Quiet and quiet access to the water is becoming a dream for many fishermen and recreational enthusiasts, and when the gasoline hum scares away fish and the smell of exhaust fumes interrupts the aroma of the morning forest, modern technology comes to the rescue. electric motor to buy PVC boatToday, thousands of inflatable boat owners are concerned about this, not just a tribute to sustainability, but a real step towards comfort and catchiness.
Choosing the right unit requires understanding many technical nuances, from thrust to power supply capacity. The wrong decision can lead to the fact that the boat will not be able to withstand the wind or will run aground in the middle of a reservoir due to battery discharge. In this article, we will discuss all aspects in detail, so that your purchase will be a successful investment in quality rest.
Advantages of electric motors over gasoline analogues
The main trump card of electricians is absolute silence. Outboard electric motor It works almost silently, which is critical for catching a cautious predator, such as a pike or perch, and the absence of vibrations allows you to feel every touch of the bait, and also makes fishing as comfortable as possible for all participants in the process.
Also, electric units don't require complex maintenance, you don't have to change the oil, filters, candles, or make a mixture of gasoline and oil. Electric motor design It's simple and reliable, which minimizes the risk of failure at the most inopportune time, just to keep the screw clean and the contacts in place.
The environmental aspect is also not to be ignored: the absence of exhaust gases and the risk of fuel leakage makes these engines ideal for use on protected lakes and in places with strict environmental regulations, you can be sure that you will not harm nature by enjoying a walk.
But remember the limitations, the battery life is limited, and the speed is usually lower than that of the gasoline-powered, but for trolling and moving in small waters, it's the best choice.
Key specifications: traction, voltage and control
The first thing to consider if you decide to electric motor to buy PVC boat It's a measure of thrust, measured in pounds (lbs), and it's a measure of the force with which the propeller pushes the boat. For a lightweight single-seat inflatable boat without a load, 30-40 lbs is enough, whereas for a heavy PVC boat with two passengers and equipment, it will take 50-60 lbs and above.
The second important variable is operating voltage: Most models run from 12 volts, which allows for standard car or traction batteries. More powerful units can require 24 or even 36 volts, which implies a series of multiple batteries, increasing the weight and dimensions of the entire system.
- ⚓ Traction (Thrust): Determines the ability of the motor to push the boat against the wind and current.
- 🔋 Voltage: It affects battery life and battery choice.
- 🎛️ Management: It is a sleeve or a sleeve, and it is a sleeve.
Control also plays a role. Rumpered control is intuitive and cheap. Foot control frees the fisherman's hands for spinning, which is very convenient when trolling. Expensive models are equipped with a lot of tools. GPS anchorThis holds the boat to a point automatically.
What is the weight in pounds (lbs)?
Traction in pounds is not the maximum speed, but the force of the push. 1 pound of thrust is approximately equal to 0.45 kg. A 50 lbs motor can push a load weighing about 225 kg, but the real efficiency depends on the shape of the body and the wind. You should not take a motor with a minimum thrust reserve, it is better to have a power reserve.
When choosing, be sure to consider the length of the lower unit (legs). Inflatable boats are usually suitable standard short legs, but if you have a boat with high sides or plywood decking, you may need an elongated shaft to keep the screw deep in the water.
The choice of battery: traction or starter?
The heart of your electrical system is the battery. Many beginners make the mistake of buying a conventional car starter battery. These batteries are designed to give off a short-term huge current to start the engine, but not to work under load for long periods. Using a starter battery will quickly disable it.
Electric motors are required for boats traction Deep Cycle: They're designed to deliver power in small portions over long periods of time and to withstand multiple charge-discharge cycles, and the most popular are AGM and GEL technologies, which are maintenance-free and safe to use in confined spaces.
| Type of battery | Duration of service (cycles) | Weight. | Price. | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (WET) | 50-100 | Medium. | Low. | Not recommended |
| AGM | 300-500 | Highly | Medium | The best choice |
| GEL | 400-600 | Highly | High. | For professionals |
| LiFePO4 (Lithium) | 2000+ | Low. | Very high. | Top decision |
Special attention should be paid to lithium-iron phosphate (lithium-iron phosphate).LiFePO4) Batteries: They are lighter than lead, have a huge resource and are not afraid of deep discharge, the only downside is the high cost, but in terms of the number of cycles they are more profitable.
When calculating battery capacity, multiply the motor current by the desired travel time. For example, the motor consumes 20A, you want to walk 4 hours: 20A * 4h = 80Ah. Take a battery with a margin of 20-30%.
Overview of popular brands and models
The market offers many options, and it's easy to get lost in them. Minn KotaTheir models, like the Endura series or the more advanced PowerDrive, set the standards for reliability, but they're priced accordingly.
