Modern fishing and water tourism have long ceased to be an occupation that requires only physical effort or a loud, smoky gasoline engine. Electric motor It has become an integral part of the arsenal of any experienced water-engineer, providing silent movement on the water and the ability to accurately position the boat during fishing. Sea Pro It is a strong position, offering the best value for money for owners of inflatable boats and small boats.
Choosing the right model can be challenging because of the variety of specifications such as traction, lower unit length and type of control. Sea ProWe will look at the nuances of their operation and help you choose the perfect unit for your boat. traction In kilograms more important than horsepower, and how to properly prepare the battery for a long engine.
Many newcomers mistakenly believe that the electric motor is just a toy for cruising along the shore, but modern technology allows them to be used even on moderate rivers, if you correctly calculate the power and capacity. batteryWe're going to analyze the real-world performance metrics and dispel the popular myths about electric traction.
Advantages and features of the design of Sea Pro
The main distinguishing feature of electric motors Sea Pro They're adaptable to our latitudes, and engineers have taken into account the need for water to be of varying degrees of salinity and pollution, and they've equipped most of the models. corrosion-proofThis is critical, because even fresh water with a high mineral content can quickly disable cheap analogues, and the design is designed with the expectation of impact resistance, which is true when moving in reeds or among driftwoods.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the availability of protection, it is strictly not recommended to leave the motor submerged in water for more than 24 hours without extreme necessity, as this can lead to oxidation of contacts and fouling of lower unit with algae, which will reduce efficiency.
Speed control is smooth, without jerking, thanks to the use of modern controllers, which allows the fisherman to approach the fishing point as quietly as possible without scaring the fish. Noise The electric motor is orders of magnitude lower than the ICE, which is a key factor for trophy fishing, and the lack of vibration makes it more comfortable to be in the boat all day long.
The cooling system is an important aspect. Unlike gasoline-powered siblings, electric motors are the mainstays. Sea Pro cooled by off-shore water passing through special channels in lower unit. It is critically important to check the purity of the water intake holes before each start, since even a small bundle of grass can cause overheating of the windings and engine failure. This system ensures stable operation even in hot weather, when the water warms up to high temperatures.
- 🔇 Silent: Complete absence of exhaust noise and engine vibrations, which allows you to hear fish splashes and enjoy the silence of nature.
- 🛡️ Defense: The presence of a telescopic tiller and reinforced lower unit, resistant to mechanical damage.
- ⚙️ Ergonomics: A comfortable handle of the crank with a battery charge indicator and a smooth speed regulator.
Overview of popular series and technical specifications
Product line Sea Pro It's quite broad, and it's divided into several major series, each of which is tailored to a specific task. TModels in this series, such as the T18, T20 or T32, are ideal for boats up to 3.5 meters long, and are equipped with two-blade propellers that provide good efficiency with minimal energy consumption.
For more severe operating conditions and large boats is designed series TMThese motors have increased traction and are often equipped with propellers with a large number of blades for better hook in the water. Power In these models, it's balanced with the capacity of the recommended batteries, allowing you to travel long distances on a single charge, and the design of the lower unit is strengthened here, and the materials of the case are more resistant to impacts on solid objects.
Special attention should be paid to the series. EnduroIt's positioned as a solution for long transitions, and it's using more advanced current control technology, which saves battery power when driving at low speeds. Sea Pro Enduro Often choose those who plan to combine electric traction with the main gasoline engine as an auxiliary or trolling unit.
The secret to the durability of the screw
The propellers of the Sea Pro electric motors are made of composite materials that, when hitting an obstacle, do not break, but deform, absorbing the impact energy. However, after a strong impact, be sure to check the rotor's balance, as the imbalance can lead to the shaft beating and the destruction of the osteoils.
When choosing a particular model, you should pay attention not only to the declared thrust, but also to the length of the lower unit. For inflatable boats with low sides of the standard length is usually enough, but for boats with high sides or when installed on the nose, models with a high side may be required. telescopic Incorrectly choosing the length will lead to cavitation ("throwing" of the screw) or, conversely, to excessive water resistance.
How to choose traction: calculations and recommendations
The question of how to choose an electric motor is one of the most discussed. Many people mistakenly compare kilogram thrust to the horsepower of a gasoline engine, which is the wrong approach. Traction is a static force that the propeller develops, and it depends on the weight of the boat, the cargo and the conditions of navigation. For calm water and the absence of wind, there is a simple rule: for every 30 kg of total weight of a boat, 1 kg of electric motor thrust is required.
However, if you plan to fish in reservoirs where the wind blows often, or in rivers with the current, the power reserve should be significantly higher, in such conditions, the formula changes: 1 kg of thrust per 15-20 kg of weight. Overloading The engine leads to a quick discharge of the battery and overheating of the windings, so it is always better to take a model with a margin. For example, for a boat with a full weight of 400 kg, the minimum thrust will be 20-25 kg, but it will be more comfortable with a motor of 30-35 kg.
| Sea Pro Model Model | Traction (kg) | Recommended weight of a cargo boat (kg) | Voltage (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| T18 | 8 | 250 | 12 |
| T20 | 9 | 300 | 12 |
| T32 | 14 | 450 | 12 |
| TM45 | 20 | 600 | 12 |
| Enduro 55 | 25 | 750 | 12 |
It's also important to consider that the top speed of an electric boat is rarely more than 5-7 km/h, which is normal. The main purpose of electric traction is not to throw fast, but to move confidently against the wind or current, and also trolling. If you want high speed, the electric motor should only be used as an auxiliary means. Efficiency The operation of the screw depends on its pitch, which is selected by engineers for each series of engines.
