An aluminum boat or boat is a reliable base that, after a competent improvement, can turn into a full-fledged vessel for comfortable fishing or recreation. corpus It's thundering, it's moving vibrations to the seats, and it's not using usable space rationally, which is why tuning becomes more than just a whim, it's a necessity to improve safety and comfort on the water.
The process of refining requires careful planning, because aluminum has its own processing and connection with other materials. It is important not to overload the structure with excess weight, but to ensure sufficient rigidity and durability. In this article, we will discuss in detail the stages of modernization, from drawings to finishing, so you can create the perfect vessel yourself.
Planning and drawings of modernization
Before you pick up the tool, you need to develop a detailed work plan. Tuning of an aluminum boat It's a complex engineering process, where every extra part affects stability and performance. Start by evaluating the current condition of the hull and determining the objectives: do you want to increase speed, increase comfort or improve fishing performance? projectIt takes into account the distribution of weight and the centers of gravity.
For complex elements, such as new bulkheads or superstructures, it is best to make pre-models of cardboard or plywood, which will allow you to check the geometry and figure out how the parts will fall into place without damaging. sideUsing specialized 3D modeling software is also welcome if you have the skills to work with it.
Pay special attention to the calculation of weight. Aluminum is light, but excessive weighting of the feed or nose can lead to burrowing of the cheekbones in a wave or, conversely, to nose buckling. The critical parameter is the shift of the center of gravity by no more than 5-10% of the passport values of the vessel. If you are planning to install heavy equipment, such as a powerful motor or a large fuel tank, count. floatability the whole structure.
Body reinforcement and keelson manufacture
One of the most common problems that aluminum boat owners have is that the bottom and the zygomatic parts are not rigid enough. quillson This process requires a high level of skill in welding, because the wrong seam can cause the metal to deform or crack in the future, and the surface must be cleaned to a metallic sheen before work begins.
The material for reinforcement is usually the same alloy from which the body is made, most often it is the same. AMG5 or AMG6The use of heterogeneous metals is strictly prohibited, as it will cause rapid electrochemical corrosion. The profile of kilsons is selected based on the shape of the bottom: flat stripes will fit for a flat bottom, and corners or profile pipes will fit for a keeled bottom.
☑️ Pre-welding check
When welding reinforcing elements, it is important to keep the suture order in order to avoid warping the sheets of the skin. It is recommended to use intermittent seam or chess roller application order. After completion, all seams should be cleaned and checked for leakage, spilling them with kerosene or soap solution.
⚠️ Attention: When welding aluminum without stress relief or when the seams are cooled too quickly, microcracks can occur. Use argon and strictly control the temperature of the burner, avoiding overheating of the peri-seam zone.
Noise insulation and vibration protection of the cabin
Aluminum conducts sound and vibration perfectly, which makes staying in a boat with an outboard motor quite tedious. noiseproofingThe market offers a lot of materials, but only those that are moisture-free and temperature-resistant are suitable for the boat, and the best solution is a combination of vibrodamping mastics and foiled polyethylenes.
The first layer on the bottom and the sides is a vibration absorber, which reduces the resonance fluctuations of the metal. It is important to apply the material at a temperature of at least +15 ° C, carefully rolling it with a roller to remove air bubbles. The second layer is a sound insulator, which prevents the penetration of air noise. For the floor, often use multilayered structures with the addition of plywood for rigidity.
Don't forget to insulate bulkheads and transoms, because that's where the main vibration from the engine is transmitted. liquid-insulation In remote areas, you can create a monolithic protective layer, and high-quality insulation not only reduces noise, but also acts as an additional insulator, which is especially important in the cold season.
Secrets of high-quality noise insulation
The key is that there are no bridges to sound, and even a small piece of unclosed metal can negate all the work, and carefully treat the seat mounts and rundooks using dampers.
Manufacture of runduks, seats and decks
The ergonomics of the interior space directly affect the convenience of fishing and recreation. Standard aluminum cans are often uncomfortable, so they are replaced with soft seats with built-in seats. jollyThe seat frame is usually boiled from a profile pipe, and on top is sheathed with plywood with moisture-resistant impregnation or composite materials. Inside the rundoos, it is convenient to store gear, life jackets and spare parts.
