Metal boats in the post-Soviet space are experiencing a real renaissance, and among them a special place is occupied by a model that received the nickname among the people. Zombie.. Officially, this project is often hidden behind labels like "Project 56" or just "Small Metal Boat," but it was "Zombie" that became a household name for this 2019 series. Why 2019? This was the year when welding technology and the availability of aviation aluminum took craft shipbuilding to the next level.
Many owners are looking for information on the request "zombodka series", confusing the name of the boat with popular culture, but the real thing is that the boat is a real one. Zombie boat It's a harsh tool for survival, fishing and long hikes, not a set for a movie. Unlike the serial "Kazanok" or "Obey", here we're talking about the movie. custom-basedwhere each line is calibrated to minimize water resistance and maximize payload.
In this article we will discuss the anatomy of the "Zombie", its technical features, real seaworthiness capabilities and how to turn this "iron" into a full-fledged expedition boat. Attention. The details of the purchase or construction of such a vessel is a guarantee of your safety on the water.
Concept and philosophy of design: why the zombie?
The design of the boat, nicknamed the Zombie, is purely utilitarian and aggressive, and in 2019, when the most successful of the series came out, self-taught designers and engineers abandoned the flowing contours in favor of chopped shapes. It's not just the aesthetic of the post-apocalypse, it's the aesthetic of the post-apocalypse. engineeringStraight corners are easier to cook, easier to repair in the field, and they give a gain in internal volume at the same length of the case.
The main material is aluminum alloy AMG5 or AMG6. These metal grades don't rust like steel, and they have enough ductility to extinguish the shocks against the wave rather than crack. The 2019 hull often had a thickened bottom (up to 4-5 mm), allowing you to storm shallow water without fear of punching the hull against snags or rocks. It was this "unkillability" that related the boat to the image of zombies - it continues to swim even when others would have given up long ago.
The Zombie philosophy also implies modularity, and the owner of such a vessel always knows that if the engine breaks, you can row, if the side breaks, you can brew or put a temporary patch. The key feature of the 2019 model was the integration of runduks directly into the design of the sides.This allowed to maintain a low center of gravity even when fully loaded with equipment.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a used boat "Zombie" 2019 be sure to check the quality of welds for microcracks. Aluminum is prone to fatigue destruction under constant vibrations, especially in the area of the transom.
Technical specifications and seaworthiness
Discuss specificationThe boat is not rolling, but because of its hull width (often around 2-2.2 meters at 5-6 meters), it is not rolling, which is critical for fishing in standing water or trolling, but its narrow nose and deep keeliness on the transom (up to 12-15 degrees) make it an excellent wavewalker.
In 2019, many specimens were equipped with a transom plate, which improved the output for planing. Seaworthiness Zombie class allows you to feel confident in the wave to 0.7-0.8 meters, and with experience, up to 1.2 meters, if the wave is flat, the main thing is not speed, but predictability of behavior. The boat does not burrow with its nose, but confidently cuts water.
Below is a table comparing the averaged specifications of "Zombie" with popular factory counterparts of the same period:
| Parameter | Boat Zombie (2019) | Kazankah-5M4 | Wind (project) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length, m | 5.0 - 6.0 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Width, m. | 2.1 | 1.6 | 1.7 |
| Load capacity, kg | 800 | 400 | 500 |
| Materials | AMG5/AMG6 | D16T | D16T |
| Motor power (max), hp | 50 | 30 | 30 |
It is worth noting that loading capacity The floor and board design is designed to carry not only passengers, but also heavy equipment: generators, fuel, conservation, equipment for a long expedition, which makes the Zombie an ideal choice for hunters and geologists, not just for amateur fishermen.
The Secret to Sustainability
Why doesn't the Zombie flip? The answer lies in the distribution of the masses. Heavy elements (batteries, anchors, canisters) are hidden in the bow and side knobs below the waterline, creating a pendulum effect that returns the boat to a horizontal position.
Engine installation: motor selection and control
Choice boat-engine For a boat like this, it's a creative process, but it's limited in physics. For a hull that's 5-6 meters long and weighs about 250-300 kg (empty), the optimal power range is 25 to 40 hp. Yamaha, Tohatsu domestic Hidea They're lightweight, maintainable, and they forgive mistakes in the mix of gasoline and oil.
However, the trend of 2019 is the installation of electric motors for quiet running or hybrid systems. Zombie thanks to its inertia and heavy body perfectly keeps inertia. If your goal is silent sneaking up to a duck or fishing on pressed water bodies, a bundle of "main gasoline + nose electric motor" will be ideal.
- 🚤 Gasoline options: Yamaha 30 HMHS, Tohatsu M30B2, Hidea 40 FWS. Optimal for full-load glides.
- ⚡ Electrical options: Minn Kota 80-101 lb thrust, suitable for displacement, ideal for trolling.
- 🛠️ Hybrid systems: Combination of the main engine and auxiliary electric motor for maneuvers in port or during fishing.
The boat's handling also requires attention, and because of the high sailing of the chopped sides (if a tent or cabin is installed) and the high side, the boat can be sensitive to side wind. cross-plate Or at least zygomatic splash-blowers are required, and they not only improve the course, but also stabilize the course stability.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the recommended engine power specified in the data sheet (if any) or calculated according to the formulas for a given displacement. Aluminum transom may not withstand the vibrations of an overly powerful engine, which will lead to engine tearing off at full speed.
