The transition to electric traction is not just a tribute to fashion or an environmental trend, but often a pragmatic solution for comfortable fishing and relaxation on the water. Electric motor on the boat It provides silent movement, which is critical for hunting shy fish, and allows you to forget about the smell of gasoline, complex maintenance of the internal combustion engine and constant gas stations. Unlike noisy gasoline counterparts, electrics give a sense of unity with nature, disturbed only by the splash of water and the sounds of forest dwellers.
However, despite the apparent simplicity of the design of the "screws on the shaft", the choice of a suitable power plant requires a careful approach to technical specifications. Pound-driven thrustThe operating voltage, the length of the lower unit and the type of control are parameters that can confuse a beginner. Incorrect equipment selection can lead to the fact that the boat will barely move, and the battery will run out in half an hour, turning a pleasant walk into paddles.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the optimal bundle of "motor-battery" for your type of floating craft, whether it is a light inflatable one. PVC We'll discuss the nuances of installation, the features of operation in different conditions and answer the questions that most boaters have when they first become familiar with electric traction.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electrical Traction
The main advantage of electric motors is their quietness, which allows you to sneak up to pike or pike parking lots on fishing, without frightening them with vibration and hum. In addition, the lack of exhaust gas makes it safe and pleasant to be in the boat, and the absence of complex mechanical components (carburetor, ignition system) reduces the need for maintenance to a minimum. Resource A high-quality electric motor is measured in thousands of hours.
On the other hand, there is a limitation on battery life, which directly depends on the capacity of the battery. If the gasoline engine can be refueled in 2 minutes, then it can take from 4 to 12 hours to restore battery power, although the problem is solved by the presence of a spare battery.
It's also important to note the price point: While the engine itself may cost less than a gasoline-powered car, the cost of a traction battery and charger can significantly increase the purchase budget, but the cost of one kilometer of travel in electricity is several times lower than gasoline, which, when used actively, quickly pays off the investment.
- 🔇 Complete lack of noise and vibration, which is ideal for trolling.
- ⛽ No need to store and transport canisters with fuel.
- 🛠 Minimum maintenance: no need to change oil, filters and candles.
- 🌊 The ability to start instantly at any time without warming up.
⚠️ Attention: Electric motors are not designed to move against strong currents or winds at high speeds for long periods of time. Constant operation at power limit quickly drains the battery and can lead to overheating of the windings.
Key specifications when choosing a motor
When choosing electric-motor The first parameter that buyers look at is thrust. It is measured in pounds (lbs), and 1 pound of thrust is approximately equal to 0.45 kg of force. For lightweight inflatable boats up to 3 meters long, a 30-40 lbs motor is usually enough. For heavier aluminum boats or boats with two passengers and equipment, power from 50 to 80 lbs and above will be required.
The second critical parameter is operating voltage. Most low-power motors run from 12 volts, which allows you to use one standard battery. Medium-power models often require 24 volts (two batteries in series), and the most powerful ones - 36 volts. Increased voltage reduces the current in the circuit, which reduces the heating of the wires and increases the overall efficiency of the system.
The length of the lower unit (legs) is also important. Inflatable boats with low sides of standard length (about 60-70 cm) usually enough. However, metal boats with high sides or to install on the tan boats may require models with an elongated diewater (from 80 cm and above) so that the propeller is deep under water and does not capture air.
And you also have the type of control, and there are rumples that have all the adjustments on the handle, and there's pedal control, which is especially convenient for spinners who are holding the rod. Minn Kota Terrova or MotorGuide Xi5They are often equipped with anchoring and GPS navigation.
Batteries: traction against starter
One of the most common mistakes of beginners is to try to power the electric motor from a conventional car starter battery, which is designed to produce a huge current for a few seconds to start the engine, after which they immediately replenish the charge from the generator. During the long discharge that is characteristic of the electric motor, the lead plates of the starter battery quickly sulfate and fail.
Special electric motors are required for boats traction Deep Cycle: These are designed to deliver power in small portions over long periods of time and to withstand deep discharge without loss of capacity, and are the most popular lead-acid batteries, GEL and AGM, which require no maintenance and are safe to use indoors.
In recent years, lithium-iron-phosphate (LI) has been gaining popularity.LiFePO4They are much lighter than lead-based batteries (the difference can be three times), have a greater lifetime of charge-discharge cycles and are capable of delivering more stable voltages throughout the cycle, the only drawback being the high initial cost, which is offset by a long service life.
| Type of battery | Weight (roughly) | Cycle resource | Cost | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (WET) | Heavy. | Low (50-100) | Low. | Not recommended |
| GEL / AGM | Medium. | Medium (300-500) | Medium | The best choice |
| Lithium (LiFePO4) | Light. | High (2000+) | High. | For pros and pros tourism |
To calculate the approximate running time, divide the battery capacity (Ah) by the motor consumption current (A) at an average speed. For example, a 100 Ah battery at 20 A will provide about 5 hours of running time.
