Motorboat Progress 2Despite its age and the cessation of production, it remains one of the most popular watercraft on domestic water bodies. Many owners are in no hurry to change the time-tested aluminum "classics" to modern analogues made of PVC or composite, preferring to invest in the modernization of the existing asset. Competent tuning allows you to significantly improve driving performance, improve safety and, importantly, add comfort during long fishing or walks.
The process of refining begins with a thorough revision of the case and fixing all the defects accumulated over the years, and it is the base that determines how successful the final result will be, so you can not ignore the state of the metal. Aluminum alloy AMg5MThe stain, from which the body is made, requires careful attention, especially in the places of welds and fasteners.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the key stages of modernization, which will turn the old Progress into a modern, convenient and reliable boat that can compete with new models of the budget segment.
Body revision and structural reinforcement
The first step of any quality tuning should be a complete defect of the bottom and sides. Often owners encounter microcracks in the area of the zygomatic flexible or around the mounts of the cans, which, if used actively, can lead to serious problems, you need to thoroughly clean all the seams and inspect them for corrosion, if necessary, digesting the problem areas with argon welding.
The transom is particularly worth paying attention to, as it is the one that experiences the maximum loads from the outboard motor. The Progress 2 standard transom is often weak for modern high-power engines, so its gain is a priority. The optimal thickness of the reinforced transom should be at least 25-30 mm when using multilayer plywood FSF or marine aluminum, which will ensure the rigidity of the design when installing the engine with a capacity of up to 30-35 hp.
To improve seaworthiness and buoyancy, many craftsmen install additional boules or increase the height of the bow trunk, which not only adds volume, but also changes the hydrodynamics, allowing the boat to more easily climb into the sleeve even with a full load.
- 🛠️ Conduct ultrasonic defects of welded seams to identify hidden cracks.
- 🛡️ Install additional duraluminum keelsons for bottom rigidity.
- 🔩 Replace the regular bolt joints with a stainless fastener with rubber washers.
⚠️ Attention: When strengthening the transom, it is strictly forbidden to use conventional building plywood, since it will quickly gain moisture and lose strength, which can lead to the separation of the motor on the go.
Manufacture and installation of a new floor (floorboard)
The Progress 2 floor is made of removable wooden boards that eventually decay and creak under your feet, and replacing them with a solid, waterproof floorboard is one of the most noticeable improvements for crew comfort. The new floor not only eliminates drafts from below, but also distributes the load evenly along the bottom, which is especially important when driving along the wave.
For the manufacture of quality floorboard, it is best to use moisture-resistant plywood 9-12 mm thick followed by fiberglass pasting or ready-made grooved aluminum sheet. The design should be removable or consist of several sections for easy drying and access to the inner compartments of the boat. It is important to provide technological holes or gaps on the sides for water drain so that it does not accumulate under the feet.
Many anglers prefer to make floors with integrated gearboxes, which allows for rational use of the inner space of the cockpit, which requires accurate drawings to avoid disturbing the center of the boat and shifting the center of gravity too high.
floorboard drawings
For accurate cutting of the material, you need to remove the leeks from the bottom of your particular boat, since the geometry of the hull may differ from the factory due to deformations over the years of operation.
⚠️ Attention: When laying a solid floor, be sure to leave ventilation gaps at the sides, otherwise condensate will accumulate between the metal of the bottom and plywood, causing hidden corrosion.
Modernization of the cockpit and ergonomics
Comfort on the water is made up of small things, so the reworking of the inner space of the cockpit comes to the fore. Staff wooden cans of Progress 2 are uncomfortable for long sitting, so replacing them with soft seats with adjustable backrest or rotary seats with pedestals dramatically changes the experience of swimming. Proper fitting reduces back fatigue and allows you to stay focused during fishing.
The space also includes a full-fledged windshield, with or without a gate, which protects against oncoming airflow and splashes. In combination with a transformer awning, this turns an open boat into a full-fledged micro-boat suitable for overnight stays or shelter from sudden rain.
Lighting is also important: installing LED ribbons around the perimeter of the cockpit and GIMS-compliant running lights will make the boat safe to operate at night. The wiring should be laid in corrugated hoses and all connections should be carefully isolated from moisture.
- 💺 Install soft harundukas instead of hard cans for storing things.
- ☂️ Mount the frame under the awning of a stainless pipe with a diameter of 20 mm.
- 💡 Equip the dashboard with a voltmeter and USB sockets for charging gadgets.
