Choosing a swimming aid for a modern angler or waterwalker is always a trade-off between carrying capacity, weight and cost. legion For many years, it has been a strong market leader, offering affordable solutions to a wide range of users, and it has established itself in the niche of the budget and mid-price segment, where design reliability is coming to the fore.
The Russian manufacturer relies on time-tested assembly technologies and the use of high-quality composite materials. reinforced PVC It has become the basis for most models, providing the necessary tensile strength and UV resistance, while the engineering solutions used in the design of cylinders allow you to effectively cope with water turbulence, which is critical for safety.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why these vessels are in demand, what models to consider for purchase this season and what technical nuances to pay attention to.
Design features and materials
The foundation of any high-quality inflatable boat is the material from which its cylinders are made. reinforced PVCIt's a very different kind of polyvinyl chloride from the cheap pool toys, and inside the structure of the material is a polyester thread grid that takes the bulk of the tearing load, keeping the boat from deforming under pressure.
An important aspect is the number of layers and density of the fabric. outboardThe manufacturer often uses a five-layer material with increased density, which allows you to withstand vibrations from the motor and shocks against the wave without the risk of microcracks in the places of folds or seams.
⚠️ Note: When buying, pay attention to the labeling of the density of the fabric (usually from 750 to 1100 g / sq.m.). Using a motorized boat on a low density material (less than 750 g / sq.m.) can lead to rapid wear of the transom and cylinders.
Assembly is carried out by method hot-glue Or welding with high-frequency currents, which creates a monolithic seam that is stronger than the material itself, which eliminates the possibility of the side stratification during active operation, and most models are made of plywood or aluminum, which gives the entire structure a rigidity.
Review of popular models and their purpose
The range of the manufacturer is quite extensive, covering the needs of both single anglers and small companies, models can be divided into rowing models that are easy to fold into a backpack, and motor-rowing ones that have a full transcrete for installing the engine, each series has its own unique features.
For example, the M series is geared towards mobility and compactness, and it's a great choice for people who are taking public transport to the water body or planning long walks. low-pressure (NDND) or slate mat, which significantly reduces weight.
Secrets of Model Marking
In the model name, the numbers usually indicate a length in decimeters. For example, "Legion 320" means a length of 3.2 meters. Letter indices can indicate a type of bottom (NDD, floorboard) or the presence of a keel.
Larger models, such as the Legion 360 or the 380, are already in the class of full-fledged boats, equipped with a rigid floorboard bottom, which provides excellent seaworthiness and allows you to achieve high speed. keel in such models improves exchange rate stability and softens the shocks against the wave.
- 🎣 Legion 260/280 Ideal for fishing alone on small bodies of water, easily carried by one person.
- ⚓ Legion 320/340 Universal models for two, suitable for fishing and for family holidays by the water.
- 🚤 Legion 360/380 - serious boats for trolling and long-distance exits, capable of carrying a powerful engine and a large amount of equipment.
The choice of the specific modification depends on the use scenarios. If you plan to walk on a river with a strong current, it is better to prefer models with a rigid aluminum or plywood bottom, which provides better handling.
Underbody types: slate, floorboard or NDND?
One of the most important questions to choose is the type of bottom, which is directly related to assembly speed, weight, and driving performance, and the manufacturer offers several options, each with its own advantages for specific tasks.
Slate-rug It's the easiest solution, and a boat with that bottom can be built in minutes, and you just need to pump the tanks and the bottom, but it's harder to plane with that bottom, and the speed will be lower because of the soft bottom sailing, and it's a choice for calm water and anchor fishing.
Hard. flat-floor It's a waterproof plywood or aluminum that makes the boat a complete vessel. It takes longer to build because you have to lay out and fix the plates, but it's worth it. The hard bottom allows you to go sliding with confidence, better holds the wave, and provides a sustainable fishing platform.
⚠️ Warning: Plywood floorboards require careful drying after each operation, and wet plywood left in a closed case can be layered or molded in one season.
A modern alternative to classical paiola is technology. NDMA These models combine the rigidity of a solder boat with the ease of building an inflatable boat, and inside the bottom are thousands of stretch threads that, when pumped, create a rigid plane. The best solution for those looking for a balance between comfort and weight.
Tran and outboard motors
For outboard motor owners, the quality of the transom, the rigid rear wall on which the engine is attached, is critical. In Legion boats, the transom is made of moisture-resistant plywood reinforced with plastic or metal linings, and it's important to understand that a transom is not just a board, but a complex assembly that experiences tremendous loads.
The engine must be strictly in line with the boat's performance; exceeding the recommended power can cause trans transes to break or, worse, the boat to tip over at full speed. For models up to 3 meters long, engines up to 5-6 hp are usually recommended, and for three meters and above, 9.8 hp are usually recommended.
