Transition from a gasoline engine to electric traction or installation of additional trolling-engine The inflatable boat is a solution that fundamentally changes the way we fish and day on the water, and the quietness of the course allows us to sneak up on the shy fish, and the absence of vibrations and exhaust gases makes the process as comfortable and environmentally friendly as possible. But mounting an electric motor on the flexible PVC boat body requires a more careful approach than installing on a rigid fiberglass or aluminum body, since the correct geometry and reliability of the mounts are critical here.
Many owners of inflatable watercraft mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply screw the motor to the cylinder or put it on the jar, but such a time saving threatens to lose expensive equipment in the water. Forward rig It has special requirements for structural rigidity, because it is in the nose that the amplitude of vibration during the excitement is maximum. A properly mounted system will not only ensure stable running, but also keep the cylinders tight, which can suffer from friction or point pressure of an improperly attached unit.
In this article, we will discuss all the stages of preparation and installation, paying special attention to the nuances that are often silent in standard instructions. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to transomation breakage or depressurization of the boat, and how to organize the space so that fishing is only fun. installation This will save you money and nerves in the future.
Selection and preparation of the place of installation of the transom plate
The first and most important step is to determine the location of the attachment. timber Or a stationary platform that attaches to a balloon. If you plan to use a motor that is more than 30 pounds of thrust, the option of attaching directly to the soft balloon even through a soft lining becomes risky because of the pendulum effect when rolling.
The ideal solution for serious anglers is to install a rigid graffiti It's made of plywood or a composite that relies on floorboards (floor) of the boat, which allows you to distribute the load from the engine and the weight of the battery to the entire structure of the bottom, rather than to one cylinder. It's important that the sheet has the right shape, repeating the curves of the cylinders in the bow, and be firmly fixed to prevent displacement during movement.
⚠️ Warning: Never attach a heavy motor and transom plate to the valve group or cylinder seams alone. Point pressure combined with dynamic load can cause PVC material to rupture.
When preparing the installation site, be sure to check whether the structure does not block access to the anchor or other important elements. It is also worth considering that the forward location shifts the center of gravity, which may require adjusting the boarding of passengers or placing cargo in the stern to maintain the boat's balance.
Strengthen the design and install the transom
After choosing the type of attachment, you need to ensure maximum rigidity of the assembly. inflatable floor boats (BBB) are easier because they are initially more rigid. In paillon bottom boats, additional struts are often required or the use of thicker plywood (at least 18-21 mm) to make a transom plate. transom plate should be treated with water-resistant varnish or impregnation to prevent swelling and loss of strength.
The slab itself is attached to the cylinder by means of wide slings or straps that cover the cylinder and are tightened by fastexes or buckles. It is important to use soft back straps or to run them through the felt to avoid damage to the fabric. The slab is fixed to the floorboards using regular floor mounts or special stops that prevent the transnosed from pecking under the weight of the motor.
- 🛠️ Use plywood brand FSF, it has high moisture resistance and is not afraid of short-term contact with water.
- 📏 The height of the transom must meet current standards (usually 381 mm or 508 mm) to allow the motor's dreadvent to be immersed in water to the optimum depth.
- 🔩 All metal fasteners must be made of stainless steel or have a zinc coating to protect against corrosion.
Pay special attention to the angle of inclination of the transom. Ideally, it should be perpendicular to the water when the boat is moving. If the transom is piled forward or backward, this will lead to improper operation of the screw, cavitation and loss of traction. Adjustment of the angle of inclination is often done by changing the point of support on the paioles or using adjustable fasteners.
☑️ Verification of translance installation
Schemes of placement of the battery
Accommodation traction-battery On the one hand, placing the battery in the nose reduces the length of the wires and minimizes voltage loss, which is especially true for high-powered motors, on the other hand, a battery weighing 20-30 kg in the nose can seriously disrupt the differentiation of the boat, especially if there is only one angler on board.
The most common and safe option is to place the battery in a sealed plastic box in the stern of the boat, and pulling power cables to the nose is carried out through the side or along the cylinder. The cable must be securely fixed to prevent it from falling into the water or hitting the screw. AWG 10 (about 6 mm2) for motors up to 50 lbs of thrust and AWG 6 (about 13 mm2) for more powerful models will avoid overheating and voltage drops.
