Modern navigation and fishing require not only accurate maps and sonars, but also the ability to securely fix the boat at the right point. Mechanical anchor, although a classic, often does not provide the positioning accuracy required for fishing on a track or for underwater work. anchor A device that turns your boat into a stationary platform regardless of wind or current.
Unlike traditional solutions, the electric system allows you to control the etching depth and retention force remotely without getting your hands dirty or losing gear, which is especially true for owners of PVC inflatable boats and small boats, where every extra kilogram of weight and every extra movement on board matters, and the integration of such a system greatly improves comfort and safety.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the principle of operation of motorized braspiles, consider the criteria for choosing traction force and compare popular models, you will learn how to correctly calculate the required power for your vessel and what nuances of installation exist for different types of hulls.
The principle of operation and advantages of motorized braspiles
The basis of any system anchor So, this is a winch, or braspile, that has an electric motor. Unlike handhelds, where the force is created by the muscles of a person, the motor that is powered by the onboard battery takes over the work, and it's controlled through the remote control, the button on the tiller, or even through the control. smartphone Bluetooth, which allows one person to easily control the anchor.
A key element of the design is a gearbox that converts high engine speeds into a powerful traction force on the drum. Modern models are equipped with automatic locking systems that prevent the cable from reversing under load, which is critical when the boat hits a high current or gusty wind.
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⚠️ Warning: When using an electronic anchor, always have a mechanical stopper or the ability to manually unlock the mechanism in case of a full battery discharge or electronics failure.
The main advantage of this system is that you can precisely control the length of the released anchor faline, so you can anchor it exactly to the depth required for a particular bottom relief without fear of it getting stuck in the driftwood or dragging it along the surface. anchor-winch It is an indispensable tool for professional fishing.
Selection criteria: traction, voltage and type of anchor
Choosing the right model isn't just about buying the most expensive device on the shelf. The first and most important thing is that you buy the most expensive device on the shelf. tractionIt should be larger than your anchor weight and take into account the water and wind resistance acting on the hull of the boat. Inflatable boats usually require 10-15 kg, whereas metal boats require a more powerful system.
The second important aspect is the supply voltage. Most small boat models run on a 12 volt network, which is standard onboard. However, high-powered winches installed on boats may require 24 volts. Using the device with the wrong voltage will either overheat the engine or lead to insufficient power.
- 🎣 Shell material: Aluminum alloys with anode coating are best suited for fresh water, whereas for the sea, 316 grade stainless steel is needed.
- ⚓ Type of anchor: For electronic systems, anchors such as Denfort or Plow are best suited, which quickly burrow into the ground and have minimal resistance when lifting.
- 🔋 Current consumption: Powerful models can consume up to 50-70 Amps at the time of the break, which requires the installation of appropriate fuses and thick power cables.
Also worth paying attention to is the speed of lifting the anchor. Fast winches allow you to react quickly to changing conditions, but create a lot of stress on the battery. Slow and traction models are more economical, but the lifting process can take longer.
Comparative analysis of popular models
The market offers a variety of solutions, from low-end Chinese to professional marine systems, so to avoid confusion about the specifications, consider a comparison table of popular devices available for installation on small craft, which will help to form an objective opinion before buying.
| Model | Traction (kg) | Voltage (B) | Speed (m/min) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minn Kota DeckHand 40 | 18 | 12 | 18 | 6.8 |
| Quick Anchor Windlass | 25 | 12/24 | 22 | 9.5 |
| Seachoice 12V | 13 | 12 | 15 | 5.2 |
| Lewmar V1G | 30 | 12 | 25 | 11.0 |
Model Minn Kota DeckHand 40 PVC boat owners often choose PVC because of the compact form factor and the ability to be mounted directly on a transom or bow platform without complex installation. Lewmar V1G They require reinforced mounting and are often mounted on the rigid hull of boats, where maximum reliability is important.
You also need to consider additional features, such as wireless control or integration with mapplotters. Some advanced systems allow you to set an anchor point on the map, and the electronics themselves hold the boat within that radius, tampering with or anchoring as the boat is demolished.
Technical requirements for installation on PVC boats
Mounting an electronic anchor on an inflatable vessel has its own specifications related to the flexibility of cylinders and the absence of rigid metal forehead. The main task is to ensure that the winch is rigidly fixed so that it does not shatter from vibration and damage the material of the cylinder.
