During the Soviet era, cultivated pastures were often set up on collective and state farm meadows, on which irrigation systems were installed. With the collapse of the collective farm closest to us, the irrigation system in such a meadow became unusable. And its duralumin pipes with a diameter of up to 250 mm and a length of up to 12.5 m remained lying among the grass. Many have used these pipes for lining water wells, for chimneys (they look good in an “ensemble” with galvanized roofs) and even for fences - they do not rot or rust.
My friend, a genius mechanic, came up with the idea of using them as material for building boats. We removed the accumulated soil from the pipes and cut them lengthwise using a circular cutter. As far as possible, they straightened the cut pipes with special devices - crowbars with hooks, then cleaned and beat them out with hammers and sledgehammers on sand, and then on thick rubber, obtaining flat sheets or with the desired curvature of the surface. The thickness of the sheets (pipe walls) is from 2 to 3 mm. Harder sheets were used on the bottoms and deck, softer sheets were used on the sides and side trims. I whipped up a flat-bottomed boat for myself - a “ski” 1 m wide. Then I made another boat for my relative, then a catamaran, but it turned out to be too heavy and clumsy. Finally he approached his last boat, the Cardinal.
I designed and made it with the expectation that someday I would install a water-jet engine on it, the parts for which I am slowly sharpening. The hull of the boat is riveted with “semi-trimaran” type contours, and has two side extensions (sponsons) with their own keels at the rear. The stern is transom. An outboard motor is installed on the transom. The deck on the poop is made with a recess for the future water-jet engine. A hatch is mounted in the bow part of the deck. Through it, empty plastic bottles and the necessary equipment are placed in the hold to increase the buoyancy of the boat.
The driver and passenger seats are located in the cockpit in the middle part of the boat. At the front, the cockpit is surrounded by an orange windshield. All instruments are located on the front panel. The deadrise of the boat hull in the front part, like the sponsons, is variable, in the rear it is constant and amounts to 90°. Aluminum strips - longitudinal steps - are riveted to the sides of the hull in its underwater part at a height of 50 mm from the ski. The same strips are riveted around the perimeter of the boat, except for the transom - this is a splash guard - and to the keels of the sponsons - skids. The overlap of duralumin sheets at all joints is 35 mm. Rivets with a diameter of 5 mm in the underwater part of the body have a countersunk head, in other places they have a semicircular head. They are arranged in two rows (with a distance of 15 mm between the rows) in a checkerboard pattern with a pitch of 20 mm.
This connection of sheets did not even require sealing the joints. Once upon a time, about 25 years ago, using the same technology, I riveted four barrels for pickles from stainless steel sheets. The seams are still sealed and the barrels are not leaking! The steering wheel was bent from a thin-walled steel pipe, the spokes were cut from a steel sheet 1 mm thick. I carefully welded all this to the steering wheel and painted it.
As a result, a boat with a duralumin hull-sheathing turned out to be not so heavy, but its advantages over wooden ones are obvious: high strength, durability, easy maintenance, lack of strength. The performance of the boat exceeded all my expectations. Under the Moskva-30 engine, even with full throttle, the boat does not rear up from a standstill. At cruising speed, it glides on the heel of the ski and on the skids within their length of 350-400 mm (with one driver). With a sharp release of gas, the boat smoothly settles into the water, without even forming a wave.
: 1 - nasal ring; 2 - deck; 3 - bow afterpeak hatch; 4- dashboard; 5 - cockpit; 6 - windshield; 7 - steering wheel; 8 - bank; 9 - motor niche; 10 - transom; 11 - hull side; 12 - “ski”; 13 - longitudinal steps; 14 - runners; 15 - side extensions (sponsons); 16 - aft afterpeak hatch; 17 - handle; 18 - splash guard
Theoretical drawing of the case
Joint diagram: 1 - outer side of the sponson; 2 - inner side of the sponson: 3-runners; 4 - stiffening angle; 5 - rivet
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The vessel's mast was designed taking into account the main features of shipbuilding from the times of the sailing fleet: the “classical” proportions and principles of armament were preserved. In the old days, masts of small ships were most often made in one piece or assembled from well-fitted parts - pieces held together from the outside with vulings (tied with a strong cable) every 800-1000 mm...
