Aluminum boats: varieties, brand overview and selection criteria

There are quite a few boat models. But even with this impressive variety, aluminum boats are almost ideal in many cases. To enjoy riding and achieve your goals, you just need to choose the design very carefully.

It is quite obvious that an aluminum boat will weigh more than a comparable PVC model in terms of size and characteristics. In itself, this is not a plus or a minus - rather, a characteristic feature. On the basis of "winged metal" it is easy to make a boat of any size and capacity. There are both single and designed for 4 people or more watercraft. It is usually practiced to install side boules, due to which stability on the water increases.

It should be borne in mind that it is not so easy to make an aluminum boat on your own. The production technology may involve the use of a rivet assembly. In this case, repairing the craft is easier, even without contacting specialists. But now it is almost impossible to meet a riveted boat. Almost all firms have switched to using welding.

The undoubted advantage of a boat made of aluminum over polymer and even wooden models can be considered the increased strength of the hull.Unlike PVC products, they do not need to be assembled before use. This circumstance will be to the taste of fishermen and hunters who are accustomed not to waste a single extra minute. And for tourists, saving time is very valuable. The swimming qualities of aluminum products are high - it is easy to stay on the water on such a boat.

High strength allows you not to be afraid:

• small stones;
• branches;
• most snags;
• pier fittings;
• sharp objects used by the owners themselves.

The disadvantages of an aluminum boat are a continuation of its advantages.. So, the absence of the need for assembly turns into the inability to disassemble the craft. Therefore, you need to store it in a large room, and transport it only on a powerful car. It will not be possible to use parts from other metals (to avoid electrochemical corrosion), and it will also not be possible to repair the boat with your own hands.

Not all boat owners are satisfied with rowing. A much more practical and convenient solution is a motor boat for a jet engine. It differs from the usual "motorboat" even externally - a higher engine installation height. This is not surprising: a similar solution is used for swimming in hard-to-reach shallow and rocky areas. For the passage of water under the water jet, a special tunnel is used, thanks to which the pumping of air inside is excluded.

This swapping may seem like a minor problem, however, everything changes when it comes time to go through the rapids. There, the bubbling water is simply oversaturated with air cavities and bubbles.But even in calmer areas, the water jet has an advantage over the propeller - algae and floating plants are not wound on it. Due to the high bottom, the overall efficiency of the boat increases markedly. You can easily turn around on the spot or slow down very quickly.

Speaking about the types of aluminum boats, it must also be pointed out that only industry does not produce collapsible models. It is quite possible to meet home-made designs of this kind. If, nevertheless, the choice is made in favor of serial production, you need to focus on very small or folding modifications.

Collapsible ships are found, but very rarely. Only a few companies offer such products. It's all about the complexity of production and the fact that this is a purely niche product. Joints are usually equipped with rubber gaskets. Therefore, you can almost not be afraid of leaks.

Most often, an aluminum folding boat does not exceed 2.5 m in length. For the most part, it is designed in a rowing version. But there are also separate motor models. They are needed for those who want to fish alone on a secluded small lake. Recommendation: You can save money and make your search easier if you choose a second-hand folding aluminum boat.

As far as motor control is concerned, you need to make a choice between two options - tiller and remote control. In the first case, you will have to use a tiller (a special lever whose movement turns the stock).

If you need to make complex and unpredictable maneuvers often, the tiller scheme will be an almost ideal choice.Therefore, this option is usually used on fishing, rescue, tourist boats. However, the tiller does not cope well with the management of a boat longer than 3.5 m, equipped with an engine more powerful than 50 hp. With. or when transporting more than 900 kg of cargo.

Sometimes aluminum boats are used for an electric motor. The advantages of electric traction are:

• versatility of use;
• almost complete absence of noise;
• stability of the issuance of revolutions in a variety of modes;
• comparative ease;
• reliability;
• ease of use;
• environmental and sanitary safety;
• affordable cost.

A serious weakness of the electric boat is that it is dependent on the battery. Therefore, driving performance and cruising range are noticeably inferior to the same characteristics on boats with internal combustion engines. Important: you will have to use a special traction battery, because a car battery is not suitable for this task. As for hunting and fishing boats, it is quite appropriate to combine them. For fishing, aluminum boats are much better suited than PVC structures.

The conversation about the specific characteristics of aluminum boats should be continued using the example of the best representatives of the model range of such vessels. And of course, Wellboat brand products can be considered one of the best options. Boat Wellboat-31 reaches 3.18 m in length. The amidships height is 0.47 m. Other characteristics are:

• transportable cargo - 200 kg;
• number of passengers - 2;
• engine power - 6 liters. With.;
• payol with a foot rest and a ladle for outflow of water in a set.

