Quiet and imperceptible movement on water is the main advantage that gives electromotor Unlike a noisy gasoline engine, electric propulsion allows you to sneak up on a careful fish without scaring it away with vibrations and exhaust fumes. PVC Boats are often the only way to fish comfortably in shallow waters or in places where ICE is prohibited.
The modern market offers many solutions, from compact models for small water bodies to powerful systems for large water areas. tractor It turns a normal inflatable boat into a full-fledged fishing boat that can overcome wind and current, but the choice of equipment requires an understanding of technical nuances such as traction, voltage and type of control.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the optimal configuration, which battery to choose and how to properly secure equipment on the sides of your boat. Competent approach to equipment will provide you with years of carefree fishing and no problems with regulatory authorities.
Advantages of electric motors for inflatable boats
The use of electric traction on PVC And it's not just the desire for silence that drives boats, but the design of an inflatable vessel has its own specifications that make it so that it can be very quiet. electric motors They're more preferred than light gasoline, especially weight and center of gravity.
Gasoline engines, even low-power engines, create a significant vibration that is transmitted to the cylinders and bottom of the boat, which not only tires the fisherman, but can also contribute to accelerated wear of seams and material. PVCElectric models work smoothly, without jerking or shaking.
And also, the environmental friendliness and the lack of fuel makes these engines ideal for protected areas, so you don't have to worry about drops of gasoline or oil getting into the water or staining your equipment, and maintenance is also minimized, so you don't have to change candles, filters or make a fuel mix.
- 🔋 Complete silence of the work, allowing you to hear fish and the surrounding nature.
- ⚖️ Low weight design, which is critical for transportation and installation on a soft transom.
- 💸 Low cost of a kilometer of mileage compared to gasoline analogues.
- 🛠️ No complex maintenance and the need for winter engine preservation.
However, it is worth remembering that speed It's not a tool for racing, it's a tool for slow, controlled movement, and if your goal is to move quickly 20 kilometers to the catch point, the electric motor will be inefficient.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to reach maximum speed on an electric motor against strong wind or current. This will lead to a rapid discharge of the battery and possible overheating of the engine windings.
For many anglers, the key factor is the possibility of using the motor indoors or in closed waters, where the ban on ICE is strictly observed by inspectors.
Selection criteria: traction, voltage and length of the lower unit
When selecting a motor for PVC The first parameter to be considered is tractionIt's measured in pounds (lbs) and indicates the force with which the propeller pushes water. For inflatable boats up to 3.5 meters long, a 30-40 lbs model is usually enough.
If your boat is bigger or you plan to fish with full gear and passengers, you'll need a more powerful model. It's important to consider that manufacturers often specify thrust for ideal conditions. In practice, with wind or current, power supply will never hurt.
The second important parameter is tension Most low-power engines run from 12 volts, allowing for a single standard traction battery. More powerful models (55 lbs and above) can require 24 or even 36 volts, which implies a series of multiple batteries, which greatly increases weight and dimensions.
Length lower unit For low-sided, standard-length inflatable boats (about 70-80 cm) usually do, but if you're planning to put a boat on the bow or you have a high transom, you should consider models with an elongated shaft so that the propeller is always underwater.
Don't forget the weight of the engine itself.blistering The heavy motor can disrupt the balance and reduce the performance of the vessel.
Battery base: battery types and capacity calculation
The heart of your electrical system is batteryFor trolling, conventional starter batteries designed to start the car engine are categorically not suitable. They are not designed for long-term return of low-power current and quickly fail at deep discharge.
You need special ones. traction There are several types of lead-acid batteries, the most affordable option is GEL or AGM, which are sealed, safe and well-loaded, but they are very heavy.
The modern alternative is lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, 2-3 times lighter than lead, have more charge-discharge cycles, and don't lose capacity in the cold so quickly, but they cost much more.
To calculate the required capacity, use a simple formula: multiply the motor current by the planned fishing time. For example, if the motor consumes 20 Amps and the fishing lasts 5 hours, you need a margin of 100 Amp-hours. But remember that lead batteries cannot be discharged by more than 50-60%, so the capacity must be taken with a margin.
| Type of battery | Weight (roughly) | Cycle resource | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead-acid (WET) | Heavy (12-15 kg) | 200-300 | Low. |
| AGM / GEL | Medium (10-12 kg) | 400-600 | Medium |
| Lithium-ion (LiFePO4) | Light (3-5 kg) | 2000+ | High. |
When choosing, pay attention to current output. Some cheap battery models can "suck" under load, which will cause the engine to not give full power.