The anchoring must be done through reinforcing elements. If the platform is only attached to an inflated cylinder, under the load of the anchor it can move or even tear out a piece of fabric. It must use rigid connections between the bow and aft parts of the boat or rely on a hard bottom (floorboards).
☑️ Pre-installing check
The important thing is to seal all the entry points of the fastener, and the water that gets inside the balloon through a micropuncture can lead to corrosion of the valves or mold formation inside the chamber, and use high-quality polyurethane-based sealants that retain elasticity after drying.
⚠️ Warning: Never drill holes in inflatable tubes directly! All attachments must be on rigid linings or platforms distributed over the contact area.
Placing the battery also requires attention. Because the winch consumes significant current, it is better to place the battery as close to the winch engine as possible to minimize the voltage drop in the wires. However, we must not forget about the balance of the boat: a heavy battery on the bow itself can cause the boat to bury in the wave.
Connection scheme and electrical safety
Proper connection is the key to long service anchorThe main enemy of such systems is the drop in voltage and overheating of contacts. To connect, you need to use copper wires with a cross section of at least 6 mm2 (for low power) or 10-16 mm2 (for high power winches), aluminum wires are strictly prohibited because of their high resistance and oxidation.
The power supply chain must include a fuse or circuit breaker designed for current exceeding the maximum operating current of the engine by 10-15%, this will protect the wiring from fire in the event of jamming of the mechanism or short circuit, the fuse should be installed as close as possible to the power source (battery).
Schema: [Battery +] --> [Fuse] --> [Button/Relay] --> [Swan +]
[Battery] -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All joints must be carefully insulated and protected from water. Use adhesive shrink tubes or special sea terminals. Open twists are unacceptable, because in high humidity they will quickly oxidize, which will lead to heating and loss of power.
Use a spray dielectric to treat all contacts after installation – this will create a protective film and prevent oxidation in salt water.
For ease of control, you can install an additional voltmeter in the power chain of the winch. A sharp drop in voltage during operation can signal a battery discharge or a problem in the wiring, which will allow you to take action in time and not stay on the water without the ability to raise the anchor.
System operation and maintenance
Even the most reliable technique requires maintenance. After each release, especially in salty environments, the winch mechanism should be rinsed with fresh water. Salt, settling on parts, breaks down the metal and can jam the moving parts of the gearbox. Regular washing will extend the life of the device several times.
Periodically, check the condition of the anchor cable or chain, they should not be broken, rust or damaged links. If you use synthetic cable, be careful not to "shatter" and rubbed areas. Damaged cable can break at the wrong time, and you lose anchor along with an expensive device.
- 🔧 Lubricant: Once a season, disassemble the gearbox (if the design allows) and change the lubricant to frost-resistant and water-resistant, for example, high-quality lithium lubricant.
- 🔋 Battery: Don't keep the battery empty. After the season, be sure to put it on a conservation charge.
- ⚙️ Tooth gear: Check the wear of the gears. Metal grinding indicates a lack of lubrication or wear.
So, you have to pay special attention to off-season storage, and it has to be completely dried and stored in a warm, dry room, and humidity is the main enemy of electrics, and if the winch is removable, it's better to bring it home than to leave it in a damp garage or barn.
What to do if the winch stops pulling?
If the winch is buzzing but not pulling, check the voltage at the engine terminals. If it is normal, it may slip the friction or the gears of the gear gears have worn out, in which case it requires disassembly and defective mechanical part.>
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can an electronic anchor device be used as a winch to lift a load?
Technically possible, but not recommended by manufacturers, winches are designed for vertical loads and specific operation mode, using them to lift heavy loads to shore can lead to overheating of the engine and breakage of the gearbox, which will deprive you of warranty.
How long does a winch last from a single battery?
The operating time depends on the battery capacity and frequency of use. In constant rotation mode, the engine consumes about 20-40 Amps. A 100 A/h battery will last about 2-3 hours of continuous operation, but in practice the anchor is raised and lowered briefly, so the charge is enough for the whole day of active fishing.
Do I need a special anchor for an electric winch?
A special anchor is not necessary, but desirable. The main requirement is that it should be easily and quickly separated from the ground when vertically lifted. Cat anchors with long horns can get stuck, putting critical stress on the engine.
Are electronics afraid of water?
Most current models have IP67 or IP68 protection, which means protection against short-term immersion, but prolonged exposure to water or high pressure jets of washing can interfere with the sealability of the ossels.