The model is also popular. Wellboat-37 NexT. The length of this boat reaches 3.76 m. The craft can overcome waves up to 0.5 m high.Wellboat-37 NexT owners will be able to carry 300 kg of cargo. The thickness of the side skin reaches 2 mm, and the delivery set includes a transport tarpaulin.

Attention deserves and motor aluminum boats "Ruff". This is a small-sized motor-rowing boat that can be transported by a conventional passenger car. The design is optimal:

• for rivers with a calm current;
• lakes;
• ponds;
• reservoirs.

It is also possible to swim in the sea on the Ruff, but only when it is calm and directly at the shore. It should be borne in mind that even slight excitement will worsen the stability of the craft. The oars are included in the delivery of the rowing version of the "Ruff". The engine, which is placed on the motor modification, has a power of 5 liters. With. The alloy used for the housing is characterized by maximum resistance to corrosion; It is also worth noting a reinforced transom with a thickness of 0.04 m.

Great reviews are coming to the boats too "Tactics". The Tactics-270 model is suitable for walking and fishing on any river or lake. At the same time, the maximum allowable wave is 0.3 m. The minimum operating temperature is -5, and the maximum is +40 degrees Celsius. The standard package includes a pair of transverse benches and a bow eye.

It is useful to compare this model with "Tactics-370". Such a boat is capable of overcoming a wave up to 0.35 m high. The operating temperatures are the same as those of the 270 modification. It is allowed to equip both oarlocks for oars and motors up to 15 hp. With. A self-draining recess is included as standard.

For fishermen, an excellent choice can be "Rusbot-47". Careful thoughtful design and excellent workmanship are noted. On this boat you can put a motor with a capacity of up to 70 hp. With.A clear weakness is only insufficiently effective ventilation of the fuel tank. Occasionally, problems are associated with welds.

Berkut S-Jacket also (judging by the ratings) like anglers. The design of this model was thought out with the expectation of fast movement and absolute safety. In a locker with a capacity of 350 liters, it will be possible to place all the equipment necessary for fishing without any problems. However, sometimes owners complain about the quality of the windshield. Also, the seats are considered not comfortable enough for long trips.

Acquaintance with the main models of aluminum boats shows that the choice should primarily take into account the scope of their application. Therefore, it is appropriate to divide such boats into 3 main groups:

• For fishing;
• for hunting;
• for walks (tourism, leisure).

Having dealt with this, you need to answer the next question - what type of console is needed. All the lightest boats belong to the single-console group. Their length does not exceed 4.55 m, and usually it is even less.

Double-console aluminum boat can reach over 5 m in length. It is suitable for installing a very powerful motor, has excellent driving performance. When choosing budget designs, you will have to limit yourself to flat-bottomed models. Such products are optimal when you need to fish in a shallow body of water or cross a narrow river. But if you need to cope with a fast current, you will have to choose keel boats.

The V-shaped bottom is great for deep water areas. It also comes in handy when the weather deteriorates.If the boat has such a bottom, it will be very stable in any body of water. It is worth paying attention to the oars included in the kit. A large monolithic paddle is stronger than a prefabricated paddle with a plastic insert, more durable, however, it will be more difficult to transport the boat by land.

Almost always two-seater boats are more attractive than those with only one place. The fact is that sooner or later there is a need to transport someone with you or carry a heavy load.

Owners of aluminum boats also face the problem of how to seal it - more precisely, not the hull itself, but rubber gaskets in prefabricated structures. But here instructions from manufacturers are already helping out. Cleaning and washing of aluminum boats should only be carried out in fresh water. Usually branded detergents are used. If they are not at hand, a simple liquid soap will help out, which will have to be diluted a little.

Not every solvent is suitable for removing dirt from an aluminum surface. It is advisable to read the instructions for the boat itself and for the detergent in advance. At the slightest doubt, you need to collect additional information. Better yet, don't risk it at all. It is strictly unacceptable to use cleaning products intended for plastic products.

If any contamination is very persistent, they are removed using grinders. A more gentle, but also more time-consuming option is cleaning with a polish with minimal abrasiveness. When preparing the boat for winter, all additional equipment is removed from it, except for the fire extinguisher.It is very dangerous to leave the craft to spend the winter in the water. Under the influence of ice, the aluminum body wears out quickly.

If it is necessary to store the boat outdoors or in a damp room, all fabric components are removed and taken to another place. But it is better to immediately look for a safer site. Ropes and anchors are thoroughly washed with fresh water before wintering, even if there is no visible contamination. This will get rid of the accumulations of salts that are invisible to the eye.

Of course, leaving the boat in the open air, it is covered with an awning. But you also need to make sure that the awning is set correctly, and the precipitation will not fall into the boat itself. Additionally, it is worth taking care of the ventilation of the craft. Summer awnings cannot be used as winter shelter. The bow must always be higher than the stern; the drainage system must be left open.

See the following video for how aluminum boats are made.