Since 1966, the Kuibyshev Aircraft Plant began to produce the famous Soviet Progress motor boats. Until the seventies, the production of models of the first, second and third series continued. They differed slightly from each other. The Progress-2 boat appeared under a niche and some other improvements. The Progress-3 was distinguished by a reinforced hull and roof rails.
Initially, the Progress boats could only compete with the very mediocre Kazan submarine of the first models. Specialists of the Kuybyshevsky plant suggested using remote control of the engine with the help of a car steering wheel, the deck is much more spacious than the previous one, comfortable, easily removable tent. In addition, Progress had a payload of one hundred kilograms higher than its competitors. In those days, these were significant advantages.
The Progress boats were very roomy. They easily accommodated five people with cargo. They showed good stability both on the spot and on the go. The case was distinguished by reliability and durability. The facts of the overturning of this boat are unknown even with a large wave. The Progress boats were an excellent choice for a relaxing family vacation or exciting fishing.
In fairness, it must be said that there were some shortcomings. The boats "Progress" have a few "dull" contours. The boat beats hard against the oncoming wave and loses much in speed, but the germination rate remains excellent. For these shortcomings, the "Progress" of the first modifications was often called the "iron."
To create the body, the designers used duralumin of very high quality. Thanks to this, the Progress motor boat turned out to be reliable and sound. The case practically does not rot. Even today, after almost half a century, the first models are in excellent condition, and they can be bought for five to seven thousand rubles.
The boat "Progress-2M" is all-metal, single hull, made of aluminum alloy with planing contours. The model was created for boat trips, tourism, swimming at a distance of up to three kilometers from the coast, with a maximum wave of seventy-five centimeters. A motor of up to thirty horsepower is recommended. The boat is made in two trim levels, which differ from each other by the presence of a carrier and a rack with wheels.
In 1974, production of the latest Progress-4 model began. It was already a completely different boat. She had significantly improved contours, there was a pronounced pitching of the bottom, seaworthiness was significantly increased. For this model, the oncoming wave was not a problem. There was a spacious place for storing fuel tanks, in which two 22-liter tanks could easily fit. The set of this boat included removable soft seats, which were laid out directly on the floor.
But the Progress-4 model also had some drawbacks. The shape of the windshield has not changed for the better: it has become angular-square in contrast to the first models, where it was curved and very pretty. The mooring handles became somewhat weak.
All Progress models belong to heavy boats, therefore it is advisable to install propellers with a step of two hundred fifty to two hundred eighty millimeters on the motor.