The most common means of transportation for fishermen is inflatable boats, which have an electric boat motor installed, since it is quite difficult to overcome long distances with oars.
Of course, there are also gasoline engines that are good for long distances. Therefore, every fisherman decides which is better to buy a motor - electric or fuel.
Let's figure out what the advantages and disadvantages are typical for electric boat motors.
Advantages of electric motors
These include:
- low noise compared to gasoline-powered analogues;
- smoothness, ensured in any mode by the stability of the speed, which is very useful when moving through water at a minimum speed;
- low weight, facilitating transportation of the craft;
- reliability. The service life of electric motors is longer than that of gasoline counterparts due to fewer parts;
- ease of setup, allowing you to control the boat easily;
- environmental friendliness is one of the main factors in our time that allows us to preserve the environment;
- the use of batteries that power the engines, which are easy to charge. All you need for this is a little time and a regular outlet;
- affordable price.
Minuses
There are fewer of them, but, unfortunately, they exist:
- the insufficient power of an electric motor for a boat is limited by the small size of the engines. Although the speed developed by boats with electric motors cannot be called low, it lags behind gasoline ones;
- limited autonomy. It takes 3-5 hours;
- impossibility of replenishing energy away from civilization. This drawback causes the greatest inconvenience for fishermen. Using an autogenerator does not solve the problem.
Design features
The boat electric motor consists of:
- electrical control circuit, usually combined with a tiller. The latter is equipped with a telescopic handle (almost always) to make it more convenient to make adjustments and effortlessly control all modes. Electric boat motors generally have 4 to 5 speeds for moving backwards and 2-3 rear ones operating in reverse mode;
- the engine itself, which is lowered under water. A continuation of the latter is the screw connected to the rotor. This design makes the motor a simple design that does not require a large number of transmission parts that are subject to wear during operation. In this case, it may be necessary to replace the only part - the current collection brushes.
The electric motor for the boat is connected to the electronics using a rod that is adjustable according to the immersion depth, which gives advantages when moving in shallow water. It also has other advantages: for their manufacture, special metals are used, which are flexible and do not allow the device to receive significant damage when colliding with underwater obstacles.
Electric boat motors are started by pressing a switch once, which takes much less time than it takes to start a fuel unit. Speeds can be switched in both manual and foot modes. This is important for fishermen because their hands remain free.
The operation of electric boat motors is based on the functioning of a rack and pinion mechanism connected via a cable to the pedal, which allows you to change the speed and direction of movement of the craft by pressing your foot. At the same time, you can control it from anywhere.
Some companies (Minn Kota, for example) have gone even further by equipping the outboard motor with a wireless control panel.
Choosing a boat electric motor.
Home Useful information Choosing a boat electric motor.
Why do you need an electric boat motor and how to choose an electric motor for an inflatable or plastic boat?
Boat electric motors have long been among the usual and necessary elements of a small vessel. An electric motor for a boat helps solve a number of problems related to fishing, hunting and water recreation:
1. As a propulsion engine, the average mileage on a charged battery is 15-25 km!!! (depending on battery capacity)
2. As an additional option (to the gasoline engine) for small crossings, you do not need to constantly start the main engine to move several tens/hundreds of meters.
3. Silently approach a fishing spot or shooting area.
4. As the main engine when fishing on the track (trolling).
5. For moving through bodies of water where the use of gasoline engines is prohibited.
6. As the main engine during the fish spawning period (from the moment the rivers open until June 10), there is a ban on gasoline engines.
7. As an additional engine when moving in shallow water and when approaching the shore.
What parameters are decisive when choosing an electric trolling motor?
1. Electric motor power (thrust) - indicated in pounds (1 pound = 0.453 kg). For residents of Russia and the CIS countries, power measured in horsepower is more understandable - in the description of each motor the power is indicated in l/s and in pounds Lbs.
There are two ways to select an electric motor:
- By boat length
- By weight of the boat including cargo and passengers
Both methods have a right to exist, but the most optimal and accurate would be to use both methods simultaneously. If you focus on traction in Lbs, then the recommendations are as follows:
Step speed switching | PWM | ||||||
Boat length / motor thrust Lbs | 20-24 | 30-34 | 40-44 | 50-55 | 110-130 | 160 | |
up to 2.8 meters | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
up to 3.8 meters | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
up to 4.5 meters | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
up to 5 meters | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
more than 5 meters | Yes | Yes | Yes |
This table is of an average recommendation nature, because There is a significant difference between inflatable boats and plastic ones. For example: for a plastic boat Pella Fiord 4.3 meters long, an electric motor with a thrust of 30 Lbs (Haswing Osapian 30) is quite suitable because she has a very good move. And for an inflatable boat 4.3 meters long, you need a motor with a thrust of at least 40 Lbs (Haswing Osapian 40), or better yet a more powerful one (Haswing Osapian 55 or Haswing PROTRUAR 1.0). This is due to the large windage and worse “hydrodynamics” of an inflatable boat.
