Choosing a power unit for a small vessel is always a search for a balance between power, weight and environmental friendliness. In recent years, the boating market has seen a steady trend towards electrification, and the brand has been a part of the market. Greenworks And they've become a leader in this field, and their products are not just for avid fishermen, but also for recreational owners looking for quiet, maintenance-free solutions.
Electrical. boat-engine The company's newest device is designed to replace the traditional gasoline two-stroke units at short distances. The lack of exhaust gases, minimal noise and vibration levels make it the perfect choice for hunting cautious fish or quiet walks. Unlike the ICE, there is no need to mix fuel or worry about replacing candles.
However, before buying a potential owner will be faced with many questions regarding the range, battery life and compatibility with different types of boats. In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical details, consider the real performance indicators and give recommendations for operation so you can make an informed decision.
Technical specifications and model device
Structurally electric traction motor Greenworks It's actually a data-devute that's attached to the squirrel of the boat, and the main working part is a propeller that's driven by a DC motor, and it's usually made of composite materials that are resistant to corrosion and mechanical damage, and this is critical because it's in constant contact with aggressive aqueous environments.
The key to determining the power of the unit is the thrust force measured in pounds (lbs), as well as the power consumption in Watts. For example, the popular 55 lbs model consumes about 1,200 watts of power. Speed control is carried out through a telescopic handle-rump that allows not only to adjust the speed but also to change the angle of inclination of the day-woot.
An important feature of the design is the presence of a propeller protection system, and when you hit an underwater obstacle or a shoal, a mechanism is triggered to prevent the gear from breaking. charge-indicator on the handle, which in real time shows the capacity of the battery, which allows you to plan the route.
Features of the gearbox
Inside the datawoot is a gear gear gearbox that transmits torque to the propeller shaft, and it's lubricated with a special lubricant that doesn't require frequent replacement, but the condition of the ossils is still necessary.
Advantages of electric traction over gasoline analogues
The power transition has some undeniable benefits that are particularly noticeable in long-term use: first, there are no emissions, you don't breathe gasoline vapors or pollute the water, which is especially true for protected areas and areas with limited access to the ICE.
Second, comfort, the electric motor is almost silent, and it allows you to hear the splash of fish, talk to your partner without raising your voice, and enjoy the silence of nature, and the vibrations that tire you very quickly with gasoline engines are completely absent.
- 🔋 Economics: The cost of one kilowatt-hour of electricity is much lower than the cost of a liter of gasoline, which reduces the cost of operation at times.
- 🛠️ Ease of maintenance: no need to change oil, filters, spark plugs and belts of the GRM.
- ❄️ All-season: The electric motor is easy to start at any temperature, unlike gasoline analogues, which can be capricious in the cold.
In addition, the weight of the electric unit is often less than that of a gasoline-powered similar power, making it easier to transport and load a boat, which is especially important for owners of inflatable PVC boats, where every kilogram counts.
The main advantage is the absence of consumable liquids (oil, gasoline), which makes operation cleaner and easier.
Compatibility with batteries and operating time
The heart of any electrical system is the battery. Greenworks These are usually designed for 12, 24 or 36 volts. Deep Cycle batteries are most often used to power the battery, which differ from the starter car batteries with the ability to give off energy for a long time in low currents.
The operating time depends on the battery capacity (measured in Ampere hours, A·h) and the chosen speed of rotation of the screw. At maximum traction discharge occurs much faster than in economical modes. Therefore, for a full-time fishing for the whole day, it is recommended to have a spare battery or choose a high-capacity battery.
| Capacity of the battery (Ah) | Speed (max) | Speed (average) | Speed (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 Ahh | ~45 minutes | ~1.5 hours | ~3.5 hours |
| 100 Ahh | ~1.5 hours | ~3 hours | ~6 hours |
| 150 Ahh | ~2.5 hours | ~4.5 hours | ~9 hours |
| 200 Ah | ~3.5 hours | ~6 hours | ~12 hours |
To charge the batteries, you need to use specialized chargers that have a desulfation mode and automatic shutdown. Using inappropriate chargers can cause an expensive battery to fail.
Installation and configuration instructions
Mounting the motor on the transom of the boat does not require special skills, but must be carried out strictly according to instructions. First, you need to loosen the clamp screws and install the bracket on the top edge of the transom, it is important to make sure that the surface of the transom is smooth and clean to ensure a reliable press.
Then, the lower unit is lowered into the water. The depth of the dive is adjusted so that the screw is below the keel line, but not too deep so as not to create unnecessary resistance. The optimal depth is when the top edge of the screw is 15-20 cm below the surface of the water with the engine running.
☑️ Check before the first launch
The electrical part is connected through the quick-removal terminals that come with the kit. You must observe the polarity: red wire to plus, black to minus. After connecting, check the charge indicator and smoothness of the pump.
⚠️ Attention: Never turn on the motor unless the propeller is submerged in water. Dry work, even for a few seconds, can cause windings to overheat and the osteoils to collapse.
Operation under different conditions
Electric motors are great in calm waters, lakes, ponds and quiet rivers, but when going out into large water or in high winds, their ability is limited by energy reserves, and in such conditions, it is recommended to use an economical mode, alternating it with short periods of acceleration.
Winter fishing is also possible, but requires a special approach to batteries. In the cold, the capacity of lead-acid batteries drops, so it is better to keep them warm until the last moment.LiFePO4) tolerate low temperatures much better and maintain a stable current return.
When you're going against the current or the wind, your energy consumption increases dramatically. electric motor Plan your route with possible obstacles and wind strength, always leaving 20-30% charge to return.
To increase the range, use propellers with a large pitch only in deep water, and in shallow water switch to screws with a smaller diameter to reduce the load on the engine.
Maintenance and storage
Despite the simplicity of the design, the electric motor still requires maintenance. After each landing, you need to wash the lower unit with fresh water to wash away the salt, sand and mud. Pay special attention to the areas around the operating shaft where fishing line or algae can be wound.
Periodically, the battery terminals should be checked for oxidation, cleaning the contacts provides better current and prevents heating of the connections, and it is also recommended to lubricate the moving parts of the tilt mechanism with a special lubricant that is resistant to washing with water.
The motor is stored in a dry room, the battery must be disconnected and recharged if long-term storage is planned (more than a month), regular recharging prevents sulphation of the plates and prolongs the battery life.
⚠️ Attention: Do not keep the motor upside down for a long time, as this can lead to lubrication leaking from the gearbox through the glands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can this motor be used in salt water?
Yes, most models. Greenworks They have corrosion protection, but after use in seawater, thorough flushing with fresh water is required, and ignoring this rule will lead to rapid destruction of metal parts.
Which battery is better to choose: AGM or Lithium?
Lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are lighter, have more cycle life and are more stable, but they are more expensive. AGM batteries are a proven classic, they are cheaper but heavier and fear a deep discharge below 50%.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor?
According to the current rules of GIMS in Russia, small vessels weighing up to 200 kg and engine power up to 8 kW (about 10 hp) are not subject to registration. Greenworks considerably weaker than this threshold, registration is not usually required unless the total weight of the boat with the engine and gear exceeds the limit.
What happens if the engine stops developing full power?
First, check the battery power -- when the voltage drops, the power drops, check the screw for coiled algae or line that creates resistance, and if there are no mechanical obstacles, check the terminal contacts.