Metal small craft of the Soviet era still cause a keen interest among water-engineers, and southerly The legendary Southern, also known as Crimea, has become a benchmark for reliability and simplicity for millions of anglers and water walkers, and even decades after mass production ceased, these aluminum boats continue to plow the vastness of rivers and lakes, confirming their high resource.
The model's popularity is due not only to its affordable price in the secondary market, but also to its outstanding performance. technical specifications of the boat YuzhankaWe'll discuss the design, compare the various modifications, and give you practical tips on tuning and maintenance, and you'll learn why this boat is still considered one of the best in its class.
For many owners of water equipment, aluminum-alloy It doesn't rust as fast as steel, it doesn't require the kind of care that fiberglass does, but there's a downside to every medal, and we're going to talk about the nuances of owning this vessel right now.
History of creation and design features
The development of the boat began in the 1960s at the Nikolaev Shipyard, which was tasked with creating a mass, affordable and reliable vessel for a wide range of consumers. southerlyThe design, named after the southern regions of the USSR, where it was especially loved by holidaymakers, is based on time-tested solutions for stability and safety.
The hull of the vessel is made of aluminum-magnesium alloys, which provides excellent strength at a relatively low weight. duraluminium It made the boat easy to transport, but stiff enough to ride a wave, and it's characterized by a pointed nose with a pronounced zygomatic curve, which helps to climb the wave well and reduce shock loads.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a used boat, be sure to check the transom and bottom for cracks and corrosion. Aluminum can suffer from electrochemical corrosion when in contact with other metals.
The body dialing system deserves special attention: the longitudinal and transom stiffness elements are distributed in such a way as to withstand severe loads when driving at speed. Tranza The boats were originally designed for mounted motors up to 30 hp, which was a pretty impressive figure at the time, and the interior space was organized rationally, albeit with an eye to the minimalism of the era.
Main technical specifications and dimensions
To understand whether this model is suitable for you, you need to study in detail. dimensions The boat is a small pleasure boat, which imposes certain limitations, but also opens up wide possibilities for use.
Below is a table with the main technical data of the standard modification:
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Longest length | 4.55 m |
| largest width | 1.72 m |
| Height on midship | 0.73 m |
| Hull mass | 190 kg |
| Load capacity | 600 kg |
As you can see from the table, loading capacity The 600 kilogram capacity allows you to comfortably accommodate 4-5 people with a full set of equipment, but it is worth considering that the actual useful volume may decrease due to the installation of additional equipment, knobs and fuel tanks. Displacement The full load of the vessel is about 950 kg, which requires the appropriate engine power to achieve the planned speeds.
An important parameter is the transom height, which is 380 mm, which is the standard size for most outboard motors of the time and modern analogues. Kieliness The bottom on the transom provides course stability, but requires the presence of a keel or Skegs to compensate for drift in lateral wind.
Capacity and internal layout
The interior space of the Yuzhanka boat is designed with maximum functionality in mind. cockpit It has an open layout, which makes it easier to move around the deck during fishing or landing, and the seats are made in the form of rigid hazelnuts located along the sides, which also serve as compartments.
The bow of the vessel is usually closed by a deck with a hatch under which it is located. luggage compartmentThis space is ideal for storing anchors, ends and other equipment that should remain dry, and in some versions, it can also house a built-in fuel tank, although a portable canister is more often used.
The secrets of layout
There is no standard space for a sonar or navigator. Owners often mount the dashboard themselves, using the free space in front of the motorist or installing removable brackets on the transom.
For trophy fishing or long walks, the regular layout may be lacking, with many owners dismantling the center seats to increase the space available, creating a comfortable platform. Aluminum floor Often covered with rugs or plywood to improve thermal insulation and comfort, especially in cold weather.
- 🚤 Runduks along the sides allow you to keep personal belongings and life jackets on hand.
- ⚓ The nose trunk is protected from splashes and rain, which is critical for keeping spare sets of clothes dry.
- 🎣 Open cockpit allows you to install additional holders for fishing rods and chairs.