Or for a 2.8 meter boat we can recommend a motor with a thrust of 65 Lbs (Haswing PROTRUAR 1.0) and do not offer Haswing Osapian 55, why? But because the first motor has stepless PWM speed switching, in which battery consumption is proportional to the load. And in the case of Haswing Osapian 55 lb , step switching does not significantly reduce energy costs, even if the boat is very small and light - battery consumption will be unreasonably high.
If we consider motors with a thrust of 85, 110, 130 or 160 Lbs, then they are powered by a 24 volt network and require the installation of two series-connected batteries (12+12 volts), which is for a boat with a length of 2.8 m or 3.8 m. not very justified, although it is possible - the choice here is yours.
When selecting a motor, be sure to take into account the total weight of the boat, cargo and passengers.
Weight of the equipped boat, kg. | 280 | 350 | 400 | 550 | 600 | 650 | 850 | 900 | 1050 | 1150 | 1300 | 1800 | 2000 | 2700 | 3000 |
Electric motor traction force Lbs | 18 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 30 | 34 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 65 | 80 | 85 | 110 | 130-160 |
Just like in the previous table, average data is shown here, without taking into account the type of boat, weather conditions and body of water. So always consider your situation and your conditions….
For example: a plastic boat Pella Fiord 4.3 m + 1-2 people, without cargo - a 30 Lbs motor is suitable, but when fully loaded it is better to pay attention to an electric motor 40 Lbs. But as in many other situations, the most win-win option would be Haswing PROTRUAR 1.0.
Important!
Electric trolling motors are not fast and choosing a motor with a very high thrust does not guarantee a significant increase in speed.
2. Deadwood length (legs) varies from 660 mm. up to 1350 mm.
For plastic and inflatable boats with a transom height of 380-400 mm. Optimal are electric motors with a deadwood length of 660 - 760 mm. (when used as the main motor).
If the electric motor is installed on the transom together with a gasoline outboard motor, you should opt for an electric motor with a deadwood length of 750-1050 mm.
3. Options
- Telescopic tiller
- Number of speeds forward/reverse
- Built-in backlight
- Variable angle tiller
- Battery discharge sensor
- Clamps or “crocodiles” for connecting to the battery
- Metal or plastic clamp
- Remote control (for tank electric motors)
- Availability of built-in battery
- Magnetic security check
- Forced water cooling (for powerful motors)
- PWM (continuously variable speed switching) reduces battery consumption
- Protection against accidental start
——————————————————————-
You can view, select and purchase an electric motor for a boat in our store, at the address: St. Petersburg, emb. Chernaya Rechka 1 or by ordering through the online store.
Delivery conditions in Russia can be found in the “Payment and Delivery” section.
You can also select and purchase a traction battery, charger, spare propellers and other accessories for recreation on the water.
How to choose a boat electric motor
Before buying a motor for a boat, it is important to decide in what conditions it will be used.
An important selection criterion is power, which depends on the size of the boat and carrying capacity, i.e. it will increase if the weight of the boat increases.
The speed of almost all models is the same and is 5-7 km/h. But the gear shift is different: smooth allows you to select the speed more accurately. However, its circuit is more complex and therefore less reliable compared to discrete switching.
It is recommended to pay attention to one more indicator - the weight of the electric outboard motor, which is important during transportation. Popular models weigh 5-12 kg.
Below is the TOP 5 most popular models.
Boat electric motors Minn kota
Electric motors of this brand are indispensable for salt and fresh water. They can be installed on the transom of the boat, as well as on the bow. Popular models among professionals include Ulterra, Terrova, and Endura.
Electric motors of the Minn kota brand are made of durable materials, and, importantly, are quite aesthetic in appearance. Prices for these motors can range from nine to two hundred and eighty thousand.
According to customer reviews, these motors are quite reliable, have excellent quality, and also have a fairly large selection of models with different powers. Not a single owner has yet regretted his choice.
