Boat Lira 21: Opportunity review, tuning and operation

The Russian small-size boat market is undergoing a renaissance, with time-tested aluminum hulls once again emerging as the focus of attention, capable of withstanding harsh operating conditions. Among the many models available to customers today, a special place is occupied by the company. boat Lyra 21The squirrel, which has become a benchmark for an affordable and reliable motobot for fishing and household needs, attracts attention not only for its affordable price, but also for its design simplicity, which allows owners to easily carry out repairs and upgrades in a garage.

But there are some nuances behind the exterior simplicity that need to be considered in the selection and purchase phase, and many beginners make the mistake of thinking that any aluminum case is equally good and ignoring the specifics of bottom geometry and weight distribution. Lira 21How to choose the right engine and what improvements will make your fishing really comfortable and safe.

It's worth noting that this model's popularity is not only due to its historical heritage, but also to its actual maintainability. If you're looking for a vessel that can operate in shallow water without being stuck on rocks, or if you need a workhorse to transport cargo, this is a good option.

Structural features of the body and materials

The basis of the boat is a classic aluminumThe Lira 21 is made of an alloy of AMg5 or AMg6, which provides high corrosion resistance in fresh and low-salt water. The Lira 21 has a flat or slightly silted bottom, which is its main advantage for movement in shallow water overgrown with grass, and the main disadvantage when entering the wave. The thickness of the skin sheets varies depending on the zone, but is usually 2-3 mm, which is a very small and very small. critical To keep the stiffness without excessive weighting.

The cockpit is traditionally designed for versatility, and there are no frills in the form of complex haunches or integrated seats, which, however, is not required for a utility boat. transom plate It is strengthened and able to withstand engines with a capacity of up to 15-20 hp, although many owners prefer to put more powerful engines, risking the integrity of the aft part during long-term operation.

It is important to consider that welds on budget models may require additional attention. Often, there are situations when the assembly remains microcracks or neprovari that appear after the first active operation on the wave.

⚠️ Attention! When buying a used Lira 21 boat, carefully check the bottom for dents and "flagging." Aluminum has the ability to accumulate metal fatigue, and if the previous owner often hit the bottom at speed, the structure of the alloy may have broken, which will cause the seams to rupture under load.

To improve durability, many owners immediately after purchase anticorrosion The use of special primers and paints for aluminum significantly prolongs the life of the vessel, protecting it from electrochemical corrosion, which can occur when contacting heterogeneous metals, for example, when installing steel bolts or brass cranes.

Seaworthiness and behaviour on the water

The behavior of the Lyr 21 on the water depends on the load and height of the wave. On calm water, lakes or in calm on the river, the boat behaves predictably and steadily. keel The boat starts to prowl, and the shocks to the wave become tough and unpleasant for passengers, transmitted to the spine.

The maximum speed that a boat with a 10-15 hp engine can achieve is usually not more than 25-30 km / h when fully loaded. Attempting to squeeze more often leads to the boat pecking with its nose or, conversely, upside down, losing controllability. The optimal operating mode for this model is a quiet movement. gelling at low speeds or movement in displacement mode.

The issue of stability deserves special attention. Due to its wide body, the Lira 21 has good initial stability, which allows you to fish standing or actively move around the cockpit. tipping increases as the center of gravity shifts, and the flat bottom does not provide sufficient resistance to roll.

However, for its tasks — pike fishing in overgrown shallow waters, checking nets or delivering cargo to the country — this vessel is perfect. It forgives many piloting errors, is easily controlled by one person and does not require a powerful engine to enter mode, which saves fuel.

Engine selection and installation of the transom wheel

Choosing a power unit for the Lier 21 is always a search for a compromise between power and weight. Factory recommendations usually limit power to 15-20 hp, but practice shows that the most effective is the use of engines in the range of 9.9-15 hp. More powerful engines, of course, will lift the boat to plane faster, but fuel It will increase disproportionately to the payload, and handling will deteriorate.

When installing the motor, it is critically important to set the correct propeller-deepeningFor a flat bottom of the Lyre 21, the optimal position is when the anti-cavitation plate is at the same level with the bottom or slightly lower. Incorrect installation can lead to cavitation, loss of traction and overheating of the engine.

One of the most useful improvements to this model is the installation of a transom wheel. Because the boat is often used on wild shores where there are no gentle descents, the ability to roll the boat ashore or drag it into the water becomes a crucial factor in comfort.