When you install the motor, you need to be aware of the lower unit angle. You need to be able to use the engine's traction efficiently and save fuel. If the motor is too submerged, you get excess resistance; if you're raised high, you get air grabbing by the propeller.
| Model boat | River power (hp) | Max. load capacity (kg) | Kit weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legion 280 | 2.0 - 3.5 | 220 | 18 |
| Legion 320 | 3.5 - 5.0 | 300 | 24 |
| Legion 360 | 5.0 - 9.8 | 450 | 32 |
| Legion 380 | 9.8 - 15.0 | 550 | 38 |
Remember (regularly check) the condition of the fastening elements of the transom. The vibration of the motor has the property of unwinding even the most reliable bolts, so it is recommended to check the puff before each step on the water.
Operation and care of PVC
And legion You've been in the service of this for years, and you have to follow simple but important rules of operation, and PVC is durable, but it doesn't tolerate careless handling, and the main enemies are sharp objects, excessive pressure on the sun, and improper storage.
In the summer heat, the air inside the cylinders expands, and if you leave a fully pumped boat in the sun, the internal pressure can grow so that the seams can not withstand, and in hot weather, it is recommended to lightly burn the air or keep the boat in the shade when it is not used directly on the water.
Use a soap solution to check for leakage. Soap the suspicious area profusely and watch for bubbles, which is the most reliable way to find micropunctures.
After each operation, especially in salt or dirty water, the boat must be washed with fresh water, salt and silt are aggressive to the material and adhesives, drying should take place in the shade, as direct sunlight on the wet surface can damage the fabric structure.
- 🧼 Wash the boat with a soft sponge using neutral detergents.
- ☀️ Dry at a temperature not higher than +40 C, away from open flames and heating appliances.
- 📦 Store in straightened form or freely rolled up in a bag, in a dry room at a temperature of -20 to +40 C.
Winter storage requires special attention. Make sure the boat is completely dry before packing. If you leave moisture inside, by next season you may find an unpleasant smell or even mold that is very difficult to remove from the porous material.
Repair and rehabilitation
Even with the most careful operation, it can happen that you need repairs, a puncture on a snag, a cut on a shell or damage during transportation, no one is immune to this, and fortunately, the design of the Legion boats allows self-repair in the field or in home workshops.
For minor repairs of punctures and cuts up to 5-7 cm, the remixes, which are often standard, are ideal. The glue process requires degreasing the surface (acetone or alcohol), applying glue and a strong download. polyurethane or PVC materialsDepending on the type of fabric of your boat.
☑️ Puncture sticker algorithm
More serious damage, such as joints or large tears, is best trusted by professionals in specialized workshops, which use hot welding equipment that restores tightness and strength to almost factory level.
⚠️ Warning: Never use "Moment" or cyanacrylate-based superglues to repair PVC! They make the material brittle and do not provide the elastic connection that is needed when inflating a boat.
Timely repair of a small puncture prevents it from growing, and if you notice that the boat is poisoning the air faster than usual, don't delay finding the hole. A small hole under pressure of water and load can quickly turn into a large hole.
Summary comparison and recommendations
Summing up, we can say that the products of this brand represent a balanced offer in the market. The Legion Boat Inflatable It's the choice of a pragmatic user who doesn't want to overpay for a brand, but needs reliability, and it's great for fishing, hunting and family vacations.
When choosing, focus primarily on the number of people who will be in the boat, and the type of reservoir. For small rivers and lakes with reed thickets, it is better to take models with the protection of the keel and bottom, and for large water areas - boats with a rigid floorboard and a powerful motor.
The main criterion of choice is the ratio of the length of the boat and the power of the engine: do not skimp on the length if you plan an active rest with passengers and cargo.
Proper operation and maintenance can extend the life of your boat for a decade, and an investment in a quality remix and a good pump (preferably with a foot drive or battery) will pay off in the first season of active fishing.
What is the best glue for repairing Legion boats?
For repairing PVC products, two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as Kleyberg, Texacol or specialized adhesives from the boat manufacturer) are best used, creating an elastic and water-resistant seam that withstands deformation when inflated. chloroprene-based adhesives (such as 88th) are also suitable, but dries longer and have a sharper smell.
Can I use the Legion boat in winter?
PVC boats can be used in winter, but with caution. At temperatures below -10°C, the material becomes tougher and more vulnerable to impacts. It is recommended to use boats made of frost-resistant PVC (density from 1100 g / sq.m.) and avoid sharp impacts on the ice. Keep the boat in winter only in a warm room.
How to properly pump a boat before getting on the water?
Pump the boat to the operating pressure specified in the instructions (usually 0.2-0.25 atm). Use a pressure gauge on the pump. Do not pump the cylinders in the sun, as the pressure inside increases. It is better to under-pump the boat on the shore and pump it on the water when the material warms up.