Choosing the right outboard motor for trolling is a fundamental stage in preparing for serious fishing, where the speed of movement depends on catch. Trolling requires not just movement on water, but maintaining a strictly defined, minimum speed, often only 2-4 km / h. That is why the question of which engine to use, is especially acute for anglers, because standard powerful motors are often not able to provide the necessary smoothness at low speeds.
The marine engine industry has a distinct dichotomy between traditional gasoline units and the increasingly popular electric traction motors. Gasoline models have been tested for decades, are autonomous and allow for vast distances without refueling, but their operation at minimum revs is often unstable, while electric motors offer perfect speed control accuracy and complete quietness, but are limited by the capacity of batteries and require regular recharging.
The final decision always depends on a combination of factors: the type of reservoir, the length of the fishing, the size of the boat and, of course, the budget of the fisherman. There is no one universal model that will be ideal for all scenarios, since the conditions on Lake Ladoga and on the shallow river are radically different. In this article, we will analyze the technical details so that you can make an informed choice.
Specificity of trolling and engine requirements
Trolling predator fishing imposes unique requirements for the power plant, which are often ignored by beginners. The main parameter here is not the maximum speed or power, but the ability of the engine to operate consistently in a narrow range of low revs. A conventional outboard motor designed for planing can work at low revs, which leads to the defeat of the game of baits and loss of contact with the wobblear.
A critically important aspect is traction controlIt's a throttle that allows the angler to change speed by literally tenths of a kilometer per hour. A predator, whether pike or pike, often reacts to changes in wiring speed, and being able to instantly slow the boat down or speed it up without jerking gives a huge advantage. Mechanical throttle control systems on gasoline engines often have backlashes that make such fine-tuning almost impossible without additional equipment.
Also, vibration and noise levels should be considered, as trolling is often done at depths where fish are particularly sensitive to foreign sounds. Electric motors In this aspect, they win unconditionally, creating a minimum acoustic background. Gasoline units require high-quality noise insulation or the use of special "quiet" modes, if any, provided by the design.
⚠️ Attention: Using a standard gasoline engine at minimum speeds for a long time can lead to the formation of soak on candles and piston group. Be sure to use oil with additives for low speeds or periodically give the engine a load.
It is also worth mentioning the maneuverability, which when trolling in large waters may seem secondary, but becomes vital when bypassing driftwood or changing course. Electric Power Steering Or the ability to control the tiller with minimal effort significantly reduces the fatigue of the angler during many hours of transitions.
Gasoline or Electric: The Eternal Debate
The choice between gasoline and electricity is a choice between autonomy and comfort. Gasoline trolling outboards are typically low-power models ranging from 2 to 9.9 hp. Their main advantage is the ability to bring a can of fuel with you and forget about charging problems for several days. Modern four-stroke models have become significantly more economical and environmentally friendly than their predecessors.
Electric traction motors, often called trolling motors, operate on direct current and provide smooth, stepwise speed adjustment. The absence of vibration and exhaust gases makes them ideal for fishing from PVC boats, where space is limited and environmental requirements are high. autonomy The electric trains are directly dependent on the battery capacity, and cold water or strong wind can cut the operating time by half.
- 🚤 Gasoline engines: High autonomy, plane capability, independence from the power grid, but high noise and vibration levels.
- ⚡ Electric motors: Perfect speed accuracy, quietness, no vibration, but the need for charging and limited range.
- 💰 Cost of ownership: Gasoline requires constant fuel and oil costs, electricity is cheaper to operate, but batteries degrade over time.
Many experienced trollers come to the tandem scheme, where a powerful gasoline engine is mounted on the transom for crossing and planing, and an electric unit is mounted on the nose or on the stern for the fishing itself, which allows you to combine the advantages of both types of engines, although it increases the overall weight of the equipment on board.
When choosing an electric motor, the key parameter becomes thrustFor a boat with a crew of 4-5 meters, thrust of 55-80 lbs is usually sufficient, whereas heavier boats may require models with a thrust of more than 100 lbs.
Key specifications when choosing a motor
When looking at manufacturers' catalogs, you should look not only at the brand, but also at the specific technical parameters that affect the effectiveness of trolling. The first thing you evaluate is a speed control system: mechanical, electronic or digital. Electronic systems allow you to record speed to within tenths of a fraction, which is impossible to do by eye with mechanical throttle.
The second important aspect is lower unitTrolling often requires the engine to be positioned in specific positions, and too short or too long a lower unit can create problems with hydrodynamics or the risk of damage to the screw. In addition, the ability to tilt and lift the engine is important, especially if you fish in shallow water with a lot of grass.
| Parameter | Gasoline engine | Electric motor | Influence on trolling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed adjustment | Mechanical/electronic | Digital step-by-step | Precision of bait management |
| Power source | Gasoline (AI-92/95) | Battery 12/24/36B | Duration of fishing |
| Noise level | High/Mediocre | Minimum | Comfort and disguise |
| Weight. | From 10 kg (2 hp) | From 7 kg (without battery) | Boat load capacity |
And don't forget the cooling system. Most low-power motors are water-cooled, which requires constant water intake. When trolling at very low speeds, the water pressure in the cooling shirt may be insufficient, leading to overheating. Some models have forced water-cooling or a combination system, which is a big plus.
