Choice motorboat For an inflatable vessel, it's always about balancing autonomy, power and weight. Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, electric units work silently, do not create vibrations or pollute water bodies, making them ideal for fishing and outdoor recreation. But a variety of models with different traction, lower unit length and control systems often baffles newcomers.
Before you go to the store, you need to clearly define the tasks that the engine will solve: will it be a quiet movement on a small lake or going to a large river with a full load? traction The wrong calculation could cause the boat to fail to reach the desired speed or run out of charge in the middle of the reservoir.
In this article, we will discuss the technical details, help calculate the necessary power and suggest what specifications should be given priority when buying. A well-chosen electric boat will turn your inflatable boat into a maneuverable and reliable boat.
Key criteria for the power selection and traction
The main characteristic of any electric motor It's not horsepower, it's thrust, measured in pounds (lbs). One pound of thrust is about 0.45 kg, and that's what a propeller group can move. For lightweight inflatable boats up to 3 meters long, 30-40 lbs is usually enough.
If you plan to use a boat for trolling or transport two or three people with a cargo, it is worth looking at models with thrust from 50 to 70 lbs. It is important to understand that the power reserve is never superfluous: a motor running at 70-80% of its capabilities, energy is more efficient and less heats up than a unit operating at the limit.
⚠️ Attention: Don't choose the motor solely at maximum speed. For fishing, it is more important to be able to keep a stable speed and have a reserve of traction in case of wind or current.
When calculating power, the sailing of inflatable sides should also be considered. PVC boats have a high landing, and even a weak side wind creates significant drag, which should compensate for the high landing. screwSo to the estimated weight of the crewed boat, always add 20-30% of the margin.
lower unit design and type of fastening
For inflatable boats, a critical parameter is the length of the lower unit pipe, at the end of which the screw is located. Standard lengths vary from 60 to 90 cm For classic inflatable boats with a translucent, the optimal is a 60-70 cm lower unit. If the pipe is too short, the screw will begin to capture air ("cavitation"), which will lead to loss of traction and overheating of the windings.
Motor anchorage to PVC It is carried out through a special transom bracket that is either glued to or worn on the cylinder. Modern models are often equipped with universal rods that allow you to attach the motor to a rigid or inflatable transom. It is important that the locking mechanism is equipped with soft rubber gaskets so as not to damage the material of the cylinder.
- 🔹 transom mounting - Classic option, providing rigid fixation and the possibility of tilting of lower unit.
- 🔹 Nose fastening - used for trolling, requires the installation of a special platform on the bow of the boat.
- 🔹 Suspension anchorage compact models that can be fixed even on board without a transom.
The ease of use depends on the control system. Manual control (tiller) is the most reliable and cheap option, but requires constant use of the motor. foot-pedal Or a remote control.
Types of screws and material of manufacture
The propeller is the workhorse of your motor. Inflatable boats are most commonly used two-blade or three-blade propellers made of plastic or composite materials. Plastic is good because it bends or breaks when it hits an underwater obstacle, but keeps the motor shaft intact. Metal propellers on PVC boats are almost unused because of the risk of damage to the cylinder.
The diameter and pitch of the screw are selected depending on the thrust of the engine. For small thrusts (up to 40 lbs) are characterized by screws with a diameter of about 20-23 cm More powerful models are equipped with screws with a diameter of up to 30 cm Some manufacturers offer screws with variable pitch, which allows you to fine-tune the speed and efficiency.
If you often walk in shallow water or overgrown areas, consider motors with a screw in a protective ring (caudal ring), which will prevent the grass from winding and protect the screw from hitting stones.
Special attention should be paid to the condition of the screw before each release into the water. Even a small crack in the blade can cause a strong vibration that will quickly disable bearings and glands. lower unitRegular visual inspection is the key to long service.
Battery battery: the heart of the system
The choice of battery is perhaps the most important step in the configuration of the electric vehicle. For outboard motors, the starter car batteries designed for short-term high-current returns are categorically not suitable.
The most popular lead-acid batteries are GEL or AGM. They are safe, maintenance-free and charge-holding. However, their weight is considerable: a 100-Ah battery weighs about 30 kg. For lightweight inflatable boats, this can be critical, shifting the center of gravity.
