Choosing a traction engine for a boat is always a search for a balance between power, autonomy and cost of equipment. In the segment of budget and mid-price solutions, Chinese-made devices, among which the brand, occupy a special place. Hidea The electric bow motor of this brand is often a compromise solution for owners of PVC boats and small boats looking for an alternative to expensive Western counterparts.
The main purpose of these units is silent movement on the water, which is critical for fishing. Unlike gasoline counterparts, electric traction does not create vibrations that can scare fish, and allows you to maneuver in the thickets of reeds or among driftwoods with high accuracy. Nasal mount Provides better handling of the vessel when reversing, which is a key advantage over outboard models.
Popularity of models Hidea It's because of the availability of parts and a relatively simple design that's easy to maintain in the field, but to keep the engine running for a long time and not let down on water, you need to follow the rules of operation and select the right traction battery. In this article, we'll go through the technical details, the features of installation and the hidden capabilities of these devices.
Technical specifications and model range
The range of traction motors Hidea wide enough to cover the needs of most amateur fishermen. tractionIt's a thrust, which is measured in pounds (lbs), and a power voltage, which is usually 12, 24 or 36 volts. The higher the thrust, the harder the boat is able to move the engine, but the energy consumption increases proportionally.
Many models have a telescopic tiller to adjust the depth of the propeller's immersion, which is important because the correct depth is when the top of the propeller is about 15-20 cm below the water level, which prevents cavitation and reduces noise. Screw group It is made of composite materials resistant to impacts on underwater obstacles, which is characteristic of shallow water.
You should pay attention to the speed control system. Depending on the model, the switch can have 3, 5 or even more step and reverse. foot-driveThis frees the fisherman's hands to work with spinning.
- ⚓ Power: The range ranges from 30 lbs for light inflatable boats to 80+ lbs for heavy metal floaters.
- 🔋 Voltage: Standard 12V models require one battery, whereas 24V and 36V require two or three batteries to be connected in series, respectively.
- 🌊 Defense: Most units are marked IP68, which guarantees the full tightness of the engine part when submerged.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hidea Electric Motors
Analyzing user reviews and technical data, we can identify a number of objective advantages of the product. HideaThe main trump card is the price: for the cost of one top Western engine you can buy a set of the engine HideaThe design of the motor is simple and maintainable, which in remote fishing conditions can be a decisive factor.
However, don’t turn a blind eye to the drawbacks: the fabrication materials, while they seem durable, are inferior in tactile sensation and durability to premium brands. Plastic rummel It can be more sensitive to ultraviolet light and extreme frost, so storage requires special attention, and sometimes there are complaints about the accuracy of the battery indication on the built-in display.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use the motor Hidea It's a salt water, without a thorough freshwater wash after each exit, and the corrosion resistance of the materials here is lower than that of specialized marine models.
Another nuance is the noise of the gearbox at high revs. If the engine is running almost silently at low speeds, then when full gas, the characteristic howling of the gears can appear, which is not a defect, but rather a feature of the rectooth gears used in the budget segment.
The secret to quiet work
To reduce noise at high speeds, experienced users recommend lubricating the gears of the gearbox with specialized lubricants with molybdenum disulfide, having previously removed the factory consistent lubricant.
Installation and installation instructions
Installing the bow motor is a very careful process, because it's the balance of the boat that depends on it. transom-holding The platform must be rigid so that vibrations do not pass to the hull of the boat, causing discomfort.
The motor is fastened by screw clips, and it's important not to pull them over so that the plastic elements don't deform, but also to ensure that they are firmly fixed. Once the motor is installed, you need to check the verticality of the lower unit, and the slope should be minimal, strictly perpendicular to the surface of the water for maximum efficiency.