Longitudinal and transom decks (sleighs) are often installed to organize spaces, not only leveling the floor, but also creating additional storage niches. In the manufacture of decks, it is important to provide access to the inner compartments of the hull for inspection and pumping out water. The hatches should be sealed and easy to open even with gloves.
The attachment of all elements of the interior should be reliable, but if necessary, it is possible to dismantle. Use stainless fasteners (A2, A4) or anodized aluminum. Steel bolts quickly rust and spoil the appearance, and can also cause corrosion of the body. All corners and edges of parts should be rounded to avoid injury and damage to equipment.
| Materials | Application | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSF phanera | Deck, seat bases | Cheap, tough. | Heavy, requires edge protection |
| Composite (ACP) | Runduk skin, decor | Lightness, does not rot, beautiful view | High price, more difficult to process |
| Aluminum leafy | Bulkheads, floors. | Perfect combination with the body | Gremites, chills, slides |
| PVC | Soft elements, awnings | Waterproof, flexible | It might scratch, it fades. |
Protection against corrosion and painting
Finishing is not only aesthetics, but also the main protection case Aluminum is prone to oxidation, so surface preparation is a key step, and the old paint and oxides must be removed completely using sandblasting or chemical washing, and then the metal is degreased and coated with a special soil for non-ferrous metals.
Two-part polyurethane or epoxy paints are best suited for painting, forming a strong, chemically resistant film that is resistant to shock and ultraviolet light, applying the paint in several thin layers, observing the drying time intervals specified by the manufacturer, and it is important to work in a temperature-controlled and humidity-controlled room to avoid defects.
To protect the submarine, use antifouling compounds or install zinc treads, which will significantly prolong the life of the hull and improve driving performance.
Pay special attention to the welds and anchorages. This is where corrosion most often starts. After painting, you can apply decorative elements, such as the waterline or the name of the vessel. A well-designed painting lasts for more than 10 years without the need for repair, if you follow the rules of operation and storage.
⚠️ Warning: Never use copper or lead-based paints to paint an aluminum case. The contact of these metals with aluminum in salt water causes instant and destructive galvanic corrosion.
Installation of electronics and navigation equipment
A modern boat is unthinkable without navigation and communication. sonarGPS and radar require a smart approach to laying cables, corrugated wires that are resistant to UV radiation and oil, all connections are made using soldering and shrinkage, twisting in vibration and moisture are unacceptable.
To power the equipment, you often have a separate battery pack so that the discharge of the launcher does not take you by surprise. Installing sounder sensors requires drilling the body or using overhead models. When drilling, use special aluminum drills and low rpms to avoid overheating the metal and spoiling the hole.
The mounting of the displays should provide good visibility and protection from splashes. The brackets are better made of stainless steel or durable plastic. Don't forget about the lighting: LED strips on the sides and in the rundoos are not only beautiful, but also functional when fishing at night or landing on shore in the dark.
Properly designed electrical circuit with a power reserve and high-quality insulation is the key to the safety and long service of your equipment on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I cook aluminum with a conventional electrode?
No, welding aluminum alloys used in shipbuilding (AMg5, AMg6) requires argon and a tungsten electrode (TIG) or semi-automatic (MIG). Conventional arc welding will produce a poor-quality, porous seam that will quickly collapse.
How often should zinc treads be changed?
The frequency of replacement depends on the aggressiveness of the water and the intensity of operation: in salt water, treads can dissolve in a season, in fresh water - serve for 2-3 years, inspect them before each outing in a season and replace them when worn out more than 50%.
What is the best way to degrease aluminum before painting?
It's best to use specialized aluminium degreases or a mixture of alcohols. Acetone can be used with caution, but it evaporates quickly. It's important not to touch the fat-free surface with your hands.
Do I need to remove the old varnish before a new painting?
Yes, if the old lacquer is damaged, bloated, or just old and faded, the new paint will only fall on the prepared base, and if the old layer is perfectly maintained, it can be ground to a matte and covered with compatible soil.