Modern fishing has long ceased to be just a passive wait for catch on a shore-bound boat. Today, fishermen are actively searching for fish using trolling tactics, where quietness and accuracy of control are crucial factors for success. electromotorsThey allow you to move at a minimum speed without scaring the fish with the sound of the engine.
Choosing the right device is not just about buying a battery propeller, it's a complex engineering process to tailor the equipment for a particular boat, considering the displacement of the vessel, the type of reservoir, the depth and, of course, the autonomy you want to swim, and planning mistakes can leave you in the middle of the pond without the ability to move, or, conversely, overpay for excess power.
In this article, we will take a look at all the choices, technical nuances and operating secrets that will help you build the perfect trolling system, how to calculate the necessary traction, why the length of the lower unit is more important than power, and which batteries will last longer in real conditions.
Key specifications: traction and power
The first thing that a customer encounters when looking at a catalog is the traction parameter, measured in pounds (lbs), which many people mistakenly think is the equivalent of horsepower, but in reality, it's a real thing. motor-stroke This is the maximum force that a propeller can exert in statics, and for boat trolling, this is critical because it determines the ability of the motor to push the boat against wind and current.
Don't chase record numbers unless you need them. Excess power will lead to battery overuse and weighting of the structure. The optimal is a thrust reserve of about 20-30% of the minimum necessary for a confident movement in calm.
⚠️ Warning: Never choose the motor solely at maximum speed. For trolling, it is more important to have smooth adjustment of revolutions and stability of operation at minimum speeds, rather than the ability to develop 10 km / h.
The electric motor is directly dependent on the voltage of the onboard network. Standard models run from 12 volts, but boats longer than 4.5 meters often require 24 or 36 volt systems. The transition to higher voltage reduces current, which reduces the heating of wires and increases the efficiency of the entire system.
When choosing a motor, pay attention to the presence of a battery discharge indicator (SOC) - this will help to avoid a sudden stop in the middle of the reservoir.
Types of fastening and construction of lower unit
The design of the motor determines not only the ease of use, but also the compatibility with your swimming aid. transom-mountingThey are fixed on the back of the boat and can be quickly removed or raised above water as shallow water passes.
However, if you plan to use the motor as the main source of movement on long transitions or your boat has a specific transom geometry, it is worth considering the option with a nose mount.
The length of a lower unit is a parameter that you can't ignore. If the screw is too high, it will start to capture air when it's excited, which will lead to cavitation and loss of traction, and if it's too low, water resistance will increase and the risk of hitting underwater obstacles will increase.
- 🌊 Short lower unit (about 76 cm) – suitable for PVC boats and small aluminum boats with low sides.
- ⚓ The average lower unit (about 89-91 cm) is a versatile option for most fiberglass and metal boats.
- 🚢 Long lower unit (100 cm and above) – required for boats with high sides or when installed in a diametric plane through a hole in the bottom.
It's important to take the angle of inclination into account when you install it. Most modern models have a tilt mechanism that allows you to adapt the motor to a specific one. transom-angle Incorrect angle adjustment can cause the bow of the boat to pick up or, conversely, to burrow into the water.
Management and monitoring systems
The evolution of electric motor control systems has taken a long way, and if you were limited to a roamel handle, you can now have complex foot-controlled systems and even radio-controlled systems, and the choice of control depends on the style of fishing and personal preferences.
Manual control (e-wire or cable) remains a classic, reliable and intuitive, but for trolling, where the fisherman's hands are often occupied with tackle, it may be more convenient to use it. foot-controlThe pedal allows you to instantly change speed and direction, leaving your hands free to work with spinning.
Modern motors are equipped with GPS anchoring systems (Anchor Mode), which allows you to lock the boat over a specific point, automatically steering against the wind and current. For fishing at deep brows or catching specific driftwood, this is an indispensable tool to replace the anchor.
⚠️ Attention: GPS anchor systems only work when there is a strong signal from satellites, and in deep gorges or under dense tree canopies, their effectiveness can be reduced.
Calculation of the necessary traction and selection of the battery
The right calculation is the key to a comfortable fishing. There is a rule of thumb: for every 45-50 kg of total weight of a boat (boat + engines + equipment + people + fuel), 1 pound of thrust is required. However, for trolling, where it is not speed but efficiency that matters, you can use a factor of 1 pound per 55-60 kg.
Consider the approximate calculation for a boat with a length of 5 meters with a full crew. Suppose the total weight is 1200 kg. The minimum thrust is about 22-24 lbs. But given the possible headwind and current, it is wiser to choose a model with a thrust of 30-35 lbs.
☑️ Calculation of the food system
The most important part of the system is tractorUnlike starter batteries, which give a short-term powerful pulse, traction batteries (Deep Cycle) are designed for long-term operation at constant discharge current. Using a conventional car battery will lead to its rapid degradation and failure.