An important element is the dashboard, which can be made of plastic or aluminum by placing a fuel sensor, a tachometer and a navigator, and the aesthetics are secondary to the functionality and spray protection of the devices.
Electric motor installation and alternative traction
In recent years, there has been a trend towards electric motors being installed on classic aluminum boats, and Progress 2 is no exception. The electric motor is ideal for quiet spinning fishing or trolling, where the noise of a gasoline engine can scare fish away.
The main difficulty in this tuning is the placement of batteries. Their weight is significant, so you need to place the batteries strictly on the diametric plane and as low as possible, preferably in the bow or under the banks, so as not to disturb the trim. For Progress 2, the optimal solution is to use lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, which are lighter than lead and have a greater cycle life.
The electric motor attachment also requires the trans plate to be reworked or a special bracket made, because the standard fastener may not fit, and it is important to ensure that the lower unit is firmly fixed so that vibrations do not shake the structure.
⚠️ Note: When installing electric traction, make sure that your wiring is designed for currents up to 50-60 Amps, using a cable cross section of at least 16-25 mm2, otherwise overheating and fire are possible.
Motor compatibility table for Progress 2
Choosing an outboard motor is a critical moment in tuning, as it affects not only speed but also the safety of the boat. Progress 2 has power limits, exceeding which can lead to nose burrowing or even tipping over. Below is a table with recommended engine options for this model.
| Motor type | Power (hp) | Weight (kg) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha 2CMHS | 2.5 | 9.5 | Perfect for quiet driving and fishing |
| Tohatsu M 9.8B | 9.8 | 34.0 | Optimal balance of power and weight |
| HDX T 15 | 15 | 42.0 | Maximum allowable power for planing |
| Electrocat Pro | 1.0 (eq.) | 10.5 | For silent movement |
When choosing a motor with a capacity of more than 10 hp, it is highly recommended to install a hydrofoil on a lower unit, which will improve the planing output and reduce yaw, and it is also worth checking the condition of the lower unit well for corrosion, since exhaust gases can aggressively affect aluminum.
Final finish and corrosion protection
The final step in tuning is to apply protective coatings and finish. Progress aluminum is prone to oxidation, so high-quality painting or corrosion-resistant compounds are mandatory. Modern boat enamels allow you to create a durable, smooth coating that is easy to wash and retains the appearance for a long time.
The inside of the side is often coated with a self-adhesive foil-coated insulation, which not only improves thermal insulation (which is important for overnight stays), but also hides the irregularities of the metal, and also prevents condensation. On top of the insulation, you can put decorative material on or just leave the foil as it is to reflect heat.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Be sure to install a cat anchor or Hall anchor of the appropriate weight (3-5 kg for Progress 2), as well as provide a place for its convenient storage.
To protect the sides from impacts on the pier or other boats, use homemade cranes from the car camera or purchased PVC linings fixed along the waterline.
Final operational recommendations
After all the tuning work is completed, Progress 2 becomes a unique boat, sharpened for the specific tasks of the owner. However, remember that any modernization changes the weight and behavior of the vessel on the water. The first exits should be carried out in calm weather and near the shore to feel the new dynamics and make sure that the stability is assured.
Regular maintenance and maintenance of upgraded units will extend the life of your boat, monitor the condition of the electrical wiring, the integrity of the awning and the mounting of the seats, only a comprehensive approach will allow you to enjoy water walks for many years.
The main secret of successful tuning is not the desire to weight the boat with unnecessary details, but a reasonable balance between comfort and driving performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a 25 hp engine on Progress 2?
Technically, it can be determined, but it's considered dangerously overpowered, the boat can become unstable on the course, and when going against the wave, there is a high risk of clamping the cockpit or tipping over, the safe limit is 15-18 hp.
What material is better to choose for the new sex?
The best option is a 10 mm thick moisture-resistant plywood (PSF) coated with glass canvas and lacquer. Aluminum grooved sheet (AMz) is longer-lasting but cooler, heavier and requires more complex installation with insulation from contact with the base metal to avoid electrochemical corrosion.
Do I need to register a tuning boat in GIMS again?
If the changes do not concern the capacity, passenger capacity or type of engine (in the documents), and do not radically change the design (for example, the installation of a wheelhouse), re-registration is usually not required.
How to protect aluminum from corrosion after welding?
Welding sites need to be cleaned, degreased and treated with special rust converters for aluminum, and then coated with epoxy soil and finishing paint. Anodizing is a good effect, but it is difficult to implement at home.