Choosing a compact fishing boat on small rivers or lakes often comes down to finding a balance between weight, cost and reliability. PVC Boat Legion 240 For many years, it has been a leader in the budget two-seater segment, and despite the emergence of many new competitors, it remains popular due to its proven design and affordable price, and many water-engineers see it as an ideal option for a header or for fishing alone when there is no need for a powerful motor.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the specifications, features of materials and real-life experiences of using this model. Legion 240 It is often chosen by newcomers and experienced anglers looking for a lightweight "spare" boat, and it is important to understand that compactness has its limits, and the operation of this vessel requires compliance with certain safety rules.
Many people confuse this model with the larger 280 or 290 series, but it is the number 240 that indicates the length of the inflated boat, which imposes restrictions on passenger capacity. However, for one person with a set of gear and an engine up to 3.5 hp, this is often the optimal solution. Next, we will consider what makes this boat reliable and whether it is worth your attention this season.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the material used. Legion 240 High-density reinforced polyvinyl chloride is used, it is resistant to puncture, ultraviolet light and temperature changes, the density of the fabric is usually 750 g/sq.m., which is the standard for light rowing boats, seams are made by hot welding, which eliminates the possibility of their divergence even during prolonged operation under load.
The design of the bottom deserves special attention, and it uses a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB), which allows you to get a hard floor that resembles plywood, but it significantly reduces the overall weight of the product. inflatable floor It provides excellent hydrodynamics and allows you to achieve higher speed for an outboard motor compared to the pituitary models, and the lack of rigid elements makes it easier to assemble and pack the boat.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the strength of the material, avoid contact with sharp stones or snags in shallow water. NDND is sensitive to punctures from below, so it is better to use a protective mat or pull the boat out by the transom when landing on shore.
Boats are fitted with a piercing beam around the perimeter, which increases mooring safety. The bow is anchored with a railing along the sides for the safety of passengers. The truncheon is made of moisture-resistant plywood with fiberglass coating, which protects it from rotting and mechanical damage when installing the motor. The stiffness of the transunz allows for motors up to 3.5 hp, although the manufacturer often recommends limiting it to 2.5 hp for comfortable and safe operation.
Welding technology
Legion boats use two-seam welding technology, the outer seam provides tightness, and the inner seam (flap) takes the main load on the tear, which greatly increases the product's life compared to boats where the seams are simply glued.
Dimension, weight and load capacity
One of the main advantages of the model Legion 240 It's compact. Inflated, the boat is 240 cm long and 120 cm wide, and it's a size that allows one adult with a supply of equipment to comfortably fit. Two passengers will already have a lot of space, especially if you consider the need to place oars or a motor, which is why this model is classified as a single or double for short runs.
The weight of the boat with attachments (seats, bag, remake) is about 18-20 kg, which makes it easy to carry it in assembled form even for women or adolescents. Load capacity The payload is claimed at 220 kg, but the real payload, taking into account the weight of the boat and the engine itself, will be about 140-150 kg. This is enough for a medium-sized fisherman, a box with gear and a small electric motor or a low-power gasoline engine.
The table below shows the main technical specifications for comparison:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Length, cm | 240 | Optimal for 1 person |
| Width, cm | 120 | Resilience on calm water |
| Weight, kg | 19.5 | No motor or gear. |
| Load capacity, kg | 220 | Including boat weight |
| Engine power, hp | up to 3.5 | 2.5 hp is recommended. |
The boat's compactness allows it to be carried in the trunk of most passenger cars, and when folded, it takes up a volume comparable to two large backpacks. Legion 240 A great choice for those who don't have a trailer or roof with a trunk. You can just put the bag in the trunk and head to the pond at any time.
Comfort and ergonomics on the water
Despite their small size, manufacturers have tried to maximize comfort on board. The seats are made of plywood with soft pads, mounted to the sides with slings and plastic carbines, and adjusting the seat position allows you to choose the optimal point of effort when rowing or shift the center of gravity when installing the engine. However, for long fishing, many owners recommend replacing regular seats with more comfortable ones, such as inflatable or with an additional backrest.
Boat control when rowing does not cause complaints due to the optimal shape of the cylinders. Aerodynamics The bow section makes it easy to cut the wave, although at high speed (for an outboard motor) the boat can start to prowl because of the short length. To improve the course stability for an outboard motor, it is recommended to use transom wheels, which, unfortunately, are not included in the basic equipment and are purchased separately.
