Modern fishing and active recreation on the water is already unthinkable without the reliable and quiet means of transportation, which became watersnake outboard motor. These electric units have gained popularity due to their quietness, environmental friendliness and ease of operation, which is especially appreciated by anglers-fans of spinning and trolling. Unlike gasoline counterparts, electric motors allow you to sneak up to prey at a minimum distance without scaring fish with vibration and exhaust fumes.
Choosing a particular model is often a challenge due to the manufacturer’s wide range of models, including series for different operating conditions. Traction forceThe length of the lower unit and the type of control are just the tip of the iceberg of parameters that must be considered when buying. A wrong motor can not only fail to meet expectations, but also create problems with the handling of the boat or discharge the battery in minutes.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical features, advantages and nuances of the operation of Watersnake products so that you can make an informed decision. electromagnetic compass features step-control It will help you to maximize the potential of your equipment on the water.
Key Benefits of Watersnake Electric Motors
The brand's main trump card is the optimal value for money, which makes these engines available to a wide range of water engines. The design is designed with an aggressive aquatic environment, so the main components are protected from corrosion and moisture. stainless steel High-quality polymers allow to operate the technique in both fresh and salt water without the risk of rapid failure.
An important aspect is the modularity of the design, which allows you to replace individual elements, such as a screw or a lower unit, when necessary. Quick ReleaseIt's a tool that makes it easier to install and dismantle the unit on the transom of the boat, and it's especially important for owners of inflatable PVC boats, where every extra kilogram and minute of assembly matters.
⚠️ Note: Despite the high Protection rating, it is strongly recommended not to immerse the motor completely under water for a long time, unless it is provided by the specification of a particular series (for example, some models for kayaks).
The quietness of the work is not just comfort, but a real advantage in hunting cautious fish, and the absence of vibrations of the internal combustion engine allows you to feel every touch of the bait to the bottom or torches. electric ensures a smooth start and movement, which is critical when fishing in overgrown water bodies or when using delicate gears.
To extend the life of the motor in salt water, be sure to wash the lower unit with fresh water after each exit, even if the manufacturer claims full protection against corrosion.
Overview of popular series: from Asp to Raptor
The manufacturer's line is divided into several categories, each of which is sharpened for specific tasks and types of boats. Asp It is considered a classic for small boats and boats, offering reliable traction and time-tested design, often chosen for its simplicity and maintainability, as well as the availability of a telescopic ramp, which is convenient for transportation.
More advanced series such as Venom and T-RaptorThey're professionally oriented, and they require more capacious batteries. digital managementThis is a high-precision, high-speed anchor function that keeps the boat at the fishing point using GPS coordinates.
- 🚤 Asp Series: Ideal for PVC boats up to 4 meters long and small metal boats.
- ⚡ Venom Series: equipped with reinforced lower unit and suitable for trolling at medium speeds.
- 🎣 Raptor Series: flagship line with maximum traction for heavy conditions and large boats.
- 🛶 Swiftprop series: compact solutions for inflatable kayaks and SUP boards with mounting on a rod.
When choosing between series, you should pay attention not only to the declared thrust in pounds, but also to the current consumed. Models of older series often have higher engine efficiency, which allows for the same thrust to consume less battery energy. Engine efficiency It directly affects the battery life, which in the conditions of multi-day fishing becomes a decisive factor.
What is the difference between 12V and 24V engines?
24-volt motors (typically two 12V batteries in series) allow the same power to be transmitted at lower current, which reduces the heating of wires and contacts, and reduces power loss in the circuit, which is especially important for motors with thrust above 55 lbs.
Technical specifications and selection of traction
The main choice is traction, which is measured in pounds (lbs). To correctly select, you need to consider the displacement of the boat, the desired speed and external conditions such as wind and current. There is a common misconception that the more thrust, the better, but excess power can lead to unnecessary battery consumption.
To calculate the required power, you can use a simplified formula that takes into account the length of the hull and the weight of the equipment, and the thrust reserve is necessary to overcome the oncoming wind or current without significant loss of speed.
| Boat length (m) | Weight of equipment (kg) | Recommended traction (lbs) | Min. AKB capacity (Ach) |
|---|---|---|---|
| up to 3.5 | 300 | 30 - 40 | 75 - 90 |
| 3.5 - 4.5 | 300 - 500 | 45 - 55 | 100 - 120 |
| 4.5 - 5.5 | 500 - 800 | 60 - 70 | 130 - 150 |
| more than 5.5 | more than 800 | 80 and above | 200+ |
Particular attention should be paid to the length of the lower unit, which should correspond to the height of the transom or the distance to water when attached to the nose. Too short a lower unit will lead to the capture of air by the screw and cavitation, and too long will increase the resistance of the water. 15-20 centimeters below the keel level full load of the boat.
The correct selection of traction and length of the lower unit is more important than overpaying for maximum engine power, since this directly affects the efficiency and battery life.
Control types and navigation systems
Modern watersnake outboard motors come with a range of control systems, from a simple humming wheel to complex wireless remotes. Manual control (coil or emetic) is considered the most reliable and cheap option, not requiring complex setup. However, for trolling it is much more convenient to use a foot pedal or remote control, which allows you to freely move around the boat.
