Modern fishing and water tourism require not only power, but also quietness and environmental friendliness. electric motors Gasoline units are rapidly displacing on small craft, especially in the segment of trolling and maneuvering in prohibited areas. HighwingOften referred to as simply “Heibo” by the people, it takes a confident position due to its affordable price and wide range of models.
Choosing a traction motor is not just about buying a motor, it is about creating a comprehensive system that includes a battery, a charger and proper control of the vessel. Mistakes in the planning stage can lead to the fact that the desired autonomy will not be achieved, and the pleasure of fishing is overshadowed by the constant expectation of discharge. In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical nuances, features of operation and real capabilities of the technique. Highwing.
It is worth noting that for the effective use of such equipment, an understanding of the principles of operation is necessary. traction-battery Unlike starter batteries, which give a short-term, powerful boost to start the internal combustion engine, traction batteries are designed to operate continuously, and ignoring this fact is the most common reason for the rapid failure of expensive equipment.
Design features and model range Highwing
Brand products Highwing The propeller's distinctive design and time-tested roumpel-group design are common, and most models are equipped with telescopic lower unit, which allows the motor to be adapted for boats with different transom heights. The propeller lifting mechanism is usually a spring-loaded leg that reclines when it hits an obstacle, protecting the propeller and the lifeline from breakdown, a critical function for swimming in shallow water or overgrown waters.
The lineup ranges from compact options with 18-30 lbs thrust (lbs) to powerful units capable of developing a force of up to 86-100 lbs. PVC A mid-size model with a thrust of 40-55 pounds is considered the best choice, whereas a heavy metal or aluminum boat with a keel and equipment requires a more powerful version. It is important to understand that the declared thrust is the maximum static indicator, and the actual speed of the vessel depends on many factors.
All motors have a multi-position speed switch, usually five in the front, three in the rear, which allows the operator to precisely adjust the operating mode, saving battery power, and adjusting by turning the handle of the crank, which is convenient but requires addiction, since the accuracy of positioning the speed depends on the quality of the assembly of the particular instance.
We need to pay special attention to the cooling system. Highwing They have water cooling, which means taking water through special holes in the lower unit, which allows the motor to operate for a long time without overheating, but requires regular washing with fresh water after operation in salty environments or muddy bodies of water to avoid corrosion and fouling of internal channels.
Technical specifications and power consumption
The key parameter of any electric motor is the current consumed, which directly depends on the chosen speed and the load on the screw. Highwing They are typically run at 12 volts, although there are dual-battery versions of 24 volts to improve efficiency, and current consumption at top speeds can reach 40-50 amps, requiring thick wires and high-quality contacts.
To calculate the battery life, you need to take into account the battery capacity in ampere hours (Ah). battery If you consume a motor of 20 amps, it will theoretically last 5 hours. However, in practice, you should discount the depth of discharge (especially for lead-acid batteries) and reduce the voltage under load. Never discharge the traction battery to zero, this drastically reduces its life.
Below is a table showing the approximate ratio of traction, power and current consumption for popular models of the line, which will help you navigate in the choice:
| Model (conditional traction) | Voltage (Volt) | Max. Current consumed (Ampère) | Recommended capacity of AKB (Ah) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 lbs (13.6 kg) | 12 | 28-30 | 75-90 |
| 46 lbs (20.9 kg) | 12 | 38-42 | 100-120 |
| 55 lbs (25 kg) | 12 | 48-52 | 130-150 |
| 86 lbs (39 kg) | 12/24 | 55-60 (at 12V) | 190-200+ |
Effects of wind and current on energy consumption
When you're going against the wind or the current, you can increase your energy consumption by 30 to 50 percent. The electric motor doesn't have a power reserve like the ICE, so it just slows down by continuing to consume current that corresponds to the current load on the propeller, and it's more economical to run at an average speed than to try to squeeze the maximum.
Rules of installation and connection of equipment
Mounting the motor on the boat's tan requires certain safety and sequence rules, and the first thing to do is to securely fix the engine rod. Highwing complete with plastic linings to prevent damage to the transom, it is recommended to use an additional rubber pad to exclude micro-shifts and creaks. The screws are tightened as tightly as possible, preferably with the use of a thread fixer.
Connecting to the battery is the most important step. The wire cross section must correspond to the current load: for currents up to 40A, a 10 mm2 wire (copper wire) will fit, for more powerful systems - 16 mm2 and higher. The use of thin wires will lead to their heating and a drop in voltage at the terminals of the motor, which is perceived by the system as a battery discharge. safety-guardselected according to the maximum current of consumption.
The way you do this is you attach the wires to the engine terminals first, then to the battery, and you always plug in the plus, then the minus, and you turn off the reverse order, and this is a standard safety procedure that prevents sparking and possible short circuiting when you accidentally touch a tool on the metal parts of a boat.