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One of the most common materials for building a boat with your own hands is fiberglass. Using such raw materials, you can independently construct a fairly large boat: from 7.5 to 18 m in length.
General information
One of the most common models of boats made from fiberglass material is the WaveRunner-285 boat. It is considered a full-fledged planing vessel, which is quite suitable for walking on the sea or tourism. The ship, which is characterized by the fact that it has an increased freeboard, as well as a fairly large width, is also convenient in that its bow can accommodate a comfortable salon with an adjacent toilet and galley. In the stern of the boat, you can make a double cabin with your own hands, the location of which will be located strictly under the cockpit. The unit control department will be located above the engine compartment, and it will also be protected from wind and water splashes by inclined glass.
Boat power
When equipping a boat with your own hands, you need to consider which engine will be installed on it later. This particular model is designed to install either one or two motors. However, it is important to consider here that the total power for the normal functioning of the facility should be in the range from 250 to 500 hp. With. They must also have a direct reverse gearbox, which will allow them to reach a speed of 15-30 knots, which in km/h ranges from 28 to 56. In addition, the vessel may also have propulsion systems or additional outboard motors.
It is worth noting that building a boat with your own hands saves from 50 to 75% of material resources from the amount that would have been spent if the unit had been purchased at a shipyard and not built independently. It is also worth noting that the given technology for building a small vessel is not the last word in shipbuilding. This is just a practice-tested, established method that will allow you to construct an acceptable fiberglass boat with your own hands.
Beginning of work
Starting the construction of a small fiberglass boat is no different from building from any other material. The first step is to lay out the theoretical frames, as well as the contour of the stem, on a plywood panel or on a sheet of cardboard. The breakdown should be carried out in the actual size of these parts.
It is also important to note that the board or plaza on which the layout is made must have a width corresponding to the width of the boat, plus 300 mm. The height of this object must be 400 mm higher than the expected height of the housing. Experts recommend first creating drawings of the boats, on which all the necessary parts will be marked with dimensions. This is done in order to avoid mistakes during the manufacturing process.
Another important detail is that the upper ends of all frames must be extended to the height that is shown as a horizontal line on the plaza. It is perpendicular to the DP line and is called the Shergel line.
Assembling patterns
When carrying out work on plasma marking of patterns, it is very important to take into account factors such as the thickness of the slats and the thickness of the sheet metal that will be used as lining of the inner surface of the matrix. In other words, when drawing up a drawing of a boat and subsequent assembly, it is necessary to set aside from the theoretical line of each of the frames the distance inward that will correspond to the total thickness of the slats and sheet metal. It is this marking option that should be used when cutting out patterns and their further assembly.
The individual parts of the transverse patterns must be connected using materials such as linings and brackets made from pieces of plywood with a thickness of 8 to 10 mm. A similar indicator is suitable for a boat whose length will be around 10 m. It is best to glue the linings to the patterns, and then additionally screw them with screws or nail them.
How to make a boat: plating and matrix
Next, before assembling the existing patterns into a matrix, it is necessary to attend to the creation of the outer cladding of the structure. In order to create the most comfortable conditions when working with the outer skin of the boat, it is necessary to provide a part that ensures the tilt of the matrix on both sides of the ship.
If you do everything correctly, you will be able to work while standing on the floor next to the workpieces. The matrix itself, in any case, must have a very strong and rigid structure. This is necessary so that during the construction of the unit the shape of its body is not distorted.
How to make a boat with a strong matrix? Large structures are assembled from longitudinal beams, which will form the horizontal base of the boat. Inside the resulting frame, it is necessary to install walkways that will facilitate the work of gluing the body. After the longitudinal beams, which are the base of the matrix, have been installed, the future position of all the patterns is marked on them, and a steel wire is stretched along the beams, which will be a string indicating the vessel’s DP.