Installation and installation on the boat
Mounting an electric motor on a boat's transom is a process that requires no complicated tools, but requires precision. Most models come with a universal transom mount that allows you to quickly remove the motor for transportation. The main rule of installation is to ensure that the lower unit is vertically immersed. If the motor is tilted, the screw can work inefficiently, creating cavitation, or, conversely, go too deep under the water, increasing resistance.
When installed PVC boat It is important to use a special transom board if the inflatable board design does not provide for a rigid transom. The board must be securely fixed so that it does not shift under the weight of the engine and jerks when moving. For metal boats with a flat transmolant, there is usually no problem, but boats with a strongly rounded or beveled transmolant may require an additional adapter plate.
☑️ Check before the first launch
Connecting the electrical circuit requires the use of wires in a section corresponding to the current consumption of the motor. Usually copper cables with a cross section of at least 10-16 mm2 are used. On a positive wire, directly at the battery, a fuse or an automatic switch is necessarily installed that corresponds to the maximum current of the motor, this will protect the boat from fire in the event of a short circuit.
⚠️ Attention: Never turn on the electric motor unless it is lowered in water. Dry work will cause instantaneous overheating and melting of the osteoils, causing water to enter the engine and its failure.
Operational rules and care
Electric motors are notorious for their reliability, but they also require simple rules of operation: the main enemy of electronics and electrical contacts is moisture and salt. After every fishing, especially in salt water, the motor must be rinsed with fresh water. Salt deposits can cause corrosion of metal parts and oxidation of contacts, which will lead to a drop in voltage and loss of power.
The engine screw also needs periodic inspection. Fishing line or algae wound on the shaft can damage the boulders that protect the bearings. If foreign objects are found, they should be carefully removed, trying not to scratch the shaft. Regular lubrication of moving parts, if provided for by the design (for example, the rotary mechanism of the romp), will prolong the life of the unit.
The best way to store the battery and motor is to keep it dry at plus temperature. Deep battery discharge when stored is detrimental to lead batteries. If you're putting the boat away for winter storage, be sure to fully charge the battery and put it on a test and training charge or recharge it periodically during the winter.
What to do if the engine loses power?
If the motor is humming but not spinning or sluggish, check the battery voltage under load. Often the problem is oxidized terminal contacts or that one of the battery jars has failed. Also check the screw for wound objects.
Comparison of popular brands and models
The boat electric motor market is represented by several key players, each with its own specifications. Minn KotaThe motors are highly reliable and have advanced navigation features, but they are often the highest cost on the market.
Chinese manufacturers, such as Haswing and FlamarineThese engines often replicate the designs of market leaders, providing similar functionality for 30-40% of the price, and for amateur fishermen riding on weekends in inland waters, this is enough.
It is worth mentioning the brand separately. MotorGuideThe vegan vegan, which is also owned by Brunswick (as is Minn Kota, but is positioned differently) is their pedal motor series. Xi The choice between brands often comes down to a balance between the desired budget and the need for specific “chips” like GPS anchors.
- 🇺🇸 Minn Kota: Quality standard, a huge selection of spare parts, high price.
- 🇨🇳 Haswing: The best ratio of price and quality, good equipment.
- 🇺🇸 MotorGuide: Excellent pedal engines, reliability, average price segment.
- 🇪🇺 Watersnake: Available models for small boats and kayaks.
When buying, it is important to pay attention not only to the brand, but also to the availability of service in your area. Electric motors rarely break down, but if this happens, the availability of spare parts (screws, control boards, ramps) can be a decisive factor.
⚠️ Attention: Buying a motor from hand, be sure to check the condition of the lower unit. If the shaft shows deep scratches or traces of rust under the chromium, the sealing of the osteoils is likely to be broken, and the engine will require expensive repairs.
The choice of electric motor is always a compromise between weight, autonomy and thrust. For small boats, weight should be the priority, for large boats, traction and voltage should be the priority.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can an electric motor be used against the current?
Yes, but with limitations, if the motor is thrust-free relative to the weight of the boat, it can get through the moderate current, but the speed will be much lower and the energy consumption will increase by many times, which will reduce the time of autonomous navigation.
How much does a full set weigh (motor + battery)?
The engine itself weighs between 7 and 20 kg depending on the model. A 12V 100Ah lead battery weighs about 30 kg. A lithium equivalent of the same capacity is about 10-12 kg. In total, a full set on lead will pull 40-50 kg, on lithium - about 20-30 kg.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor in GIMS?
In Russia, registration is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg. If your boat in running order (with engine, battery and equipment) weighs less than 200 kg, registration is not required. The horsepower power of the motor for electricians is usually recalculated by the ratio, and even powerful electric motors often fall into the category up to 8 hp, which also simplifies the requirements for rights.
How to charge the battery in the field?
For charging away from the 220V network, you can use portable generators or solar panels connected through a charge controller. Also popular is a scheme with two batteries: while one is running, the second is charging at home. Using a 12-220V inverter to charge with a regular charger is possible, but the efficiency of such a bundle will be low.