Choice boat-engine For a inflatable boat, today it is no longer a matter of pure ecology or quietness, and modern technology has allowed for the creation of compact, powerful and reliable units that are a serious competitor to traditional gasoline counterparts, especially in the niche of small shipping. Electric motors Ideal for fishing where silence is required and for short distance walks where ease of maintenance is important.
The market offers many models, varying in mounting type, lower unit length and maximum traction. It is easy for an inexperienced user to get confused about specifications such as battery voltage or speed number. In this article, we will break down all the nuances so that you can find the best solution for your needs. floater.
It is worth understanding that the transition to electric traction requires not only the purchase of the engine itself, but also the correct selection. batteryThe quality and capacity of the power source is directly related to how much time you can spend on the water without recharging.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electrical Traction for PVC Boats
The main advantage of using electric motors It's a very quiet fish, and it's critical for anglers who hunt carefully, and they're sensitive to the slightest vibration, and the lack of exhaust makes swimming environmentally friendly and enjoyable, which is especially valuable in closed waters or protected areas.
But electricians have their limitations, and the main disadvantage is that they depend on battery capacity and they don't have the ability to refuel quickly away from civilization. motor can be refueled in 5 minutes, the discharged battery will have to be charged for several hours, which requires careful planning of the route.
Maintenance of electric units is much easier: no need to change the oil, filters or spark plugs. The design of such motors is simple and reliable, which reduces the risk of failure at the most inopportune time.
⚠️ Warning: Do not let the traction battery run completely to zero. Deep discharge significantly reduces the life of lead-acid and AGM batteries, and can also disable lithium assemblies without an integrated BMS system.
The weight of the kit also plays a role. Although the engine itself is light, the battery pack can weigh 15-30 kg, which significantly affects the overall weight of the battery. loading capacity This is something that you need to consider when you're assembling equipment for a long trip.
Criteria of choice: traction, lower unit and management
When choosing electric motor For a inflatable boat, the first thing to look at is maximum thrust, measured in pounds (lbs) and directly affects the boat's ability to move against wind or current. For a lightweight single-seat PVC boat, 30-40 lbs is usually enough, whereas a two-seat or three-seat one with a load will require 50-60 lbs or more.
The length of the lower unit (legs) is the second critical parameter. For inflatable boats with low sides, the optimal length is from 60 to 75 cm. Too short a lower unit will lead to air capture by the propeller blades (cavitation) and loss of efficiency, and too long will create unnecessary resistance and interfere with maneuvers.
The control system can be rampel or foot. rubber-boat The tube control is standard because it is compact and does not require additional pedals space. sounder, which expands the functionality.
When choosing a motor, always take a model with a thrust reserve of about 20-30% of the minimum required, which will allow the engine to work beyond its limits, which will prolong its life and battery life.
It is also important to consider the number of speeds. The presence of a reverse (reversing) is a prerequisite for comfortable operation. Modern models often have 5 front and 3 rear speeds, which allows you to flexibly adjust the speed depending on the conditions.
Battery: The Heart of an Electric Boat
The power selection source is perhaps the most difficult stage of the configuration. electric motors The conventional starter car batteries are not suitable for the short-term return of high current to start the engine, and not for long-term operation in discharge mode.
The best choice is traction batteries such as AGM or GEL. They withstand deep discharge and have a longer life cycle.LiFePO4) batteries are becoming more popular due to their low weight and huge resource, but their cost remains high.
Battery capacity directly determines battery life. To calculate the approximate travel time, you can use the formula: Capacity (Ah) / Motor current (A). However, in practice, the current consumption varies depending on the load, wind and speed chosen.
| Type of battery | Weight (roughly) | Cycle resource | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead-acid (WET) | Heavy. | 200-300 | Low. |
| AGM / GEL | Medium. | 400-600 | Medium |
| LiFePO4 (Lithium) | Light. | 2000+ | High. |
Don't forget to protect the battery. PVC boats It's advisable to use a sealed plastic box that protects the terminals from saltwater splashes and prevents short circuits, and it's not just a matter of comfort, it's a matter of safety.
Can I use a car battery?
Technically, you can start the engine, but you can't do it regularly. The starter battery quickly degrades from deep discharge, and the acid vapors released when charging can be dangerous in the confined space of a boat or garage.
