Traditional gasoline and diesel engines are gradually being replaced by electric and battery-powered counterparts in a wide variety of fields. Sometimes such a transition is fully justified, and in some cases - only for certain operational parameters. In the context of equipping water technology, an electric outboard motor provides significant advantages in the form of low noise, higher maneuverability and a lightweight control system. The disadvantages are users of low productivity and, as a result, limited use in large reservoirs.
Electric motor device
The complete design of the unit can be divided into two parts - the supporting and functional. The first is formed by a rod to which a transom clamp is fixed. The engine screw and adjustable tiller are attached to the same part. Using a clamp, you can adjust the immersion level of the motor depending on the specific operating conditions. The functional part is based directly on the power stuffing of the engine and control infrastructure. A typical device of a boat electric motor provides for a control unit, reverse rotation and wiring for connecting the battery. Moreover, the control relay is interfaced with the engine using a deadwood, the design of which is a foot metal bar.
Batteries for electric motors
Unlike many electric motors that are used in other areas, boat units do not have the power supply. Therefore, there is only one option for energy supply - through the battery pack. There are built-in battery models and portable ones. The first option has extremely limited possibilities for operation, since it has small dimensions and, accordingly, modest power and the same low duration of work on a single charge. Therefore, portable battery models are more often used, which also have a separation - into starting and traction. Most often, an electric outboard motor is provided by a traction battery, since it is capable of producing a sufficient charge for a long time. However, the structural qualities of the element increase along with the magnitude of the energy potential. Suffice it to say that the mass of the traction battery can reach 25-30 kg.
Characteristics
The initial calculation of the parameters of the electric motor from the point of view of equipping the boat begins with determining the maximum load. At the initial level, the units are able to withstand loads of the order of 600-800 kg. The middle segment represents models that work with structures weighing 1000-1500 kg. Next up are production facilities suitable for boats over 1700 kg. As already noted, power is not a strong point of electric motors, but there is diversity in this indicator. On average, the power potential varies from 0.75 to 4 liters. with.
At the same time, high productivity gives its limitations on the operational capabilities of the equipment. For example, the less common power of an electric outboard motor is 5-6 liters. with. It does not allow to enter the planing mode, and also determines the restrictions on access to shallow water. And this is not to mention the loss of one of the main advantages of electric engines, which lies in the low noise level. On the other hand, low-power units will not allow to overcome long distances in the water surface and provide sufficient traction for long boats.
Types of electric boat motors
The main classification divides engines by location. The most common type is suspension units that are fixed on the transom. Usually, fastening is carried out by means of threaded elements, which ensure reliable installation and a quick dismantling process. Mounted modifications are also popular, the fastening of which is carried out on the cavitation platform of the main motor. It turns out a combined configuration of the power plant, in which the leading role is still given to outboard electric motors. Outboard engines mounted on the bow are less common. Usually they are used in equipping appliances with rigid bodies. They are the most demanding in terms of installation and maintenance, but also significantly superior in power to the same suspension counterparts.
For what purposes can I use an electric motor?
Boats with electric motors are justified not so much by the possibilities of moving (in range or speed), but by the features of the course. Smooth, soft and silent movement on the water is optimal for fishing. For example, no traditional engine with the same advantages that an electric motor can provide trolling technology can provide it. The same applies to movement in shallow water, where there is a high risk of scaring away fish with noise. In this case, electric outboard motors for PVC boats are suitable. Both the engine and the PVC material will allow you to swim silently to the target location. At the same time, for fishing at great depths and offshore in unstable weather, the electrical power supply of water equipment is simply unsafe. In this case, at least it is worth acquiring productive units with a capacity of at least 4 liters. with.
The nuances of choice
As you can see, in the choice a lot depends on the nature of the operation of the power unit. If you plan to fish at a short distance from the coast, making complex maneuvers, then a low-power electric outboard motor is suitable. How to choose a model for equipment with a rigid body? This option will be close to the characteristics of gasoline engines, as it will be heavily loaded. First of all, for such purposes it is worth choosing models for 4-5 liters. s., no less. Next, the optimal installation location of the unit is evaluated. It is advisable to focus on the bow installation method, which will further facilitate management and increase the level of safety when driving.
Do not ignore the optional motor support. The advantages of electrical installations include the ability to connect a wide range of different navigation devices, including GPS receivers. If desired, the electric outboard motor can be provided with control devices with remote control.
Popular models
The MinnKota Endura Pro unit is one of the most famous representatives of the segment. It has a small traction, designed for 680 kg, but ergonomics and maneuverability is considered one of the best in the class. The Flover F33T is also noteworthy. With a modest dead weight of 6.8 kg, the engine is able to control 1,100-kilogram equipment. This ratio of power and design parameters is possessed by few boat electric motors. The price of the device, however, is also considerable - about 10 thousand rubles. If the emphasis in the choice is on dynamics, then the Haibo ET 34L option is suitable. This motor also works with boats weighing 1100 kg, with a capacity of 0.7 liters. with. However, its high-speed qualities and maneuverability significantly surpass competitive power equipment.
Finally
In the niche of boat engines, electric power plants have the most pronounced differences from classic gasoline units. And it's not just about performance, noise, and overall reliability. It is important not to forget about the environmental cleanliness, which distinguishes boat electric motors. The price of such models also suits them rather as a plus - they cost, on average, 7-10 thousand. Gasoline engines are estimated at 10-15 thousand rubles, and this is only the initial or middle segments. But in terms of fuel costs, traditional engines are more profitable. As practice shows, regular recharging of battery packs consumes a lot of energy, the cost of which exceeds the cost of gasoline or diesel. Another thing is that with minimal energy consumption during operation of a light PVC boat, this difference will be insignificant.