outboard motor "The Wind Hybrid." It is a unique solution for small-size boat owners, combining the advantages of electric and gasoline drives. "Vega."It was a response to the growing demand among fishermen and tourists who wanted a gasoline engine that was reliable and an electric one that was environmentally friendly. outboardThe hybrid system allows you to switch between operating modes depending on the conditions - for example, to use an electric drive in quiet water or in protected areas where ICE is prohibited.

The main advantage "The Hybrid Wind" — the ability to overcome up to 40 km on one battery charge in electric mode at a speed of 6-8 km / hIt's perfect for fishing in closed waters, and the gasoline module (usually 2-5 hp) provides a long range range of range, but it's not that clear: owners note the high price, complexity and weight of the structure, and in this article, we'll look at the technical details, compare them to the competition, and give practical tips on operation.

Technical specifications "The Wind Hybrid."What's under the hood?

Hybrid engine "The Wind" It is available in several versions, but the basic equipment includes:

  • 🔋 Electrical module: power 0.5-1.5 kW (equivalent to 1-2 hp), powered by a lithium-ion battery 48V/20Ah.
  • ⛽ Gasoline module2- or 5-horsepower four-stroke engine (depending on the model), fuel tank volume 1.2-2.5 liters.
  • ⚙️ Transmission: gearbox with a gear ratio of 2.08:1, a screw with a diameter of 180-210 mm (aluminum or stainless steel).
  • 📏 Dimensions and weights: length 60-70 cm, weight 18-25 kg (without a battery).

And the key feature is that switchingWhen the battery is below 20%, the motor switches to gasoline, and when the electric drive is turned on, the gasoline module is switched off, this is implemented through an electronic control unit (ECU), which also controls the engine temperature and battery charge. manually switch between modes cannot This is a frequent complaint of users.

Parameter "The Wind Hybrid 2" "The Wind Hybrid 5."
Electric motor power 0.8 kW (1.1 hp) 1.2 kW (1.6 hp)
Power of the ICE 2 hp 5 hp
Max. speed (electric/gasoline) 8/12 km/h 10/18 km/h
Battery lifetime 5:00 3.5 hours
Weight (with battery) 28 kg 32 kg

It is important to bear in mind that Real performance depends on the load of the boat and hydrodynamicsFor example, on a 3.2 m long PVC inflatable boat with two passengers, the electric speed will decrease by 20-30%, and the manufacturer recommends using batteries only of its own production - third-party batteries can cause malfunctions in the ECU.

📊 Which motor mode do you use most often?
Only electric.
Only petrol.
Hybrid (automatic switching)
I haven't bought it yet.

Pros and cons: honest analysis from the owners

Advantages "The Hybrid Wind" There are obvious, but there are hidden pitfalls, and let's look at them based on feedback from forums (e.g., the scaling up of the scaling boards). FishHuntForum and BoatMaster):

  • ✅ Environmental friendliness: the absence of exhaust and noise in the electric mode allows you to use the motor on protected waters, where ICE is prohibited.
  • ✅ Economy: gasoline consumption in hybrid mode is reduced by 30-40% compared to pure gasoline engines.
  • ✅ Universality: suitable for boats 2.8-4.5 m long, including PVC, aluminum and plastic.
  • ❌ High price.: cost 2-3 times higher than that of analogues with one type of drive (for example, «Honda BF2.3» or «Minn Kota Endura»).
  • ❌ Difficulty of repair: the electronic control unit often fails when voltage drops, and there are few service centers.
  • ❌ Weight.30+ kg make the motor inconvenient for carrying and transporting.
⚠️ Attention: When used in salt water, you need to wash the motor with fresh water after each exit - salt accelerates the corrosion of aluminum parts, especially at the screw attachment site.

Interesting fact: many owners are modifying "The Wind Hybrid."This increases the electrical time to 8-10 hours, but requires reworking of the mounts and can cancel the warranty. stainless-steel To improve traction.

💡

If you plan to use the engine in winter, charge the battery at a temperature not lower than +5 ° C - lithium-ion batteries lose up to 50% of capacity at sub-zero temperatures.

Comparison with competitors: who is better?

In the market of hybrid outboard motors "The Wind" It's competing with a few models, but it's not very close to the same.

Model Type Power Price (from) Features
"The Wind Hybrid 5." Hybrid (electric + gasoline) 1.6/5bhp 180 000 ₽ Automatic switching, lithium-ion battery
«Torqeedo Travel 1003» Electrical. 3bhp (equive) 250 000 ₽ Lightweight (15 kg), solar panel complete
«Honda BF2.3» + ePropulsion Spirit Gasoline + removable electric 2.3/1 hp 150 000 ₽ Modular system, but requires manual switching
«Mercury 3.5» Gasoline 3.5 hp 90 000 ₽ Simplicity, reliability, but noisy and unenvironmental

Main advantage "The Wind" beforehand «Torqeedo» The German brand, however, is winning in terms of weight and reliability of electronics. «Honda + ePropulsion» It's cheaper, but it requires more action from the user. «Mercury» It'll cost 2 times less.

Why is the “Wind Hybrid” more expensive than gasoline analogues?

The price is due to the complexity of the design: two independent drives, an electronic control unit, a lithium-ion battery with a system of protection against overheating and deep discharge. In addition, the engine is assembled in Russia, but many components (for example, controllers) are imported, which affects the cost.