☑️ Check before the first launch
Connecting the electrical part requires the use of wires in a section corresponding to the current of consumption. For 12-volt motors with a thrust up to 50 lbs, a cross section of at least 10 mm2 is recommended. All connections should be protected from water by thermal shrinkage or special sea connectors.
| Parameter | Recommendation | Critical minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Cable cross-section | 10-16 mm2 | 6 mm2 |
| Cable length | Up to 2 meters. | No restrictions. |
| Safety lock | 50-80 Ampere | Sure. |
Operation and speed management
Electric motor control Hidea It's intuitive, but it's very specific, and it's only necessary to switch speeds after the gas has been discharged, and if you switch a lever from speed 5 to speed 1 or reverse without pause, you can get a sudden shift of the lever from speed 5 to speed 1 or reverse. burnout switch or break the gears of the gearbox.
When you're driving against wind or strong waves, you don't have to keep the handle at maximum. Electric motors are most efficient at medium speeds, where the efficiency of the system is maximum. Prolonged work at limiting loads leads to overheating of the windings and a reduction in the life of the brush assembly.
Use speed 3 as your primary cruising speed, which provides 70 percent of your top speed, but only uses 50 percent of your power, which greatly increases your range.
Special attention should be paid to maneuvering. The inertia of an electric boat is different from that of a gasoline boat. The response to commands can be a little smoother, but the stop is faster when thrust is discharged, because the screw creates resistance to water. This helps with precise positioning at the catch point.
Maintenance and maintenance of the engine
Regular maintenance is the key to the longevity of your HideaAfter every fishing trip, especially in muddy water, you have to remove the motor and wash it with fresh water, and the sand and silt, when they get into the glands, act as an abrasive, quickly disabling them.
Once a season, prevention is recommended. sludge If the motor has an air-emitting system, make sure it's functioning so that the water doesn't get inside the lower unit.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep the motor upright with the screw down unless otherwise specified in the instructions, which can cause the lubricant to leak out of the gearbox and hit the glands, causing them to collapse.
Winter storage requires full battery charge and dry, warm room. Plastic cells are better covered with cloth to avoid fading and cracking from temperature changes. Periodically, every 2-3 months, it is useful to check the battery power, even if the motor is not used.
Comparison with competitors and final choice
There are many analogues on the market, such as Minneapolis, Water Snake more expensive MotorGuide. Hidea It's a middle ground niche, more reliable than the cheapest Chinese, but inferior in ergonomics and smoothness to the top brands, and for a beginner or a fishing weekend, this is the best option.
If you're planning serious trolling on large bodies of water with frequent use, it might be worth considering models with a large margin of safety. Hidea It's more than enough. It's important to get the battery right.
Hidea electric motor is a rational choice for those who appreciate the ratio of price and functionality, ready to put up with a little less comfort for the sake of saving budget.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific tasks, and if you have a budget and you have a lot of desire to try electric power. Hidea This is going to be a great entry ticket to the world of silent fishing, and with care, this motor can go away for several seasons without any serious investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which battery is best for a Hidea engine?
For traction motors, starter car batteries are categorically not suitable. traction-carrying Deep Cycles are AGM or GEL, which can give off current in small portions for long periods of time and can withstand deep discharge, and have an optimal capacity of 100 Ah or more.
Can I use the Hidea engine in salt water?
Technically, the motor can operate in salt water because it has moisture protection. However, the materials (especially the metal fasteners and internal components) do not have a full-fledged corrosion treatment for marine conditions. Use is possible, but requires immediate and thorough washing with fresh water after each exit, otherwise corrosion is inevitable.
What to do if the engine is humming but not spinning?
Most often, this indicates that the screw has wound the grass or fishing line, or the thermal protection has gone off, you need to turn off the engine, clear the screw of foreign objects, if the problem persists, you may have oxidized contacts or drained the battery to a critical level.
How to increase the time of operation from one charge?
The main way is to use a larger battery capacity (for example, Li-iron-phosphate LiFePO4). Also helps to avoid driving at maximum speeds, use 3-4 gear instead of full, and keep the bottom of the boat clean to reduce water resistance.