Modern fishing for predators has long ceased to be just chaotic throwing tackles in the hope of luck. trolling It requires precise speed control, silent movement, and the ability to hold a position in the wind or current for a long time, and this is where electric motors come on the scene, which have become an indispensable tool for spinning riders hunting for pike, pike and catfish.
Unlike the gasoline equivalents, electromotor It doesn't make any noise or vibrations that scare fish, so it can sneak up on the predator's parking lot as quietly as possible, and it also doesn't have exhaust gases or fuel odors, and it makes fishing comfortable even in a confined boat. The efficiency of modern lithium batteries allows you to travel up to 30 kilometers on a single charge at a moderate speed.
Choosing the right model can be a challenge for a beginner, as the market is full of different modifications with different specifications. In this article, we will discuss the key parameters that you should pay attention to not overpay for unnecessary functions or, conversely, not to buy a weak unit.
Key parameters of the choice of traction and power
The first thing that an angler encounters when looking at the catalog is the thrust parameter, measured in pounds (lbs), which many people mistakenly think is the equivalent of horsepower, but it's a very simple equation. motor-stroke This shows the maximum force that a screw can develop in statics. For a standard inflatable boat with a length of 3.2-3.6 meters with one angler and equipment, a motor with a thrust of 30-40 lbs is usually enough.
If you plan to catch two or use a heavy metal boat, the power requirements increase, and in such cases, it is worth considering models with thrust from 50 lbs and above.
The speed of the rotor is also critical, and trolling is not about the top speed that manufacturers often boast about (e.g., 10-12 km/h), but about the ability to drive at minimum rpm. Low-speed modes allow you to conduct wobblers at a minimum speed, which is especially important when catching a passive perch or pike in cold water.
- 🎣 30-40 lbs - Ideal for PVC boats up to 3.6 m and calm water.
- ⚓ 50-60 lbs The best choice for metal boats and fishing on the current.
- 🌊 70+ lbs - necessary for large boats or high wind conditions.
- 🔋 Tension. Most low-power engines run from 12V, powerful (from 70 lbs) often require 24V or 36V.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a back-to-back engine for load capacity. If your calculation indicates a 45 lbs need, take the 55 lbs model. The engine's extreme performance will result in rapid overheating of the windings and shortened service life.
Design features: lower unit and fastening
The length of a lower unit (leg) is one of the most important geometric parameters that is often ignored when buying: If the lower unit is too short, the screw will be close to the surface of the water, leading to cavitation, noise and loss of traction. Too long a leg will create excess resistance to water and increase the risk of hitting the bottom or snags.
For inflatable boats, where the motor is attached to a tray board, the standard length is 60 cm (24 inches). However, if you install the motor in the bow or on a special bracket, which can be above the level of the transom, you may need an elongated version. The adjustment of the sink allows you to adapt the motor to different conditions, but the base size must be selected correctly.
The mounting system also varies, with the most popular models equipped with rods that allow you to quickly remove the engine and move it to another boat. transom mounting It should be made of durable materials, preferably with rubber linings, so as not to damage the side or the transom. Some models have a rotary mechanism that allows you to change the direction of travel by 180 degrees, which makes it easier to maneuver.
Control systems: romple, pedals and GPS
Electric motor control has evolved from a simple handle rotation to complex digital systems. rumplingIt's a sliding angle, where the angle changes direction, and the ring adjusts speed, which is reliable, cheap, and doesn't require any complicated adjustment, but requires a constant presence of the angler at the motor.
For serious trolling, foot control or remote control systems are increasingly used, the pedal allows you to control the course and speed of the legs, leaving your hands free to work with spinning, which is especially convenient when fishing in windy weather, when you need constant adjustment of the boat position.
The top of the engineering thought are motors with GPS anchor Spot Lock, which allows you to lock the boat to a specific point with a meter accuracy, automatically compensating for the demolition with wind and current. A fisherman can catch one prospective snag or brow for hours without being distracted by oars or the main engine.
- 🎮 tiller Classic, reliability, low price.
- 🦶 pedal Free hands, convenient for active fishing.
- 📡 GPS anchor Automatic point retention, ideal for spot fishing.
- 📱 App control - control from a smartphone, recording tracks, adjusting sensitivity.
