Modern fishing and water tourism are undergoing cardinal changes, shifting towards environmental friendliness and comfort. Electric-powered inflatable boat It has ceased to be the domain of a select few enthusiasts or karpat athletes, becoming an affordable and sustainable solution for a wide range of water-engineers, with no exhaust gases, minimal noise and vibration levels allowing you to sneak up on fish at a minimum distance, which is critical for successful fishing for shy predators.
But the transition to electric power requires careful preparation and understanding of the technical nuances. traction or inferior battery They can turn a walk into a test of endurance, and poorly fortified turret In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the inflatable vessel electric power, from the choice of model to the rules of safe operation.
It is important to understand that motorboat It's not just PVC tubes and batteries, it's a complex system where each element affects the overall outcome. The maximum speed of movement on electric traction is usually limited to 5-7 km / h, which is the optimal mode for trolling and silent movement in the water area. Let’s take a look at how to assemble the perfect kit and avoid common mistakes.
Advantages of electric traction over gasoline analogues
The main argument in favour electric motor Unlike gasoline, the electric motor emits only a quiet hum that almost merges with the natural noise of water and wind, which opens up new possibilities for anglers, allowing the sonar to be used at shallow depths without interference from the propeller and motor, and fishing in ICE-free zones.
In addition, electric traction ensures the absence of vibrations, which directly affects the comfort and durability of the tackle. Inflatable boat It's easy to maintain, it doesn't require changing the oil, filters or candles, it's simple and reliable, and it's all about washing with fresh water and lubricating the moving parts.
The environmental aspect cannot be ignored either: the absence of exhaust gases and the risk of fuel leakage makes electric motor The perfect choice for protected areas and places with strict environmental restrictions, you can be sure that your vacation does not harm nature.
⚠️ Warning: Despite being simple, electric motors require careful handling of electrical contacts. Oxidation of terminals is the main cause of power loss and system failure, so always use protective sprays after each trip.
The cost of owning an electric motor is well below the gasoline equivalent. battery It's a very incomparably lower fuel cost, and the engine life, when operated properly, is thousands of hours. motorboat It is a cost-effective solution in the long run.
Criteria for the choice of an inflatable vessel for an outboard motor
Not every one. flyboat It's designed to be used to install the motor. The first and most important parameter is the presence of a rigid motor. transomThis is a special insert of waterproof plywood, laminated plastic, which is pasted into cylinders or inserted into special pockets. electric motorIts strength determines the safety of the entire structure.
The second critical parameter is the load capacity and size of the cockpit. Electric motor together battery They create a significant amount of extra weight that can shift the center of gravity, and if the boat gets overloaded, it's going to deteriorate dramatically, and it's going to get a puncture on water vegetation or rocks.
When choosing a model, pay attention to the following specifications:
- 🚤 Type of transom: glued transom is more reliable, but increases weight; removable (hinged) is easier to transport, but requires proper installation.
- 🎣 Cockpit lengthFor comfortable fishing with a motor, the length from 2.8 to 3.2 meters is optimal.
- ⚓ The presence of a keel arch: protects the bottom from damage when moving through shallow water and improves course stability.
The fabric material also plays a role. For operation with the motor, it is recommended to use dense reinforced PVC with a density of at least 750 g / sq.m. Thinner materials may not withstand the constant torsion and tension loads that arise during operation. electric motor.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum power of the engine specified by the boat manufacturer. Excessive load on the transom can cause it to detach and sink the boat at the most inopportune time.
Power calculation and choice of electric motor
Choice electric motor It is based on two main parameters: thrust (in pounds or kg) and supply voltage (12, 24 or 36 volts). flyboat length up to 3 meters and a total weight of equipment up to 500 kg, as a rule, enough motor with a thrust of 30-40 pounds (about 14-18 kg) and a voltage of 12 Volts.
It's important to distinguish between power and thrust. Traction is the force with which the screw pushes water. It takes a lot more energy to plane in an inflatable boat than it does in a displacement mode. To achieve plane on an inflatable boat, a thrust of 1 kg of thrust is required for every 25-30 kg of total weight of the vessel with the cargo, which often exceeds the capabilities of compact 12-volt systems.
When choosing a model, you should pay attention to the presence of the following functions:
- 🔋 Charge indicator: allows you to control the remaining energy in real time.
- 🌊 Adjustment of swelling: the ability to lower the lower unit to the desired depth for different conditions.
- 🔄 Reverse.: mandatory function for narrowing and braking maneuvers.
Brands, like. Minn Kota, Haswing and Flips They've proven to be reliable manufacturers, and the remote tiller models are more convenient for fishing because they allow you to move freely around the cockpit. Electric-powered inflatable boat This configuration is as maneuverable as possible.
Comparison of popular models of electric motors
The market offers a variety of options, and it is easy for a beginner to get confused about the specifications. Below is a comparison table of popular models suitable for equipment. flyboat Medium sized.
| Model | Max. thrust (pounds) | Voltage (B) | Weight (kg) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haswing Cayman B 40 | 40 | 12 | 10.5 | Telescopic rample, 5 speeds forward |
| Minn Kota Endura C2 30 | 30 | 12 | 10.2 | Compact, reliable, 5 speeds |
| Flips 36 | 36 | 12 | 9.8 | Budget option, easy to maintain |
| Watersnake Venom 34 | 34 | 12 | 9.5 | Lightweight, with charge indicator |
When choosing a particular model, pay attention to the length of the lower unit. flyboat with low sides optimal length from 60 to 75 cm Too short shaft will lead to air capture by the screw and cavitation, and too long will increase the resistance of water.
