Finding the perfect unit for slow wiring bait is not just about choosing power, but finding a balance between efficiency, reliability and the ability to keep minimum rpm. Fishermen often make the mistake of thinking that any low-power engine will do the job, but reality dictates its terms. trolling It requires the technique to be stable at low speeds, where conventional motors can stall or work in jerks.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why. electric motors often win over gasoline analogues in the niche of trolling, and in which cases it is still worth giving preference ICEChoosing the right one will save you fuel, nerves and focus on the main thing - the bites, not the adjustment of the gas.
The modern market offers many solutions, from simple electric propulsion to complex gasoline systems with electronic throttle control, and understanding the physics of the process and the technical nuances will help you to purchase the tool that will become a reliable assistant on the water.
Criteria of choice: traction versus speed
The main parameter when looking for the best outboard motor for trolling is not the maximum speed it can develop, but the minimum steady speed and traction reserve. Gasoline units often have a lower speed limit, below which the candle becomes engrossed with swelling, and the engine begins to work unstable. Electric motors They are free of this disadvantage, providing smooth wiring at any speed.
It's important to consider the weight of the boat and the resistance of the water. If you plan to troll in a large inflatable boat against the wind or the current, low-power thrust simply can't cope. Here, the critical factor is the thrust in pounds (lbs) for electricians or horsepower for gasoline, but adjusted for gear ratio.
⚠️ Attention: The use of a powerful gasoline engine at minimum speeds for several hours will lead to the coking of candles and failure of the ignition system.
For gasoline options, the availability of the system throttle-control The advantage of ETC is that it allows the motor to keep its speeds at a given rate regardless of the load, which is critical for the uniform wiring of the Wobbles, and without it, you'll have to constantly twist the gas handle to respond to the changing wind.
- ⚡ Electric motors provide instant traction and absolute silence, which scares the fish less.
- ⛽ Gasoline models give freedom of movement and do not depend on the capacity of the battery.
- 🌊 For trolling, stability of revolutions is more important than maximum power.
- 🔋 The weight of the battery for the electric motor often exceeds the weight of the gasoline unit itself.
Electric motors: king's move
Absolutely. electric It's a leading trolling company, and the lack of vibration and noise makes fishing comfortable, and the ability to control speed accurately allows you to catch difficult areas. Min Kotawhose engines are series Ulterra or Riptide They set the industry standards.
However, you should not discount other brands, such as Haswing or WatersnakeThey offer great performance for less money, and the key here is to have a standing anchor function.Spot-Lock It is a similar system that keeps the boat at a point despite wind and current using GPS coordinates.
When choosing an electric motor, pay attention to the length of the daydwoot. 30-36 inches are often enough for trolling on inflatable boats, but for metal boats with a high transom, it will take 48-60 inches. Incorrectly choosing the length will lead to cavitation and loss of traction.
When choosing an electric motor, take a model with a thrust reserve of 30-40%. If the design thrust is 40 lbs, it is better to take 55 lbs so that the engine does not run at its limit.
Modern models are equipped with solenoids that automatically remove the screw when hit by an obstacle, which saves the screw from breaking, but requires careful sensitivity adjustment so that the motor does not move away from every wave. Only electric motors allow trolling at a speed of 0.5-1 km / h without the risk of stopping the engine.
Gasoline engines: when you need autonomy
If your element is large reservoirs, where you need to go tens of kilometers to the fishing point, or multi-day expeditions, then petrol-engine It's a two-stroke, four-stroke low-power, 2.5 to 6 hp ball. Tohatsu and Yamaha They are known for their reliability and ability to work on poor mixtures.
The peculiarity of trolling on gasoline is the need to use additional equipment, often the main motor is hung on the troller for the ride, and for trolling they use a special trolling motor of lower power or electronic speed limiters. Suzuki DF2.5They have a built-in speed limiting system, making them ideal candidates.
Four-stroke engines are preferred for long transitions and low-speed operation because of lower oil and fuel consumption. However, their weight can be significant for light PVC boats. Two-stroke engines are lighter, but require fine tuning of the carburetor to work on singles.
| Parameter | two-stroke motor | four-stroke engine | Electric motor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Low. | Medium/High | Medium (without battery) |
| Trolling expenses | 0.5 - 1 l/h | 0.4. - 0.8 l/h | 0.2. - 0.5 kWh |
| Noise and vibration | High. | Average. | Absent. |
| Time to work. | Depends on the tank. | Depends on the tank. | Depends on the AKB. |
And remember the environmental aspect and the smell, because in a confined boat, especially when it's still, the exhaust can be uncomfortable, so having a long exhaust pipe or being able to take the exhaust out through a lower unit (like a lower unit). Yamaha) is an important advantage.
