The transition to electric traction in the world of inflatable floating craft has ceased to be the lot of experimenters and has become a full-fledged trend. PVC boat under electric motor It's the perfect solution for those who appreciate the silence on the water, the lack of vibration and the ability to fish in places where noisy gasoline engines are prohibited. Silently sliding along the surface of the lake or slowly moving along the reed thickets opens new horizons for spinning and trophy fishing enthusiasts.
However, despite the apparent simplicity of the design, choosing the right combination of the body and motor requires a deep understanding of physics and technical nuances. squirt Or ignoring the weight distribution can turn a pleasant walk into a test of nervous system strength, and in this article we will discuss in detail how to prepare a boat for the installation of an electrician, which models deserve attention and how to avoid the typical mistakes of beginners.
Criteria for the choice of the body: hard floor vs inflatable
When choosing a boat that will carry on electric motorThe first thing you need to do is to determine the type of floor, and it's not just the speed that you're going to run, it's also the durability of the whole structure, and air decks are the best comfort and light weight, but they're bending under the weight of the human and the motor, creating a hammock effect.
This deformation causes the engine to periodically be above or below the waterline, causing cavitation and loss of traction. hard-floorboard They're made of plywood or aluminum, and they create a single rigid platform that distributes the weight evenly and provides a stable transom angle.
It's important to remember that electric motors, especially powerful motors, create a significant lever of pressure on the transom. transcenuouswhere the layers of PVC fabric are duplicated with additional linings or wooden inserts.
⚠️ Note: The use of inflatable floor boats (NDNs) for electric motors above 1.5-2 hp (equivalent) is not recommended without the installation of additional rigid stringers or reinforcements.
To increase the rigidity of the floor in boats with inflatable floorboards, you can use special profiled pipes inserted into stringer pockets.
transom hanging: where and how to fasten the motor
The issue of fastening the lower unit is one of the most discussed among owners of inflatable boats. squirt-boardIt's a time-tested method, but it has its own weight limitations: heavy lithium batteries and massive motors can shift the center of gravity too far back, upping the bow of a boat.
An alternative and often more convenient solution is to use the pendant These structures are attached to the sides in the bow or middle of the boat, allowing the engine to be taken overboard, ideal for small boats where the transom is busy or too weak.
Another popular option is john-motors They allow the battery to be placed inside the hull, closer to the center of gravity, which improves driving performance, but such systems require more complex installation and often customization to a particular boat model.
- 🔩 transom mounting is a classic, suitable for most standard engines up to 3-4 kg.
- 🦀 The brackets are a lifeline for small boats and long-legged motors.
- ⚓ Built-in systems - maximum aesthetics and weighting, but complex installation.
Calculation of power and range
The main fear of any owner of an electric boat is to stay in the middle of a reservoir with a discharged battery. To avoid this, you need to correctly calculate the required battery capacity. Energy consumption depends on many factors: crew weight, wind, current and type of bottom (in shallow water resistance is higher).
Average statistics electric motor We use 30-34 pounds (about 13-15 kg) at a maximum power of about 30-35 Amps per hour, but we rarely go full gas on fishing. The optimal mode is 30-40% of power, where the consumption is about 10-12 Amps.
To calculate the range, use a simple formula: the battery capacity (Ah) is divided by the consumption current (A) and multiplied by the Payckert coefficient (for LiFePO4 you can take 0.95, for AGM - 0.8). For example, a 50 Ah battery at 10 A current will provide approximately 4.5-4.7 hours of travel.
The golden rule is always to plan your route so that you can return with a residual battery charge of at least 20-25%.
And we must not forget that battery-typeLithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are significantly lighter than lead-acid batteries and give more stable voltage throughout the discharge cycle, which is critical for maintaining motor traction.
Comparative table of popular models
The market offers a variety of options, from budget Chinese counterparts to proven European brands. Below is a comparison of the specifications of popular models that are often chosen to equip. PVC.
| Model | Traction (kg/pounds) | Weight (kg) | Type of management | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haswing Cayman B | 25 / 55 | 10.5 | tiller | Telescopic rummulus, quiet |
| Flama FT55 | 25 / 55 | 9.8 | tiller | Compact, affordable price |
| Nissan RM 35 | 16 / 35 | 8.6 | tiller | Japanese brand, reliability |
| Min Kota Endura 32 | 14.5 / 32 | 9.1 | tiller | Legendary reliability, expensive |
When choosing, you should pay attention not only to the declared thrust, but also to the quality of the materials of the lower unit: aluminum pipes with anti-corrosion coating last longer, but are afraid of hitting stones. Composite materials are lighter, but can be less durable under extreme loads.
The Secret to Long-Term Engine Service
After each fishing, be sure to wash the lower unit with fresh water, even if you have been swimming in a fresh water body, which will wash away the abrasive dust and prevent the contact from oxidizing.
Installation and preparation for the first launch
Installation of equipment PVC Before starting work, make sure the boat is fully pumped and on a level surface, and any shift in the center of gravity before launching can cause fragile parts to fall and damage.
The installation process begins with the attachment of a transom plate or bracket. Bolts should be tightened with the force recommended by the manufacturer, but without fanaticism, so as not to damage the PVC fabric. Be sure to use larger diameter washers to distribute the load.
☑️ Checklist before first descent
Pay special attention to electrical connections. All contacts must be securely insulated and protected from water. shrink-tube It's better to put wires on the sides, fixing them with special clips so that they don't hang around and interfere with rowing.
⚠️ Warning: Never raise or lower an electric motor into water while it is on or on the grid, and sparkling contacts in an aqueous environment can lead to electrolysis and rapid destruction of metal parts.
Operation and maintenance in season
Proper operation prolongs the life of any mechanism. The electric motor does not require any oil or filter changes, but it is sensitive to overheating and mechanical damage. Try not to run the motor at maximum speeds longer than 15-20 minutes continuously, especially in hot weather.
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, you need to thoroughly rinse the submersible with fresh water, salt is the main enemy of aluminum and electronics, and even if the manufacturer claims to be corrosion-resistant, prevention will never hurt.
Store equipment in a dry, cool place, the battery is better kept separately, in a charged state (about 60-70% for lithium, 100% for lead with periodic recharging), regularly check the condition of the lower unit for chipped paint and, if necessary, paint them.
Keep the factory packaging from the engine and battery, and in case of a breakdown or need to be transported to the service center, you will need an original box for safe transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use an electric motor in winter under the ice?
Standard electric motors are possible in winter, but with limitations: Lithium batteries are afraid of frost and lose capacity, and lead batteries can freeze if discharged. Also, plastic and lubricants become brittle in the cold. If you decide to fish in winter, keep the battery warm until you start and avoid sharp impacts on the ice.
Which battery is better to choose for a PVC boat?
The undisputed leader is traction batteries type LiFePO4 They're 2-3 times lighter than lead equivalents of the same capacity, have more charge-discharge cycles, and are not afraid of deep discharge, and the only downside is the higher initial cost, which pays off in the long run.
Does an electric PVC boat develop good speed?
Do not expect speeds of planing. PVC boat The electric motor is a displacement vehicle, and the average speed is 5-7 km/h, which is enough to travel between fishing points, but not for high-speed walks, and the main advantage is not speed, but economy and noiselessness.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor in GIMS?
Under current Russian law, small craft with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration. Since most electric motors are much weaker than this threshold (usually up to 1-2 hp in terms), they are not required to register and obtain control rights.