It is worth noting that complex control systems require more careful adjustment and calibration. Before the first fishing, be sure to read the instructions and conduct test runs on the safe part of the reservoir.
Battery base: battery types and timing
The heart of any electrical system is the battery. Traditionally, lead-acid batteries like AGM or GEL have been used. They are heavy, fearful of deep discharge and require careful maintenance, but remain affordable. The trolling needs to use deep-discharge batteries (Deep Cycle) rather than car starter batteries.
The modern alternative is Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) They're 2-3 times lighter than lead, have twice the capacity at the same weight, and can withstand thousands of charge-discharge cycles, and despite their high initial cost, they pay off after a few seasons of active use.
The average current consumption of a 40 lbs motor at an average speed is about 15-20 Amps. Consequently, a 100 Ah battery will provide approximately 5-6 hours of combined driving.
Calculation formula: Time (h) = Capacity (Ah) * 0.8 / Current consumption (A)
The coefficient of 0.8 takes into account the inadmissibility of a full discharge for the prolongation of the life of the battery.
⚠️ Attention: Lead batteries should not be discharged below 50% of their rated capacity. Deep discharge irreversibly sulfates the plates, drastically reducing battery capacity. Lithium batteries can be discharged to 10-20% without harm.
Comparative table of popular specifications
To organize the information and make it easier to choose, let's look at the comparative data for different classes of motors, and that's to help you understand how much performance you get when you increase power.
| Motor class | Traction (lbs) | Consumption (max) | Recommended boat | Motor weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| light | 30-34 lbs | 30-35 AA | PVC up to 3.2 m | ~7-8 kg |
| Standard | 40-45 lbs | 40-50 A | PVC 3.2-3.6 m | ~9-10 kg |
| Heavy. | 55-60 lbs | 55-65 A | Metal/Large PVC | ~11-13 kg |
| Profi. | 70+ lbs | 70+ A (24B) | Cutters/Crandy | ~15+ kg |
And you can see from the table that, as the thrust increases, not only does the weight of the unit itself increase, but the current-output requirements of the battery system increase. The transition to the Pro class often requires a 24-volt or 36-volt alteration of the onboard network.
Installation and preparation for the season
The right engine installation ensures not only comfortable fishing, but also safety. If you use a PVC boat, make sure that the thrashboard is rigidly fixed and has no backlashes. Vibration from a working screw can unsettle the mounts for the season.
Before launching, be sure to check the condition of the lower unit for winding fishing line or grass. Even a small piece of monofilament caught on the omentum can lead to water entering the lower unit and corrosion of the gearbox. Regular lubrication and maintenance of seals will prolong the life of the mechanism.
☑️ Preparation of the engine for the season
Store the electric motor in a dry place, preferably in a vertical position. If the motor has a removable head, it is better to disconnect it from the lower unit to relieve the voltage from the internal contacts and seals. Before long storage (winter), it is recommended to fully charge the battery and put it on preservation or recharging with low current.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an electric motor be used as a primary vehicle for long distances?
Theoretically, it's possible, but it's not practical. Electric motors are designed to move and maneuver; long-term high-speed operation (maximum traction) quickly drains the battery and can cause overheating; for distillation, it's better to use a gasoline engine, and leave the electrics for fishing.
How often should I charge a lithium battery if the boat is in the garage?
The self-discharge of LiFePO4 batteries is very low (about 2-3% per month). However, it is recommended to check the voltage every 2-3 months. If the voltage drops below 30% of the capacity, the battery must be recharged. You can not store fully discharged lithium - it can fail.
Does salt water affect the operation of the electric motor?
Yes, salt water is metal-aggressive. Most motors are corrosion-resistant, but after fishing at sea or in brackish estuaries, be sure to wash the lower unit with fresh water. Pay special attention to the screw attachment and cable output.
What to do if the engine is humming, but the screw is not spinning?
It's probably the heat shield or the screw has jammed, see if the fishing line or the algae is winding on the shaft, if there's no mechanical obstruction, let the motor cool for 15 to 20 minutes, and if the problem recurs, the control unit or the winding may be faulty.
Choosing and operating an electric motor is an investment in the quality of your fishing, and a properly selected system will allow you to focus on the main thing - finding fish and catching trophies, leaving technical issues to reliably working electronics.