Modern fishing and water recreation are undergoing cardinal changes, shifting towards environmental friendliness and comfort. Electric motor for boat It's no longer a toy for kids or a hobby for enthusiasts, and it's a complete alternative to gasoline engines, and the lack of vibration, the smell of fuel, and the roar of deafening noise makes cruising around the water a pleasure and the fish a little less shy.
Fishers have long appreciated the benefits of quiet movement in the waters, especially when catching a predator. Trolling wire Electrically powered vehicles allow you to maintain perfect speed without scaring off the inhabitants of the underwater world, and the simplicity of the design eliminates the need for complex maintenance, changing oil and candles, which saves time and money for the owner.
But switching to electric requires understanding the physical processes and technical specifications of the equipment, and you have to deal with the capacity of the batteries, the thrust in pounds, and the specifications of the lower units, and the wrong choice of components can turn swimming pleasure into a fight against dead batteries and underspeed.
The main advantages of electric motors before ICE
The main trump card of electricians is, of course, silence. Electric motor It only makes a slight noise from the rotor and the gearbox, which is critical for hunting the careful fish. two-strokeThere is no need to mix gasoline with oil, wait for warming up or fear that the unit will stall on idle.
The environmental aspect also plays an important role, especially in protected water bodies, where strict restrictions apply. Total exhaust gas absence It allows you to use these motors indoors, indoor bases, or in eco-parks, so you don't risk staining your clothes or boat with fuel, and the water stays clean.
In terms of reliability, the electrical circuit is simpler than the mechanical part of the ICE. There is no carburetor that can clog or ignition system that is exposed to moisture. The resource of a quality electric motor often exceeds 2000 motor hours, provided that the brush assembly or controller is handled carefully.
⚠️ Note: Despite the waterproofing, most electric motors are not designed to be completely submerged, exceeding the depth of the lower unit immersion specified in the data sheet can lead to short circuits and failure of the electronics.
Key technical specifications
When choosing a device, beginners often get confused in terms of power units. Electric motors do not use the usual horsepower, the main parameter is the power unit. tractionOne pound of thrust is approximately 0.45 kg, but it is not a direct power conversion, but the force that a motor can develop to move a vessel.
The second most important thing is the voltage onboard. Standard models run from 12, 24 or 36 volts. The higher the voltage, the more efficient the system is at high loads, because the current in the wires decreases, reducing the loss of heat. 36 volt engines They are usually installed on larger boats and boats.
Also worth noting is the length of a lower unit, which is very close to the height of your boat, and if the lower unit is too short, the screw will capture air, creating cavitation and losing efficiency, and having a too long foot will increase water resistance and the risk of hitting the bottom.
What is screw cavitation?
Cavitation is the formation of vapor bubbles in the fluid stream when local pressure is reduced. For a screw, this means that it operates in a steam environment rather than in water, which dramatically reduces traction and can destroy the blades due to hydraulic shocks when bubbles collapse.
Control and design types
The market offers several management options, each with its own use cases. hand-knobAnd the twist of the handle changes the direction of the thrust, and the degree of tilt regulates the speed, and it's reliable, cheap and intuitive.
For those who prefer to fish standing or need free hands, there are models of the fish. foot-driveThe pedal is connected to the motor by a cable or operates by radio, allowing you to change speed and direction with a light foot movement, which is ideal for spinning riders who need to maneuver quickly at the driftwoods.
The top-end models of today are equipped with GPS and autopilot. You can record the course, and you can do it. electronics It will steer itself, offsetting wind and current, and some systems allow virtual anchorages, keeping the boat at a point within a meter without using a physical anchor.
Comparison of popular models of electric motors
The choice of a particular model depends on budget and objectives, and the table below compares the specifications of the three conventional but typical representatives of different classes available on the market, which will help to navigate the variety of offers.