Battery capacity has a direct impact on battery life. For lead-acid batteries (AGM/GEL), the rule is: 1 ampere-hour capacity allows you to give 1 ampere of current per hour. However, you can not discharge such batteries by more than 50-60%, otherwise their life will be drastically reduced.
| Type of battery | Average service life (cycles) | Depth of discharge (DoD) | Weight (relatively) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead-acid (WET) | 200-300 | 50% | Heavy. | Low. |
| AGM / GEL | 400-600 | 60-70% | Medium. | Medium |
| Lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) | 2000+ | 80-90% | Light. | High. |
In recent years, there has been a boom in the popularity of lithium batteries. LiFePO4Despite their high initial cost, they pay off with their service life, deep discharge capability and low weight, and they also give off a stable voltage until they are fully discharged, which means they keep the boat speed constant throughout the fishing trip.
Investing in a quality traction battery (especially lithium) is often more important than overpaying for a brand of motor, as it is the battery that determines the time of your active fishing.
Installation and preparation for the first launch
Installing an electric motor requires care and compliance with technical standards. The main rule is the reliability of the mounting. The vibration and load on the rumpet or transombed plate is great, so all bolt connections must be tightened with effort and fixed by the growers or the carving fixator.
To connect the motor, you need to use a cable cross section corresponding to the current consumption. For 12-volt systems with currents up to 40-50 amperes, a copper wire cross section of at least 10-16 mm2 is recommended. The use of thin wires will lead to a voltage drop and overheating of the insulation.
Recommended cable cross section depending on the length and current:Length 1.5m: 10 AWG (5.3 mm2) at currents up to 30A
Length 1.5m: 8 AWG (8.4 mm2) at currents up to 50A
Length 3.0m: 8 AWG (8.4 mm2) at currents up to 30A
Length 3.0m: 6 AWG (13.3 mm2) at currents up to 50A
A safety lock or circuit breaker is a mandatory element of the circuit, which is installed in the break of the plus wire as close as possible to the battery, which will protect the wiring and the boat from fire in the event of a short circuit.
- 🔧 Check the reliability of the motor fixation on the transom before each descent into the water.
- 🔋 Use only special sea terminals with insulation to connect to the battery.
- 🌊 After every saltwater fishing, be sure to rinse lower unit with fresh water.
Before the first start, make sure that the screw rotates freely and is not damaged. Run "dry" out of curiosity is only allowed for a couple of seconds to check the rotation, but prolonged operation without water can damage the glands.
Service and extension
The electric motor is reliable, but it requires maintenance. The main enemy is corrosion and water entering the enclosure. Regular visual inspection of the lower unit omentum, checking the condition of the lower unit omentum and lubricating moving parts is a mandatory ritual.
Special attention should be paid to the state of the battery. Lead batteries are afraid of deep discharge and long-term storage in an uncharged state. If you leave the boat for the winter, the battery must be removed, fully charged and stored in a cool place, periodically recharged.
Lubrication is not only necessary for external units, but also for internal ones. Once a season (or every 100 motor hours), it is recommended to change the transmission oil in the gearbox. The presence of an emulsion (blue color) in the drained oil indicates that water enters through the glands, which requires immediate repair.
⚠️ Warning: Never use conventional motor oil or solidol to lubricate the electric motor gearbox. It requires a special synthetic gearbox oil that is not aggressive to non-ferrous metals and seals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use an electric motor as the main one on a 5-meter boat?
Yes, it is possible, but with limitations. A 5-meter-long boat will require a motor with a thrust of at least 55-60 lbs and, most likely, a 24- or 36-volt system. The speed will be low (about 5-7 km / h), and the range depends on the capacity of the batteries. For crossings against strong current or wind, the power may not be enough.
How long does the electric motor last from a single battery?
The operating time depends on the battery capacity and the speed chosen. At maximum speed, the motor eats up the charge in 1.5-2 hours. At trolling speeds (20-30% of the power) the same battery. 100 AH It can provide 6-8 hours of continuous operation, and using lithium batteries increases this time by 2-3 times.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor in GIMS?
In the Russian Federation (at the time of writing), boats weighing up to 200 kg and up to 8 kW (approximately 10 hp) are not subject to registration. Since electric motors are usually 1-2 kW and weigh small, registering the engine itself and obtaining control rights is most often not necessary if the total mass of a curbed vessel with an engine does not exceed 200 kg.
Why does the engine hum, but the boat does not float?
The most likely cause is the winding of foreign objects (wood, grass, net) on the screw or shaft. It is also possible to break the veneer connecting the shaft and the screw. In rare cases, the problem may be a discharged battery that can not give the desired current.