Manually operating a heavy outboard motor is not only physically demanding, it is also a risk of damaging the trawler of a boat or getting a back injury. With the power of engines, even compact four-strokes weighing 30-40 kg, the need to mechanize the lifting process becomes apparent to every hydraulic motorist. electric lift (winch) becomes one of the most popular elements of tuning for owners of inflatable PVC boats and light boats.
The modern market offers many solutions, from simple Chinese winches to complex hydraulic systems. electric motor For lifting, it's not just a lifting mechanism, it's a complex engineering device that requires proper integration into the design of the vessel. In this article, we'll look at all the nuances of choosing, installing and maintaining such systems to ensure that your operation of the equipment is safe and comfortable.
The introduction of automation allows one person to easily cope with a task that previously required the help of a partner. For most inflatable boats, the optimal solution is an electric winch with a carrying capacity of 40 to 80 kg.This is a solution that covers the needs of 90% of outdoor water enthusiasts, so let's look at how to choose the perfect option for your boat.
Why Automation of the Motor Raising is Necessary
The main reason for installing the winch is the health of the owner and the safety of the property. The constant lifting of the heavy unit creates a tremendous strain on the spine, especially if it is older people or people with disabilities. electric-power Removes this problem completely, turning the hard work into a light push of a button.
In addition, the risk of transom damage should be considered: In manual installation, an inexperienced user may carelessly fly the engine, leaving dents on inflatable tubes or damage the transom plate. lift provides strictly vertical movement of the cargo, excluding distortions and impacts on the side.
And you also have to keep in mind the safety of the water, and if you have to pull the motor out of the water in case of extreme excitement or on a slippery dock, the electric drive greatly reduces the risk of falling overboard with the engine. chunkwhere the leverage on the hands is maximum.
- ⚡ Reduced physical load on the back and hands of the operator
- 🛡️ Protection of the boat transom from mechanical damage during installation
- ⚓ Safety when lifting the engine in pitching conditions or on a slippery surface
- 🔋 The ability to use one person without the involvement of assistants
It's important to understand that a winch is not a toy, it's a serious machine, and its reliability has a direct impact on safety. gearbox and electronic control is absolutely not worth it, since the failure of the device at a critical moment can lead to the fall of the motor into the water.
Criteria for choosing the right winch
When choosing equipment to lift the engine, you need to focus on several key parameters. The first and most important is the load capacity. It must exceed the weight of your motor by at least 20-30%. electric-motor.
The second critical parameter is the speed of lifting. A winch that is too slow can be annoying if you often have to take the motor out (for example, when you switch from deep water to shallow water). The optimal speed is considered to be a range of 3-5 meters per minute. Faster models can consume excess current, which requires increased power. wiring and powerful batteries.
Power type is also important. Most models run on a 12-volt onboard network, but there are more powerful 24-volt options. Make sure your battery is able to deliver the required initiation current. For lead-acid batteries, this is less critical, but it's not as critical. lithium batteries They can be protected by a sharp jump in consumption.
⚠️ Attention: Never choose a winch with a payload capacity "adjacent" to the weight of the engine. Power reserve is necessary to prevent overheating of the windings and wear of gears of the gear gear gear gear.
And you also need to pay attention to the Protection rating of the hull, because it's in the stern of the boat, it's constantly exposed to splashes, salt water and ultraviolet light. IP67 or higher is a requirement for long-term service of the mechanism.
Design features and types of drives
There are two main types of drives used in boat winches: worm and planetary. The worm gearbox is simple and self-braking, which eliminates the reverse scrolling of the drum when the power is turned off. However, it has a significant disadvantage - lower efficiency and rapid heating during long-term operation.
Planetary gearboxes are smaller, lighter, and more efficient. They allow less powerful motors to lift the same loads. But they require a robust electromagnetic brake to be installed, because without them, the motor can go down into the water spontaneously, and the choice between them depends on your priorities: reliability of braking or the safety of braking. compactness design.
Comparison of gearboxes
Worm vs Planetary: The worm gearbox is self-locking, which is safer but warms. Planetary is lighter and faster, but requires the perfect brake. For beginners, a worm mechanism is better.
The materials of the case also vary. anodic-coated aluminum alloys are most popular due to their lightness and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is used less frequently because of weight, but provides maximum strength. Plastic elements are only permissible in unloaded units, such as in casings. remote.
The control system deserves special attention. The simplest variants have one up/down button attached to the body; more advanced models are equipped with remote remote control cables or even wireless systems. For a single angler, the remote control is a must-have option that allows you to control the process while in the optimal position.