TOP 5: Moratti Buddy 34
The weight of an electric motor for a PVC boat is in the range of 300-1200 kg. Its power is 0.52 horsepower. It performs perfectly in shallow water thanks to its two blades and a propeller that does not get caught up in algae.
It is designed for 5 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, allowing you to turn quickly and engage in trolling in the desired mode.
There is no need to worry that the battery, purchased separately, will run out of charge in the center of the pond, because the built-in charging indicator will not allow this. The boat motor is secured securely using a bracket on the transom of the PVC boat and screws screwed to the desired position.
The engine runs almost silently, so it won’t scare away the fish and you can hope for a good catch.
Convenient control is provided by the telescopic design of the ramp, which can be taken to an inclined position.
Technical specifications
- Current consumption (maximum) – 0.52 hp;
- Battery – 12V (not included);
- Retractable tiller for control is adjustable vertically - +/- 30;
- Leg size -78.7 cm;
- PVC boat length – 400 cm;
- Speeds – 7 (2 rear, 5 forward);
- Engine lifting is manual;
- Weight – 8 kg;
- Water – sea;
- Dimensions with packaging – 1120x560x185 mm.
Buy
Offers | rubles |
https://priceuniverse.ru/lodochnyyi-motor-moratti-buddy-34 | 9600 |
Rules for selecting an electric boat motor
Outboard electric motor for a PVC boat.
A suitable model is selected based on the characteristics and required tasks of the boat.
- For example, if your boat is up to 3 meters long, and you have to load it no more than 500 kg, pay attention to electric motors with a power of 0.3-0.4 hp.
- Boats with a length of 3-4 meters and a carrying capacity of up to 850 kg require more powerful motors of 0.5-0.6 horses.
- And finally, large boats with a length of more than 4 meters and loaded up to 1,000 kg of weight require electric motors of at least 0.8 horsepower.
TOP 4: Haswing Osapian 30lbs
Main settings
- Type – electric;
- Power – 0.42 hp;
- Maximum speed -1200 per minute;
- Deadwood length - 770 mm;
- Traction – 13.4 kg;
- Control – tiller;
- The weight of the boat and motor is 250 and 6.8 kg;
- Length – 420 cm;
- Speeds -8 (front 5, rear – 3);
- Current consumption -26A;
- Motor lifting with adjustable tilt angle - manual;
- Blades – 2;
- Rated current and voltage -26A and 12V;
- Rod length max-770mm;
- Maximum load capacity -250 kg;
- Dimensions of the assembled motor -164x375x1085;
- Weight -7 kg.
- Water – salty and fresh.
Review
Buying a Chinese electric boat motor for fresh water bodies, installed on most PVC boats, is recommended for those who engage in trolling and need a compact, silent and lightweight auxiliary boat motor.
The thrust developed by the model designed for transom mounting reaches 13.4 kg. It has a two-way plastic screw.
Equipment
In addition to the boat motor, the kit includes a propeller and instructions. Stainless and composite boats up to 4 meters in length are also equipped with the extremely popular Osapian electric boat motor. It is considered a design that successfully combines quality, cost and technical capabilities.
An LED indicator is provided to monitor the battery charge; ease of transportation is ensured by a removable keel and low weight - 6.8 kg.
The thrust reaches 0.42 “horses”, the deadwood is adjustable, as is the propeller, which can be lowered to the desired depth.
The tiller is height-adjustable and its length is 350 mm. For convenient control, it is also capable of tilting in the range of 0 - 110 degrees. The hands are clearly fixed thanks to the rubberized handle.
The relatively inexpensive small electric motor with an excellent reputation uses high-quality materials and advanced technologies, thanks to which its quality and performance characteristics deserve high praise. Each boat motor undergoes pre-sale inspection and bench testing.
Boat engines with light weight and perfect technical parameters are the most popular in water-motor technology and are suitable for use where conventional ones cannot be used - in forbidden waters, among an abundance of algae and in shallow waters. They are indispensable for trolling.
Despite the modernization of the outboard electric motor, they are still easy to operate thanks to the adjustment of the screw for depth, changing the inclination of the transom clamp and the height of the sternwood, which can be adjusted at will.
Online stores | Price in rubles |
https://vodomotorika.ru/products/elektromotor_haswing_troling_motor_osapian_30_lbs.html | 10220 |
https://www.master-tehno.ru/lodochnye-motory/motory-haswing/haswing-troling-osapian-30-lbs | 12300 |
https://aktiv48.ru/catalog/msk_5956_variant-4677.html | 10000 |
The speed is easy to adjust, the stroke is smooth and constant. With them it became possible not to pollute the environment, not to scare away the fish and to get maximum pleasure.
