Aviation Plant named after Gagarina, located in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, is known to everyone interested in military and civil aviation. Since the 50s of the last century, it is from here that all planes of Sukhoi Design Bureau "flew". In addition to the military, many Soviet civilian aircraft came out of here. Today, the company is assembling "Superjets" - passenger liners of the same OKB.
But few people know that the Amur motor boat was produced by one of the departments of this very factory. At first it was just one of the areas of development of the enterprise, but in 1999 the company separated. In 2006, the production of boats was discontinued, and in 2009 - of spare parts. After which the subsidiary closes.
Differences
In many sources, the words “boat” or “boat” are used synonymously. But if you look, the names are of different types. Both relate to watercraft, but there is still a difference. So, what is the difference between the Amur boat and a motor boat?
About the appearance is not worth mentioning - this is understandable and true. The difference is different. The difference between a motor and an ordinary boat in one is an outboard motor. The helmsman sits on the stern can, starts it and further regulates the speed and direction of movement by turning the special knobs on the engine. The man driving the boat sits in front, as in an ordinary car. Before him is a small remote control, and the engine is started by a button on this remote control. The direction of movement is regulated from there.
If you do not go into technical details, the difference between them is in the installation of the motor. The boat implies the possibility of its removal. The boat is not.
Description
As was customary in the Union, any military plant had to devote part of its capacity for the production of civilian goods. The first motor boat Amur was launched in 1968. The standard specification for the Amur implied the 412E engine. This is a 4-stroke, 4-cylinder carburetor option used on Moskvich-412 vehicles. When installing it on motor boats, a big minus was discovered - strong vibration transmitted to the hull. Therefore, all subsequent modifications received a tilt-and-turn column, thanks to which the screw and part of the engine were outside the vessel. In addition to increasing the space, this solution greatly increased the service life of the chassis and significantly reduced vibration.
Initially, the Amur boat was made entirely of duralumin, then the lower part was made of aluminum-magnesium alloys. The bottom was 2.5 mm thick, the sides - 1.5. Blocks of foam plastic were laid out along them for unsinkability, and the entire structure was reinforced by 10 frames. All these details transferred the ordinary motorboat to the premium class. And, despite its small size, this ship was comparable in price to a car, so not everyone could afford to buy it in the Union.
The lineup
At the same time, over the nearly 30-year history of the launch, the Amur boat has survived several modifications. The very first versions were made of duralumin, because of which they could only run in river water. These included:
- Amur and Amur-M. These were the basic models with an angular gear. Assembly only from duralumin.
- Amur-D was also made only of duralumin. At the same time, the boat became the first version using a tilt-and-turn column.
For the lower part of the next versions, aluminum-magnesium alloys began to be used, which allowed these vessels to go into the open sea.
- The Amur-2 boat became the first version, which had a cabin cabin for two places. The back, as in later models, was covered with an awning.
- Amur-3 could go to sea, but had an open layout.
- “Vostok” - having a different name, it was assembled according to the “Cupids” scheme, but belonged to a water-jet type.
- "Vostok -2" (sometimes designated as "Vostok-2T"). The same covered cabin as on the Amur-2, but it belongs to the water-jet type.
The lower part of both "Vostoks" was also made of alloys, so these boats could be used not only on rivers.
Characteristics
Having dealt with the model range, we turn to the parameters. It should be noted that, despite more than 30 years of production, the Amur is a boat whose characteristics remained constant. To protect the screw and expand the useful space, she found a tilt-and-turn column, then another alloy for the lower part, allowing to go to sea, but the basic data did not change. A motor from Moskvich was installed on all models, all had almost the same “filling”, even the external parameters were largely repeated, so we will not consider each development separately — we will focus on the Amur-D model — modifications with a tilt-and-turn column.
- Length - 5.5 m.
- Width - 2 m.
- Speed - 40 km / h.
- Passenger capacity - 4 people + steering.
- Net weight - 500 kg, equipped - 660 (without fuel).
- Tank - 100 l.
- The engine power is the same as that of the 412 Moskvich - 60 liters. from.
- Draft - 0.5 m, total overall height - 1, 4.
- Displacement - 1 t.
The following data are not technical parameters, but, nevertheless, the owner of the boat should remember them:
- distance from the coast - up to 50 km;
- wave height - 0.75 m, in the latest models - up to 1.2 m.
Unlike other pleasure craft, the Amur motor boat received an electric starter, which launched the main engine. In addition to the starter, the boat had signal lights, a sound signal and a spotlight. All control devices also had a backlight. Electricity was supplied from a generator or battery located in the engine compartment. Voltage - 12 V, maximum current - 40 A.
Awning
Starting with the base model, all modifications received a folding awning, which was stored between the headrest of the rear sofa and the engine compartment. As a rule, it was made waterproof, ventilated, and, importantly, frame. In other words, it was possible to use it not only for long parking lots.
Using it during the day could protect against rainfall or the scorching sun, in the evening - from midges. The factory equipment included an awning for the Amur boat, however if you wanted to change it (torn, leaking, or for some other reason), the manufacturer offered a branded replacement. Considering that pleasure boats and boats were widespread, the owner could also install a non-branded tent, which could cope with its tasks no worse than the original one.
Prices
Before moving on to the issue of cost, it is worth noting that the final amount will depend on at least two factors. Namely: from operating conditions, as well as from technical details, which nevertheless were slightly different in different models.
According to the first, we note that the frequent approach with the nose to the shore quickly abraded the keel. The solution here was one - to weld a long rod from the nose from top to bottom. As in other vehicles, it should be understood that a normal motor that has stood for some time does not require topping up oil or water. If possible, you should inspect the case from below, or at least raise the slans - assess the condition from the inside.
The most striking example of the second paragraph is the type of engine: a water cannon or a column. According to the specifications, the speed is the same for both. However, the column is more manageable. On such an engine it is easier to park in reverse. Given the possibility of folding, you can safely walk through the shallow water. Due to the displacement of the engine back, the Amur column boat will be the most capacious. The price of this version by today's standards will be about 200-300 thousand rubles. But keep in mind that this is not the final cost. Depending on the operating conditions of the previous owner, a new one may have to be completed.
Reviews
The basic model of the plant was the Amur column boat. Reviews about her often converge in one. Installed car engine in 60 liters. from. it was completely unsuitable for her, as a result of which he quickly wore out. Replacing it with a more powerful carburetor or water jet had a positive effect on all the characteristics of this pleasure craft.
Conclusion
The Amur motor boat, named after the large Russian river, was a good solution for lovers of boating or fishermen. Despite the fact that production is already closed today, Amur still causes a lot of controversy in various circles. Those interested can find options for replacing the engine, remaking the cockpit, anti-corrosion treatment, etc.