Instructions for operation: how not to break the engine?

Proper use "The Hybrid Wind" And it extends its lifespan to 5 to 7 years, and here are the key points:

  1. First launch:
    • 🔧 Pour the oil into the petrol module (recommended) 5W-30 for four-stroke engines.
    • 🔋 Fully charge the battery (first charge - 12 hours).
    • ⚙️ Check the screw mounting and transmission oil in the gearbox.
  • Daily maintenance:
    • 💧 Wash the engine with fresh water after salt water.
    • 🔌 Control the battery level (do not allow a discharge below 10%).
    • 🛢️ Check the fuel in the tank (even if you only use electric mode).

      • Oil level check in the ICE | Battery test with load plug |Gridion bearing lubrication |Glazing circuit check (gasoline module) |Cleaning of battery contacts-->

      The mistake of many newcomers. winter engine storage with fuel in the tankGasoline oxidizes and clogs the carburetor, so you need to:

      1. Fuel discharge or add a stabilizer (e.g., STIHL Motomix).
      2. Start the engine at idle speeds until full production of gasoline.
      3. Remove the battery and store it at a temperature of +10... + 20 ° C with a charge of 40-60%.
    ⚠️ Attention: If the engine is not used for more than 3 months, run the gasoline module once a month for 5-10 minutes to lubricate moving parts. Otherwise, the sealing rings may dry, which will lead to an air sucker.

    Tuning and improvements: how to improve "The Wind Hybrid."?

    Owners "The Wind" They often modify it to make it more efficient.

    • 🔋 Increased battery capacity: Replacing the standard 20Ah with a 40Ah or 60Ah increases the range by 2-3 times, but requires reworking the mounts and replacing the charge controller.
    • 🌀 Rotor replacement: installing a screw in steps of 8-10 inches (for example, «Michigan Wheel») improves traction at low speeds.
    • 📡 Installation of GPS monitoring: connection of the module Garmin Striker It allows you to track fuel consumption and battery charge in real time.
    • 🔧 Upgrade of the cooling system: addition of a second water pump (e.g. from «Yamaha») prevents overheating during prolonged operation.

    But not all of these improvements are safe. power-up It can cause overheating and fire by replacing windings, and it is also not recommended to use batteries from electric vehicles (for example, electric vehicles). «Tesla») - their voltage and discharge currents are not compatible with the ECU of the motor.

    💡

    The most effective modification is to replace the standard battery with LiFePO4 (lithium-iron-phosphate), which is lighter, more durable and not afraid of deep discharge, but costs 1.5-2 times more expensive.

    For those who want to experiment, the user experience with a nickname is useful. @Fisher88 forum 4x4Club:

    I've set it on my own. Wind Hybrid 5 battery «Pylontech UP5000» (48V/100Ah) and a 200W solar panel. Now I can run all day in electric mode on fishing, and I only use gasoline to get home.

    Where to buy and what to look for when choosing?

    Purchase "The Wind Hybrid." can be found at official dealers "Veghi." or in large shops, such as «BoatMarket», "Fishermen-Profi"Average price:

    • "The Wind Hybrid 2" — 160 000–180 000 ₽;
    • "The Wind Hybrid 5." — 190 000–220 000 ₽.

      • When buying, check:

      1. 📄 Availability of GIMS certificate The engine must be allowed for use on water bodies of Russia.
      2. 🔧 Complementation: the box must contain a battery, charger, maintenance keys and instructions.
      3. 🛡️ Guarantee Official warranty from the manufacturer 2 years, but some stores give extended (up to 3 years).

      Beware of fakes! Avito and jule They often sell "gray" engines without warranty. "The Wind Hybrid." has:

      • Serial number on the body and battery (must match).
      • The hologram on the package.
      • Brand label with a QR code (leads to the manufacturer's website).
      ⚠️ Attention: When buying a used motor, be sure to check the state of the battery - its capacity can be measured by a tester. «CBA IV»Battery with a capacity below 70% of the nominal requires replacement (the cost of a new battery is 50 000 RUB).

      FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

      Can I use it? "The Wind Hybrid." seawater?

      Yes, but with a clean-up after each exit, salt water accelerates the corrosion of aluminum parts, especially screws and anodes. zinc anodes and lubricate moving parts with marine lubrication (e.g., «CRC Marine Grease»).

      How long does it take to fully charge the battery?

      The standard charger (220V/2A) charges the 48V/20Ah battery in 8-10 hours. When using the accelerated charger (4A), the time is reduced to 4-5 hours, but this reduces the battery life. Optimally charge 80% in 6 hours, and then recharge with low current.

      Can I repair the electronic control unit myself?

      No, repairing the computer requires special equipment and firmware, and trying it alone can cause the engine to fail completely. "Veghi." There are in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk, the cost of diagnosis is from 3,000 -.

      What kind of gasoline to fill in the gasoline module?

      The manufacturer recommends gasoline AI-92 or AI-95Use. AI-80 Or fuel with additives can lead to the formation of soot on candles and piston group, and it is also undesirable to use gasoline that has been in the can for more than 3 months.

      What is the maximum load on the engine?

      For "The Wind Hybrid 2" up to 300 kg (boat + cargo), for "The Wind Hybrid 5." Excessive loading leads to overheating of the electric motor and increased fuel consumption in gasoline mode. For boats longer than 4 m, a model of 5 hp is recommended.