Choosing an electric traction engine is the first step to a quiet and comfortable fishing experience where you are not stunned by the roar of a petrol two-stroke. Many water-engines, tired of the smell of the mixture and the complex maintenance of the carburetor, are thinking about switching to eco-friendly traction. However, the market is oversaturated with models with different specifications, and it is easy for a beginner to get confused in the numbers of traction and voltage.
In this article, we will analyze all the technical nuances that will help you make an informed decision and not regret the money spent.
You will learn why horsepower power is not as important as traction power and how to calculate autonomy properly.
We will look at the design features of the different types of screws and control systems so that you can choose the perfect unit for your boat.
Key specifications: traction, voltage and lower unit
The first thing to pay attention to is tractionContrary to popular belief, this parameter is not equal to the maximum speed of the boat, but indicates the force that the motor can develop to move the vessel.
For light inflatable boats up to 3 meters long, a model with a thrust of 30-40 lbs is usually enough, while for heavy aluminum boats with two passengers, 55-70 lbs will be required.
The second critical parameter is stressMost compact models run at 12 volts, but powerful units (70 lbs and above) often require 24 or even 36 volts to reduce the current load on wires and batteries.
⚠️ Attention: Never connect a 12-volt motor to a 24V battery, which will cause the stator winding to burn instantly and the electronics to fail.
The third important element is length. lower unit It must be so arranged that the propeller is immersed 15 to 20 cm below the bottom of the boat, but not too deep to create unnecessary resistance.
If you plan to use the motor on an inflatable boat with low sides, you will need a short leg (about 60 cm), and for tall metal boats you will need an elongated version.
Types of screws and their effect on efficiency
The efficiency of the electric motor depends on the type of propeller installed. Standard two-blade models provide a balance between speed and traction, which is ideal for calm water.
Three-blade propellers, often found on more powerful models, create greater traction at low revs, which is useful when driving against wind or current, but can slightly reduce top speed.
There are also special high-point screwThey're designed for heavy boats, where speed is not important, but the ability to slowly and confidently pull a load.
- 🌀 Two-bladed: quieter working, less confused in algae, ideal for shallow water.
- 🌀 Three-bladed: It is better to row at full load, provide a smoother run.
- 🌀 Foldable: They are convenient for transportation, but may have a smaller resource due to hinge joints.
It is important to consider the material of the screw: plastic is lighter and cheaper, but when hitting a stone, they can crack, whereas composite or metal (rarely) withstand serious loads.
Control systems: rample, pedals or distance
The choice of control system determines not only comfort, but also fishing tactics. tiller control is a classic and most common option.
The tiller allows you to control the motor with one hand, changing the direction of the entire head of the engine, which is reliable and simple, but requires finding a fisherman at the transom.
For trolling or fishing from the bow of the boat (bow mount) are ideal. pedal-system They free up the hands to handle the gear and allow you to control the course with your feet.
The secret of long service of the tiller
The handle of the rompel often experiences torsion loads. Periodically lubricate the mechanism of turning the motor head with lithium lubrication to avoid backlashes and jamming.
Modern models are often equipped with the ability to install GPS anchorThis feature allows you to lock the boat at a point with an accuracy of a meter, automatically thrustering the motor against the wind and current.
Remote control via a smartphone or a separate remote is becoming the standard for the premium segment, allowing you to set the route and speed without physical contact with the roumpel.
Battery: The Heart of Your System
The most common mistake of beginners is to try to power the electric motor with a conventional starter battery from a car, which is designed for short-term returns of huge current, but deep discharge is disastrous for them.
Deep Cycles are used for boat electric motors, which can deliver power in low currents for long periods of time and can withstand hundreds of charge-discharge cycles.
| Type of AKB | Weight. | Duration of service (cycles) | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGM (Gel) | Heavy. | 300-500 | Medium |
| LiFePO4 (Lithium) | Light. | 2000+ | High. |
| Lead-acid | Very heavy. | 150-200 | Low. |
Lithium-iron-phosphate (LI)LiFePO4) Batteries are becoming increasingly popular due to their low weight and huge resource, and despite their high initial cost, their cost per cycle is lower than that of lead-based counterparts.
When choosing a capacity, remember: the more Amp-hours (Ah), the longer you can fish without recharging. For a 55 lbs motor, the optimal minimum is a 100 Ah battery.
☑️ Checking before exit
Calculation of work time and autonomy
The question of how long a boat will go on a single charge is a concern of everyone. In theory, a 55 lbs engine consumes about 50 Amps at maximum revs.
This means that with a 100Ah battery, you can swim at full speed for about 2 hours, but it's rare for anyone to go full throttle all the time.
In trolling mode (30-40% of power), consumption drops to 15-20 Amps, which allows you to stretch the pleasure for 5-6 hours of active fishing.
⚠️ Attention: Real life is always less than passport time because of water resistance, wind, current and battery ageing.
For accurate calculation, you need to know the current consumption curve of your particular motor, which is usually given in the instructions.
Use of use charge-indicator with a digital display of voltage and interest will help to avoid an unpleasant situation when the shore is far away, and the battery is dead.
Use a multimeter to check the actual voltage at the battery terminals under load. If the voltage drops below 10.5V for the 12V system when the motor is turned on, the battery needs to be replaced or charged.
Installation and maintenance of an electric motor
Installing the motor on a transom requires no special skills, but requires compliance with safety rules. The fastening must be rigid to exclude vibrations that can damage the electronics.
Regular maintenance consists mainly of washing with fresh water after each fishing trip, especially if you have been swimming in salt water.
Inside the lower unit is an oil gearbox, which is recommended to be changed once a season or after 100 hours of motorized exercise, to check for emulsion.
- 🔧 Check the condition of the coils on the screw shaft - water most often gets through them.
- 🔧 Clean the screw from the winding line and grass after each departure.
- 🔧 Lubricate the rubbing metal parts (latches, screws of attachment) with a consistent lubricant.
It is better to keep the motor in an upright position, removing it from the boat to avoid deformation of the fasteners and leaking lubricant from the gearbox.
Proper storage and regular washing with fresh water increase the life of the electric motor by 1.5-2 times.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can an electric motor be used as the main motor for long-distance transitions?
Theoretically, you can if you have a large battery supply (200+ Ah) and calm weather, but the speed of an electric motor rarely exceeds 10-12 km / h, making it unsuitable for long distances in a short time, it is more a motor for moving around the water area than for long crossings.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor in GIMS?
Under current Russian law, registration is required if the boat weighs more than 200 kg OR the engine power is more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). As electric motors usually have power up to 2-3 kW and light PVC boats weigh less than 200 kg, registration is most often not required.
Is the electric motor afraid of rain and splash?
Most modern motors have IP67 or IP68 protection, which allows them to operate in the rain and even briefly completely submerge. However, the control unit on the tiller is better protected from direct jets of high pressure water (for example, Kercher washer).
Which screw is better: plastic or metal?
For electric motors, plastic propellers are standard: lighter, cheaper, and when hit by a rock, they break down, saving the motor shaft and gearbox from costly repairs. Electric motor metal propellers are rarely used.