In search of a solution to create a safe, inexpensive and easy-to-operate boat, the developers of the Dolgoprudnoy Engineering Plant launched a ship based on the famous Kaluzhanka (in 1973). So the boat "Romance" appeared. Technical characteristics of the duralumin vessel will be considered further.
Design Features
Motor boat "Romance" consists of three collapsible sections. The bow is divided into two sets, and the middle and the feed, in turn, are mounted from three elements. The ship is made by stamping using welding from a special magnesium-aluminum alloy.
The bottom sections are non-separable, bordered by bulkheads along the side to the flange. The transom and bulkheads are corrugated, the sections are interconnected by bolt fastening. The nose and top of the housing are mounted on a flange. Then an under-engine compartment, trellised slans and “banks” (seats) are installed. You can assemble the boat in question in less than an hour.
Collapsible boats "Romance" are then folded into a special cover by inserting elements into each other. The result is a compact package with dimensions of 1.16 * 0.92 * 0.37 m, which easily fits in the car trunk, and is also easily transported in an electric train or bus.
Body finish
Aluminum boats "Romance" are adapted for installation of an outboard power unit with a capacity of 2-5 horsepower. It is attached to the transom, the payload of the vessel is from 150 to 215 kg.
The developers paid special attention to the finish of the body contours. After conducting a series of test tests, it was found that the nose alignment allows better planing, increases the dynamics and speed indicators of the craft. The shape of the case has the following features:
- The contours are permanent with a slight rounding.
- The bottom is flat, corrugated to increase rigidity.
- The cheekbone is rounded, the sides are formed by circular arcs.
- The nose is structurally more complex (keeled bottom without corrugation).
- A kind of protection against splashes of the nasal recessed element are the connecting flanges.
Technical details
The boat "Romance", the technical characteristics of which are presented in the table, enjoys well-deserved popularity.
Length / Width / Height (mm) | 2640/1 100/450 |
Transom (height in DP), mm | 400 |
Weight without motor (t) | 0.45 |
Full displacement (kg) | 260 |
Speed when using the Surf motor at 5 hp (km / h) | With one person - 23, with two - 8.5-9 |
Speed indicator with an engine of 2 horsepower | 8.5 \ 7.5 |
Maximum permissible power of the power plant | Five horsepower |
Lateral stability at a displacement of 260 kg | 1,100 mm |
It is worth noting that the boat "Romance", the technical characteristics of which are indicated above, passed various tests. They showed that the watercraft glides perfectly at a speed of 22-29 km / h, as a result of which structural modifications of the bow and bottom were adopted. Experiments were conducted with motors of higher power, which accelerated the boat to 35 km / h. In reality, such engines are not suitable, since too much difference in terms of power, displacement and mass leads to uncontrollability of the vessel.
Conditions and nuances of operation
Dural boat "Romance" showed itself perfectly in calm water and in the presence of waves. The vessel has good stability on course, with two passengers on board the vehicle circulates diametrically at full speed in one and a half to two hulls, provided that the Surf engine is shifted.
The hard deck with a blunt nose allows passengers to go ashore on it without problems. The bow has a small luggage compartment. The boat is equipped with a portable soft seat for the driver. The passenger bank can accommodate two people. From this boat it is convenient to fish, swim, jumping from the side and climb back without any problems. In addition, the advantages of "Romance" include the fact that it is easy to launch and pull ashore.
Profitability of the vessel allows you to make long trips. One person with a fuel reserve of 20 liters on the Surf engine can actually overcome 150-160 kilometers. The swimming facility is additionally equipped with a line, first aid kit, assembly and disassembling tools.
Which motor is better?
On forums, the owners of the boat in question are seriously debating about which engine is best to install. Many mount Japanese engines with a capacity of more than 5.5 horses, and then complain about the instability of the vessel. This is not surprising, because the Romance is not a high-speed cruiser and is designed for certain operating conditions.
The optimum engine power for this boat is from 2 to 5.5 hp. In the first case, the maximum speed will be 8-10 km / h. On a five-horsepower engine, the device can accelerate to 30 km / h in calm water. In addition, many owners equip the swimming device with additional devices, which sometimes gives positive results.
Owner reviews
The boat "Romance" received very mixed reviews. Some users complain that with a big wave there is a danger of a ship sinking. As an analog, they cite the use of PVC boats of a similar design. However, true connoisseurs claim that the "Romance" is reliably protected from tipping over and drowning, thanks to correctly placed protective blocks.
Many owners carry out comparative characteristics between the closest competitors of the boat in question, such as Pelican, Mercury, and Storm-330. In the "Romance" note the following advantages:
- Large cockpit.
- Convenience in transportation of the unit.
- Easy disassembly and assembly of the craft.
- Ability to use a wide range of motors with power up to 5.5 horsepower.
Not the last place among the advantages of the boat in question is the price, which is an order of magnitude lower than foreign analogues.
Security
Security measures provided by the developers, I would like to note separately. Firstly, the convenience of landing and disembarking, both near the coast and in open water, pleases. Secondly, good stability, a well-developed design of the bottom and bow allow you to feel reliable not only on a calm lake, but also in rivers with an intensive flow.
The unsinkability of the vessel is ensured by a set of foam blocks placed in the bow and in the aft sector. After many test tests, experts found that the Romantika aluminum boats are not inclined to capsize and can be operated on navigable rivers.
Conclusion
The considered floating means is much better than its predecessor Kaluzhanka. There are structural improvements that increase the stability of the boat. In addition, a new model of placement of blocks against flooding was used, which gave its results.
Comparing the price, quality, ease of use, we can say that the boat "Romance", the technical characteristics of which have improved markedly, is optimal for traveling, fishing on calm waters and rivers with a moderate current. In addition, the vessel in question can actually be assembled and disassembled in a matter of minutes. When folded, it is easily transported in the trunk of a car or public transport.
Proper care, compliance with operating conditions, study of the instructions - all this will help to increase the life of the boat, as well as choose the optimal engine that will give dynamism to the swimming vehicle with the soulful name “Romance”.