Switching from a gasoline engine to an electric motor, or putting an electric motor first into an inflatable boat, is a step that requires careful preparation. PVC They have their own design features, especially if you're talking about a hinged transom. Incorrectly selected power or type of lower unit can lead not only to discomfort during fishing, but also to damage to the cylinders or the transom itself.
The modern market offers many solutions, from compact models for small bodies of water to powerful units that can lead the vessel to planing. However, the key factor is not only the force of thrust, but also the way the engine is integrated into the design of an inflatable vessel. You need to consider the weight of the battery, the length of the lower unit and the way of attachment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
In this article, we will discuss all the technical details that beginners often miss. We will discuss the calculation of the necessary thrust, types of mounts and the specifics of installation on transboards, which are the standard for many models of PVC boats.
Calculation of the required traction and power
The first thing that begins competent selection of equipment is the determination of the required thrust force. Plunge It's measured in pounds (lbs) and depends on the displacement of your boat, along with the crew and equipment. There is a common misconception that a lightweight inflatable boat is enough minimum power, but wind and current can significantly increase the load on the engine.
For the calculation, use a simple rule: for every 500 kg of total weight, it takes about 30-40 pounds of thrust to move comfortably into calm. If you plan to walk against the current or encounter frequent wind, this ratio should be increased. maximum speed on the electric motor is achieved not by the power reserve, but by the correspondence of the screw and engine speeds.
It is also important to consider that the hinged transom creates additional sailing and vibration, which can reduce the efficiency of the screw. So it is always better to take a motor with a small margin of thrust, so as not to operate it to the limit, which will prolong the life of the screw. battery.
- 🔋 For boats up to 3 meters long and with a total weight of up to 400 kg, the optimal thrust is 30-34 lbs.
- ⚓ For boats 3-4 meters with a full load (up to 700 kg), thrust 40-55 lbs is recommended.
- 🌊 If you often walk around reservoirs with chop, choose a motor with a thrust reserve of + 20% of the estimated.
The weight of the motor and battery is not to be forgotten: lightweight models up to 7 kg are easy to carry, but may not be able to handle a heavy boat in lateral winds. Heavy units are more reliable, but will require stronger mounting.
Types of lower units and Their Influence on Installation
The design of the lower part of the motor, or lower unitThere are two main types: classic (with a screw at the end of a long leg) and concentric (where the screw is in a ring nozzle). For hinged transponders, the second option is often preferred because of its compactness and security.
Classical lower unit requires greater depth of immersion to avoid the propeller's capture of air, which can be problematic in shallow water or when boats roll. Haswing Osapian or analogues, have a shorter leg and are protected from overgrown grass, which is important for overgrown backwaters.
⚠️ Warning: When installing a classic lower unit motor on a hinged transom, make sure that when fully immersed, the screw does not touch the bottom or bottom sediments, as vibration from the impact can damage the adhesive seams of the boat.
The length of the lower unit should be adjusted so that the screw is immersed in water 15-20 cm below the surface. Too high will lead to cavitation and loss of thrust, and too low will lead to increased water resistance. For PVC boats with their low landing, short lower unit models (about 60 cm) are often suitable, but this depends on the height of the transom.
If you use an inflatable floor boat (BBB), make sure that the lower unit in the raised position does not touch the cylinders, otherwise the motor may damage the material when rolling.
Specificity of the hinged transom for an electric motor
A tress board is the most common way to install the motor on PVC boats that do not have a built-in rigid transom, a plywood or composite plate that is attached to cylinders with slings or inserted into special pockets, and for an electric motor, this design has its own specifications.
The main problem with the hinged transcent is its mobility and limited load-bearing capacity compared to the rigid glued transcent. LiFePO4 The batteries can be heavy, and the center of gravity shifts back, and this requires careful balancing of the boat.
The motor should be as rigid as possible. The use of standard rods, complete with the motor, on a soft board of a transom, is unacceptable - they can turn or damage the tree. It is recommended to use additional rubber gaskets or special adapters to distribute pressure.
| Type of transom | Max. load (kg) | Compatibility | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pluted (fixed) | 150 | All types of motors | Minimum |
| The hinged (slings) | 40 | Lightweight electric motors | Shifting of the centre of gravity |
| A hinged (pocket) | 60 | Medium electric motors | Pockets ripped at jerk |
| transom-platform | 80 | Heavy models | Sailing of the design |
Safe operation of the hinged transom is possible only if the weight of the motor and battery does not exceed 25% of the carrying capacity of the boat.
