Trolling is a very different way of doing active spinning or anchor fishing, where the key to success is to be able to navigate the water at a minimum speed, while keeping it completely quiet so as not to scare off the careful fish. electromotorIt allows you to fish where internal combustion engines are prohibited, or simply enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Unlike gasoline, electric propulsion doesn't produce vibrations, which is critical when wiring wobblers at shallow depths. Many anglers underestimate the importance of getting the right equipment, believing that any motor will do the job, but they don't. traction And the type of propeller is crucial to the efficiency of wiring, and in this article, we'll look at all the nuances that will help you turn a regular boat into a professional trolling machine.
Choosing between a primary gasoline engine and an auxiliary electric one is often a dilemma for PVC boat owners. If gasoline is used to move to the catch point, then the wiring of the bait itself is the choice. electric It's a leader in comfort and performance, and let's take a closer look at what you should look for when you buy it.
Advantages of electric motor over gasoline analogue
The main advantage that is immediately noticeable is the quietness of the work, when the boat is driven solely by electricity, the splashes of water from the propeller become the only sound heard on the water, which allows you to sneak up on fish flocks without creating the frightening noise of the ICE, which is especially true in shallow water or when fishing for pike and perch.
Besides, electric motor It's much lighter and more compact than a gasoline-powered fellow, and the fact that you don't have to carry fuel canisters, oil and heavy lower unit makes it less time-consuming to prepare for fishing, and you don't have to worry about the fuel spilling into the boat or getting your gear dirty.
⚠️ Warning: Despite being simple, an electric motor requires careful handling of the power system. A battery's deep discharge can irreversibly reduce its capacity, so always monitor the charge level.
The economic aspect is also not to be ignored. The cost of one hour's work is not to be ignored. electric In terms of kilowatt-hours of electricity, it's disproportionately lower than gasoline and oil, and in fact, the maintenance of the electric unit is minimized: just wash the screw with fresh water and lubricate the gums.
An electric motor for trolling is an investment in comfort and environmental friendliness, which allows you to fish in areas prohibited for ICE and save on fuel.
Selection criteria: power, traction and voltage
When choosing equipment, many beginners make the mistake of focusing on horsepower, as is the case with gasoline engines. traction The thrust, which is measured in pounds (lbs), is a measure that determines how effectively the motor can push your boat against the wind and current.
Power supply voltage is also critical. Most low-power models run from 12 volts, but for boats longer than 3.5-4 meters or in high winds, it is recommended to consider systems at 24 or 36 volts. Higher voltage reduces current, which reduces wire heating and increases the operating time on a single charge.
It's important to consider not only static thrust, but also the ability of the motor to keep speed under load. electric motors They are equipped with a system of protection against overheating and intelligent control that optimizes energy consumption depending on water resistance.
Below is a table that helps to orient in the choice of thrust depending on the displacement of the boat:
| Type of boat / Displacement | Recommended traction (lbs) | System voltage (B) | Approximate speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC up to 3.2 m (1 person) | 30 - 36 lbs | 12 | 4 - 5 |
| PVC 3.5 - 4.0 m (2 people) | 40 - 55 lbs | 12 / 24 | 5 - 7 |
| PVC 4.2 - 4.8 m (3 people) | 60 - 80 lbs | 24 / 36 | 6 - 8 |
| Metal / Boat up to 5 m | 80 - 100+ lbs | 36 | 7 - 9 |
Types of management and construction of lower unit
The design of the motor directly affects the usability of the motor. There are two main types of control: the tiller and the foot (pedal). tiller-motors They are controlled by turning the handle, which is intuitive and reliable, but requires one free hand.
Foot-controlled motors (arts.Foot Control) allows the angler to hold both hands on the spinning wheel, adjusting the speed and direction of the foot, which is a top-flight trolling, but such systems require a special platform and are more expensive, and they are more difficult to install on inflatable boats.
Special attention should be paid to the system of lifting the lower unit. For trolling on PVC boats, transom mounts are often used, which allow you to quickly throw the motor into the water or lift it. It is important that the fixation mechanism is reliable, since the vibration when the propeller is working can loosen weak connections.
The Secret to Durability of lower unit
Check the condition of the glands and bushings regularly. The ingress of sand or silt inside the lower unit is the main reason for the rapid wear of gears of the gear reducer.
The ability to adjust the depth of the propeller's immersion is useful when passing shallow areas or grassy areas where standard depth can lead to algae winding.
Battery base: capacity calculation and battery types
The heart of your electrical system is the battery, and trolling is not the right thing for car starter batteries, which are designed to give you short-term high current. traction Deep Cycle, which can give energy to small currents for a long time and withstand a deep discharge.