Installation of patterns
It is recommended to start the process of installing blanks from the midship frame. Before securely fastening this element, it is very important to make sure that the pattern is strictly vertical and perpendicular to the DP. It is attached to the beams that serve as the base. After all the other workpieces have been mounted, the stand located in the transom DP has been installed, and all the elements have been braced with braces to avoid any movement, you can proceed to the stage of covering the inner surface of the matrix using longitudinal slats.
To perform this task, material with a thickness of 12 to 15 mm and a width of 50 mm is most often used. To equip the bottom of the boat, it is better to use slats with the same thickness, but greater width - up to 100 mm.
Aluminum water boat
The low cost of raw materials, as well as lathes, has led to the fact that many owners have decided to independently manufacture certain parts and elements from metal. It is believed that the production of an aluminum boat is one of the most difficult tasks, which is practically impossible, but at the factory they are created without difficulty, since they have special tools for this. However, this is not so.
The most difficult thing in making this type of boat yourself is making its pattern from metal. This term refers to the marking of exactly how it is necessary to cut out the necessary parts from aluminum.
When making such a unit from metal, the whole process comes down to assembling a kind of construction set. This is true if the blanks are not cut out yourself, since this still requires a lot of skill and high-precision equipment, but a computerized model of the boat is purchased. Yes, the cost of such a model will also be quite high, but if you compare it with buying a ready-made vessel, you will see significant savings.
High-speed small craft
Another option for a vessel that you can make yourself is a speedboat. A rather important part in the construction of this type of unit is the choice of engine and its location. This part can be placed in the cockpit of the vessel, and the part that will protrude can be covered with a hood.
This definition of the place was not chosen by chance. It will expand the range of devices suitable for installation. You can use engines from cars such as Zhiguli or Volga. In addition to these models, it is quite possible to install a diesel engine from a tractor. However, this is only possible if additional hot air removal is provided. You can use a fake chimney for this.
Air-cooled engines can also be installed. Since a high-speed boat must have good stability when moving quickly through the water, it is recommended to place this part closer to the center of gravity of the entire vessel. The greater weight of the engine will give greater stability to the entire structure.
Aluminum boats are designed for fishing and recreation. The structures are light, durable, strong, repairable, with low fuel consumption during transportation. Aluminum watercraft come in different modifications in terms of weight, dimensions, and shape. Popular models are from manufacturers Winbot, Vyatka, Tactics, Smartliner, Lund, LAKER, etc.
Boats made of aluminum and magnesium alloys are distinguished by the following technical and design characteristics:
- light weight;
- durability;
- strength, corrosion resistance;
- affordable price;
- maintainability, etc.
Structures can be transported by car to hard-to-reach areas. The small weight of the craft allows you to install low-power engines and save fuel.
Aluminum alloy has anti-corrosion properties, therefore it does not deform as a result of mechanical damage and does not oxidize from exposure to water.
Aluminum is durable and strong. Aluminum boats have a solid bottom, which ensures comfortable movement on the water.
A large selection of designs allows you to choose a watercraft with optimal dimensions. The average length of products is 3−8 m, permissible engine power is 300 hp.
Aluminum boat repair on a budget. The holes are covered with metal sheets with rubber or plastic inserts or sealed by welding. Aluminum is not damaged by water.
The design of metal watercraft is stable on water, the risk of mechanical deformation is reduced in comparison with analogues made of polyvinyl chloride. If necessary, the boat is supplemented with special elements to strengthen the frame and safely transport passengers in large bodies of water. 
Aluminum surfaces can be easily painted with a brush or airbrush. The products are comfortable, multifunctional, and can be used both without a motor and with a powerful motor.
Types of metal boats
According to the manufacturing method, products are divided into:
- riveted;
- all-metal (welded).
