Many owners of small boats often wonder whether it is possible to use the existing household gasoline or electric. trimmer The answer lies in the existence of special transition devices, known as nozzles or screws, which allow you to turn a garden tool into a full-fledged outboard motor, which is especially important for fishing on small bodies of water or if you need to urgently move the PVC boat when the main engine has failed.
The design of such devices is usually simple and reliable, but requires a careful approach to choosing a model for the specific power of your unit. Water-gun nozzle Or the screws in the body are attached to the trimmer shaft instead of a barbell with a cutting braid, creating traction by rotating the blades. propulsioner It depends on the engine speed and the correct selection of the screw diameter.
In this article, we will discuss the technical details, consider the compatibility of different trimmer models with water nozzles and give practical tips for safe operation. The use of garden equipment on the water has its own specifications, ignoring which can lead to the breakdown of expensive equipment or create an emergency situation on the water body.
Working principle and nozzle arrangement
The basis of any nozzle is the mechanism for transferring torque from the trimmer engine to the propeller. Unlike a standard mower, where the shaft rotates a knife or a line, it uses a line. gearboxIt's a pipe that is often filled with a special lubricant, and an elongated lower unit pipe, and it's this pipe that is dipped into the water, bringing the screw to a stream of water that is free of air bubbles, which is critical to creating effective thrust.
Some models are equipped water-jetIt's a system that sucks water through the inlet and throws it out at a high speed through the nozzle, which is considered safer for fishing because it eliminates the risk of injury to the fish or entanglement in the blades of the open propeller. speed Manoeuvrability with less energy.
Mounting is carried out through a special adapter, which is fixed to the trimmer shaft. Here it is important that the diameter of the shaft and the type of connection (slit or thread) coincide. The discrepancy between the diameter of the shaft even by a fraction of a millimeter can lead to beating, rapid wear of the ossels and eventual engine jamming. Therefore, before buying, you need to know the parameters of your trimmer.
⚠️ Warning: Never start the trimmer engine with the nozzle installed outside the water, even for a few seconds. The lack of water cooling (if it is provided by the design of the nozzle) or dry friction of the seals will lead to instant overheating and deformation of the plastic elements of the gearbox.
Compatibility of trimmers with water nozzles
Not every garden unit is suitable for installation on a boat, first of all you need to pay attention to the type of engine. Gasoline trimmers Two-stroke engines are the most popular choice because of their high power-to-weight ratio, and they are easy to start and capable of developing the high revs needed to plane a light boat.
Electrical models can also be used, but their use is limited by the capacity of the batteries and the length of the cord, unless it is a question of modern lithium-ion systems. electric trimmer It is important to consider starting currents and maximum power, as water creates much more resistance than grass.
The key to compatibility is the location of the engine. rampartModels with a curved bar, where torque is transmitted through a cable shaft (flexible shaft), are categorically not suitable for use with screws, since the cable will not withstand the loads when driving in water and will quickly collapse.
- ✅ Two-stroke gasoline engines with a volume of 25 cubic cm and above.
- ✅ A straight, hard bar to transfer the moment.
- ✅ The ability to attach the nozzle to the lower unit pipe.
- ✅ Water cooling or sufficient airflow for the motor.
Technical specifications and model selection
When choosing a nozzle, you need to focus on the table of matching engine power and displacement of the boat. Too weak engine will not be able to bring the boat into plane mode, and overly powerful can destroy the design of the nozzle or create an excess load on the trimmer crankshaft.
The material of the screw fabrication also plays an important role: Plastic blades are safer when faced with underwater obstacles, but aluminum or stainless. alloy However, when hitting a stone, a metal screw can transmit an inertial blow to the engine, so the presence of a metal screw can be very effective. pin-spin or friction clutch in the design of the nozzle is highly desirable.
The length of the lower unit pipe should be chosen so that the screw is in the water at an optimal depth, but does not create undue resistance when moving, usually this distance is 30-50 cm from the surface of the water to the axis of the screw.
| Trimmer power (L. S.) | Type of nozzle | Rotor diameter (mm) | Max. speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 - 1.5 | Propeller | 130 - 150 | 5 - 8 |
| 1.5 - 2.5 | Propeller | 160 - 180 | 10 - 15 |
| 2.5 - 3.5 | Propeller/water-gun | 180 - 210 | 15 - 20 |
| 3.5+ | Enhanced. | 210+ | 20+ |
The optimal power trimmer for a PVC boat up to 3 meters long is 2.0-2.5 hp, which allows you to comfortably move against the current and go to plane with one passenger.