Lead acid batteries (GEL or AGM) are a classic, time-tested option. They are cheaper, but heavier and afraid of overcharging. Lithium-iron-phosphate (LI-P) batteries.LiFePO4Batteries are a modern alternative: they are 2-3 times lighter, have built-in protection system (BMS) and last 5-10 times longer than lead.
The calculation of the required capacity is based on the average current consumption of the motor at operating speed. For example, if the motor consumes 20 Amps and fishing lasts 5 hours, the minimum capacity is 100 Ah. However, you can not discharge the battery to zero, so the reserve should be at least 30%.
- 🔋 AGM/GEL: Reliable, inexpensive, heavy, afraid of a full discharge below 10.5V.
- ⚡ LiFePO4: Light, dear, keep the voltage to the end of the discharge, have protection from KZ.
- 🚗 Starter: They are not suitable for long-term work, they quickly deteriorate.
⚠️ WARNING: When using lithium batteries, make sure your charger supports a LiFePO4 charge profile. Charging with a conventional lead charger can knock an expensive battery out of order.
For ease of use, it is recommended to purchase a battery charge indicator that shows the energy balance as a percentage, rather than just voltage, which will allow you to plan the time of return to base more accurately.
Rules for installing the motor on the PVC boat
Mounting an electric motor on an inflatable boat requires a special approach, since the PVC transom is less rigid than metal or wooden. The main task is to ensure that the screw does not "walk" and create unnecessary resistance.
Use only specialized transom boards reinforced with aluminum or steel plates. The standard plastic transmuter of an inflatable boat can deform under the weight of the motor and battery, leading to skewed lower unit and loss of efficiency.
☑️ Checking the engine installation
It's important to set the depth of the propeller right, and the optimal position is when the top blades of the propeller are 15-20 cm below the surface of the water, if you lift the motor higher, cavitation and suffocation will begin, if you lower, water resistance will increase.
The battery must also be securely secured in a sealed box, which in turn is firmly attached to the bottom or seat of the boat, and the shifting of the centre of gravity may adversely affect the performance of the vessel.
Trolling Techniques and Speed Control
The key to success is speed control. Trolling usually requires speeds between 2 and 5 km/h. At these speeds, most electric motors operate in an economical mode.
Use the function anchorage (Anchor Mode) if you have one in your motor, and this technology allows you to automatically hold the boat in place in low winds, adjusting the propeller to free the angler's hands.
When fishing on the current, use diagonal motion relative to the shore, which will allow you to pass promising areas with different wiring speeds, changing the game of the wobbler without changing the engine settings.
Don't forget to change direction. A long one-way drive can get fish to run a bit rough, hinge, change the wiring horizons, using the engine's ability to reverse without changing gears.
Keep your screw clean. Even a small bundle of grass winding on a shaft can reduce the efficiency of the motor by 20-30% and increase current consumption. Check lower unit regularly after you've passed overgrown areas.
Off-season maintenance and storage
To keep the engine running for years, you need to take good care of it. After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, be sure to wash the lower unit with fresh water. Salt is the main enemy of metal parts and electrical contacts.
In the off-season, the battery should be stored in a charged state. Lead batteries require periodic recharging (every 2-3 months), lithium can be stored longer, but it is also desirable to maintain a charge of 60-80%.
- 🛠️ Lubricate the oil oils and moving parts with a special lubricant for outboard motors.
- 🧼 Clean the screw from dirt and check it for chips.
- 🔌 Check the connectors for oxidation and corrosion.
Keep the motor upright or disassembled to avoid deformation of the lower unit. Do not leave the equipment in direct sunlight, as ultraviolet light destroys plastic and rubber seals.
How often should I change the lubricant in the gearbox?
Manufacturers recommend changing the lubricant in the gearbox (the lower part of the lower unit) once a season or after every 100 hours of operation. If you notice an emulsion (milk-colored lubricant) when you replace, then the gearbox got water through the gums, and they need to be replaced urgently.
Can an electric motor be used against a strong current?
Yes, you can, but it dramatically reduces battery life. When you move against the current, the current consumption increases by 2-3 times, in such conditions, it is recommended to use motors with a reserve of thrust and high-capacity batteries.
What happens if the engine stops developing full power?
First, check the battery charge under load. If the battery is fine, check the screw for damage or winding. Also, the cause may be oxidation of contacts or wear of brushes (in collector motors).
Competent approach to selection and operation troll-engine It turns fishing from hard work into a real pleasure, and by following simple rules of care and safety, you can ensure years of stable and quiet work on the water.