Modern fishing or recreation on the water is unthinkable without the use of an anchor system that provides safety and comfort. Electro-anchor It is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the classic hand winches, especially for owners of PVC inflatable boats and small boats, which allows the craft to be fixed at the touch of a button, eliminating the need to soil hands and waste energy on hard work.
Installing such equipment dramatically changes the way we anchor, making the process fast and efficient even in high winds or currents. However, despite the ease of use, choosing the wrong model can damage the boatboard or fail the system at a critical moment. In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical details that will help you find the perfect option.
Principle of operation and main advantages of the system
At the heart of any electric anchor device is a compact electric motorThis mechanism drives a drum or a chain star, lifting and lowering the anchor, and unlike mechanical winches, there is no need for physical effort, which is especially valuable when working with heavy loads or long ropes.
The key element of the design is remoteIt can be wired or wireless, and modern models often have standard moisture protection. IP67They can withstand direct spray and short-term immersion, and the energy consumption of these devices varies depending on the power of the motor and the load on the spire.
⚠️ Attention: Using an electric anchor on boats less than 3 meters long can be redundant, as the weight of the device itself, along with the battery, can disrupt the balance of the craft.
Among the main advantages is the possibility of installation in the bow, which makes it easier to control the position of the boat during fishing, and an important factor is the speed of climbing, which is from 15 to 25 meters per minute for most models.
To save battery power, try not to hold the lift button after the anchor has already left the water - the excess operation of the motor in the air quickly discharges the battery.
Selection criteria for electric anchors for different types of boats
The choice of the right model depends on the displacement of your boat and operating conditions. tractionFor small inflatable boats up to 3.5 meters long, a model with a force of 10-15 kg is usually sufficient.
It's important to consider the type of bottom of the pond where you plan to fish most often, and if it's a silt bottom or a thicket of grass, the shape of the anchor cat will be less effective than the anchor type "Danforth" or "Hall." Some electric swabs have interchangeable drums for the use of the drums. anchor-lining or a chain.
- 🚤 Load capacity: Choose a device with a power reserve of at least 20% of the weight of the boat with the crew.
- 🔋 Food: Most models run from 12 volts, but there are 24 volt versions for boats.
- 🌊 Materials: The body must be made of anodized aluminum or high-strength plastic.
When buying, pay attention to the equipment: the presence of a remote control, mounts and instructions in Russian makes life much easier. Cheap Chinese counterparts often sin with weak gear gears of the gearbox, which can not withstand a jerk when the anchor is stuck.
Technical specifications of popular models
The market offers a wide range of devices, varying in power, material and additional functions. To avoid getting confused in the multitude models, it is worth comparing their main parameters in the table below.
| Model | Traction force (kg) | Rate of ascent (m/min) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min Kota 20 | 9 | 16 | 3.2 |
| Ranibo 40lbs | 18 | 20 | 4.5 |
| Waterman 600 | 27 | 24 | 5.1 |
| Seachoice 12V | 11 | 15 | 3.8 |
As can be seen from the data, more powerful models have more weight, which should be considered when placing a light inflatable boat in the nose. Speed of ascent It also plays a role if you change fishing spots frequently.
Necessary tools and preparation for installation
Installing an electric anchor requires careful preparation and a set of tools. You will need a drill with metal and plastic drills, a set of keys, screwdrivers, and a sealant for marine applications. Before starting work, make sure you have access to both sides of the transom or bow platform.
A critical step is the preparation batteryThe best way to power an electric motor is to use Deep Cycles, which can give off current for a long time without losing capacity, and a normal car starter battery will quickly fail at such a load.
- 🔧 Tools: screwdriver, cutters, wire-cleaning knife.
- ⚡ Electric: copper wire with a cross section of at least 4 mm2 to minimize voltage losses.
- 🛡️ Defense: It is mandatory to install a fuse in the break of the plus wire.
Check the integrity of all components before drilling holes. the absence of chips and cracks on plastic elements guarantees a long life of the device.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling a transmuner from PVC, be sure to use special pads-fives to distribute the load and avoid breaking through the fabric under the pressure of the fastener.
Step-by-step instructions for installing the device
The installation process begins with the choice of the anchorage location, which should be smooth and allow the anchor to fall freely into the water without touching the side, mark the holes under the fastening bolts using a template from the manual or trying on the base of the winch.
After drilling the holes, install fastening elements, be sure to use sealant To prevent water from entering the boat or tank, secure the base of the electric anchor with nuts, controlling the tightening force so that the material does not damage.
☑️ Checklist of installation
Next, electrically, put the battery wires to the control panel, connect the contacts as you want, polarize, and set the safety lock at a distance of no more than 20 cm from the battery terminal to protect the circuit.
After the assembly of the mechanical part and the connection of the electrician, conduct a test run. Lower and raise the anchor several times, checking the work. gearbox Make sure the anchor line is wound evenly.
Operational rules and safety measures
Proper use of an electric anchor prolongs its life and ensures your safety on the water. Never try to use a winch as a winch to pull a boat ashore - it is only designed for vertical work with the anchor.
When lowering the anchor, control the speed so that it does not hit the bottom with great force and damage the bottom relief or the anchor itself. If the anchor is stuck, do not turn the motor on at full power immediately - try to gently rock the boat or use pulse mode.
What if the anchor is jammed?
If the anchor is stuck, try to pass back or, conversely, to approach closer to the anchor point to change the angle of pulling. Turn on the motor in short series of 2-3 seconds, allowing it to cool. If this does not help, it is better to go down into the water (if depth and temperature allow) and release the anchor manually than burn the winding of the motor.
Check your condition regularly anchor-line The ground can cause the loss of anchor at the most inopportune moment, and after each fishing in salt water, the device must be washed with fresh water.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the electric anchor on in standby mode (if the remote is burning) for a long time unattended - this can lead to battery discharge and inability to start the engine.
Off-season maintenance and storage
To keep the device lasting, you need to properly prepare it for winter storage. After the season, remove the winch from the boat, thoroughly rinse with fresh water and dry. Pay special attention to the entry points of electrical contacts.
Grease the moving parts of the gearbox with a special lubricant that is resistant to water and low temperatures, which will prevent corrosion and jamming of the gears for next season, and store the device better in a warm dry room, removing the anchor from it.
- 🧼 Cleanup: Use a soft brush and soap solution to remove dirt.
- 🧴 Lubricant: Use lithium lubricants or special sprays for marine equipment.
- 🔋 Battery: The battery should also be charged and stored in a cool place.
Before your first spring fishing, make sure to do a full check of all systems. Lack of maintenance can reduce the life of an electric motor by half.
Regular lubrication of the gearbox and washing with fresh water after salt water is the key to the long operation of your electric anchor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use an electric anchor on the current?
Yes, but with limitations, the electric anchor is effective in moderation, if the flow rate is high, the anchor may not hold or the winch will run to the limit, which threatens to overheat.
Which battery is better to choose for power?
The best choice is a gel or AGM deep discharge battery with a capacity of 50 Ah. They better tolerate discharge cycles and have a low self-discharge when stored.
What to do if the battery is on water?
Most models have a manual unlock mode (usually you need to unscrew a special screw or switch the lever), allowing you to pull the anchor manually. Always carry a spare rope with you.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric anchor?
The electric anchor itself is not an engine giving the right to move, so it does not affect the need to register a boat with the GIMS. Registration depends on the length of the boat and the power of the main engine.