TOP 3: Intex 68631
Technical indicators
- Motor power - 0.45 hp;
- Deadwood 914 mm long;
- Control - tiller;
- Traction -13.6 kg;
- PVC boat weight -600 kg;
- Maximum current consumption -21A;
- Speeds – 8 (backward -3, forward – 5);
- Engine lifting is manual;
- Propeller depth, tilt adjustment, telescopic tiller – yes;
- Blades - 2;
- Weight -6.22 kg.
Additionally, there is a mode for cleaning the propeller from algae.
Online stores | rubles |
https://www.epool.ru/good/52064?utm_source=yandex.market&utm_medium=cpc_reg&utm_campaign=1241428&utm_term=52064&utm_content=21348069&_openstat=bWFya2V0LnlhbmRleC5ydTvQm9C-0LTQvtGH0L3Ri9C5 INC80L7RgtC-0YAgSW50ZXggMTLQkiwgOCDRgdC60L7RgNC-0YHRgtC10LksINCw0YDRgtC40LrRg9C7IDY4NjMxO21mdXpDLTlyYUNfOTFKUHFwN0E0Tmc7&frommarket=https%3A//market.yandex.ru/product/11 863131 /spec%3Fnid%3D55953%26track%3Dchar&ymclid=182575286101214597600002 | 13800 |
Peculiarities
Avid fishermen cannot help but like it, i.e. differs in quite high speed (there are 8 of them). Can be used in both fresh and salt water. Installation takes just minutes and the operation is completely silent.
Thanks to the built-in charge indicator, the boat motor will not let the owner down and will not leave him far from the shore.
The best gasoline boat engines
Such motors are more expensive than electric ones and more difficult to maintain. They are used on high-speed and heavy vessels for high-speed sailing over long distances. The gasoline engine is easy to refuel, it weighs little and can operate stably in all weather conditions.
Mikatsu M15FS
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The model differs from its analogues in its light weight, compact dimensions and low noise level during operation. Thanks to a powerful generator and a large fuel tank, the engine can operate for a very long time and over long distances.
Engine capacity 246 cc. cm, maximum rotation speed - 5500 rpm. Additional features of the device include emergency shutdown functions, water cooling and a speed limiter. All this guarantees no overheating and a long service life of the model.
Advantages:
- volumetric fuel tank;
- high speed;
- long-term operation without overheating;
- electronic ignition system.
Flaws:
- not a small price.
Mikatsu M15FS can be used on any type of boat. It is capable of long-term operation and is perfect for frequent use.
Hidea HD9.9FHS
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The main distinguishing characteristics of the Hidea model include high power and build quality. This 246cc two-stroke engine is capable of delivering up to 5500 rpm.
The engine power is 9.9 horsepower, making it suitable for high-speed planing. Three available gears and a shallow water mode allow you to use the device in any body of water.
Advantages:
- high power;
- high speed;
- reliability of design;
- protection against overheating and contamination.
Flaws:
- heavy.
Hidea HD9.9FHS is suitable for high-speed movement through water and fishing at a great distance from land. Economical fuel consumption and a large tank make long sailing accessible.
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Tohatsu M 5B DS
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
The model can be used in both fresh and salt water. Its main differences from analogues are its affordable price and long service life. The motor housing is aluminum, the pump is coated with an anti-corrosion compound, and the cooling system is galvanized. Therefore, the engine is not subject to the negative influence of the external environment and is stable in operation.
Tohatsu is equipped with two fuel tanks: built-in and external with a total volume of 14.5 liters. The engine power is 5 horsepower, the number of revolutions per minute reaches 5500. At maximum load, the engine consumes 1.2 liters of fuel per hour, which indicates its high efficiency.
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- durability and protection from aggressive environments;
- low fuel consumption;
- efficient cooling system.
Flaws:
- noisy.
Tohatsu M 5B DS is suitable for installation on a small boat, providing it with a smooth ride and maneuverability. An additional fuel tank expands the capabilities of the engine and guarantees stable long-term operation.
Patriot BM-106
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
The improved hydrodynamics of this motor reduces drag during movement. The air cooling system prevents engine overheating and functions properly even in muddy and dirty water.
