The electric trolling engine opens up new horizons for the fisherman to catch silently, but requires a rethink of the approach to anchoring. electric motor It has a vulnerable lower unit design that is critically susceptible to lateral loads when jerking. Using a standard anchor without taking into account the specifics of the electric drive often leads to a failure of the lower unit or a failure of the gearbox.
Well-chosen anchor Not only does it keep the boat on point, but it also ensures the safety of expensive equipment. The key parameter in the choice is the ratio of the weight of the anchor and the thrust force of the engine, and not only the displacement of the boat. Errors in calculations are unacceptable here, since the cost of repairing electric traction often exceeds the price of the entire anchor kit.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the physics of the process, the types of anchors and the methods of their attachment. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes that beginners make when first going out on the water with an electric motor. Proper preparation of equipment is the key to successful fishing and long service of your equipment.
Specificity of anchoring with electric motor
The main feature of operation electric motor Unlike outboard gasoline engines, where the lower unit is rigidly mounted and has a significant margin of safety, electric models often have thinner walls and plastic elements in the gearbox. When the anchor shaft is jerked sharply, the load is transferred directly to the mounting unit of the lower unit to the transom or the lower unit plate.
If you plan to use it electric motor For anchoring (called anchor drift or wind retention), it is important to understand the limitations of thrust. Trying to keep the boat on strong current or wind solely by operating the propeller can lead to overheating of the windings. Mechanical anchoring in such conditions becomes not just a convenience, but a necessity for preserving the life of the battery and the engine.
Special attention should be paid to the angle of attack. When using an anchor from the bow of a boat, where an electric motor is usually attached, the force vector must be strictly directed along the diametric plane of the vessel. The lateral displacement of the anchor creates a lever that can break lower unit at the base.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to tie the anchor file directly to the lower unit of the electric motor or its brackets, this is guaranteed to lead to failure of the turning mechanism or the lower unit itself at the first serious load.
To minimize risks, professionals recommend using the following types of anchors paired with an electric drive:
- 🪨 Cat anchor: Ideal for rocky bottom, easy to extract, but requires careful lifting so as not to damage the engine screw.
- ⚓ Danforth anchor: It has excellent holding power on sand and silt, provides a stable position, but can burrow into the ground.
- 🪂 The floating anchor (Drift anchor): Creates water resistance, allowing the motor to operate in a gentle mode, ideal for trolling.
Calculation of weight and anchor type
Choosing the weight of an anchor is not a divination, but an engineering calculation that depends on the sailing of the boat and the operating conditions. electric motors The rule is, it's better to take the anchor a little easier, but use it wisely, than overload the structure. The standard formula for PVC inflatable boats is: 1 kg of anchor weight per 1 meter of hull length. However, with an electric motor, this weight can be adjusted in a smaller way if a quality ground-lock is used.
The anchor material also plays a role. Steel anchors are robust but heavy. Aluminum analogs are lighter, which is important for the boat's balance, but their holding power can be lower at the same weight. Stainless steel - optimal, albeit expensive, option that excludes corrosion in fresh and salt water.
When calculating, consider the length of the anchor tile, it should be at least 3-4 depths at the fishing point. Using a short tile increases the angle of attack and reduces the effectiveness of the anchor, forcing the anchor to be at least 3-4 depths at the fishing point. electric motor Or the boat drifting.
Use a 0.5-1 metre chain between the anchor and the main phalanx, and its weight presses the lower part against the ground, improving engagement and quenching the thrust from excitement.
Comparative specifications of popular types of anchors for small craft:
| Type of anchor | Optimal soil | Weight (kg) | Compatibility with electric motor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat folding. | Rocks, snags | 1.5 - 3.0 | High (with careful lifting) |
| denforth | Sand, silt, clay | 1.0 - 2.5 | Medium (risk of getting stuck) |
| fungus | Sludge, soft ground | 2.0 - 4.0 | Low (heavy to lift) |
| Floating | Anybody (water) | 0.5 (weight) | Excellent (no contact with the bottom) |
Mounting and attachment systems
Installation of the anchor system on the boat with electric motor The basic rule is that the anchor lock or the rail should be positioned so that the tile cannot wind itself onto the engine screw under any circumstances. Most often, for electric motors mounted on a transom, the anchor is attached to the nose, and the tile is carried along the side through special rings.