Methods of fastening the motor to the PVC boat
Installation of the engine PVC The soft transom is not always able to withstand the weight of the motor and the battery without additional gain, and there are several basic ways of attaching, each with its pros and cons.
The most common option is the use of pole-transomIt's a rigid plate (often made of plywood or composite) that is put on the back of the boat and is straped, and the motor is attached to this transom, and it's a universal solution, but it shifts the center of gravity back.
A more advanced version. transomIt is installed between the cylinders and the bottom of the boat, providing a more rigid design, but this option is not available for all boat models and requires factory installation or major revision.
☑️ Checking readiness for installation
For those who appreciate space in the cockpit, it is popular. nose-mountThe motor is mounted on a special platform in the bow of the boat, which makes room for fishing at the back, but requires wires to be laid all over the boat and the boat to balance.
⚠️ Attention: When mounting the motor on the hinged transom, be sure to use a safety cable. If the transom belts burst or weaken, the cable will not allow the motor to fall overboard and drown.
It's also important to set the depth of the screw to the right angle. PVC Boats with soft bottoms are characterized by keeliness, so the screw must be immersed deep enough not to capture air, but also not to create unnecessary resistance.
Maintenance and winter storage
Electric motors require minimal maintenance, but they cannot be ignored. sandAfter every fishing trip, especially in shallow bays, the motor must be washed with fresh water.
Check the condition of the osteoils regularly. If you notice that water has entered the gearbox (the oil has become a milky emulsion), you must immediately replace the seals. The operation of the motor without lubrication will lead to rapid destruction of the gears.
The screw is another critical element. PVC In boats, they often use plastic or composite propellers, which are safe for fish and people, but they break easily against underwater obstacles, and always carry a spare propeller and tools to replace it.
How to store the battery in winter?
Lead batteries can't be stored in a discharged state, they sulfate and lose capacity. They need to be recharged every 2-3 months. Lithium batteries can be stored at 40-60% charge in a cool place, they practically lose charge in a season.
When canned for the winter, lubricate exposed metal parts (stacks, fasteners) with a special lubricant to prevent corrosion. The motor is better stored in an upright position so that the residue of water flows out of the lower unit.
Legal aspects and safety rules
Many anglers mistakenly believe that an electric motor does not require registration. registration boats with an engine of more than 8 kilowatts (about 10.8 hp) are subject to the requirement, since electric motors for PVC boats usually have a power of up to 1-2 kW, they do not formally require registration and control rights.
However, this does not exempt the owner from complying with the safety rules on the water. lifejackets It is also recommended to have a scoop and anchor, even on a small boat.
When using high-powered batteries (especially lithium batteries), follow fire safety rules. Short circuits in the on-board network can cause fire, use fuses that correspond to the current of the engine consumption, and securely isolate all connections.
Use special insulated sea terminals to connect the battery. Conventional car clamps can oxidize from moist air and salt water, resulting in loss of contact on the water.
Remember that even a quiet motor makes you a part of the movement, and keep the speed limit near the bathing areas and do not create a dangerous wave for other water users.
The electric motor is the ideal choice for PVC boats, providing silence and maneuverability, but requiring careful attention to the choice of battery and fastening system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the motor last on a single charge?
The operating time depends on the battery capacity and speed of rotation of the screw. At the minimum speed (trolling), the engine consumes 5-10 Amps, which allows you to fish for 6-10 hours with a battery of 100 Ah. At maximum speed, consumption grows to 40-50 Amps, and the charge will last for 1.5-2 hours.
Can an electric motor be used against a strong current?
Low-power engines (up to 30 lbs) may not be able to handle the strong current of the river, especially if the boat is laden. In such conditions, the speed will be close to zero or the boat will start to tear down. For rivers with fast currents, a motor thrust from 45-55 lbs is recommended.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor?
In most cases, if the engine power is less than 8 kW (which corresponds to almost all electric motors for PVC boats) and the weight of the boat is less than 200 kg, registration with the GIMS and rights are not required.
Is the electric motor afraid of water?
The motor itself (dadewood and screw) is fully sealed and designed to work in water. Only electrical contacts and control unit are afraid of water if they are not protected. When installing, make sure that spray does not fall on the battery terminals and control handle.