainability, and many enthusiasts are looking for blueprints and diagrams to recreate this masterpiece of engineering in garage environments. original It had its own features that required careful attention during assembly and operation.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical nuances, features of the material and secrets of modernization, relevant to modern realities. duraluminium D16T It's the preferred choice for these projects, and how to extend the life of the old building, and a deep dive into the topic will help you make an informed decision about whether to buy or build yourself.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of the durability of the boat is the right alloy. duraluminiumThe thickness of the skin sheets usually ranged from 1.5 to 2 mm, which provided the necessary margin of safety at a minimum weight, but this material is demanding in operating conditions and is afraid of electrochemical corrosion.
Modern masters often replace the original alloy with AMG It's a very powerful saltwater corrosion alloy, and it's actually a boat that's built with a number of sections that are connected by hinges and locks. Articulated joints They are a critical node that requires regular lubrication and backlash checks, as they provide folding.
β οΈ Attention! When you make it yourself, use pure aluminum, which is too soft for the bottom, and only D or AMG alloys will provide the necessary hardness and safety on the water.
The joints were sealed in the original form by rubber gaskets that eventually dry out, and modern polyurethane-based sealants or special boat compositions are recommended for restoration. transom plate should be strengthened if the engine is planned to be installed with a capacity of more than 5 hp.
Why is the dural black?
D16T has no natural high-strength oxide film, so it quickly oxidizes and darkens. This is a normal reaction of copper-aluminum alloy. It requires paint coating or anodizing to protect.
Advantages and disadvantages of aluminum folding design
The main focus of the project is transportabilityWhen folded, the boat takes up a minimum of space, allowing it to be stored in a standard-sized apartment or garage. Aluminum does not rot, absorbs water, and requires no complex maintenance, unlike wood. A metal body is almost impossible to accidentally punch through with a snag or sharp stone in shallow water.
However, there are also objective disadvantages that are worth knowing in advance. Structure weight When disassembled, it is still significant for one person, especially if the original thick sheets of metal are used, and the metal has a high thermal conductivity and noise, which can create discomfort during long fishing or cold weather.
- π‘οΈ High mechanical strength and resistance to punctures.
- π The possibility of transportation on the roof of a car without a trailer.
- π₯ Fire safety and the possibility of installing a stove or brazier (with caution).
- π High noise levels from rain and waves, requiring additional noise insulation.
To combat noise and condensation, many owners paste the interior of the boards vibrating-insulating materials Or they use removable foam mats, which not only reduces acoustic discomfort, but also creates an air cushion that retains heat. Heat insulation It becomes critically important during off-season operation.
Comparative table: Dream against modern analogues
To understand the place of the boat in the modern context, it is useful to compare its specifications with the currently popular inflatable models and all-rifle aluminum boats, which will help determine the choice based on the specific tasks and operating conditions.
| Parameter | Folding Dream (Aluminum) | Inflatable PVC (3.2 m) | All-rose (aluminum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight gathered | ~45-50 kg (disassembled) | ~35-40 kg | ~60-80 kg |
| Transportation | Car trunk (3 parts) | Car trunk (bags) | Just the trailer. |
| Assembly/Disassembly | 15-20 minutes. | 10-15 minutes. | 0 minutes (ready) |
| Term of service | 20+ years (when leaving) | 7-10 years | 30 years. |
As you can see from the table, folding-boat It's a niche between lightweight inflatables and heavy boats, and it's losing PVC in assembly speed, but it's winning in hull reliability, and all-metal counterparts are more reliable, but they require a trailer, which is not always convenient or possible.
When buying a used boat, carefully examine the places of the stringer mounts. This is where cracks from metal fatigue most often occur.
Upgrade and installation of the outboard motor
The standard design often involved the use of oars or low-power engines. petrol-engine The standard sheet of metal, which can be used at 5-10 hp, requires strengthening of the transax plate, and it can not withstand the vibrations and weight of the engine, which will lead to deformation of the stern.
The best solution is to install an additional steel-plateIt's a slack that distributes the load to the sides and bottom, and it has to be mounted on through bolts with wide washers to avoid the metal being pushed through. differentiation and the tilt of the daydwoot.
When choosing a motor, consider the boat's load capacity; transom overloading can lead to loss of controllability and even rollover; electric motors are a great alternative: they are quiet, lightweight and do not require complex transom processing. Electric tractor It is ideal for quiet fishing in closed waters.
β οΈ Attention! Never fasten a motor more powerful than 5 hp without first calculating stability. Increasing the power of the engine requires shifting the center of gravity and possibly installing additional boules.
Typical faults and repair methods
Even the strongest metal wears out over time. The most common problem is that it's a very tough metal. corrosion In the contact areas of dissimilar metals (e.g. steel bolts in an aluminum case), the galvanic vapor quickly breaks down aluminum, forming deep sores and through holes.
Argon welding is used to repair holes and cracks, but not for everyone, and soldering with special solders for aluminum or application is an alternative. cold-welding It is epoxy-based with metal filler, and the surface must be cleaned to shine and defat before the repair is applied.
- π Check the condition of the rivets regularly and change them to new ones if necessary.
- π§Ό Wash the boat with fresh water after each exit, especially if you have been swimming in salt water.
- π¨ Refresh the paint every 2-3 seasons to protect against oxidation.
- π© Lubricate the hinge joints with graphite or lithium lubricant.
If you find a fistula, don't rush to brew it right away, you first need to drill the damage to remove the oxides at the edges of the crack, and then you can fill the hole with solder or patch it. Quality training - the guarantee of durability of repairs.
βοΈ Seasonal boat preparation
Operation and storage tips
Proper storage extends the life of the boat by decades. aluminum It is better to keep the boat in a dry place, and it is not recommended to leave the boat assembled in the open air, as the condensation formed inside will destroy the metal from the inside.
When operating, avoid dragging the boat over sand or rocks, even if the bottom seems solid. Microscopic scratches break the protective oxide layer and become hotbeds of corrosion. Use plate-layer on the keel when pulling ashore.
It is also important to keep the boat clean, and the fish, silt and water create an aggressive environment, and after each fishing, it is recommended to rinse the inner surfaces and dry them with rags. Hygiene of the craft It is not only an aesthetic, but also a matter of safety.
An aluminum boat requires less maintenance than a wooden boat, but more attention to electrochemical corrosion than PVC. Compliance with simple storage rules ensures that the boat will serve your grandchildren.
Can I paint my dream boat with ordinary paint?
The usual paint will quickly get off the aluminum, special preparation is needed: etching the surface with acid soils (for example, FL-03K) and using epoxy or polyurethane enamels for metal. Without primer, the paint will not cling to the oxide film.
What is the actual loading capacity of the boat?
Depending on the modification, the payload capacity is between 200 and 250 kg, which includes the weight of passengers, motor, fuel and equipment, and exceeding this limit reduces the height of the board above the water and makes the boat unstable.
Where can I find the original designs for construction?
The original designs were published in Model Design in the 1970s and 80s, and can now be found in digitized form in specialized powerboating forums or in the archives of technical literature, but it is easier to buy a finished used case.
Do I need to register such a boat in the GIMS?
Under current Russian law, boats weighing up to 200 kg and with an engine up to 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are not subject to registration.