Choosing auxiliary engines for a boat is always about finding a compromise between price, weight and functionality. motor It has become a niche toy for quiet fishing and a complete alternative to gasoline units, with fishermen and PVC boat owners increasingly turning to electric trains for their quietness, lack of exhaust gases and ease of maintenance.
But before you make a purchase, a potential owner is confronted with a huge amount of conflicting information: Some praise Chinese brands for being cheap, others scold them for being short-lived, and others swear allegiance to the eminent Minn Kota, but complain about the cost of parts. In this article, we will analyze real reviews, analyze technical nuances, and help you decide on your choice.
It is worth understanding that electric It has its limitations, primarily in terms of battery capacity, and if you're planning long transitions against the current or wind, you're going to need a lot of energy, but it's ideal for manoeuvring on spinning fishing or cruising short distances.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electrical Traction
The ultimate trump card of any electric motor It's silent, and unlike ICE, it doesn't make any vibrations or sounds that might scare off careful fish, and it's especially true when you're fishing for predators in shallow waters or in reeds, and the absence of fuel makes it environmentally friendly and safe to operate.
⚠️ Note: Despite the moisture resistance of most models, full immersion of the electric motor in water (except for the lower unit) is strictly prohibited and will lead to a short circuit.
On the other hand, there are downsides that are often overlooked in advertising: the weight of the motor + battery system can be significant, especially if a lead-acid battery is used, and owners often face the problem of battery degradation when stored improperly in winter.
Speed is also important. Most models are not designed to plane heavy boats, but rather to keep the hull firmly on the water and allow you to drift, and if you want speeds above 10-12 km/h, the train will be auxiliary tools, not the main engine.
Key selection parameters: traction and control
When studying reviews, the first parameter that you should pay attention to is traction It is measured in pounds (lbs) and is not equivalent to horsepower. For an inflatable boat 3-3.5 meters long with one fisherman, a 30-40 lbs motor is usually enough. For heavier equipment, including a metal boat or two people, it will take 50-60 lbs and above.
The second critical parameter is the type of control. There are three main options, each with its supporters and critics. Manual control (tiller) is considered a classic, but requires constant employment of one hand. Foot control (pedal) frees hands, which is indispensable for trolling, but requires addiction. Remote control (whip-vomit) is convenient, but adds unnecessary wires and elements to the cockpit.
- 🔹 Rumpling control: Simple, reliable, cheap, but takes up one hand.
- 🔹 Foot pedal: It is ideal for spinning, allows you to work with both hands, but is more difficult to install.
- 🔹 Remote humming: It is convenient for large boats, but depends on the charge of the remote and the quality of the radio signal.
For PVC inflatable boats, standard short lower units (about 60-70 cm) are usually suitable. If you plan to put the engine on a metal Kazanka or a boat with high sides, you will need to use the engine. lower unitSo that the screw is at the optimum depth.
Always buy a motor with a 20-30% thrust reserve. If the calculations show that 40 lbs is necessary, take 50-55 lbs. This will extend the life of the battery and the engine itself.
Comparison of popular brands: Minn Kota, Haswing, Xiaomi
The electric motor market is divided into three segments: premium, medium and budget. the leader of the premium segment has been the American brand for decades. Minn KotaReviews are mostly positive, praised for reliability, the presence of an anchor autopilot (i-Pilot) and quality assembly, but the price of such models can exceed the cost of the boat itself.
The mid- and budget segments are heavily occupied by Chinese manufacturers, such as Haswing, Xiaomi (Bonnebay) and Waterman. Here's a mixed picture: on the one hand, for little money, the user gets a fully functional device, on the other hand, the quality of the plastic and the electronics can float from batch to batch.
| Brand | Price segment | Reliability | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minn Kota | Highly | High. | Anchor autopilot, durable materials |
| Haswing | Medium. | Medium/High | Good Price/Quality Relationship |
| Xiaomi (Bonnebay) | Budgetary | Medium | Compact, modern design |
| Waterman | Budgetary | Medium | Parts availability, simplicity |
Many users have noted that budget engines require more care, such as lubricating the rotating mechanisms and checking the glands after each fishing trip, while expensive models can run for years with little or no owner intervention.