Instructions for installing the motor on the PVC transom of the boat
Installation The electric motor on the inflatable boat requires care to avoid damaging the soft transom. Most models are mounted with a screw screw that must be securely fixed on a hard surface. If the transom is soft, a special transition board must be used.
Before installation, make sure that the height of the transom corresponds to the length of the lower unit. The screw should be immersed in water about 15-20 cm below the bottom of the boat. Too high will lead to cavitation, and too low will lead to increased water resistance.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
The power connection is via a plug or a special connector, often protected by a fuse. It is important to observe polarity when connected, although many modern motors have a repolar protection. The wires must be sufficiently cross-sectional to not warm up under load.
⚠️ Warning: Never turn the motor on in the air without dipping the screw in water even for a few seconds. The lack of water cooling can cause the glands or engine windings to overheat and melt.
After installation, it is recommended to conduct a test run in shallow water, check the operation of all speeds, smooth switching and no foreign vibrations, make sure that the jet of water from the screw does not fall on the inflatable tubes, which can damage them.
Calculation of range and energy savings
Understanding how you use energy will help you plan your route and avoid any unpleasant situations. Maximum speed does not mean maximum efficiency. Often, the optimal mode for long-distance travel is 60-70% of maximum power.
External factors such as wind, current and water turbulence can increase energy consumption by two or more times. When calculating travel time, always reserve a margin of 30% of the manufacturer's data-sheet figures, which is a rule of "safe navigation" has saved many anglers from forced paddles.
Using a sonar and GPS also consumes energy if they are powered by the same battery as the motor, and it is better to use a separate low-power battery for these devices so as not to drain the main traction battery.
The most economical mode of operation of the electric motor is movement on 3-4 gear (out of 5) at a speed of about 4-5 km / h In this mode, the efficiency of the screw and the engine is maximum, and current consumption is minimal.
There are special discharge tables for different motor models that allow you to estimate the running time. For example, a 50 lbs motor at 5th speed can consume up to 50 Amps per hour, which with a 100 Ah battery will give only 2 hours of running. At first speed, the consumption can be as low as 5-10 Amps, providing up to 10 hours of operation.
Maintenance and care of the electric motor
Regular maintenance prolongs the life of your equipment, and after each release, especially in salt water, you need to thoroughly wash. lower unit Salt is an aggressive corrosive agent and rapidly destroys metal parts.
The screw should be inspected periodically for fishing line or algae winding. Even a small piece of fishing line that gets on the shaft can damage the glands, which will lead to water entering the engine. Use a knife or special hooks to clean, but act carefully.
Lubrication of moving parts, such as the rotary mechanism and the depth adjustment screw, should be made with special silicone lubricants. Do not use conventional lithium lubricants, which can erode rubber seals.
⚠️ Warning: When stored in winter, be sure to remove the motor from the boat, wash it, dry it and store it vertically in a dry room. Do not leave the motor attached to the boat for a long time to avoid deformation of the transom.
Once a season, check the condition of brushes (in collector engines) and bearings. If you hear an extraneous noise or screeching, this is a signal that professional diagnostics is necessary. Self-disassembly of the body can violate the leakage and deprive you of warranty.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Which battery is better to choose for a beginner: AGM or Lithium?
For a beginner who doesn't go out infrequently and isn't willing to pay too much, the best choice is an AGM battery: it's cheaper, safer to operate and less demanding to charge. Lithium (LiFePO4) is worth taking if every gram of weight is important and you plan to be active for many years.
Can you achieve high speed on an electric motor?
Electric motors are not designed to develop high plane speeds; they are designed to move with confidence, and the maximum speed is usually 5-7 km / h, which is enough for fishing and quiet walks, but not for high-speed travel.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor in GIMS?
In the Russian Federation, boats with electric motors up to 10 horsepower (which corresponds to about 7.5 kW or thrust about 200-250 lbs, although the transfer of units is nonlinear) and a length of less than 20 meters do not require registration if their weight in running order does not exceed 200 kg. Most electric motors for PVC boats meet these standards, but the legislation may change, so it is worth clarifying the current rules.
How long does the battery for the outboard motor charge?
Charging time depends on the battery capacity and the power of the charger. For lead-acid AGM batteries, the standard charging current is 10% of the capacity (for example, 10A for 100Ah), which takes about 10-12 hours. Lithium batteries can be charged with high currents, reducing the time to 3-5 hours.