Two-bladed screws are less prone to overgrown grass, but three-bladed ones provide smoother running and better traction at low revs. Electric motor with a two-blade screw is preferable for overgrown reservoirs.
Selection of the battery and calculation of the time of stroke
The heart of your system is batteryFor electric motors The starter batteries are not suitable for cars, they are not designed for long-term low-power current and will quickly fail. You need deep-discharge batteries, made using AGM or GEL technology.
Battery capacity directly affects battery life. To calculate the approximate travel time, you can use the formula: Time (h) = Capacity (Ah) / Current consumed (A). For example, a 100-Ah battery with a 20 A motor will theoretically provide 5 hours of operation, but in practice you should put a margin of 20-30%.
Recommendations for selection battery:
- 🔋 TypeAGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) - the optimal balance of price and reliability, is not afraid of shaking.
- 📏 DimensionsMake sure the battery fits in your compartment. flyboat with the germ box.
- 🔌 Connectors: Use reliable terminals that are protected from water.
To increase the range of navigation, you can use a parallel connection of batteries, but this requires the use of special balancers and careful selection of batteries with the same specifications. Electric-powered inflatable boat And two batteries become heavier, which should be taken into account when calculating the load capacity.
⚠️ Warning: Never discharge a lead acid battery (AGM/GEL) below 80% (residual voltage 10.5-10.8V).
Installation and installation of equipment on the boat
Proper installation is the key to safety and durability. Electric motor It is attached to the transom with screw clips, and be sure to check the reliability of the fixation before each trip. Tranza shall be clean and dry at the point of contact with the anchorages.
Accommodation battery The battery needs to be placed in a special sealed box (box), which will protect it from splashes and prevent the electrolyte from tipping over (in the case of liquid, although this is rare for boats) or short circuit. The box is attached to the bottom of the boat closer to the transom for balancing.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
To connect the motor and battery, use a copper cable of the appropriate cross-section (usually at least 6 mm2, preferably 10 mm2 for high-power motors). The length of the cable affects the voltage drop: the longer the cable, the larger the cross-section. All connections should be soldered and shrink.
Make sure you use a safety cable. It's a strong cord that attaches one end to the handle. electric motorAnd then the other ones would go to the squirrel or the ring on the boat cylinder, and if the engine mounts were weakened, the cable would keep it from falling into the water and getting lost.
Do I need to lubricate the engine shaft?
Yes, regular lubrication of the shaft and the osteologues with special silicone lubrication prolongs the life of the lower unit, but do not use lithium lubricants, which can corrode rubber seals, grease is carried out before the start of the season and after heavy use.
Operation, maintenance and GIMS rules
Care for electric motor After each trip in salt water, the motor must be washed with fresh water, dipping lower unit into a container or directing a shower stream, which will prevent corrosion of metal parts and salt deposits.
The screw requires regular cleaning of the winding line, grass and hair. Even a small piece of material can upset the balance and cause vibration that will destroy the osteoils. Periodically check the condition of the blades for chips.
With regard to legislation, motorboat The power of a small vessel (category "M") up to 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) and less than 20 meters long does not require registration with the GIMS, unless it is used for commercial purposes. However, the right to operate a small vessel (category "M") depends on the total power of all engines. If the power of the electric motor is less than 8 kW, the rights are not necessary, but knowledge of the rules of conduct on the water is mandatory.
When stored in winter, keep the battery charged. Every 1-2 months, recharge it with low-power current to prevent plate sulfation and loss of capacity.
In winter, keep the motor in a vertical position in a dry room. Inflatable boat It also needs to be thoroughly washed and dried before packaging, and following these simple rules will allow your appliances to last for years.
Regular maintenance and proper wintering of the battery are key factors determining the life of your electric power plant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a car battery for an electric motor?
It is technically possible to start the motor, but it is strongly recommended not to do so. Starter batteries are not designed for long-term operation in low-current discharge mode. They will quickly lose capacity and can fail after several cycles. Use only traction batteries (AGM, GEL, LiFePO4).
What is the maximum speed of an inflatable boat with an electric motor?
Speed depends on the power of the motor, the shape of the boat, the loading and the condition of the water. On average, inflatable boats with an electric motor reach speeds of 5 to 8 km / h. Attempting to accelerate faster will lead to a sharp increase in energy consumption and a reduction in the time of autonomous driving.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor?
According to current Russian regulations, registration in GIMS is not required if the engine power does not exceed 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) and the length of the vessel is less than 20 meters. Since most electric motors have a power significantly less (usually 0.3 - 1.5 kW), registration for them is not necessary.
How to store the battery in winter?
The battery must be fully charged before storage and placed in a cool (but not frosty) dry place, and once every 1-2 months, a control and training cycle should be carried out: check the voltage and, if necessary, recharge to 100%, this will prevent irreversible sulfation.
What to do if the engine loses power?
First, check the charge. batteryIf the battery is charged, check the screw for foreign objects, check the contacts of the terminals for oxidation, if there are no visual problems, the brushes inside the motor may have worn out or the osteoils need to be replaced.