The search for a reliable and time-tested fishing boat or family walks often leads outdoor enthusiasts to explore Soviet heritage. Southerner-2 It is one of the most recognizable and popular metal boats in the post-Soviet space, and despite its age, interest in this model is not fading, and the technical specifications allow it to compete with many modern aluminum counterparts.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what this boat is, what its real capabilities are and what to look for when buying a used one. You will learn about the design features of the hull, compatibility with engines and nuances that hide behind the concise name of the model.
Many people think that metal is always hard and difficult to maintain, but the experience of thousands of owners is very difficult. Southerner The alloy strength and the geometry of the bottom ensure that the glides are smooth even when the engine is not as powerful, and we'll see why this boat became a legend and whether it's relevant today.
History of creation and design features
Development of the boat Southerner The project began in the late 1960s at the Nikolaev Shipyard, which specialized in the production of boats for the Black Sea Fleet, with the goal of creating a massive, inexpensive and easy-to-operate boat for a wide range of consumers. Southerner-2 It has received a number of significant improvements aimed at increasing seaworthiness and comfort.
The main feature of the design was the hull with sharply sculpted contours, which not only improved the driving performance on the wave, but also allowed the efficient removal of splashes, which is critical for fishing in windy weather. Aluminum-magnesium alloy AMG5M used in welding, had high corrosion resistance, which made the boat suitable for use in salt water.
Unlike its predecessors, the second version received an increased cockpit size and a reinforced transom. outboardThis was a revolutionary step for small-sized vessels of the time, and it was assembled by argon-arc welding, which ensured that the seams were tight without the need for additional knob or sealants, which eventually lost their properties.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a used boat, be sure to check the condition of welds in the area of zygomatic kinks. This is where microcracks most often occur due to metal fatigue during prolonged operation at high speed.
It's worth noting that the boat was originally designed as a versatile vessel, and it could be used as a fun and a motor, but it was the engine version that became the most popular, the simplicity of the shapes allowed the plant to produce thousands of units, and although production is now stopped, the fleet of these boats remains huge.
Technical specifications and dimensions
For the potential owner, the key figures are the figures that determine the capabilities of the vessel. Southerner-2 The size of the boat allows you to easily transport the boat on a standard car trailer without requiring special permits for oversized cargo.
Below is a detailed table with the main technical data to help you assess the boat’s compliance with your requirements:
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Longest length | 4.55 | n |
| largest width | 1.72 | n |
| Height on midship | 0.63 | n |
| Mass of the hull with equipment | 190 | kilogram |
| Load capacity | 450 | kilogram |
| Passenger capacity | 4 | man. |
It is important to understand that the weight of 190 kg is the weight of the "naked" hull. When planning transportation, you must consider the weight of the installed equipment, fuel and the engine itself. The capacity of 450 kg allows you to accommodate four adults with minimal equipment, but for comfortable plane it is recommended to limit yourself to three passengers.
The bottom of the boat is V-shaped with a kilvater angle of about 10 degrees in the bow. This provides a soft input to the wave, but requires careful control at high speeds to avoid yaw. Onboard buoyancy cylinders located on the sides not only increase stability, but also serve as additional safety-boom in case of rollover.
Performance and manageability
On the water. Southerner-2 It's predictable and stable. With its hull width of almost 1.7 meters, the boat has excellent initial stability, you can get up from one place to another or fish standing up without fear of high roll, but the high sailing of the hull makes it sensitive to lateral wind, which is something to consider when maneuvering in stormy weather.
The boat confidently enters the planing mode with one adult on board at engine power from 15-20 hp With two passengers, a more powerful engine will be required, preferably in the range of 25-30 hp The maximum allowed engine power specified in the data sheet is 35 hp, but many owners are experimenting with the installation of 40-horsepower units, which requires strengthening the transom.
High speed control is characterized by some rollingness in corners, and this is due to the rather flat stern contours of the stern, which are good for glides, but less effective for abrupt course changes. steering-bar At high speed is not recommended - it is better to plan the trajectory in advance.
⚠️ Warning: Do not exceed the recommended engine power by more than 10-15%. Increased power without altering the transom can lead to its destruction and flooding of the boat at full speed.
Comfort on board is provided by the presence of soft hazelnuts and a fairly spacious cockpit. The height of the side of 63 cm is an excellent indicator that protects against splashing even when moving against the wave. For overnight or shelter from the rain, many owners install awnings or hard roofs, since the standard running awning in the basic configuration was often not available.
To improve handling at high speeds, install transom plates (hydropters) on the transom, which will help the bow of the boat to fall easier on the wave and reduce yaw.
Compatibility with outboard motors
Selection of engine Southerners-2 In Soviet times, the ideal pair was the Wind-12 or Neptune engine. Today, the range is much wider, and owners choose between reliable Japanese classics, Chinese state employees and modern electric traction engines.