It is also worth considering that when moving on electric traction, vibration is transmitted to the transom differently than from the internal combustion engine. The absence of high-frequency oscillations is a plus, but a constant static load can deform the thin plywood of the transom board over time.
Mounting systems and adapters
The choice of how to attach the motor to the transom is a safety issue. Standard rods often have sharp edges or insufficient pressing area for soft surfaces. adapter Or reinforced brackets.
Many anglers use the "through" method if the transom design permits, but inflatable boats this is rarely the case, most often the trade-off between the reliability of the clamping and the safety of the transom board is the case.
- 🛠 Use rods with plastic or rubber linings on sponges.
- 🔩 Check the bolt tightening regularly, as vibration on the water weakens the connections.
- 🚫 Avoid attaching the motor only to the top of the transom board without support from the bottom.
There are also removable platforms that are attached to the sides of the boat and carried out behind the stern, which are more stable, but more difficult to install and require more space in assembled form, and for frequent use this option may be justified.
⚠️ Warning: Never rely on just one mounting point. If the thrub blows off at full speed, the engine can fall into the water and the boat can get punctured with a screw.
☑️ Checking engine anchorages
Power and placement of the battery
Electric motors don't make sense without a reliable power source. For PVC boats, battery choice is the balance between capacity, weight and dimensions. Lead acid batteries (e.g., battery packs).AGM, GEL) cheaper but considerably heavier than lithium counterparts.
Placing the battery on a trench boat is critical for balancing, and because the motor is already hanging at the stern, it's better to have the battery closer to the center of the boat, or even in the bow, by connecting it to the motor with elongated wires, which will prevent stern different and increase stability.
Use special sealed boxes for batteries. Water on the terminals or battery housing can short circuit or failure of the electronics of the motor. In addition, the sealed box serves as an additional protection against mechanical damage.
How to extend the life of the battery?
Always charge your battery immediately after fishing, even if it is not fully discharged. Do not keep LiFePO4 batteries completely discharged in winter - the optimal charge level for storing 60-70%.
To connect, use copper wires with a cross section of at least 4-6 mm2 (depending on the length and current of consumption). Thin wires will warm up, and the motor will not give out the declared power due to the drop in voltage.
Exploitation and typical errors
Even a properly fitted engine requires proper handling, and one of the major mistakes is that the engine is in the air when inspected on land or when pulling a boat, which leads to overheating and rapid wear of the brushes or windings.
Also, PVC boat owners often ignore the condition of the propeller. Hitting a rock or a driftwood at high speed can split the blades of the plastic propeller, causing a strong vibration, and vibration, in turn, is destructive to the inflatable transom and fasteners.
Don't forget to use seasonal maintenance. After each trip in salt water, the engine must be washed with fresh water, and the grease of the moving parts must be made only with special compounds that are safe for rubber and plastic, so as not to damage the elements of the boat in accidental contact.
- 💧 Always rinse the motor with fresh water after use in a salty pond.
- 🔍 Examine the screw for chips and coiled grass before each launch.
- 🔋 Control the voltage on the battery with a voltmeter built into the motor or a separate one.
Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to enjoy a quiet and eco-friendly fishing for many years without worrying about the technical condition of your boat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use an electric motor to go to plane on a PVC boat?
Theoretically, powerful engines (from 80-100 lbs of thrust) can bring a lightweight PVC boat to plane. However, the hinged transom and soft bottom create high resistance, making this mode extremely inefficient and quickly land the battery.
Which battery is better to choose: AGM or Lithium?
Lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are lighter, more compact and last 3-4 times longer than lead batteries. However, they are more expensive and require protection from deep discharge at low temperatures. AGM is cheaper and easier to operate, but much heavier, which is critical for balancing a boat.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor in GIMS?
Registration is required if the boat weighs more than 200 kg OR the engine power is more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). Most electric motors have a power of up to 1-2 kW, so in conjunction with a light PVC boat they often do not require registration, but the total weight of the curb boat can exceed the limit.
How to store electric motor in winter?
The motor must be cleaned of dirt, lubricated moving parts, disconnected wires and stored in a dry room at plus temperature. The battery is stored separately, charged by about 60-70%, with periodic recharging every 2-3 months.