Choosing the right way to get around on the water is often a crucial factor in comfort while fishing or relaxing. boat-built It's becoming an ideal alternative to bulky gasoline units, and it allows you to travel long distances quietly and environmentally friendly without scaring fish or disturbing the natural silence.
Unlike traditional outboard motors, electric analogues do not require complex maintenance, fueling and mixing oils. Trolling engine It's easy to operate and can be mounted on almost any PVC inflatable boat or small rigid lifeboat, and owners value it for its lightness, compactness and ability to use in places where there are strict noise or emissions restrictions.
The modern market offers many models with different thrust specifications and autonomy. In order not to get confused in technical parameters and choose a truly reliable device, you need to understand the key features of the design. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the best option for your vessel.
Advantages of electric traction over gasoline analogues
The main argument in favor of switching to electricity is absolute. eco-friendliness The absence of exhaust gases allows the use of such engines in closed water bodies, protected areas and recreation centers, where air purity is high, and vibrations from the electric motor are minimal, which reduces operator fatigue.
The second big factor is cost efficiency, one hour of electricity costs incomparably less than gasoline, and even if you take the cost of charging the battery into account, the total amount will be many times less. Maintenance It also does not require regular replacement of candles, filters or oil in the gearbox, which significantly reduces operating costs.
But you also have to consider the limitations of battery capacity, and if you can refuel a gasoline engine in a few minutes and go further, the electric motor requires access to the grid to recover the charge. Day fishing is usually enough, but for multi-day autonomous expeditions you need a spare battery or a portable solar panel.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use car starter batteries to power the motor. They are not designed for long-term current return and can quickly fail, leaving you without moving in the middle of the reservoir.
To understand the real advantages, it is worth considering a comparative table of specifications:
| Parameter | Gasoline engine (2-4 hp) | Electric motor (thrust 30-50 lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight. | 12-15 kg | 6-9 kg |
| Noise at work | Highly | Minimum |
| Vibration. | Notable. | Missing. |
| Launch | Manual starter | Instant (knob turning) |
| Cost of an hour's work | High. | Low. |
Key specifications: traction, voltage and screw
When choosing a device, first of all, pay attention to the parameter tractionThis is the force with which the propeller pushes water. For a light single PVC boat, 30 lbs is enough, whereas for a two- or three-seater boat with a load on board, 40-50 lbs is required. Exceeding the recommended thrust can lead to overloading of the transom of the inflatable side.
The voltage of the power system directly affects the battery life. Most common models operate on 12VThis allows for the use of standard car batteries, and more powerful models may require 24V or 36VIt's like the sequential connection of multiple batteries or the use of specialized lithium assemblies, and the higher the voltage, the higher the efficiency of the engine and the less energy loss in the wires.
The design of the screw is also important. For overgrown bodies of water, models with a high-speed propeller are better suited. grass-cutter Or a special form of blades to prevent algae from winding onto a shaft. Standard two-blade screws are effective on clean water, but quickly lose efficiency when fouled. Three-blade options provide smoother running and better handling at high speeds.
It is important to correctly calculate the required thrust based on the displacement of the boat. There is a rule of thumb: for every 50 kg of total weight (boat + engine + fisherman + tackle), approximately 10-12 lbs of thrust are required. If you plan to fish against the current or strong wind, the power reserve should be increased by 20-30%.
Types of fastening and engine control
The way you put the motor on the boat determines the ease of use. transom-holdingThe motor is mounted on a special bracket that is pressed against the transom of the boat with propellers, a versatile solution suitable for most PVC boats, but it requires a rigid transom.
For boats without transance or for those who want to free up the stern, there are models with fastening. nose-on The nose mount is often equipped with a telescopic tiller, which allows you to control the engine while standing in the bow of the boat, which gives you a great view and is convenient for trolling. Some models have a quick removal system that allows you to dismantle the engine in a few seconds.