If the motor is mounted on the nose, the situation becomes complicated, in which case the anchor shaft must be displayed strictly through the center of the lower unit (if the design allows) or use special extension cords that exclude contact with rotating parts. However, the safest option is to use a separate anchor device that is not mechanically connected to the motor.
Use the stain on board to fix the slab. anchor-ribs Plastic elements may not withstand a sharp jerk, so preference is given to metal fittings glued or screwed into reinforced parts of the cylinder or side.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
It is important to ensure that the anchor is quickly dropped in an emergency, and the system should allow anchoring to be given in one motion without getting tangled in gear or equipment. electric motor.
Safety and operation
Safety when using an electric motor anchor comes first, the main danger is winding the anchor tile onto the screw. Even a brief stop of the screw due to winding can lead to the controller burning or melting of the windings. electric motorAlways visually monitor the position of the faucet relative to the water.
When lifting the anchor, do not use the thrust of the electric motor to move the boat to the anchor, if the thack is already selected manually and creates tension.
⚠️ Attention: Never wind the anchor flogging on the lower unit or motor mounting elements for storage. This deforms the seals and can damage the paintwork, opening the way for corrosion.
Use the anchor buoy when fishing at great depths or in places with strong currents. This will uncouple the anchor from the back side, if it is firmly entrenched in the ground, without pulling the boat and without risking damage. electric motor Snapshots.
What if the anchor is stuck?
If the anchor is stuck, don't try to pull it out with the power of the motor. Swim to the place of staging, select a slack of the fail, tie it to the nose ruffle and slowly move to the anchor to change the angle of thrust. If it doesn't work, use a webbey or buoy.
Anchorage maintenance
Regular maintenance of the anchor system prolongs the life not only of the anchor itself, but also of the anchor. electric motorAfter every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the anchor, chain and thal must be washed with fresh water, and salt and sand, when they enter the engine mechanism when they are not handled carefully, act as an abrasive.
Check the condition of the anchor shaft. Rubbing, hairiness or color change indicate a need for replacement. A weak shaft can break at the most inopportune moment, causing you to maneuver the engine dangerously close to obstacles.
Lubricate the moving parts of folding anchors (such as cats) with silicone lubrication. Rust on hinges can cause the anchor to jam open or closed, which complicates its use and storage.
- 🧼 Washing: Carefully wash the dirt from the vertebrae and chains.
- 🔍 Inspection: Check the places of fastening of the slims on the boat for cracks.
- 🧵 Replacement: Change the cliff at the first sign of wear without waiting for the cliff.
Typical mistakes of fishermen
One of the most common mistakes is trying to use electric motor Some anglers try to pull up to the anchor by winding the thorn onto the propeller, which is a direct route to overhauling the engine, and the screw and gearbox are not designed for this type of axial load.
Another mistake is ignoring the wind force, and electric motors, especially low-thrust motors, can fail to handle the boat's sailing in lateral winds if the anchor is not properly anchored, and as a result, the boat turns to the wave, which is dangerous for stability.
Never rely on a "maybe." A properly selected anchor weighing 2 kg will save your electric motor from breaking down at the cost of several new anchors.
The safety knife is also often forgotten, and the knife must be mounted on the boat in an easily accessible place so that if the tile is wound on the screw, it can be cut instantly, freeing it from the boat. electric motor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an electric motor be used to lift the anchor?
No, it's strictly forbidden. Electric motors don't have a mechanism to select the slack of the tile, and they don't have the traction required to lift the anchor from the depths, and that will overload and burn the engine.
How long should an anchor shaft be for a boat with an electric motor?
The length of the tile should be at least 3-4 depths at the fishing site, for depths up to 5 meters, the optimal length of the tile is 15-20 meters, which provides the necessary angle of attack for reliable engagement.
Do I need to lubricate the shaft of the electric motor if an anchor chain hit it?
If the chain touches a shaft or a lower unit, you need to immediately stop the motor, lift it up and thoroughly wash the contact area. The chain may have left scratches or abrasives. Lubrication is required only according to the engine maintenance regulations, but dirt cleaning is mandatory.
Will an anchor cat damage an inflatable boat in the wind?
In high winds, a folding cat can dangle and damage the balloon. It is recommended to use an anchor case or choose an anchor without sharp protruding parts (for example, Danforth is assembled), or securely fix the anchor in a special trunk.