Adjustable position, speed and angle, as well as a telescopic tiller design ensure ease of setup and use of the engine. The power of the model is 4.03 hp, the maximum number of revolutions per minute is 4200.
Advantages:
- air cooling;
- flexible setup;
- ease of use;
- reliable fixation.
Flaws:
- small fuel tank volume.
Patriot BM-106 is suitable for installation on a boat up to 3 meters long and weighing up to 1000 kg. It can reach speeds of about 15 km/h, carrying no more than 4 people at a time, which is ideal for group sailing and fishing with friends.
TOP 2: HDX 32L
Technical indicators
- Power – 380 W;
- Deadwood size - 75 cm;
- Tiller control;
- Traction -14.5 kg;
- Weight and length of the boat – up to 650 kg and 450 cm;
- Lifting - manually;
- Number of blades – 2;
- Gears – 8 (5 forward, 3 reverse);
- Weight – 5.5 kg;
- Launch and lifting are manual;
- Length in mm -710;
- Gear ratio – 2.0.
Description
The model is intended for use in fresh water. It has earned popularity due to a number of unique features that distinguish it from its numerous analogues. It has 8 speeds and a tiller control system, weighs only 5.5 kg, ten trim angle positions, universal installation and removal.
In this case, the maximum power reaches 0.49 horsepower.
The electric boat motor operates silently, which allows you not to scare away the fish. The design is light and durable, characterized by high-torque properties in all modes.
the shops | rubles |
https://www.motohead.ru/katalog/lodochnyie-elektromotoryi-hdx/hdx-32l.html | 10500 |
https://vodomotorika.ru/products/elektromotor_hdx_32l.html | 10600 |
https://www.2vesla.ru/catalog/elektromotory_hdx/hdx-32l/ | 11000 |
https://v-lodke.ru/lodochnye_motory/podvesnye-lodochnye-motory-firmy-hdx/electric_motors_hdx/electric_motors_hdx_32l.html | 10600 |
Electric boat engines are distinguished by improved weight and dimensional parameters, which became possible thanks to the innovative materials used. The charge indication on LEDs makes it easier to work with the popular model.
Review
The economical, lightweight and quiet boat engine perfectly pulls 2-3 fishermen on lakes. It behaves a little worse on smooth waters and rapids.
Mikheev Pavel — https://market.yandex.ru/product/11852353/reviews?track=tabs
TOP 1: WATERSNAKE Asp T18-FW
Review
The first place in the TOP 5 is occupied by an electric boat motor produced by the Austrian company Jarvis Walker. Its weight is 2.5 kg, which makes it irreplaceable on small ponds. It can be installed on canoes, inflatable and plastic boats up to 2.8 meters long.
The compact model has two forward speeds and the same number in reverse.
The boat motor is fixed in working position with a latch. The deadwood is not adjustable in angle of inclination, and the small tiller is hidden in the “head” of the hull, further reducing the transport size of the motor.
Used for fresh water. It will be an excellent choice for fishermen fishing in small bodies of water, despite the lack of tiller illumination and charge indication.
Technical indicators
- Power – 0.26 hp;
- Deadwood length – 600 mm;
- Power -12/15 V/A;
- Gears - 4 (two back and forth);
- Weight – 2.5 kg;
- Blades – 2;
- Traction-18;
- The maximum length of the craft is 2800 cm.
Buy | Price in rubles |
https://alligator-boat.ru/internet-magazin/product/472366021 | 5517 |
https://www.shvartov.ru/product/elektromotor-watersnake-t18?_openstat=bWFya2V0LnlhbmRleC5ydTvQrdC70LXQutGC0YDQvtC80L7RgtC-0YAgV2F0ZXJTbmFrZSBUMTgtRlc7UzlKcWNxWmVkck1UeHpF YmFtOHZ1QTs&ymclid=182567944941282406900002 | 5340 |
All the manufacturers listed above have a wide range of boat models, so everyone can choose according to their preferences and capabilities.
Economy test
We took a new battery with a capacity of 100 Ah and decided to check how long each motor would run before the battery was completely discharged in each gear. Five motors, five gears, a full battery charge lasts more than a day. You can guess how long this experiment lasted...
The results were not surprising. The lowest-power Minn Kota Enduro Pro 32 turned out to be the longest-lasting - 2.8 hours in 5th gear. Outland TP 44, as the most high-torque among the five, turned out to be the most energy-intensive and, accordingly, worked the least - 1.7 hours.