Instructions for fitting nozzles
The process of installing the nozzle requires accuracy and adherence to the sequence of actions. Before starting work, make sure that the trimmer engine is silenced and cooled. Remove the cutting element (knife or coil with a fishing line) and the protective casing from the bar.
The first step is to dismantle the bottom of the barbell, if the trimmer design allows it, or to install the transition unit directly on the shaft. M10x1.25 or silk compound, characteristic of a particular brand of trimmer.
Next, lubricate the shaft and interior of the coupling with lithium lubricant to prevent corrosion and facilitate_future_disassembly. Tighten the locking bolts using a dynamometer key if possible so as not to disrupt the thread on the aluminum parts.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
After the mechanical installation, check the engine at idle speed in the air (shortly), listening to extraneous vibrations. If all is well, you can conduct water tests starting at minimum rpm.
Operation and security measures
The use of a trimmer as an outboard motor imposes special safety requirements. Unlike regular outboard motors, garden machinery does not always have a full-fledged emergency engine jamming system, so the operator must always be in close proximity to the controls.
When driving, avoid shallow water and overgrown areas. Getting solid objects into the propeller can cause the gearbox to collapse. If you feel a shock or vibration, immediately release the gas and shut the engine down for inspections.
⚠️ Note: It is forbidden to use a trimmer with a nozzle to tow water skiers or heavy loads. The design of the garden engine is not designed for constant operation under full load for a long time, characteristic of towing.
Pay special attention to the attachment of the trimmer itself to the transom of the boat. Staff clamps may not withstand vibrations and jerks. It is recommended to use additional safety ropes or specialized rods that lock the engine to the boat. granule boats.
What to do if the line is screwed?
If you're screwed with a fishing line or seaweed, you need to immediately turn off the engine. Trying to unwind the gas winding will overheat the glands and possibly melt the plastic parts of the gearbox. Carefully cut the winding with a knife, having previously snacked on the fishing line in several places.
Maintenance and storage
After each release, the nozzle must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if the operation was carried out in salt water. salt causes rapid corrosion of aluminum alloys and steel shafts. It is recommended to soak the bottom of the nozzle in a container with fresh water for 10-15 minutes.
Periodically, approximately every 10-15 hours, the level and condition of the lubricant in the nozzle reducer should be checked. If the lubricant has acquired a milky shade, this indicates that water enters through the worn-out coils and they must be replaced.
With prolonged storage (winter), the shaft and threaded connections should be preserved with lubrication, and the nozzle itself should be stored in an upright position or suspended to avoid deformation of the lower unit pipe.
- 🛠 Fresh water washing after each use.
- 🛠 Lubrication of the shaft before each season.
- 🛠 Check the condition of the gums once a year.
- 🛠 Storage in a dry room without direct sunlight.
To extend the life of the nozzle coils, when stored in the off-season, apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant to the inlet of the shaft, where it enters the gearbox. This will prevent rubber from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a nozzle on an electric trimmer?
Yes, you can, but only if the engine power is at least 1000 watts (about 1.3 hp) and the design provides for a straight rigid shaft. However, the operating time will be limited by the capacity of the batteries, so for serious movements, the gasoline option is preferable.
What is the maximum speed of a boat with such a nozzle?
With a trimmer power of 2.0-2.5 hp and a correctly selected nozzle, a light PVC boat with one person can reach speeds of up to 12-15 km / h. With increasing load, the speed drops proportionally to displacement.
Should I change the oil in the trimmer more often when working on water?
Yes, because the engine runs at high speeds under load longer than when mowing grass, the life of the engine oil is reduced, it is recommended to change the fuel mixture (for two-stroke engines) more often and not store the finished mixture for more than 2 weeks.
Will the nozzle go from one brand of trimmer to another?
Often, seats are standardized (for example, many Chinese manufacturers), but there are exceptions. Be sure to compare the diameter of the shaft and the type of mounting (slit or thread) of your trimmer with the specifications of the nozzle before buying.