It is also worth mentioning the importance of using electric starter For a utility boat that can be used in the cold season or with a lot of additional equipment (echo sounder, navigator, light), the ability to recharge the battery on the go and easily start the engine are not a luxury, but a necessity.

Tuning and modernization for fishing

Owning a Lyr 21 is a great creative opportunity, and standard equipment is usually minimalist, so tuning becomes a must for the trough to become a full-fledged fishing tool. jobs.

And if you put the rotary seats on the high pedestals, you can actually fish standing up, which is especially true for spinners, but it's important not to overdo it, so you don't raise the center of gravity of the whole boat-fishing system too high. anchor-platform on the nose, which allows you to safely work with the anchor, without risking falling overboard.

Another popular direction of tuning is the creation of protectiveInstallation of keel protection made of rubber or metal, as well as on-board breakers (rangoats) significantly reduces the risk of damage to the hull when mooring to rocky shores or when colliding with floating objects.

Lighting is also important, because the installation of LED spotlights on the roof or mast allows you to fish comfortably in the dark or navigate the water at night. For the Lier 21, this is especially true, since there are usually no regular places for installing such equipment.

Table of technical specifications

For clarity, we will give you the basic parameters that will help you decide on the choice or planning of improvements. The figures may vary slightly depending on the year of release and the specific manufacturer, since the model was produced by different artels.

Parameter	Meaning	Note
Longest length	3.60 - 3.80 m	Depends on the modification.
largest width	1.45 - 1.55 m	Provides sustainability
Height of board	0.45 - 0.50 m	It can be increased by the overhead sides.
Load capacity	400 - 500 kg	Including crew and engine weight
Recommended capacity of PM	15 hp.	Optimum 9.9 - 12 hp.

From the table, the Lira 21 is a vessel for 2-3 people with minimal equipment, and exceeding the load capacity leads to a decrease in the height of the board above the water and loss of safety.

Maintenance and storage of the boat

The long life of your Lira 21 depends on how you store and maintain it. Aluminum doesn't rust like steel, but it's prone to oxidation and corrosion. After every saline foray or just after a long boat stay in the water, you need to be able to get a lot of water. freshwater.

Storage is best done upside down, under a canopy or indoors. Direct sunlight destroys paintwork, and constant contact with wet ground can cause local corrosion. If the boat is outdoors, make sure to cover it with an awning, but provide ventilation so that condensation does not accumulate inside.

Regular inspection of welds and rivets is a guarantee of your safety. Even a microscopic crack under the influence of engine vibration can quickly grow into a serious hole. Use soap solution to look for leaks: apply it to suspicious places and apply air to the inside of the case, the appearance of bubbles will indicate a problem.

Secrets of painting the Lear 21

The best way to paint an aluminum boat is to use epoxy soils and two-component polyurethane enamels. Be sure to sandblast or thoroughly strip to a metallic shine before painting, then degrease the surface. Applying the soil in two layers will provide an adhesion that no ordinary paint will give.

Also, you should pay attention to wooden elements, if they are present in the structure (seats, decking), they must be removed, dried and treated with antiseptics and oils to prevent rotting and the emergence of fungus, which can then spread to other parts of the boat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the real speed of the Lira 21 with a 9.9 hp engine?

With one adult and minimal equipment, the Lira 21 with a 9.9 hp engine is capable of speeds of about 22-25 km / h. At full load (3 people + cargo), the speed will drop to 15-18 km / h, and the boat may not get on plane, remaining in displacement mode.

Can I install on the Lira 21 engine capacity of 20 hp and above?

Technically, you can set the stern, and it can often withstand 25-30 hp, but it violates safety rules for this type of housing. At high speed, the flat bottom becomes unmanageable, and the risk of stern destruction from vibration and wave shocks increases dramatically, a solution only for experienced boaters who understand the risks.

Do I need to register Lyra 21 in GIMS?

According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, registration is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine capacity of more than 8 kW (about 10.9 hp). Since the Lira 21 weighs about 130-150 kg, it is subject to registration only when installing a motor more powerful than ~ 11 hp However, the rules may change, and the final decision is always up to the GIMS inspector.

How to fix dents on the aluminum bottom?

Small dents can be repaired from the inside using a wooden bladder and struts. More serious damage may require heating the metal (carefully not to let go of the alloy!) or digesting the site. If the dent is on the edge of the stiffness, it is better to consult a professional welder.