When calculating the weight of the boat, be sure to add the weight of the engine, battery, fuel (if you have a gasoline engine), equipment and all passengers. A mistake in the calculations of even 50 kg can significantly reduce speed and time.
Installation and fastening on the PVC boat
Mounting an electric motor on an inflatable boat requires careful preparation and adherence to the technology, since the weight of the battery and the engine itself is significant. Sea ProHowever, if the regular transom of the boat is not designed for such loads (usually it is a soft inflatable part), you must use the prairie plywood or aluminum, which is attached to the cylinder through stringers.
The installation process begins with the fixing of the motor stove or strengthening of the standard transom. The motor is attached to the transom with the help of rods, which must be tightened with a force that excludes the backlash, but without damaging the transom material. To protect the PVC fabric, rubber pads are often placed under the rods. After fixing the motor, you need to check the height of the propeller immersion: it must be under water at least 15-20 cm from the surface, but not too deep to create unnecessary resistance.
- 🔩 Fixing: Use additional safety cables for the motor so that in case of a breakage of the mounting, it does not sink along with the battery.
- 🔋 Accommodation of the ACB: The battery shall be installed as low as possible and in the centre of the diametrical axis of the boat to maintain stability.
- 🔌 Switching: All wires must be securely secured and insulated, excluding water from entering the terminal contacts.
The electric motor and battery are heavy, so their displacement to the stern can cause a different per transom, which will worsen the driving performance, and in some cases, you need to move passengers or cargo closer to the nose. Balancing It is a process that requires several trial exits to the water and adjustments.
☑️ Check before the first launch
Operation and maintenance: extending the life of the motor
Durability of the electric motor Sea Pro After each release, especially if it was salt water or a body of abundant vegetation, the motor must be washed with fresh water. Mechanical cleaning of the screw from the coiled algae or fishing line is mandatory, as they can damage the ossuaries. Regular lubrication of the moving parts of the rummulus and the lower unit lift/lower mechanism will prevent jamming.
⚠️ Attention: Never run the motor dry out of water, even for a few seconds. The cooling system is designed so that without water draw, the bearings and windings can overheat instantly, and the lack of water lubrication will lead to rapid wear of the bushings.
In the off-season, the motor should be stored in a dry room at room temperature. The battery should be kept separate, periodically (every 1-2 months) checking its charge and conducting a charge-discharge cycle to avoid sulfation of the plates. Conservation The motor includes the treatment of metal surfaces with an anti-corrosion spray and the removal of stress from the springs of the mechanisms, if this is provided by the design.
If you notice that the engine is noisier, there are vibrations or power drops, first check the condition of the screw. chips, cracks or deformation of the blades disrupt the balance and create a beat that is transmitted to the shaft of the engine. Replacing the screw is a simple procedure, but requires the use of a special shaft stopper (usually included) to unscrew the nut.
Batteries and calculation of travel time
The heart of any power system is the battery. Sea Pro It's a very bad starter car battery, which is designed for short-term high-current recoil. traction The most popular are batteries (marked Deep Cycle), which can give off low- and medium-power current for a long time. The most popular are GEL and AGM technologies, which are safe (do not emit gases when charged) and do not require maintenance.
The calculation of the stroke time is made by a simple formula: the battery capacity (Ah) is divided by the current consumption of the motor (A) at the selected speed. For example, a 100 Ah battery at the 3rd speed (conditionally 20 A) theoretically will give 5 hours of stroke. However, in practice, you need to take into account the Peckert coefficient and that it is not recommended to discharge the battery below 80%. The real life will be about 3-3.5 hours.
The golden rule of the electric motor: Always take a battery with a minimum of 30 percent of the estimated capacity, which will save the battery from deep discharge and extend its life for years.
The battery must be charged with special devices with automatic charge control, and overcharging is as dangerous as undercharging. smart chargers This will extend the life of your battery and make sure it is 100% ready for the next fishing trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the Sea Pro electric motor on the current?
Yes, but with limitations. Motors with thrust up to 15 kg will cope with the flow of speeds up to 2-3 km / h. For a stronger current, models with thrust from 25 kg and above are required, as well as an appropriate battery capacity reserve, since the load on the screw will increase many times.
Which battery is better to choose: GEL or AGM?
Both types are deep discharge lead-acid batteries. AGM is cheaper and better at carrying high currents, but has a lower cycle life. GEL is more expensive, more durable, but sensitive to overcharging. For cold-year fishing, GEL is often preferred because of better performance at low temperatures.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor in GIMS?
Under current Russian law, registration is required for small vessels with an engine capacity of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). Since the power of Sea Pro electric motors is much lower than this threshold (even the most powerful models do not exceed 1-2 hp in terms of), registration is not required unless the boat itself also requires registration by weight.
Why is the Sea Pro engine not producing full power?
Most often, the cause lies in a discharged battery or oxidized contacts. Also, the decrease in power can be caused by winding foreign objects onto the screw or damage to the blades. Check the voltage on the terminals under load - if it falls below 10.5 V, the battery requires replacement or charging.