Preparation for installation and necessary tools
The installation of the electric lift requires careful preparation. Before starting to drill the transom, you need to make sure that the selected place will withstand not only the static weight of the engine, but also dynamic jerks at the start of the winch. Strengthening the transmolatory plate with plywood or metal linings is often a necessary step.
You'll need a standard set of tools to work with: a drill or screwdriver, a set of metal and wood drills, keys, insulation tape and shrinkage. Pay special attention to the preparation of the wires. The cable section should match the current consumption of the winch to avoid voltage drops and heating.
☑️ Preparation for the installation of the winch
And it's also important to think about routing wires, so they don't rub against moving parts, they don't rub against sharp edges, they don't get in places where they might step on their feet, and using corrugated tubes and plastic clamps will help organize the process. wiring It's safe and secure.
Before the final assembly, it is recommended to perform a "dry" fitting, install the winch without drilling, hang a load close to the weight of the engine, and check the mechanism, which will identify possible design conflicts or shortcomings of the selected installation site.
Step-by-step instructions for installation of the system
The installation process begins with the mounting holes, the winch should be located strictly in the center of the transom, or symmetrically relative to the diametrical plane of the boat, so that when lifting the engine does not sway. Use the building level or plumb for accurate positioning.
After drilling holes be sure to treat the slices with anti-corrosion composition, especially if the transom is made of plywood or aluminum. fasteners should be used from stainless steel, be sure to use washers and growers to prevent spontaneous unwinding from vibration.
| Work phase | Action. | Important nuances |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Markings | Application of drilling points | Check symmetry with respect to the keel |
| 2. Drilling | Creating holes under the fasteners | Use a smaller diameter drill for a pilot hole |
| 3. Processing | Sealing of sections | Use silicone or epoxy glue |
| 4. | Installation of bolts and nuts | Tighten evenly cross-cross |
| 5. Electricians. | Power connection | You need to install a safety lock at the AKB |
Connecting the electrical part requires the safety lock to be installed directly at the battery, a critical safety feature that protects the boat from fire in the event of a short circuit, and the safety value is selected according to the winch instructions, usually 30-50 Amps for 12-volt systems.
Use copper tips to connect the cable to the battery terminals – this will ensure reliable contact and prevent sparking under high load.
After you've mechanically installed and connected the wires, test the unloaded and then loaded end switches, check the end switches (if any), smoothness and no extraneous noise. If everything is working correctly, you can start installing the switch. boat-engine.
Operation and maintenance
The longevity of the power lift is directly dependent on the quality of service. After each release, especially in salt water, the mechanism must be rinsed with fresh water. bearing and electrical contacts.
Check the condition of the cable or chain regularly, without any bruises, rust or loose veins, lubricating the moving parts of the gearbox according to manufacturer's regulations, usually once a season or after 50 hours of operation, and using only the recommended types of water-resistant lubricants.
⚠️ Attention: Keep the winch from running after reaching the top point, which can cause the engine to burn out or the cable to break, and always monitor the process visually.
The battery also requires attention. Deep discharge when running the winch is harmful to lead batteries. Try not to drop the battery below 80% of capacity if you want it to last a long time. For lithium batteries, the presence of a BMS (Battery Management System) is a prerequisite for safe operation.
Before long-term storage in winter, it is recommended to remove the winch, clean it of dirt and grease it with conservation grease. It is better to store the device in a dry room at room temperature, previously disconnecting the battery terminals.
Regular maintenance and rinsing with fresh water increase the life of the winch by 2-3 times, preventing corrosion and jamming of mechanisms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install an electric lift on a boat with an inflatable transcreant?
Yes, it is possible, but it requires an additional rigid frame or reinforcement of the transom board. Inflatable elements alone will not withstand the weight of the mechanism and the motor.
How much energy does the winch consume when lifting?
The average consumption is 30-60 Amps, depending on the weight of the load and the gearbox model. For short-term operation (2-3 minutes on lift), a standard 100 AH battery is quite enough, but the battery must be well charged.
What to do if the battery is dead and the motor needs to be removed immediately?
Most high-quality winches have a manual brake unlocking mechanism, which allows you to lower the motor manually in emergency mode, and you can quickly connect the external battery in parallel with the main one to complete the operation.
Do I need to remove the engine from the winch when transporting a boat?
When transported over long distances or on bad roads, it is better to remove the engine to eliminate vibration loads on the winch fastener and transom. hydraulic folding mechanism (if any) or in a folded position, you can leave, but securely fix.
Which cable is better: steel or synthetic?
Synthetic rope (Dainima) is safer for the hands, does not rust and is lighter. Steel cable is stronger to abrasion against metal, but is susceptible to corrosion. For boat winches, synthetic is preferable because of the lack of risk of cutting the hands and less weight, which reduces the load on the winch engine.