The market of inflatable water transport in Russia is experiencing a real boom, and one of the leaders here for many years remains the company "Flagman", producing boats under the brand. Legion.These vessels have earned a reputation for being reliable, relatively inexpensive and adapted to the difficult climatic conditions of domestic water bodies.
However, a beginner in water-motor topics is easy to get confused in the abundance of modifications: from simple rowing "pencil" to serious keel models with high pressure inflatable floor (HPD), capable of carrying powerful motors. In this article, we will analyze in detail what lies behind the name. PVC LegionAnd we will help you make the right choice.
We will not just retell the dry specifications from the catalog, but look at the real operation, design features and typical questions that arise from owners.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of any inflatable boat is the material, and here the manufacturer uses reinforced PVC This is an industry standard that balances strength and weight, and is resistant to fuel, ultraviolet and temperature extremes, which are critical for use in Russian latitudes.
And we've got to focus on the gluing technology, and unlike some low-end products that use cold gluing, we've got to do this in manufacturing. Legion. Often used thermal welding or combined method, which significantly increases the tightness of the joints. A key feature of many models is a reinforced hinge timber, which takes the main load when hitting a pier or shore.
The design of the bottom also varies depending on the series, budget options can be equipped with plywood slant, which is laid on inflatable tubes. NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor) or NDVD (high pressure), which turns the boat into a full-fledged boat with excellent hydrodynamics.
Overview of popular series: from "Taimen" to "Amur"
The brand's range of products covers almost all the needs of the boating. The most massive series is, of course, it's a very big one. timenThese are classic boats with an inflatable keel and a hard transom, which are ideal for installing a motor up to 5-8 hp. They are characterized by ease of assembly and time-tested design.
For those who are looking for maximum comfort on the water, a series is designed for the first time. AmourThere are already more sophisticated solutions, including increased cockpit width and reinforced cylinders, often chosen by fishermen who need plenty of space for gear and sonar.
Special attention should be paid to the series. ray and katraThese are already larger vessels, often equipped with stringers to enhance structural rigidity, designed to navigate large waters and able to withstand more serious excitement.
Hidden modifications
In some regions, there are models with the prefix "M" or "Pro", which means that the boat is reinforced with additional cylinder linings and has a reinforced transom, which allows you to put more powerful engines.
Effect of bottom type on driving performance
Choosing between plywood deck and inflatable flooring is an eternal dilemma: Plywood slate (usually made of aviation plywood) makes the boat cheaper and easier to repair, but it doesn't provide perfect streamlining. The water under the bottom creates resistance, especially on glides.
The inflatable floor, especially high pressure, creates a rigid plane that works as a full-fledged boat hull. Hydrodynamics It's a much better boat, it's faster on the plane, it saves fuel, it's softer on the wave, but it weighs heavier, and it takes longer to assemble.
It's important to understand that models with NDND require more care, and sand and fine dirt that get inside the cockpit can damage the bottom tissue when pumped, so cleanliness is a guarantee of durability.
The table below compares the main specifications of different types of bottom for models of medium size (about 3.2 - 3.6 meters):
| Parameter | Plywood flooring | BNDD (Low pressure) | NDVD (High pressure) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight of kit | Minimum | Medium. | maximum |
| Assembly time | 5-10 minutes | 15-20 minutes. | 20-30 minutes. |
| Comfort standing up | Low (stiffness ribs) | High (flat) | Very tall. |
| Price. | Low. | Medium | High. |
When buying a plywood bottom boat, treat the plywood ends with a moisture-resistant varnish or special compound immediately, even if the manufacturer claims that this is not necessary.
Assembly and preparation for the first descent into the water
Proper assembly is 90 percent of the success of the operation, and many of the problems with geometry and performance are due to errors at this stage, and you have to choose a flat and clean area first, and grass, asphalt or concrete should be free of branches and sharp objects.
The pumping process must be done sequentially, without pumping one side to the end, leaving the other empty. This can lead to skewing and uneven tension of the seams. The pressure in the cylinders is usually 0.2 atm, and in the keel and bottom - up to 0.3-0.4 atm (depending on the model).
Use only high-quality pumps with a pressure gauge. Pumping on a hot day threatens to rupture the seams due to air expansion, and failure in cold weather will lead to sagging design and loss of driving performance.
☑️ Checklist before descent
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended for long periods of time. The pressure inside the cylinders is rising and the valves may not be able to withstand, leading to deformation or rupture.
Choosing the optimal motor for the boats Legion
The choice of engine depends on the load capacity and design of the transom. timen With a transom under 4-5 hp, it makes no sense to put 9.9 hp, even if it is physically possible - the transom can not withstand the load on the kink, and the boat will become unmanageable.
For larger models such as ray or katraThe best choice will be engines in the range of 9.9-15 hp Here it is important to consider not only the power, but also the weight of the engine. Too heavy engine will shift the center of gravity, and the boat will start to peck nose, which is dangerous on the wave.
Also worth paying attention to the length of the daydwoot. For inflatable boats with low transom or specific stern geometry, the standard length can be excessive, leading to the rotor being buried or, conversely, to air capture.
Owners often have to experiment with the height of the motor, and the optimal position is when the anti-cavitation plate is on or below the bottom line, which will ensure maximum efficiency of the screw.
The rule of choice of the motor: the power of the motor must match the manufacturer's recommended boat, not your ambitions. Excess power is dangerous for the design of the transom.
Care, storage and repair at home
To the boat Legion. It's been in service for years, and it needs to be taken care of, and after every fishing, especially in salt water or muddy rivers, it needs to be washed with fresh water, and salt and silt break down the structure of PVC and accelerate the aging of the material.
Keep the boat in a dry, ventilated room, away from the heater, fold it carefully, trying not to create sharp holes in the same places every time, the best thing to do is to use an original bag or a spacious bag.
Small punctures are easily repaired with a remix that comes with a special glue and patch of the same material, so it's important to degrease the surface and let the glue dry according to the instructions, pressed with the load.
If the damage is serious, such as a seam rupture or a tissue cut, it is better to contact a specialized service.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use Moment PVC or other universal adhesives not intended for polyvinyl chloride to repair boats, they may corrosive the material or not provide a pressurized connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the life of the Legion boats?
When properly operated and stored, the lifespan is 10 to 15 years or more, and PVC material loses elasticity over time, but this is slow when protected from UV light.
Can I put an electric motor on the boats of this series?
Yes, most models. Legion. They have a transom adapted to fit electric motors, and the key is to get the right length of the day-woot, so that the screw does not hit the bottom or the keel.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
Registration is subject to vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine of more than 8 hp (for boats up to 3 meters) and 10 hp (for boats longer than 3 meters). Most models Legion with an engine up to 5-8 hp do not require registration, but the rules may change, so it is worth clarifying the current requirements.
What is the difference between the Taimen series and the Amur series?
The main difference is in size, load capacity and bottom design. Amour, as a rule, wider, has a higher load capacity and is often equipped with a more comfortable inflatable floor, whereas timen It is a classic budget workhorse.
How to keep a boat in winter?
The boat should be thoroughly washed, dried and folded into a bag, stored at room temperature or in an unheated but dry garage, the main thing is to avoid freezing moist cloth and exposure to direct sunlight in the spring.