Chinese manufacturers, such as Haswing and FluxThey offer a great alternative, and in recent years, the quality of their products has grown tremendously, and the Haswing Cayman or Pro Series have modern features, including GPS and sonar, and cost one and a half to two times less than their American counterparts.
- 🇺🇸 Minn Kota: Reliability standard, a huge selection of spare parts, high price.
- 🇨🇳 Haswing: The best ratio of price and quality, rich equipment.
- 🇷🇺 Waterman: Budget solutions, availability in service centers of the Russian Federation.
⚠️ Warning: When buying engines of little-known brands, immediately check the availability of spare parts (screws, glands, control boards). Repair of complex electronics may not be possible without original components.
When choosing, look at the warranty: Official dealers of large brands provide a warranty of up to 2-3 years, while “gray” suppliers often limit themselves to two weeks to check.
Where to buy: shops, markets and online sites
Decision to buy electric-powered There are many places where you can buy, and there are many specialty boating stores that offer a wide range of options, a groping experience, and professional advice, and there's often a discount when you buy a motor + battery + charger kit.
Online marketplaces, such as large marketplaces, attract low prices and reviews from real users, but there is a high risk of running into an unscrupulous seller or getting damaged goods during transportation. Always check the seller's rating and return conditions.
☑️ Checking the seller before buying
The used machinery sector also has a right to life, but it requires caution: When buying from hand, be sure to test the motor on water; check all speeds, no extraneous noises and vibrations; check lower unit for deep scratches and dents that may indicate impacts on stones.
Installation and preparation for operation
Installation of an electric motor on a PVC boat is usually easy. Most models are mounted on a transom with a screw clip. It is important to ensure that the engine does not jump out of the water at full speed. Inflatable boats often use special transmutation boards that distribute the load.
Connecting the battery requires polarity, and you can't confuse plus and minus, because it will instantly disable the electronics of the motor, use special terminals and securely isolate the connections to prevent water from entering and oxidizing the contacts.
Connection sequence:1. Turn off the engine.
Connect the "+" (red) to the "+" battery.
Connect the "-" (black) to the "-" battery.
4. Turn on the engine.
⚠️ Warning: Never lift the motor behind the cable or handle of the hummel unless it is designed to do so, which can damage the internal machinery or cause a heavy unit to fall on the leg.
The first start is better done in shallow water or in a container of water to make sure that the screw is working correctly and there are no extraneous sounds. It is also recommended to lubricate the rubbing parts with silicone grease before the season.
Properly installing a transom board on an inflatable boat is critical to distribute the weight of the motor and prevent damage to the cylinder.
Rules of care and storage in winter
And motor After every fishing, be sure to rinse lower unit with fresh water, especially if you've been swimming in salt water. Salt aggressively corrodes metal and plastic.
The screw must be cleaned regularly of winding grass, line and hair. Even a small piece of fishing line that gets on the omentum can lead to its leakage and water entering the inside of the lower unit. Lubricate the screw shaft with special lubrication once a season.
Winter storage requires a special approach. The battery should not be left empty in the cold, it will freeze and fail. Charge it completely and store it in a cool dry place, periodically (once a month) recharged. The engine itself is better stored in an upright position, removed from the boat.
Do I need to take out the engine for the winter?
No need to disassemble the engine completely, remove the propeller, clean the shaft, lubricate it and check the condition of the ossels, and if the engine was running in sandy water, it is recommended that the lubricant in the gearbox be replaced in the service.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
What speed does a PVC boat with an electric motor develop?
Speed depends on the thrust of the engine, the weight of the boat, loading and water condition. On average, a single boat with a 30-40 lbs engine develops 5-7 km / h. A double with a 50-60 lbs engine - about 8-10 km / h. Electric motors are not designed for planing, they work in displacement mode.
How long does the motor last on a single charge?
The operating time depends on the battery capacity and the speed chosen. At maximum thrust, the battery of 100 Ah can be discharged in 2-3 hours. At the minimum speed (third to fourth move out of ten), the same battery will last for 8-10 hours of continuous running.
Can an electric motor be used in salt water?
Yes, you can, but only if the model has the appropriate labeling (usually "Saltwater" or corrosion protection), after each outing to sea, the motor must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, and anode protection (zinc plates) is also required to protect against galvanic corrosion.
Do I need a license for an electric motor boat?
In Russia registration of small vessels and rights are not necessary if the engine power does not exceed 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) and the capacity of the boat is less than 200 kg. Virtually all household electric motors meet these standards, since their power is usually 0.5-2 kW.