Control can be done through a hummel (handle) or through a remote pedal. tiller models are smaller and cheaper, control is done by turning and tilting the handle.foot control) frees the fisherman's hands, allowing the spinning to be held at the same time, and the pedal is usually connected to the motor by cable and mounted on the boat floor.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
Battery: the choice and calculation of capacity
The heart of any electrical system is the battery, and for boat electric motors, the usual starter batteries used in cars are categorically not suitable.Deep Cycle), which can give off energy in low currents for a long time, the most popular technologies are GEL, AGM and LiFePO4.
Lead-acid batteries (GEL/AGM) are heavier and fear a deep discharge below 50%, but they are cheaper. Lithium-iron-phosphate (LI)LiFePO4) batteries are 2-3 times lighter, have a life of 2000+ cycles and can discharge to almost 0% without loss of capacity. However, their cost is much higher, and a special charger is required to charge.
The calculation of the operating time is made by the formula: Capacity (Ah) / Current consumption (A) = Time (h). For example, a battery of 100 Ah at a current consumption of 20 A (average speed) will last about 5 hours.
⚠️ Warning: Always keep a minimum of 30 percent battery capacity. Real capacity drops at low temperatures and battery age. Leave 20 percent charge back for contingency.
How to extend the life of the battery?
Do not store the battery in a fully discharged state. After each fishing, recharge it. In winter, store the battery in a warm room at +10..+20 °C, periodically checking the charge level (every 2-3 months).
Installation and preparation for the first launch
Installation of the electric oar requires no special skills, but requires care. First, you need to securely fasten the bracket on the transom. If the boat is inflatable, make sure that the screws do not damage the cylinders when rolled hard. Recommended installation height: the screw should be immersed in water 15-20 cm below the bottom of the boat to prevent cavitation and air capture.
The power connection is via a fuse, which is usually built into the cable or installed separately in the break of the plus wire, a critical safety element that protects the wiring from overheating and fire in the event of a short circuit.
Before launching, check the engine in a water tank (barrel or bucket), this will ensure that the propeller is rotated correctly and there is no extraneous noise, and check the cooling system (if it is water) and the tightness of the connections.
Lubricate the threaded bracket joints with lithium lubrication or WD-40 after each fishing trip, especially if you are using a boat on salt water, and this will prevent corrosion and jamming of the tilt adjustment mechanisms.
Operational rules and winter storage
The durability of the oar depends on care. After each operation in salt water, the device must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Mechanical parts, such as the telescopic bar and rotary mechanism, require periodic lubrication. The screw should be inspected for damage and winding fishing lines that can damage the oils.
Storage in the off-season requires special conditions: the motor must be cleaned, dried and retracted in a case. The battery is stored separately, charged by about 70-80%. Lithium batteries are less demanding, but lead can sulfate with prolonged downtime in a discharged state.
Remember to check the condition of the lower unit. If it's made of composite, check it for cracks. Metal diewoods can be subjected to electrochemical corrosion, especially in the contact areas of different metals. Using anode protection (zinc plates) will prolong the life of metal elements.
Regular cleaning and proper wintering of the battery is the guarantee that your electric motor will last 5-7 years without major repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use electric oars on or against the wind?
Yes, but the speed will be limited: electric motors are less fast (usually 5-7 km / h) than gasoline. On strong currents or storm winds, the boat can blow faster than it swims forward.
How many miles can you swim on a single charge?
The distance depends on the battery capacity and speed. On average, at 3-4 km / h (economic mode) with a 100 Ah battery, you can swim 15-20 km. At maximum speed, the distance will be reduced to 6-8 km.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor in GIMS?
In the Russian Federation, boats with electric motors up to 8 kW (approximately 10 hp) and a total weight of a vessel with an engine less than 200 kg are not subject to registration. Most electric jollyfish meet these standards, but it is always worth checking with the current rules of navigation.
Is the engine afraid of getting into the water?
The engine itself is sealed and designed to work in water, but the control unit and the battery are afraid of water. When you roll over a boat, it is important to remove the battery as quickly as possible and dry the contacts. Modern motors have protection by standard. IP67 Or higher.