Transportation and installation of equipment
Installing an additional trolling motor requires a thoughtful approach to the design of the transom. If the main motor is powerful, the second, trolling, is often mounted on a removable bracket or on the bow of the boat.bow mount) ideal for electric motors, allowing the boat to operate its foot, freeing its hands for tackle.
For gasoline variants, the tandem scheme is often used, where a powerful motor is hanging on the transom, and the trolling one is fixed next to a special bar. It is important to ensure the rigidity of the mounting, since vibration from the engine can destroy the thin plastic of the transom of an inflatable boat.
☑️ Checking the engine installation
When using an electric motor, the correct installation of the battery is critical, it must be secured in a special sealed box that prevents water from entering and sparking. GEL or AGM Batteries are preferable to liquid batteries, as they are safer and do not require maintenance.
⚠️ Warning: Never simply place the battery on the boat floor without fixing. At a sudden maneuver or wave, a heavy battery can pierce the cylinder or injure passengers.
Engine economy and resource
The issue of trolling savings is acute, because the process can last 8-10 hours. A gasoline engine at idle speed consumes fuel even if the boat is standing. The electric motor only consumes energy when moving. The calculation is simple: 1 hp of a gasoline engine is equivalent to about 700-800 watts of electric power.
The fuel engine's energy consumption is lower than nominal speeds; oil starvation (especially in 2-strokes without an oil pump) and low combustion temperatures lead to rapid wear. Electric motors, when properly operated (without overheating the windings), last for years, requiring only brush replacement or bearing lubrication.
An hour's worth of work also varies: A liter of AI-92 gasoline costs less than a kilowatt-hour of electricity, but the efficiency of an electric motor is much higher, and you can get electricity for free from the sun or the wind by charging batteries at home.
The secret of long service of a two-stroke engine
Use high-quality synthetic oil for two-stroke low-ash engines, which will prevent the formation of soot on the candle and piston during long-term operation at low speeds.
Comparison of popular models
In the ranking, it is impossible not to mention Tohatsu MFS 2.5 C SIt's a four-stroke that many consider a benchmark for trolling, thanks to its speed limiting system and incredibly low fuel consumption. It weighs about 13 kg and makes it easy to move around the boat.
In the electric motor segment Min Kota Endura C2 34 It's still a bestseller because it's simple and reliable. Garmin Force It offers technologies previously unavailable to anglers, including crystal clear sonar and instant response.
Chinese brands such as Parsun or HdXThey offer an affordable alternative, and their quality has grown over the years, and for amateur fishing, they can be a great choice, especially if the budget is tight.
For serious trolling on large bodies of water, the combination "Main petrol engine + bow electric motor" is the gold standard of equipment.
Final selection recommendations
Choosing the best outboard motor for trolling depends on your fishing style. If you are sitting at one point or moving slowly over a known terrain, take an electric motor. If trolling is for you a way to overcome long distances in search of active fish, you choose a powerful four-stroke with a rev system.
Don't skimp on an electric battery or a quality oil for gasoline. These components determine the reliability of the entire system. Remember, there are no trifles on the water, and failure of machinery can turn fishing into a struggle for survival.
Analyze the conditions in which you fish most often and choose a tool for them. There are no universal solutions, but understanding the principles of the engine will help you make the right decision.
Which motor is better for a 3-meter long PVC boat?
For a boat 3 meters long, the best choice would be an electric motor with 30-40 lbs. It is lightweight, does not require fuel and is ideal for quiet wiring. A gasoline engine with a capacity of 2-3 hp is also possible, but will create more vibration.
How long does the electric motor last on a single charge?
The operating time depends on the battery capacity (Ah) and the current consumed. At 30 percent thrust and 100Ah battery, the engine will last about 6-8 hours. At full power, the time will be reduced to 1.5-2 hours.
Can I use a conventional car battery?
It is not recommended to use a car starter battery for an electric motor. They are not designed for deep discharge and will quickly fail.
Do I need to lubricate the electric motor gearbox?
Yes, the electric motor reducer requires regular lubrication, usually once a season or after 100 motor hours, and water can get inside through the glands, so checking the oil for emulsion is mandatory.