Riveted models are easy to transport and repair, because no welding machine required. However, it is necessary to take into account their low tightness, as well as the need to cover the surface with protective compounds. In winter, watercraft are stored indoors, sheltered from precipitation.
Welded products are strong, durable, resistant to deformation as a result of mechanical influences. The models are heavy and require complex work to dismantle elements during repairs.
Watercraft are divided into:
- single-console;
- two-console.
Single-console products are small-sized, compact, and optimal for fishing in calm rivers and lakes. The length reaches 4.55 m.
Double-console boats made of aluminum are more spacious, their length exceeds 5 m. The watercraft are suitable for installing powerful motors.
Boats are divided into:- oars;
- motor;
- universal.
Engines can be stationary or outboard.
Models with stationary engines are more spacious and designed for long trips.
Outboard engines are installed in compact watercraft and are suitable for versatile use in calm rivers.
Design Features
The design of the aluminum vessel is intended for freshwater bodies of water. It is not recommended to use the watercraft on the open sea, because... it may turn over.
Defining characteristics for a boat: length (up to 10 m), width (from 1.5 m), weight (from 150 kg). The average load capacity is 150−500 kg, the side height is about 30−60 cm. The buoyancy of the vessel is ensured by built-in foam elements (on the sides of the boat), which prevent excessive immersion.
The structures are available as solid or collapsible.
Solid watercraft are sealed, stable in water bodies, durable, but difficult to transport.
Collapsible aluminum boats are easy to move and transform, they are compact. However, it is necessary to take into account the reduced tightness and reduced shelf life of the structure.
According to their design, boats are divided into:
- flat-bottomed;
- keel;
- with a V-shaped bottom and rounded edges.
Models with a flat bottom are simple, lightweight, and budget-friendly; controlled using oars or a low-power motor. Flat-bottomed boats are used for fishing in shallow waters.
They handle well in fast-flowing rivers and are stable in waves. Models are equipped with a motor and are complemented by windshields and buoyancy blocks.
Models with a V-shaped bottom and rounded contours are comfortable, maneuverable, and can be used when passing through deep reservoirs and in difficult weather conditions. The watercraft are stable on the water.
Additional accessories
During operation, aluminum vessels can be equipped, depending on the dimensions and purpose, with additional accessories.
In the list of devices:
- oars (for boats without a motor);
- steering;
- oarlocks;
- anchor eye;
- guard rope;
- water trap;
- repair kit, etc.
Boats are often supplemented with oars (solid or folding for ease of transportation). The length of the elements varies in accordance with the dimensions of the craft. Compact vessels are complemented by short oars with plastic inserts. Oars for large boats are often solid, non-separable. These products are durable, resistant to mechanical damage, but make it difficult to transport the boat to the reservoir.
Aluminum vessels of a high price category are equipped with steering.
Oarlocks allow you to comfortably steer the boat using 2 oars. Products are made from metal alloys, durable rubber or plastic.
The anchor eye is located in the bow block of the boat, allowing you to protect the side parts from damage by a rope or rope. The eye is designed for reliable fixation of the rope.
The safety rope is designed for fastening objects inside the vessel, and, if necessary, performs the tasks of a rescue device.
The water fender prevents waves from entering rowing boats. The element is made in the form of a visor, which is installed around the perimeter of the vessel.
The mandatory equipment of the boat must include a repair kit, which includes rivets, means for repairing holes, waterproof compounds, patches, and sealants.
Is it possible to make a boat with your own hands?
If necessary, you can make an aluminum vessel yourself. It is recommended to carry out work in a garage block. The choice of tools and materials is affected by the assembly method.
For a model created using the rivet method, duralumin is required. For models constructed by welding, a combination of aluminum and magnesium alloys is required.
To make a collapsible aluminum vessel "Johnboat" you will need the following tools:
- drill with attachments for metal;
- sheet bending machine;
- hammer;
- metal cutting device;
- welding machine, etc.
