Choosing a small boat for fishing or resting on the water often comes down to finding the perfect balance between size, load capacity and cost. Boat Legion 195 It stands out as one of the most popular options in the low-cost metal floating craft segment, and is a classic flat-bottom design that is ideal for use in inland waters such as lakes, calm-flowing rivers and small reservoirs.
Many anglers choose this model for its simplicity and maintainability. Aluminum alloyThe hull is not corrosive as steel and does not require complex maintenance like PVC. However, before buying a potential owner should understand the technical details in detail to ensure that the vessel fully meets expectations.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of operation. Legion 195From the landing scheme to compatibility with various outboard motors, you will learn about the real advantages of this model and the hidden disadvantages that are not mentioned in the advertising booklets, which will help you make an informed decision and avoid disappointment after the first step.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of reliability Legion 195 This is the use of aviation aluminum alloy, most often brand AMg5 or AMg6. These materials have high tensile strength and excellent resistance to impact loads, which is critical when navigating in rocky rivers or accidentally touching driftwood. The thickness of the bottom and sides usually varies within 2-3 mm, which ensures sufficient rigidity of the structure without excessive weighting.
The design of the body is made according to flat-bottomedThe keel is not available, and it allows the vessel to slide easily through shallow water, but at the same time it is sensitive to side waves at full speed, and the welds are made with argon welding, which ensures their tightness and durability even in constant contact with water.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the strength of the alloy, avoid hitting concrete berths at high speed - dents on aluminum are harder to straighten than on soft PVC, and cracks in welds can lead to rapid flooding.
An important element of the design is cook-bank They also act as transom snares that give the hull extra rigidity, and unlike removable silk, they don't shift when rolling, which increases crew safety, but their fixed position may not be suitable for all users who want to change the layout of the boat.
Why amg5?
Alloys of the AMG series (aluminum-magnesium) have better weldability and corrosion resistance in sea and fresh water compared to duraluminium alloys (D16T), which are prone to electrochemical corrosion and require additional protection.
Dimension, weight and load capacity
Figures in the model name Legion 195 It's a compact size that allows you to transport a boat in the trunk of most station wagons or even hatchbacks when the seats are folded down without requiring a trailer. The hull width on the sides is usually about 90-100 cm, which is the standard for this class.
The boat’s own weight varies depending on the equipment and thickness of the metal, but on average it is 25-30 kg. This allows one adult to easily pull the boat ashore or carry it to the water. Load capacity The manufacturer officially declares the range of 200-250 kg, which includes the weight of passengers, motor, fuel and equipment.
- 📏 Length full: 195cm
- 📏 Maximum width: 92 cm
- ⚖️ Weight without motor: 27 kg
- 👥 Passenger capacity: 2 persons
It's worth considering that the actual payload may be less than the declared one if you plan to go fishing with more gear and a sonar, and overloading the flat-bottle leads to a decrease in the height of the board above the water, which increases the risk of being overwhelmed by the wave. The optimal load for comfortable fishing on Legion 195 is considered to be a weight of up to 180 kg., including the engine.
Planting scheme and ergonomics
ergonomics Legion 195 It's designed with minimalism in mind. There are two or three transom cans inside the boat. The front can is often used to accommodate the legs of the rower or to set the stops, the middle one serves as a seat, and the rear one is designed to fit the rower's legs. outboard Or the accommodation of a second passenger.
There are nozzles to control the oars, which can be removable or welded. When installing the engine, the nozzles are usually removed to avoid disturbing the roumpel. The distance between the banks is enough to comfortably accommodate one person, but two fishers in full winter gear can be a little cramped.
It is important to note that there are no soft linings on the cans as standard. With prolonged fishing, this can be uncomfortable, so experienced users immediately purchase or build themselves removable seats with foam. The boat floor is smooth, which makes it easier to clean from scales and dirt, but on wet metal it is easy to slip, so shoes with non-slip soles are mandatory.
Compatibility with motors and dynamics
The trunk section Legion 195 It is reinforced and designed to install outboard motors with a capacity of up to 5 hp. The engine is mounted through a standard cutout in the transom. Due to the low weight of the boat, a motor with a single person on board is often enough to plane with a power of only 2-3 hp.
The flat bottom does not allow high speeds and does not hold its course well in lateral winds, but provides quick access to planing mode. Chinese-made engines (HdX, Sea-Pro, Tohatsu) are the most frequent satellites of this boat due to the price-to-weight ratio.
| Engine power (hp) | Number of people | Mode of traffic | Approximate speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 - 2.5 | 1 | planing | 12 - 15 |
| 3.5 - 4.0 | 1 | planing | 18 - 22 |
| 5.0 | 2 | planing | 20 - 25 |
| 2.0 - 5.0 | 1-2 | Water-displacement | 5 - 8 |
When choosing a motor, you should pay attention to the length of the lower unit. Legion 195 The short leg (S) is the best fit, as the long leg can create excessive drag and sailing, and also make it difficult to pass through shallow water. Installation of an electric motor is also possible, but will require additional preparation of the mounting site on the nose jar.
To save fuel and reduce noise at the transitions, use the trolling mode at low speeds, and plane only in open areas of the reservoir.
Tuning and improvement DIY
Purchase of the basic version Legion 195 Most owners are starting to upgrade to make them more comfortable, and the most popular design is to paste the bottom and sides with vibroproofing material, which reduces the noise of rain and waves hitting the metal, making fishing more enjoyable.
They are often installed keel It improves the boat's forward course stability and reduces yaw, although it reduces the permeability of the shallow water a little, and it makes sense to reinforce the transom with extra scarves if you're planning to have powerful motors or be active on the wave.
⚠️ Note: When drilling holes in the body to install anchorages, be sure to use a sealant for bodywork and rivets made of the same material (aluminum) to avoid galvanic corrosion.
- 🛠 Installation of an anchor ring on the nose
- 🛠 Painting of the inner sides in light colors (for better visibility of gear)
- 🛠 Making awning from sun and rain
- 🛠 Organization of a handduk for storing things under the front jar
☑️ The tuning plan is Legion 195
Rules of operation and storage
Although aluminum-boat They are considered non-killable, they require compliance with certain rules of operation, the main enemy of aluminum is electrochemical corrosion, which occurs when contact with other metals in salt water, and mechanical damage to the paint coating. Regular inspection of the case for chips and scratches is mandatory.
When storing the boat, it is better to keep it upside down under a canopy or indoors so that rainwater and dirt do not accumulate inside. If the boat is wintering outside, you need to put struts inside so that a heavy layer of snow does not deform the side, although this is rare for 2-3 mm of metal.
Transportation on the roof of the car requires reliable mounting and protection of the body from the sharp edges of the transom and the forehead. It is recommended to use soft linings under the boat and screed belts with a ratchet mechanism, avoiding dragging, which can lead to deformation of the shape of the body.
Timely painting of scratches and storage in an inverted form will prolong the life of your boat for decades, preserving its presentation and tightness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a motor on the Legion 195 more powerful than 5 hp?
Technically, it's possible, but it's dangerous. The Tran can't withstand the load, and the flat bottom will cause a big impact on the wave and loss of control. The maximum recommended power is 5 hp.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
Boats weighing up to 200 kg and with an engine power up to 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) do not require registration. Legion 195 light motor usually fits into these standards, but the weight must be documented.
How do you fix a hole in aluminum?
Smaller damages can be sealed with epoxy resin with a reinforcement mesh, and more serious damage will require argon welding, which is better entrusted to professionals.
Will the Legion 195 fit into the trunk of a sedan?
A standard sedan with a length of 195 cm boat, most likely, will not fit even with the seats folded.