☑️ Check before the first launch
⚠️ Attention: Never turn on the motor if the propeller is not fully submerged in water. Dry work, even for a few seconds, can cause the osteoils to overheat and deform, causing water to enter the lower unit and coils to corrosion.
Exploitation: the secrets of saving charge
Effective use of the electric motor Highwing The main mistake of the beginners is to work at maximum speed; the electric motor is most efficient at 60-70% of its maximum power; at this speed, the optimal ratio of energy consumed to distance traveled is achieved; further increase in speed gives minimal increase in speed, but energy consumption increases exponentially.
The important factor is the correct depth of the propeller. If you lift the motor too high, cavitation will begin, which is the capture of air with the blades, which will lead to a drop in thrust and noise. If you lower it too deep, the resistance of the water of the lower unit will increase. The optimal position is when the axis of the propeller is below the waterline by 15-20 cm.
It is also worth considering the state of batteryDuring the cold season (below +10°C), lead acid batteries fall in capacity and lithium batteries (LiFePO4) are more stable, but require charge protection at low temperatures. If you plan to fish in early spring or late autumn, take care of a thermally insulated battery box or use a built-in lithium model with heated energy.
Use anchor parking with caution. Prolonged operation of the motor at high speeds against strong wind or current (simulated anchoring) causes maximum heating of the windings. Better use a real anchor or a drag.
Maintenance and typical faults
Despite its simplicity, the electric motor requires regular maintenance. After each saline water run, the device must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, paying special attention to lower unit and the screw. Salt plaque is an excellent conductor and can cause electrochemical corrosion of aluminum alloys in the motor body. Even if the motor did not work in salt water, but just came into contact with it, washing is mandatory.
Once a season, it is recommended to lubricate the moving parts. Highwing You can see the lubrication points, usually the lower unit pivot axis and the screw lifting mechanism, use water-resistant lithium lubricants, and check the condition of the ossels, and if you find water in the lower unit after storage (checked by unscrewing the drain plug on the gearbox), the ossels should be replaced immediately.
A typical problem is the oxidation of the contacts in the tiller group, the signal from the control handle is transmitted through contact rings, which can become contaminated over time, and if the motor starts to growl or spontaneously change speed, it makes sense to disassemble the tiller and clean the contacts with alcohol or a special spray for electric contacts.
⚠️ Attention: When storing the motor in the off-season, be sure to disconnect the battery and store it on charge. Deep discharge of the lead battery during the winter is guaranteed to disable it, and resuscitate such a power source will be almost impossible.
Comparison with competitors and final recommendations
In the context of more expensive brands, such as Minneapolis or Haswingengines Highwing They're more expensive, but they can be less expensive than plastics and electronics, but for amateur fishing and cruising, they're quite reliable, they're easier to repair, and parts (screws, strubs, roomers) are affordable, and they're also ideal for anyone who's just getting into electric traction.
When choosing a particular model, focus not only on the length of the boat, but also on its load. If you often fish in two or three, with a full set of gear and anchor, take the engine with a reserve of thrust. Power reserve of 20-30% prolongs the life of the motor and battery, allowing not to operate the equipment at the limit of possibilities. It is better to have a motor that is half-powered than one that is constantly running at maximum.
So in conclusion, the transition to electric is a step towards comfort, and the absence of the smell of gasoline, the vibration, and the need for complex engine maintenance makes fishing more enjoyable. Highwing It will serve you for many seasons, giving you peace and pleasure from communicating with nature.
The main criterion for choosing an electric motor is not the maximum speed, but the matching of thrust to the weight of a boat with a full load, and the lack of power will lead to rapid battery discharge and overheating.
Can I use a car battery for an electric motor?
Technically possible, but not recommended for regular use: Starter batteries (WET, Ca/Ca) are not designed for deep discharge; discharge below 80% of capacity for them is destructive and dramatically reduces the life of electric motors.
What is the real speed of a boat with a 55 lbs Haibo engine?
Real speed depends on the boat's contours, wind, current and loading. For a standard PVC boat with a length of 3.2-3.6 meters with one angler and a minimum load, the speed will be about 5-7 km / h at maximum gear. Trolling speed (3-4 km / h) is achieved in 1-2 gear and allows you to travel 15-25 km on a single charge of a 100 Ah battery.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor in GIMS?
Under current Russian legislation, registration is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (together with an engine) or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). Electric motors with a capacity of up to 5-6 kW (up to about 10 hp equivalent) usually do not require registration if the total weight of the vessel with equipment does not exceed 200 kg. However, laws may change, and the final decision is always up to the inspector of the GIMS.