The interior is organized rationally, and the nose often has a bag that serves as an inflatable cushion, and this solution allows you to have a dry space for your phone, keys or documents. The boards are high enough to keep the spray from flooding passengers, but when there is high wind or excitement, you need to be careful. Low boards are the cost of light weight and compactness.
To increase comfort during long fishing, install an additional soft seat with a backrest. The regular "banks" are good for moving, but the back of them tires after an hour of sitting.
Engine operation
Installation of the engine Legion 240 It turns this boat from a rowing boat into a full-fledged small vessel. As mentioned, the recommended engine power is 2.5-3.5 hp. With an engine of this power, the boat can reach speeds of up to 10-12 km / h with one person on board, which is enough to move through reservoirs, go to depth or overcome long distances to the fishing point.
It's important to get the motor on the transom right. The angle of the lower unit tilt needs to be selected experimentally to achieve maximum efficiency. If you don't set it up properly, the boat can start to go go goat (jump on the nose) or burrow its nose into the water. transom plate It should always be submerged in water, but not too deep to create unnecessary resistance.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the recommended power of the motor. Installation of the engine 5 hp and more on a boat with a length of 2.4 meters can lead to tipping, destruction of the transom and creating an emergency situation on the water.
It is convenient to use a rear-mounted humming device to drive a boat for an outboard motor, but at high speed the control can become sensitive, and sudden movements with the tiller are undesirable, and it is also worth considering that small boats do not have remote control, so all gas manipulation and gear shifting are done directly at the motor.
☑️ Check before exiting for an outboard motor
Assembly, storage and care
Boat assembly and disassembly process Legion 240 It's quite simple and it doesn't require any special skills. You can inflate the cylinders and the bottom with the foot pump that comes with the kit. It's important not to pump the boat in the sun, because when you heat the air expands, and the excess pressure can damage the seams. The optimal pressure is indicated in the product's passport and is usually 0.2-0.25 atm.
After each operation, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming in salty or polluted water. The sand and dirt left on the fabric act as an abrasive and can damage the material on the next package.
Keeping the boat in a room temperature case is best. It is not recommended to leave it in the cold or in direct sunlight for a long time. Periodically (once a season) check the condition of the valves and seams. For storage, you can slightly lower the cylinders, but completely blow them to the pancake state for a long time is not worth it to avoid sticking together the inner layers of tissue.
Proper drying and storage at room temperature is a guarantee that your boat Legion 240 will last 10 years or more without losing its tightness.
Comparison with competitors and final verdict
There are many analogues in the market, such as Flagship 240, Solar 230 or Hunter 240Legion is often more thick material and high-quality assembly of seams at a comparable price. However, some competitors may offer a slightly larger width or a richer package (a backpack bag, a pump with a pressure gauge).
The trump card. Legion 240 It's a workhorse for a fisherman who doesn't want to be comfortable with a five-star boat, but rather rather, it's not a good fit for trolling or going for a big ride, but it's hard to find alternatives in this price segment for individual fishing in calm water.
If you are looking for the first boat to try your hand at water tourism or fishing, or you need an easy option to throw in hard-to-reach places, this model will be a great choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a 240 5 hp engine on the Legion?
Technically, it is possible to set, as the size of the transom allows, but it is categorically not recommended The boat will become unstable, the risk of tipping over, the load on the seams will exceed the estimated limit, 3.5 hp.
Which pump is best used for pumping?
The kit usually comes with a simple foot pump ("frog"). For quick pumping, you can use a car compressor, but be sure to control the pressure with a pressure gauge so as not to pump the cylinders in the sun. Electric pumps are convenient, but require a battery.
Do I need to register this boat with GIMS?
Under current Russian law, small craft weighing up to 200 kg (with an engine) and engine power up to 10 hp are not subject to registration. Since the weight of the Legion 240 with an engine up to 3.5 hp fits this limit, registration is not required.
How to seal the boat in case of a puncture?
The remix comes with a piece of patch material. Use a special glue for PVC (like Uranus or Radical) to repair it. The surface needs to be degreased, cleaned and warmed (with a hair dryer or boiling water in a bottle) for better adhesion. Cold gluing is also possible, but requires a long drying time.