GPS-enabled models offer automatic course retention and parking points. Anchor Lock It automatically adjusts the boat's position, making up for the wind or current, which frees the angler from constant control of the boat's position and allows you to focus on wiring the bait.
- 📡 GPS tracking: the ability to save routes and return to points.
- 🎮 Remote control: control of speed and direction at a distance of up to 100 meters.
- 🦶 Foot pedal: classic control, convenient for spinning players.
- 📱 Mobile app: Some new products support synchronization with a smartphone to adjust the parameters.
When using navigation systems, it is critical to calibrate the compass correctly before the first run, a procedure usually described in the instructions and takes a few minutes, but ignoring this step will lead to the autopilot not working properly. Magnetic interference Other devices on board can also affect the accuracy of the course, so the engine should be placed taking into account this factor.
⚠️ Note: When installing a motor with a GPS antenna, make sure that there are no metal structures or visors above the antenna that block the satellite signal, otherwise the anchor function will not work.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Installation and maintenance
Mounting the motor on the boat requires care, especially when choosing the location of the mounting of the rod. The surface of the transuct should be flat and rigid to exclude vibrations that can damage the plastic elements of the structure. For inflatable boats, it is recommended to use special transition plates or mounting in the bow to avoid damage to the cylinders by the screw.
Regular maintenance involves visually inspecting the lower unit for fishing lines or algae, and foreign objects on the shaft can damage the glands, causing water to enter the lower unit and the engine to fail, periodically lubricating the movable joints and checking the tightening of the fasteners.
Storage of the motor in the off-season should be carried out in a dry room at room temperature. It is recommended to remove the screw, clean the shaft and lubricate it with a consistent lubricant to prevent corrosion. Salmon and seals should not dry out, so prolonged storage under direct sunlight or in the cold is unacceptable.
Conservation sequence for the winter:1. Rinse with fresh water.
2. Remove the screw and clean the shaft.
3. Lubricate the shaft and slime.
4. Check the condition of the brushes (for collector motors).
5. Put it in a box in a dry place.
If you notice a change in the sound of the engine or the appearance of jerks when the screw is rotating, you should immediately stop operation and conduct a diagnosis. hub or brush-knotIt is cheaper than replacing the entire engine.
How often do you change the oil in the gearbox?
Most Watersnake electric motors have a lubricant full of life and do not require oil replacement, but if you find water in the gearbox (emulsion), you need to replace the omentum and lubricant immediately.
Selection of a battery and calculation of autonomy
The heart of any electric boat system is a battery, and you don't need to save money on it. Watersnake outboard motors are most often used deep-discharge traction batteries (Deep Cycle), which differ from car starter batteries in the design of plates, they are able to give off energy in low currents for a long time and withstand many charge-discharge cycles.
Battery capacity directly affects the running time of the motor. To calculate the approximate stroke time, you can divide the battery capacity (in Amp-hours) by the current consumption of the motor at the selected speed. It should be remembered that it is not recommended to discharge the traction battery below 20-30% of the rated capacity, since this reduces its life.
- 🔋 AGM batteries: sealed, maintenance-free, safe to use inside the cabin.
- 🔋 GEL batteries: more sensitive to charge modes, but have a greater cycle life.
- 🔋 LiFePO4 (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate): Lightweight, compact, with a huge resource, but require a special charger.
When using high-power motors (60 lbs and above), it is often necessary to connect two batteries in series to obtain a voltage of 24V or 36V. In this case, it is critical to use batteries of the same capacity, age and manufacturer.
⚠️ Warning: Never use conventional car starter batteries to power an electric motor – they are not designed to be deep discharged and can fail after a few fishing trips.
To charge the batteries, you need to use specialized chargers with automatic switching modes. smart-charger This allows you to extend the battery life, preventing recharge and sulfation of the plates, and in winter, the battery should be stored in a charged state and periodically recharged.
The investment in a quality lithium battery (LiFePO4) pays off in 3-4 seasons due to the lack of capacity loss and the possibility of deep discharge.
What is the maximum speed of a Watersnake boat?
Maximum speed depends on many factors: boat weight, load, shape of the hull and wind strength. On average, electric motors develop speeds from 5 to 12 km / h. At maximum traction, the speed may be higher, but the energy consumption will be extreme, so the economical mode (30-50% of power) is the main one for transportation.
Can I use the motor in salt water?
Most Watersnake models are corrosion-resistant and suitable for use in salt water. However, after each outing, the engine must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially lower unit and screw, to prevent the formation of salt deposits and corrosion of metal parts.
How long does the motor last from a single battery?
The operating time varies from 2 to 8 hours depending on the battery capacity and the speed chosen. At the minimum traction, the engine consumes about 5-10 Amps, which allows you to fish all day with a 100 Ah battery. At maximum speed, the current consumption can reach 40-50 Amps, reducing the operating time to 1.5-2 hours.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor in GIMS?
Under current Russian law, registration is required for small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (including engine and equipment weight) or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). Since the power of Watersnake electric motors usually does not exceed 2-3 hp, and the total weight of the kit is often less than 200 kg, registration is most often not required, but the final decision depends on the specific weight of your kit.