Necessary materials:
- aluminum sheets;
- fastenings (rivets, staples);
- sealant;
- dye.
After cutting the elements with a metal (iron) tool, holes are drilled according to the patterns. The structure is assembled and fastened in stages. The joints are coated with sealant. After the compounds have dried, the boat is painted in several layers of special water-repellent paint.
Best models
The best top models:
- Marine;
- Malutka;
- "Romance";
- Surface Drive;
- Smartliner 110;
- Finval 440;
- Starecraft, etc.
Marine boats are lightweight and can be easily transported on the roof of a car. The design has a keeled hull, which ensures good glide through the water. The boat is equipped with a medium-power engine, optimal for boating and fishing.
The Malutka brand model is non-separable, with a rigid structure, the connections are made using rivets. The body is durable, the model moves quickly, is durable, and stable. The vessel has a passenger capacity of 3-4 people, a carrying capacity of up to 150 kg. The watercraft is easy to move when assembled.
The Romantika boat is equipped with longitudinal corners on the outer surface of the bottom to increase stability and resistance to water flows in large waves. The vessel is 2.6 m long, with a maximum beam of 1.1 m, a transom height of 400 mm, and a displacement of 260 kg. The design refers to aluminum boats with a motor with low power (5 hp), most often controlled by oars. Easily transported to the reservoir.
Models of the Surface Drive series from Go-Devil (USA) are equipped with a reinforced transom. The vessel is 4.8 m long, 1.2 m wide, and has a capacity of 500 kg. The improved transom design allows you to navigate through muddy bodies of water. The reinforced bottom is made of 5086 aluminum alloy. The floor surface is treated with a special anti-slip material. The passenger capacity of the vessel is 5 people.
Not the last in the rating of aluminum boats for fishing is the Smartliner 110 model, designed for use in rivers and coastal seas in different weather conditions. The vessel's hull is made of reinforced aluminum. The deck structure is complemented by durable plastic. The model is compact, accommodates 3 passengers, reaches 3.5 m in length and 1.3 m in width. The vessel’s carrying capacity is 350 kg, the thickness of the sides and bottom is 1.5 mm, the transom is 3 mm. Permitted engine power reaches 15 hp. The design has passed European certification (CE).
The Finval 440 model is included in the list of light boats, suitable for large bodies of water, and is equipped with a 20-50 hp engine. The boat's carrying capacity is 400 kg, the thickness of the sides is 2 mm, the bottom is 3 mm. The vessel has medium dimensions, reaching more than 4 m in length and 1.7 m in width. The elements of the vessel are connected by welding. The design is equipped with a two-level deck, steering, fuel filter, switch box and 12V instrument connection.
The Starecraft brand vessel is durable, stable, with a large carrying capacity, designed for fast-moving rivers. Alloy 5052N34 was used to create the design. The model is durable, versatile, and water-resistant.
The UMS-600 Cruiser model is large-sized, the length of the vessel reaches 6.5 m, width - 2.3 m, height of the sides - 0.7 m. The carrying capacity of the vessel is 640 kg, passenger capacity - 8 people. The vessel is equipped with a 170 hp engine, the maximum speed of the boat is 90 km/h. The body is made of aluminum alloys of the AMg5m brand. The model is equipped with railing equipment, an electrical panel, a fuel tank, steering, a stern ladder, and a repair kit.
The best aluminum fishing boat UMS - 450 DC AL accommodates up to 4 passengers and has a load capacity of 400 kg. The model from the American manufacturer is designed for different types of fishing and is equipped with specialized equipment. The hull structure is durable, the bottom is reinforced. The speed of the vessel reaches 80 km/h.
Russian aluminum boats from the following manufacturers are perfect for fishing:
- Volzhanka;
- Kazanka;
- Crimea;
- Neman;
- Dnieper;
- Vyatka, etc.
Also on the market for boats made of aluminum and magnesium alloys are foreign manufacturers (Lund, LAKER, RusBoat, etc.).