Note that the maximum speed is for a boat with a minimum load, and the actual speed will depend on the wind, current and bottom condition of the vessel. Engine efficiency It also plays a role: more expensive models with neodymium magnets are more efficient at consuming charge.
| Model | Traction (lbs) | Voltage (B) | Weight (kg) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haswing Cayman B | 55 | 12 | 9.5 | Telescopic rample, 5 speeds |
| Min Kota PowerDrive | 70 | 12 | 18.0 | Scissor control, autopilot |
| Watersnake T24 | 24 | 12 | 6.2 | Budget, lightweight, for small boats |
| Enduro C5 | 50 | 12 | 10.5 | Reinforced lower unit, composite screw |
⚠️ Note: When buying, pay attention to the material of the lower unit. Aluminum pipes are lighter, but are susceptible to corrosion in salt water. For sea trips, choose models with anti-corrosion coating or stainless steel.
Selection of the battery
The heart of your electrical system is the battery, and the normal starter battery in a car is not exactly the right thing to do for long periods of time. traction Deep Cycles are designed to give off energy in small currents for a long time and withstand deep discharge.
The most common lead-acid batteries are those like GEL or AGM, which are safe, maintenance-free and load-containing, but they are very heavy and have a few hundred charge-discharge cycles. Lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries are three times lighter and last 5-10 times longer, but they cost much more.
To calculate the operating time, use the formula: Capacity (Ah) / Current intake (A) = Time (h). Remember that it is not recommended to discharge a lead battery below 50%, otherwise it will quickly fail. Lithium batteries can be discharged to almost 0% without harm.
Always purchase a charger with automatic switching to the maintenance mode (Float mode), which will leave the battery connected for the winter without the risk of overcharging and boiling the electrolyte.
The battery savings are false savings: a cheap starter battery will die after 10-15 deep discharge cycles, whereas a specialized traction battery will last for years.
Installation and preparation for the first launch
Mounting the motor on the transom of a PVC boat or metal boat requires care. It requires rigid fixation so that the propeller vibrations do not loosen the mounts. The rods must be tightened with force, but without deforming the transom.
Pay special attention to electrical connections. All contacts should be securely insulated, it is desirable to use thermal shrinkage and special sea terminals. Wires should be laid so that they do not interfere with movement and can not be accidentally cut or clamped.
☑️ Checklist before the first descent into the water
The first start is better done on land, in a tank of water or briefly on weight to make sure that the screw rotates in the right direction. Remember that on land the engine can not be kept on for a long time, as water cooling (if it is in the model) does not work, and the engine can overheat.
Rules of operation and maintenance
And electric motor It's a long time, and you have to follow simple rules, and after every trip out into the water, especially in the salt water, you have to rinse the engine with fresh water, and that will wash away the salt and sand, which are the main enemies of mechanical parts.
The screw requires regular cleaning of coiled grass, fishing line and algae. Even a small piece of fishing line that gets on the shaft can damage the glands and lead to water entering the inside of the lower unit. Periodically check the condition of the glands and change them if necessary.
Store the motor in a dry room removed from the boat. The battery is also better kept separately, connected to a support charge. Mechanical units, such as the rotary mechanism, are recommended to lubricate with silicone lubrication once a season.
⚠️ Warning: Never turn on the motor if the propeller is not in water, even for a few seconds. Lack of water cooling and air resistance can instantly disable the winding or break gears of the gearbox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the electric motor develop speed against the current?
It depends on the strength of the motor and the current power. For weak and medium currents, a 50-70 lbs motor is usually enough for a small boat to move confidently. However, in a strong current (over 3-4 km / h), the electric motor may not cope with the water resistance, and the boat will begin to tear down, even at full power.
How to store the battery in the winter?
Lead acid batteries cannot be stored fully discharged - they will sulfate and lose capacity. Before wintering, charge the battery to 100% and store in a cool (but not frosty) place. Check the charge once every 2-3 months and recharge if necessary. Lithium batteries are less required, but they are also better stored 50-70% charged.
Can an electric motor be used in salty seawater?
You can use it, but only if the model is labeled "Salt Water" or "Marine" and these motors are coated with special corrosion-resistant compounds, and their shafts are made of stainless steel, and after each use in the sea, you must thoroughly wash the engine with fresh water, otherwise corrosion will destroy it in one season.
How fast is the boat going on an electric motor?
The maximum speed depends on the weight of the boat, the shape of the hull and the power of the engine. On average, electric motors provide speeds from 3 to 7 km / h. This is enough for comfortable movement and fishing, but do not expect racing speeds typical of gasoline counterparts.