Overpayment for the brand in the case of electric motors is often justified by the quality of electronics, which protects the engine from overheating and voltage surges.
Battery: the heart of the system and the time of operation
Not one. electric motor It won't work without a good power source. There's a lot of confusion in reviews between battery types. Starter car batteries are not really good for long-term use, they're afraid of deep discharge and they fail quickly. A boat needs a Deep Cycle.
There are two main types of traction batteries: lead-acid (AGM, GEL) and lithium (LiFePO4). Lead batteries are cheap but heavy and have a lower life cycle charge-discharge. Lithium batteries are 2-3 times lighter, give current more stable to full discharge, but their initial cost is much higher.
- 🔋 AGM/GEL: budget, heavy, afraid of full discharge "to zero".
- 🔋 LiFePO4: expensive, light, long service life, require special charging.
- 🔋 Automobile: They are not suitable for electric motors, they die quickly.
To calculate the stroke time, use a simple formula: the battery capacity (Ah) is divided by the motor consumption current (A). For example, a 100 Ah battery at 20 Amps (average speed) theoretically will provide 5 hours of travel. However, in practice, you should take into account the efficiency of the system and the age of the battery, so the real result will be about 3.5-4 hours.
⚠️ Note: When using lithium batteries, be sure to use a charger with the appropriate charge profile (CC/CV for LiFePO4), otherwise fire or explosion is possible.
Typical problems and solutions in operation
Even the most reliable motors can fail. Forum and review analysis revealed several typical problems. The first and most common is contact oxidation. In high humidity and saltwater conditions (at sea), the terminals become covered with plaque, which leads to voltage drops and overheating.
The second problem is that the hair, grass and fishing line gets into the screw, and the winding line can squeeze the omentum, and the water will penetrate the lower unit, and this leads to corrosion of the gearbox and windings, and it is a mandatory procedure to clean the screw regularly after each fishing.
Users also complain about false readings of the charge indicator. Cheap models show the charge on the voltage that falls under load. The motor can "blink" red and stand, although idling the battery shows full charge. The solution is to install an external voltmeter or use smarter BMS systems in lithium batteries.
How to Resuscitate the Motor after Water Infection?
If the water gets inside, stop operating immediately. Disassemble the lower unit, wash the parts with distilled water (if there was salt water), dry at a temperature not higher than 60 degrees and replace the lubricant in the gearbox.
Tips for Installation on PVC Boats
Installation The main rule is the rigidity of the attachment. PVC tubes are soft, and if the transom walks, the motor will begin to vibrate, which will lead to rapid destruction of the fasteners and discomfort of the fisherman.
The best way to install is to use special transom plates or reinforced transoms that come with some boat models. The fasteners must be tightened through large diameter washers to avoid damaging the tank material. Remember the safety cable: if the mount slips, the motor must not sink.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
It is also important to set the depth of the propeller correctly. The optimal distance from the surface of the water to the upper edge of the propeller is 15-20 cm. If you lift the engine higher, cavitation and suffocation will begin, if lower, water resistance will increase and speed will fall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an electric motor be used in salt water?
Yes, you can, but only if the motor has the appropriate corrosion-resistant coating (usually labeled as Saltwater Protect) after each fishing trip at sea, the motor must be thoroughly washed with fresh water to wash off the salt.
Which battery is better for a beginner?
To start with, a 100-Ah traction gel (GEL) battery is suitable. It forgives some operating errors, is safer than lithium and costs reasonable money. Lithium (LiFePO4) is worth taking if every kilogram of weight is important and there is maintenance experience.
Does the electric motor develop the speed of plane?
Most of the time, no. Electric motors are designed to move in displacement mode. Gleaning is only possible on very light boats with very few people and only on high-powered (80 lbs) and expensive models, but this quickly lands the battery.
Do I need to change the oil in the gearbox of the electric motor?
Yes, it's advisable to change the lubricant in the gearbox once a season or every 100 motor hours, and the gearbox is filled with special transmission oil for outboard motors, a conventional car can destroy the glands.