Use transom wheels only as an auxiliary element for descent on a gentle shore. For a "Zombie" with its flat bottom, it is better to have a full-fledged trailer or ladder, since on hard ground the boat can "stick" due to the large area of contact.
Tuning and modernization: from "iron" to comfort
Zombie tuning is a distinct art form, and the owners of these boats rarely leave them in a runoff form. The first thing usually comes from the interior, the anti-slip plywood floor, which replaces cold and slippery aluminum. It's not just comfort, it's also safety: wet shoes on metal are a direct route to injury.
Next, the installation tenta-transformerBecause the boat is often used in all weather, having a running awning that can be quickly turned into a sleeping or parking awning is critical. Oxford 600D It's PVC-coated, and it allows you to spend the night on the water, which opens up new horizons for travel.
☑️ Checklist of basic tuning
And you also have lighting, because the wiring on craft boats is often not available or it's done on the knee. tuning This involves a separate line for navigation lights, a separate line for the navigation lights and a third line for household needs (charging phones, lighting in the cabin), and the use of LED belts with IP68 protection allows you to create a cozy atmosphere and protect the boat at night.
The special thing is that you have sonars and cartplotters, and you have a vibrating body, so you have to have the mounts cushioned, and you often put them on removable brackets so you don't leave them on the boat when you store them in an open parking lot, where you're at risk of theft.
Comparison with competitors: "Kazanka", "Ob" and others
So why does Zombie beat the classics? Kazankoy-5M4"Kazanka" is easier, but it is already less stable. "Kazanka" with full load to sit on the planing is more difficult, and on the wave it behaves like a trough. Zombie, having a larger width and keeled bottom, more confidently holds the course and accommodates more cargo. However, "Kazanka" is easier to find on sale and easier to transport on a light trailer.
Compared to Obey or voronezhThe D16T factory boats are more prone to corrosion and cracking when impacted, whereas the Zombie magnesium-aluminium alloys are more tenacious. But there is also a minus: weight.
- 🏆 The benefits of Zombie: High stability, a huge margin of safety, a large usable area, the possibility of customization for any needs.
- 📉 The disadvantages of Zombie: Large weight, difficulty of search in sale (often only used or on order), lack of factory passport GIMS (you need to undergo examination as on a samproy).
- ⚖️ Balance: Ideal for those who value reliability over speed and are willing to put up with more weight for safety.
The choice between a Zombie and a factory boat is between comfort/lightness and unsinkability/loading capacity. For wild places and serious loads, the Zombie is out of competition.
Legal aspects and registration in GIMS
Owning a 2019 Zombie boat is often a legal nuance, as it is usually a product of private shipbuilding or small-scale production without clear old-style factory passports. registration According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, boats weighing more than 200 kg (together with the engine) or with an engine power of more than 8 hp are subject to mandatory registration.
The main problem is the lack of a factory passport and certificate of conformity. If the boat is bought from the hands of a master, the new owner may be required to prove the ownership and technical safety of the vessel. In 2019, the rules have been simplified for small craft, but the "sampal" still remains at risk.
For legalization of "Zombie" is often required:
- Sales contract (even handwritten) with specifications.
- Drawings of the body indicating the thickness of the sheets and the alloy mark.
- Photos from different angles and the number of the stamp (if any).
- Successful completion of practical tests on water.
⚠️ Warning: Buying a Zombie boat without papers is a risk. You can get a great boat, but legally it will be considered scrap metal or smuggling. Always ask the seller for any surviving paper or contact of a craftsman who can confirm the specifications of the alloy.
Final verdict: should we contact?
The Zombie boat of 2019 is not just a water vehicle, it's a statement. It's a choice of people who understand the difference between just swimming and making sure you get there. It takes investment, time to refine and willingness to tinker with technology, but the (return) of reliability and capability is a barrier.
If you want a lightweight inflatable boat for evening fishing 200 meters from the shore — you don't need a zombie, but if you're planning a weekly expedition, a full-loaded Delta hunt, or just want to have a boat that you can inherit to your grandchildren — this is one of the best options in the used technology market.
Where do you look for Zombie?
Most often, such boats are sold at regional fishermen's forums, in the Avito groups for "motor boat", "aluminum boat", "project 56 boat".
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the real speed of the boat "Zombie" with a 30 hp engine?
At full load (2 people + equipment) the speed is about 25-28 km / h Alone with a minimum load can accelerate to 35-40 km / h, but it depends on the shape of the bottom of a particular instance and the condition of the skin.
Do I need to paint the Zombie boat inside?
Painting an aluminum case inside is not necessary if you use an AMg5/AMg6 alloy, as it does not oxidize as much as steel. However, coating with epoxy soil or special paint for boats will make it easier to care and prevent the appearance of an oxide film that is difficult to wash.
Can you go to Ladoga or Onega on the Zombie?
Zombie is a boat for rivers, lakes and coastal areas. Open reservoirs with a large wind wave require experience in management and the presence of life jackets on all passengers. It is not a sea yacht.
How much does a Zombie boat weigh without an engine?
The hull weighs between 220 and 300 kg depending on the thickness of the metal and the configuration (having rundooks, bulkheads), which is much heavier than inflatable boats, so transporting will require a reliable trailer and a car with a good payload capacity.