For a quiet fishing and moving two people, a 9.9-15 hp engine is quite enough in this mode, the boat goes in displacement or transition mode, consuming a minimum amount of fuel. If your goal is to quickly move through large reservoirs, Khlin reservoir or Ladoga, then you should look towards 25-30 hp.
Particular attention should be paid to the length of the deidvut. Southerners The long leg (L) is optimal, since the short leg (S) can lead to cavitation and overheating at high revs due to the shape of the stern. When installing the motor, it is important to correctly expose the anti-cavitation plate relative to the bottom.
- 🚤 Japanese engines Tohatsu (Yamaha) is a benchmark for reliability, but high price and risk of theft.
- 🇨🇳 Chinese brands (Hidea, Sea-Pro) are an affordable alternative with good build quality in medium-sized series.
- 🔋 Electric motors Silence and environmental friendliness, but limited autonomy and speed, are suitable only for quiet fishing.
Owners of older boats often have to digest the engine bay or reinforce the transom to install a modern four-stroke engine, which is usually heavier than two-stroke analogues of the past.
☑️ Check before buying the engine
Tuning and modernization of the boat
Over the years of operation, owners have accumulated vast experience in improving factory design. Southerners-2 It's usually designed to improve comfort, safety and performance, and one of the most popular modifications is the installation of nose wings or zygomatic splashers, which allows the wave to travel at higher speeds without hitting the water.
The buoyancy system is also often upgraded, and the regular sealed blocks are sometimes replaced with glued polystyrene blocks or additional inflatable tubes are installed on the sides, which not only improves safety, but also increases the usable area of the deck, turning narrow cans into full-fledged seats.
Lighting and electricity are another field to work with: the installation of running lights, navigator, sonar and high-powered LED headlights allows you to comfortably operate the boat at night, and it is important to remember the correct installation of wiring and the use of marine materials that are resistant to salt water.
Secrets of painting Southern
For painting aluminum case is best to use special soils for non-ferrous metals (for example, GF-021 is not suitable, you need phosphate soil). Perfectly proven paint "Interflex" or polyurethane enamel, which create a durable coating that does not require updating for years.
Some enthusiasts go further and install small logging or windshields, which turns an open boat into a mini cruiser, allowing you to fish even in heavy rain, but any add-on shifts the center of gravity, so such changes require careful calculations.
Repair and maintenance of the hull
Aluminum-magnesium alloy from which it is made SouthernerIt doesn't rust in the usual sense of the word (like steel), but it's susceptible to electrochemical corrosion and fouling. The boat's main enemy is the rogue currents and contact with other metals in the water. zinc anodes You need to check before each season.
If there are dents on the body, you can fix them, because the material has a certain plasticity. The cracks in the welds are brewed with argon welding using filler wire of the appropriate composition. It is important to clean the repair site to pure metal and degrease before welding.
Regular maintenance also includes lubricating the hinges of the roller motor (if any), checking the condition of the keel board and the hummel. Winter storage should take place in a dry room, upside down to prevent moisture accumulation and deformation of the body under snow load.
⚠️ Warning: Never wash an aluminum case with aggressive chemicals or abrasive brushes. This destroys the oxide film that naturally protects the metal from corrosion.
Painting care is minimal. If the boat is well-painted, it is enough to rinse it with fresh water after going to sea. Small chips of paint are better immediately tinted to prevent the development of pitting corrosion, which can lead to through holes.
The main secret of the durability of the Southern region is the annual prevention of anodic protection and proper winter storage in a place protected from precipitation.
What is the real speed of the boat Yuzhanka-2 with an engine of 30 hp?
At full load (2 people + equipment) the speed will be about 35-38 km / h With one driver, the boat can accelerate to 42-45 km / h, but operation at extreme speeds reduces the life of the hull.
Can I use South 2 in the sea?
Yes, the boat is designed to sail in coastal marine areas, but you should be careful when you are above 2 points, as a low side in the stern can lead to flooding with water.
Do I need to register the South Side in GIMS?
Yes, the weight of the curbed hull (190 kg) exceeds 200 kg only in the sum of the engine. If you put the engine more powerful than 8 hp (or any engine if the sum of the masses exceeds 200 kg), registration is mandatory. The boat itself weighs less than 200 kg without the engine, but with the engine and tank almost always falls under registration.
What is the difference between South 2 and South M?
The M version has slightly altered nasal contours and a reinforced transom, and the M version often has an increased cockpit area by shifting the bulkhead into the nose, which adds useful space.
What is the minimum motor required to enter plane?
To enter plane with one person (about 80 kg) will require a motor with a capacity of at least 10-12 hp For two people, the minimum power for planing begins from 18-20 hp.