Engine and speed performance
One of the main specifications of potential buyers is speedNormally, the boat Yuzhanka was equipped with a motor "Whirlwind" or "Neptune" with a capacity of 20-30 hp With such an engine, the vessel develops a speed of about 30-35 km / h at full load, which is a worthy indicator for the hull of this shape.
Modern owners often carry out tuning, installing more powerful imported engines Yamaha, Tohatsu or Honda with a capacity of up to 40-50 hp This allows you to significantly improve the acceleration dynamics and maximum speed, which can reach 45-50 km / h. However, it should be remembered that increasing power requires strengthening the transom and careful attention to weight distribution.
⚠️ Warning: Exceeding the recommended engine power can lead to nose burrowing, reduced handling and even tipping the boat over at corners. Be careful with upgrades!
Fuel consumption depends on the operating mode and power of the installed engine. two-stroke A 30 hp power consumption of about 10-12 liters per hour, and if you plane actively, the flow can rise to 15-18 liters, which should be considered when planning long-distance routes.
Comparison of modifications: Southern, Crimea and others
Over the years of production and subsequent operation, there has been a confusion of names, often by "Southern" you mean a boat. "Crimea"And vice versa. Indeed, these projects have a lot in common, because they were developed at the same time and at the same facilities. But there are differences.
Boat "Crimea" It is often associated with earlier versions or modifications with slightly altered bow shape and the location of the rundooks. Southerner-2 This is a later version with improved ergonomics and a reinforced body set, and some sources claim that the Crimea was slightly larger in width, which had a positive effect on stability.
There is also a modification. "Southern M." It's a motor that could have been fitted with an integrated engine, although it's very rare, and the main difference is in the details: the shape of the windows (if they're in the cabin versions), the design of the windshields, and the way the equipment is attached. The difference may be subtle to the average user, but it matters to restorers.
- 🛶 Classic Southern: open cockpit, mounted motor, simple construction.
- ⛵ Crimea: possible variations in the form of zygomatic curves and height of the board.
- 🏗️ Southern M: rare versions with internal motorization or reinforced transc.
Operation, maintenance and tuning
The maintenance of the Southern Aluminum Boat is not a supernatural effort, but regularity is key. After every step out, especially in salt water, the hull must be rinsed with fresh water. corrosion And the appearance of oxides, which over time can destroy the metal.
Special attention should be paid to the equipment attachment and the transom. Vibration from the motor can weaken the bolt joints over time, so they need to be checked and tightened regularly. Antifouling coatings Aluminum should be chosen with caution so as not to provoke a chemical reaction between the paint and the metal.
☑️ Annual maintenance of the boat
Tuning Southerners is a separate topic of conversation. tent It's designed to protect you from the sun and rain, which makes you a family boat, and it's popular to have Plexiglas windshields that make you feel comfortable, and it's also common to change your regular seats to softer, more ergonomic options.
⚠️ Warning: When installing an awning or hard roof, make sure the boat's center of gravity doesn't rise too high, which can critically reduce the stability of the vessel on the move.
To improve performance, many people install hydrofoils on the engine's lower unit or put additional hydrofoils on the cheekbones themselves, which helps the boat to glid faster and improve handling. keel You can strengthen or replace a more pronounced profile to improve the course.
Competent tuning and regular maintenance can extend the life of the boat Yuzhanka for several decades, making it competitive even compared to modern models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a 50 hp engine on the boat?
Technically, it is possible to install, but it requires serious refinement of the transom and change of centering. The standard recommendation is up to 30 hp Excess power is dangerous and can lead to loss of control or destruction of the transom.
What is the real load capacity of the boat South?
Passenger load capacity is 600 kg, including the weight of people, motor, fuel and equipment, and in practice, a safe load for comfortable and fast driving is 400-450 kg.
Should I paint Yuzhanka's aluminum boat?
You don't have to paint if you're comfortable with the appearance of the metal, but paint with polyurethane or epoxy paints protects aluminum from fouling and mechanical damage, and also makes it easier to wash.
Where to find plans for repair or tuning of the South?
The original drawings can be found in the archives of Boats and Yachts magazines from the 60s and 70s or in specialized powerboating forums, and many enthusiasts share digitized copies of the documentation.