If you do decide to place the battery in your nose for the perfect weighting, make sure that the box has a reliable attachment to the transom plate or paioles. The battery should not move freely on the boat when rolling, as this can cause damage to the hull or tip over.
Why can’t you save on the cable section?
A cheap thin cable has high resistance. At 40-50 Amps, which the motor consumes, there will be a significant voltage drop and heat release on the thin wire, which will cause the motor to fail to give out full power, and the cable can melt or cause a fire. Always use a specialized acoustic or automotive copper cable.
Table of selection of the cable cross-section depending on the power
To ensure safe and efficient operation of the electric motor, you need to choose the right section of the connecting wires. Below is a reference table that will help you choose the best option for your system.
| Motor power (pounds of traction) | Maximum current (A) | Recommended section (mm2) | Cable length up to 2 meters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-40 lbs | 30-40 AA | 6-10 mm2 | Optimally. |
| 45-55 lbs | 45-55 A | 10-16 mm2 | Optimally. |
| 60-70 lbs | 60-70 A | 16-25 mm2 | Optimally. |
| 80+ lbs | 80+A | 25-35 mm2 | Calculation required |
When installing an electrical circuit, be sure to use a fuse that is installed as close to the battery as possible, which will protect the wiring from short circuit in case of insulation damage, preferably using automatic switches that can be quickly reset, or fusible inserts in a sealed housing.
To connect the wires, use not soldering, but high-quality crimping sockets with subsequent thermal shrinkage. The soldering on the vibrating boat can crumble over time, and the crimping provides more reliable mechanical and electrical contact.
Decidivate setting and depth of immersion
After the motor is physically installed, you need to adjust the depth of the engine, and the optimal position is when the propeller is under water at a depth of 15-20 cm from the surface in calm water. If the motor is installed too high, the propeller will capture air, creating cavitation funnels and losing traction. If it is too low, water resistance will increase, which will reduce speed and battery life.
Most modern electric motors, such as Min Kota or HaswingWhen installing on PVC, the boat should be aware that when fully loaded, the boat will sink deeper, so the initial setup is better done with a simulated load or with passengers on board.
Also check the steering and tilting mechanism (if any) to ensure that the ramper or control pedals are running smoothly and that the cables do not twist or touch the boat's elements. Any jamming can lead to loss of control at a critical moment.
Testing and safety measures on water
The first outlet after installation should be in a calm mode. Check the engine at all speeds, make sure that there are no extraneous vibrations that can be transmitted to the cylinders. Pay special attention to the condition of the mounts after 10-15 minutes of operation - hidden backlashes can appear under the load.
Always carry a spare set of fasteners and tools for quick bolt lifting. On water, the operating conditions are tougher than on land, and constant vibration can weaken even well-tightened joints. Regularly inspect the contact of metal with PVC fabric for scuffling.
⚠️ Warning: Before each start, check the status of the locking screw (check), which prevents the engine from falling out of the transom plate. On inflatable boats, losing the motor in the water often means that it cannot be lifted due to depth or fast flow.
Remember, the electric motor is a maintenance mechanism. After every fishing, be sure to rinse the deidvent with fresh water, especially if you've been swimming in a salty pool, which will prolong the life of bearings and electrical contacts.
The main secret to the durability of a PVC bow motor is not the power of the motor, but the stiffness and reliability of the transom plate. The savings on the transom material always come out sideways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an electric motor be used on a PVC boat without installing a hard transistor?
Technically, you can use hinged brackets attached to the cylinder, but this is only permissible for low-power motors (up to 30-34 pounds of thrust) and only in calm weather. For high-power motors, a rigid transom resting on the boat floor is mandatory for safety.
How often should the battery be charged?
Traction batteries (GEL, AGM, LiFePO4) should be charged immediately after each fishing trip, regardless of the degree of discharge. It is absolutely impossible to store them in a discharged state, as this leads to sulfation of the plates and irreversible loss of capacity.
Is it hard to sail a motorized boat installed in the nose?
Yes, the electric motor in the nose greatly increases the sailing of the boat. With strong side winds, it becomes more difficult to drive the boat, and demolition can be significant. In windy weather, it is recommended to use an anchor-catchet or shift to protected areas.
Should I remove the motor from the boat after fishing?
It is advisable to remove the engine and bring it into the room, especially in winter or in the off-season. You can not leave the engine on the boat when stored in the cold: plastic becomes fragile, and the residue of water in the Dydvent can freeze and damage the glands.