Overview of popular models and brands
The outboard motor market offers many options, but trolling has formed a certain pool of leaders who have proven themselves reliable. Tohatsu, Yamaha and Honda. In particular, the two-stroke Tohatsu MFS series or their four-stroke counterparts are often praised for their smooth idling, which is critical to our task.
Electric motors are dominated by brands Min Kota, MotorGuide and HaswingMin Kota Ulterra or Force models are the benchmark for quality, offering not only precise control but also Spot-Lock features that keep the boat at point to within a meter of GPS, which makes the motor a full-fledged anchor, which is incredibly convenient for fishing on the current.
Chinese manufacturers, such as Hangkai or ParsunThey often copy Japanese brands and, if maintained properly, can last for years, but they may be inferior to top brands in terms of part processing and electronics stability at low speeds.
Secrets of setting up a carburetor
To improve the performance of the gasoline engine on trolling, a poorer mixture is often required at idle speeds. Carefully twist the screw of the quality of the mixture to the end, and then turn it 1.5-2 revolutions. The exact setting depends on altitude and air temperature.>
When choosing a specific model, pay attention to the availability of remote-controlBeing able to control gas and direction from anywhere on the boat, or even sitting on the other end, frees up your hands for rods and sonar, and it's not just a convenience, it's a necessity for efficient fishing.
Installation and adjustment for the perfect course
The right engine setup is 50 percent of the success of trolling. Even the most advanced engine can't keep up if the boat is yawing or the propeller is taking in air. The first step is to set up the transom wheels and align the motor strictly in the center of the transom, and even a few degrees of skewing will cause the boat to be constantly steered away, which will require constant steering.
Particular attention should be paid to the installation hydrofoil This element, which is mounted on a lower unit over the propeller, equalizes the flow of water and significantly improves handling at low speeds. Hydrofoil also helps to raise the bow of the boat, improving visibility and reducing water resistance, which is especially important for heavy inflatable boats.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Tune in the throttle is a creative process, and many motors have the ability to adjust the tension of the gas cable or adjust the electronic speed limiter. The ideal trolling setting is achieved when the boat keeps a speed of 3 km / h without the need to constantly twist the gas handle. For gasoline engines, sometimes you have to install an additional throttle cable with a lock to clamp the valve in a certain position.
If you're using an electric motor, it's important to pick up the right battery. You're not allowed to use a traction motor starter battery because it's not designed to give you long-term power back in small portions. You need specialized batteries. traction Deep Cycles that can withstand hundreds of discharge cycles.
⚠️ Warning: When installing an electric motor on the bow of the boat (bow mount), make sure that the design of the transom or deck will withstand the dynamic load. Incorrect attachment can lead to the loss of expensive equipment overboard.
Maintenance and extension of the resource
Trolling is a mode of operation that can be called “heavy” because of the long work at low speeds. For gasoline engines, this can lead to the formation of swelling. To minimize the risks, it is recommended to give the engine a load every 5-10 hours, bringing the boat to planing or simply adding gas for 5-10 minutes, which helps to “blown” the cylinders and burn out excess deposits.
Regular replacement of spark plugs on the model with the potash number recommended for long-term operation at low speeds will also prolong the life of the engine. Sometimes manufacturers recommend using candles with a higher potassium number if the engine is mainly operated in trolling mode.
For electric motors, the main enemy is moisture and corrosion of the contacts. After every fishing, especially in salt water, the engine must be washed with fresh water. Pay special attention to the rod and the entry point to the lower unit. Lubrication of moving parts should be made only with special marine lubricants that are resistant to washing.
Storing the engine in the off-season also requires preparation. The gasoline unit must be preserved: drain the fuel or add a stabilizer, treat the cylinders with oil. The electric motor should be stored at room temperature, pre-charged the battery to 50-70% and periodically recharged during the winter.
The key to successful trolling is not the power of the engine, but the stability of its operation at minimum speed and the accuracy of speed control. Investments in a quality motor or electric traction pay off with increased catches.
Can a regular 9.9 hp petrol engine be used for trolling?
Yes, but with limitations. Many modern four-stroke 9.9 hp engines have electronic throttle control, which allows you to adjust the minimum speeds quite accurately. However, at very low speeds (less than 2 km / h), they can work unstable, the solution is to install an additional throttle cable with a lock or use a special troll control kit that mechanically limits the speed of the damper.
Which battery is better for a 55 lbs electric motor?
For a 55 lbs motor, the best choice would be a traction gel (GEL) or AGM battery with a capacity of 100-120 Ah. Gel batteries are more resistant to deep discharges and vibration, but they are more expensive. AGM batteries are the middle ground in price and quality. Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries are becoming the de facto standard due to their low weight and huge resource, but their cost is much higher.
How often do I need to charge the battery for the electric motor?
You need to charge the battery after every fishing trip, no matter how long it lasts. Traction batteries don't like long-term storage in a discharged state, which leads to sulfation of the plates and irreversible loss of capacity. If the fishing was short, still put the battery on charge until full saturation.