The exact weight of the hull is often a crucial question when choosing a water transport for a summer cottage or fishing, and many small farm owners wonder if they can pull the boat ashore on their own without the use of sophisticated equipment. hull-weight It is important to consider when planning a purchase or upgrade.
Classical. Progress 2 This is a legendary model from the Soviet and post-Soviet era that still plows our rivers. Understanding how many kilograms a person has to take on the lift allows you to correctly calculate the strength and choose the right trailer. In this article, we will examine the weight parameters of this aluminum boat in detail.
The average weight of an empty case Progress 2 is 90 kgBut this figure can vary depending on the year of manufacture and configuration, and the variation is related to the thickness of the metal used, the presence of reinforced frames, and the degree of corrosion if the boat has been in service. Let's look at all the factors that affect the final figure.
Technical specifications and mass of the body
The main material from which this model is made is an aluminum-magnesium alloy, which provides the necessary strength and lightness, characteristic of this class of boats. aluminum-hull without any equipment is usually indicated in the manufacturer's data-sheet figures.
It is worth considering that factory data may differ from the actual figures measured on scales, because in Soviet times, production tolerances could be quite wide and the thickness of the skin sheets varied, so the real weight can range from 5-7 kg in one direction or another.
The design of the bottom and the sides also affects the total weight: reinforced models designed for more severe sailing conditions can have additional linings or a thicker sheet of metal at the bottom, which adds a few kilograms to the final figure, but significantly increases the survivability of the vessel when hitting stones.
To understand the weight distribution accurately, it is important to know not only the total weight, but also the dimensions. The body is about 4 meters long, making it convenient for transport on the roof of a passenger car with appropriate mounts. However, a weight of 90 kg requires two people or the use of a winch for safe loading.
Factors Affecting the Weight of an Empty Boat
Why do you find different numbers in different sources? Because the concept of "empty boat" is interpreted differently by different owners, some people think of the mass as only a bare hull, and some people include the weight of transom, floorboards and residues of water in the hold.
An important factor is the state of aluminum-alloyOver time, metal can oxidize, overgrown with algae or accumulate pollution in hard-to-reach corners, all of which, albeit marginally, increase the mass of the boat you drag along the shore.
There are versions with built-in decks or reinforced tails, and these design changes, introduced by owners or factories in the later years of production, add substantial tens of kilograms to the base weight.
The effect of paint on boat weight
Many owners cover boats with additional layers of enamel or anti-corrosion compounds. A layer of quality paint several millimeters thick across the hull surface can add 3 to 5 kg to the total weight of the vessel.
Aluminum boats often have flat or weakly keeled bottoms where water can stagnate after rising from a body of water, and even a few liters of water in the bow or under floorboards significantly affect the feeling of weight when lifting.
Weight depending on modifications and year of release
History of production Progress 2 It's been going on for decades, and during that time, the manufacturing technology has changed, and early models could have been lighter because of the use of thinner rolled products, which, however, gave in to the fatigue of the metal faster.
Later series were often equipped with reinforced structural elements, which were done to improve safety and the possibility of installing more powerful engines, increasing the power of the engine required strengthening the transom, which in turn led to an increase in the total weight of the body.
Below is a table showing the approximate weight distribution depending on the configuration and condition of the boat, which will help you navigate when buying a used one.
| Type of modification | Status. | Approximate weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic model | New (storage) | 88-92 |
| A reinforced transneur | B/U, free of corrosion | 95-100 |
| With deck and banks. | After the painting. | 105-110 |
| Standard | Extreme wear, pollution | 98-103 |
As you can see from the table, the difference between the “naked” hull and the prepared boat can reach 15-20 kg. This is a significant difference that must be considered when calculating the load capacity of the trailer or the possibility of climbing to the roof of the car.
Comparison with other models of the Progress family
For objective weight assessment Progress 2 It's useful to compare it to other models in the lineup, so you can understand the place of this boat in the hierarchy of aluminum boats and assess its transport attractiveness.
For example, an older model Progress 4 It is much heavier and more massive, making it less convenient for frequent overload by a single person. Kazanka Some modifications may be lighter, but often inferior in strength and seaworthiness.
- 🚤 Progress 2 It is considered the “golden mean” in terms of mass and capacity ratio for small rivers.
- 🛶 Lighter analogues often have a lower load capacity and worse hold the wave.
- ⚓ Heavy modifications provide comfort, but require a trailer.
The choice between these models often comes down to logistics, and if you don't have the ability to store a boat by the water or use a trailer, weight becomes critical, and in this context, 90 kg is a borderline that requires physical fitness.
When buying a used boat, always weigh it on the car scale along with the trailer to know exactly the load on the axle of the car.
Transportation and lifting of the boat
Transporting a boat weighing about 90 kg requires certain safety rules, and lifting such a load to the height of the roof of the car (about 1.5-1.7 meters) creates a dangerous load on the spine if performed alone.
It's recommended to use special guides or help from a second person. Even if you think you can do it, the risk of dropping an aluminum body on the hood or smashing a headlight is too great. Aluminum is soft, but the edges of the sheets can be sharp and traumatic.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to drag a boat down asphalt or rocky bottom without special protection, not only damaging the skin, but also causing slippage and leg injuries.
When using a trailer, it is important to distribute the weight correctly. The nose with a transom is usually heavier, so the center of gravity must be shifted closer to the axis of the trailer for stability of movement. Incorrect weighting can cause the trailer to wag on the track.
To facilitate the loading process, many owners install roller rails on the roof of the car, which allows you to roll the boat, rather than lift it with a jerk, and there are special lifting mechanisms installed in the garage.
☑️ Preparation for transport
Caring for the body to maintain weight
Regular care aluminum-hull Not only does it help to prolong life, but it also helps to control its weight, and the accumulation of dirt, silt and aquatic vegetation in the corners and under the floorboards can add a few pounds invisibly.
After each unloading, it is recommended to thoroughly wash the inside of the boat with fresh water, this is especially true when swimming in salt water or contaminated water bodies, the remaining moisture contributes to corrosion and fouling.
Storage of the boat should be in an inverted position or under a canopy, which will prevent rain from entering the hull, even rainwater collected during the season can significantly weigh the boat by the beginning of next season.
Regular washing and proper storage allow you to maintain the factory weight specifications of the boat for decades.
Conclusion and conclusion
In summary, it is possible to say that the weight of an empty boat Progress 2 It's a trade-off between strength and mobility, and 90 kg is an average, but it's a good idea to look at when planning transportation.
Understanding the real weight of your boat, taking into account all the improvements and the year of release, will help avoid unpleasant situations on the water or when loading. It is always better to be safe and attract help than risk the health or integrity of the property.
Aluminum boats of this type remain popular due to their reliability and, when properly maintained, they last for decades, retaining their driving qualities and relatively low weight, making them an excellent choice for fishing and recreation.
Can the load capacity of Progress 2 be increased?
The load capacity is determined by the volume of water to be displaced and the design of the hull. In theory, you can install additional buoyancy units, but this will disrupt the centering and can be dangerous.
How do I know the weight of my boat without weights?
The exact weight without the weights is impossible to know, but it can be estimated by comparing the lifting force with the reference loads or by looking at the data-sheet figures of a particular modification found in the technical literature.
Does the weight of a boat affect the speed of the motor?
Yes, the weight of the empty hull affects the planing output, and the lighter boat is faster in planing mode at the same engine power that saves fuel and engine life.