The alternative is lithium-iron-phosphate (LI).LiFePO4They are 2-3 times lighter than lead, have more charge-discharge cycles and do not lose capacity in the cold so quickly, the only downside is the high initial cost, which, however, pays off in life.
| Type of AKB | Weight (100 Ah) | Cycle resource | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead-acid (GEL) | ~30 kg | 300-500 | Low. |
| Lithium (LiFePO4) | ~10-12 kg | 2000+ | High. |
| Alkaline (Ni-Cd) | ~35 kg | 1000+ | Medium |
When calculating the capacity, remember a simple rule: for a motor with a consumption of 20 Amps and the desired stroke time of 5 hours, a battery with a capacity of at least 100 Ah will be required (taking into account the reserve and the inadmissibility of a full discharge).
Calculation of Autonomous Work Time
Water time is the main parameter that interests the angler, and it depends on the speed of the propeller. At maximum speed, any electric motor eats up the battery very quickly, sometimes in 40-60 minutes. However, in economic regimes (30-40% of the power), the operating time can reach 6-8 hours.
To do this, you need to know the current of the motor at different speeds, and that's what you usually have in the instructions. Battery Capacity / Consumption Current = Working TimeBut don't forget that real capacity drops at low temperatures and aging batteries.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Experienced water-engines recommend taking a spare battery or being able to recharge from the grid if you plan multi-day expeditions. battery.
Electric motor maintenance and maintenance
Electric motors are famous for their reliability and minimal maintenance requirements, but this does not mean that they can be completely forgotten. After each release to salt water, the device must be thoroughly washed with fresh water to prevent corrosion of metal parts and contacts.
Once a season, it is recommended to lubricate rubbing parts and check the condition of the coils. If the motor has a cooling system with off-shore water, you need to clean the holes from sand and silt. It is better to store the device in a vertical position, removing from the transom.
⚠️ Warning: Never store the battery in a discharged state, which leads to irreversible sulfation of the plates (for lead batteries) and loss of capacity. Be sure to put the battery on full charge before wintering.
Regular checks of electrical contacts are also required, and oxidation of the terminals causes voltage drops and overheating of the wires, which can cause the engine to fire or fail at the most inopportune moment.
Secrets to increasing the range of travel
Use only economical speed mode. Moving at 3rd speed out of 5 possible increases the range by 40% compared to the maximum speed. It is also important to keep the screw clean: algae fouling reduces efficiency by 15-20%.
Comparison of popular brands and models
The market offers a variety of options, from low-end Chinese brands to high-profile European manufacturers, including Minn Kota, MotorGuide and Haswing, which offer time-tested designs, high-quality electronics and spare parts availability.
Budget-based counterparts like Flox or HDX often copy the leaderboard design, but may be inferior as plastic materials and moisture protection, but for seasonal use in calm water bodies, they can be a great choice for less money.
- 🏆 Minn Kota Endura A legend of reliability, ideal for small boats, tested for decades.
- 🏆 Haswing Cayman Excellent value for money, often equipped with lithium batteries in the kit.
- 🏆 Flox F900 - a popular budget option with good traction, but requires careful assembly.
When choosing a brand, you should not only focus on the price, but also on the availability of service centers in your area. Electronics is electronics, and the probability of failure of the control board, although small, is always there.
The big takeaway: for a beginner, the best choice would be a 50-55 lbs engine, 60 cm lower unit and manual control, a versatile configuration for 90% of inflatable boat tasks.
In conclusion, the transition to electric traction is a step towards comfort and sustainability. The right combination of motor-battery-screw allows you to enjoy fishing without the smell of gasoline and noise, opening new horizons on the water.
Which battery is better for an electric motor: GEL or LiFePO4?
If every kilogram of weight is budgeted and important, choose LiFePO4, which is lighter, lasts 4-5 times longer and is not afraid of deep discharge, and if the budget is limited, a quality GEL battery will be a reliable and proven alternative.
Can I use an electric motor on the current?
Yes, but with limitations. Electric motors are not designed to overcome strong head currents at high speeds. They're great for maneuvering, pointing and cross-current, but not for long-term fast-water fights.
How often should the battery be charged?
Lead acid batteries are recommended to be recharged after every fishing trip, even if you've been riding for only an hour. Lithium batteries are more tolerant of operating modes, but the "always full charge before leaving" rule remains valid for all types.
Do I need to lubricate the electric motor shaft?
Yeah, but the special shaft that comes out of the lower unit can't be lubricated, because there's a gum in there, and only the hinges and the swivel mechanisms are lubricated, and the internal machinery is lubricated in the factory and requires maintenance only in the service.