Most boat engines are available in gasoline versions; they are considered classic and the most popular on the world market. But many people mistakenly believe that electric versions of outboard motors produce poor performance and are generally considered unreliable. Any electric motor for boats consists of an engine and a propeller, and the main power source is the built-in rechargeable battery.
In order for such a motor to shift gears better, manufacturers often install a special speed control system. Movement on such a motor becomes smoother and more sensitive, the boat does not jerk and rides smoothly. You also don’t have to worry about the condition of the battery, because the power motor protects it from overload.
Gasoline and electric motor models differ in their characteristics, therefore, they have different areas of application. Electric motors are considered to be of fairly high quality and have a long service life, but it is very important to monitor the key part - the battery. The best electric motors for boats are those that have traction batteries. They can be safely discharged and charged many times and have a long service life. If you do not have such a battery, you can use a regular car version.
Advantages of electric motors
- Light weight, on average motors weigh about 10 kg;
- The launch is carried out quickly and confidently;
- With an electric motor you can easily move through shallow water;
- The price of such an engine is 2 times less than a conventional gasoline unit;
- Control and movement on the electric motor are smooth and high-quality;
- Unpretentious to maintenance and operation.
The electric version does not need to be lubricated, and there is also no need to prepare the motor for the winter season. Without exception, all models, even the most powerful, are practically silent, an excellent advantage. And environmental friendliness has long been confirmed by a lot of research.
Choosing an electric boat motor
In Russia and the CIS countries there are both foreign and a large selection of domestic manufacturers of electric motors, and the difference in manufacturers lies mainly in the range of models and the range of their power. An important aspect when choosing will be the price of the motor, because the more expensive the product, the better quality and more powerful it is.
Outboard motors can be divided into three price segments:
- Up to 10 thousand rubles - the simplest and most budgetary, have minimal characteristics and are in poor demand due to low maximum speed and power. The quality of materials is also weak.
- From 10 to 40 thousand rubles - such models are already equipped with smooth gear shift systems, a telescopic tiller and a foot control system. The average power of such a motor is 0.8 hp.
- From 40 to 300 thousand rubles - they are already serious competitors to gasoline engines, the reliability of such models is at a high level. The traction power is quite large; the motor can easily support several people on board.
Also interesting: Honda 20 outboard motors - detailed review
Before purchasing, you should understand that the higher the power the model has, the better and more capacious the battery should be selected.
For an outboard electric motor for a boat, we recommend choosing batteries from such brands as Minn Kota, Haswing, Flover, Water Snake.
Advantages of an electric motor: how to choose the right one
Almost every owner of a sailing vessel strives to ensure that the main indicators of the electric motor are as efficient as possible. You can achieve high speed of the vessel only by increasing the power of the engine itself. As a rule, all manufacturers indicate the maximum boat weight for a specific electric motor.
In any case, the electric motor has the following advantages:
- significant savings (no fuel costs);
- silent operation;
- environmentally friendly (does not pollute water bodies);
- high level of cross-country ability.
However, even if your engine has enough power, this does not mean that it will reach a high enough speed. On average, boats equipped with this type of engine can reach speeds of 5-7 km/h.
Along with this, there are a number of features:
- small power reserve - the higher the speed, the faster the battery discharges;
- unfavorable weather conditions significantly reduce the movement of the boat (strong wind, rough current).
Whatever one may say, modern electric motors have enormous advantages over their analogues. This is especially important for boat owners who prefer to spend their leisure time fishing or hunting. Boats equipped with electric motors can easily navigate areas of water bodies with severe impassability. In addition, these watercraft are the best for duck hunting.
You can order an electric motor for a boat https://www.av-hobby.com/lodochnye-elektromotory at an affordable price not only in a regular store, but also in online store catalogs.
Rules for selecting a motor
A suitable model is selected based on the characteristics and required tasks of the craft. 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.
Recommendations for operating electric motors
After the final selection and purchase of an electric motor, as well as its direct installation on the boat, you should think about how to extend the life of your new acquisition. In many ways, the service life of an electric motor depends on its rational handling and compliance with basic operating rules. Many experts in this field advise the following:
- Gears should be changed with soft, smooth movements. This rule is especially important for more budget electric motor models. Compliance with this rule will ensure a smooth increase in speed of the boat and reduce the load on the engine;
- Rational distribution of cargo on board will reduce the load on the electric motor, and you will also protect yourself from roll, resulting in higher speed;
- Pay attention to the condition of the reservoir and the depth to which the propeller is immersed. If in a pond there is a risk of the blades becoming entangled in algae or fishing nets, this will lead to immediate breakdown of the electric motor;
- It is advised to travel the maximum distance by boat at third speed. It is considered the most energy-saving, that is, the battery can last quite a long time. In addition, it has enough traction and provides good boat speed.
Main characteristics
The choice of electric motor model will be determined by characteristics that differ from the usual parameters when choosing an engine for a boat or boat:
- Traction or traction force that is developed by an electric motor. Defined in pounds LBS. 1 LBS is equal to 0.453 kg. The required thrust value is determined from tables depending on the loaded weight of the boat. Moving a 500kg boat requires 30-33lbs of thrust, while moving a 1000kg boat requires 45lbs. That is, the dependence is not directly proportional.
- Maximum current consumption, A. This is the current consumed at maximum load. The choice of battery capacity will depend on this indicator. The time that the motor will operate at maximum load before the battery is deeply discharged depends on the maximum current consumption and battery capacity.
- Operating voltage. Everything is like in cars, either 12 V or 24 V.
- Speed adjustment. There are motors with continuously variable speeds, and some with gear shifting (2–5 forward, 2–3 reverse).
- Motor weight, kg. Depends on the magnitude of the traction force and design. Ranges from 3 to 15 kg.
- Deadwood length, m. Allows you to select a motor for any operating conditions, from a small rubber boat to a 7-meter boat.
The best electric motor models
If you decide to buy an electric type of outboard motor, pay attention to the models presented below. The Minn Kota brand is considered one of the most successful manufacturers; it produces a large number of electric motors and has earned favor due to its reliability. If you are not afraid of the average cost of a motor and its dimensions, feel free to buy Minkota outboard motors.
Also interesting: Features of Nissan outboard motors
Minn Kota Endura C2 30
A universal assistant on the water, the peak thrust is 13.6 kg, and a boat with such a motor can load up to 600 kg. The motor is mounted on the transom, which may seem unusual for an electric version. Of course, an electric engine starting system is provided, but the control was made using a tiller. An advantage when driving is a large speed range - 5 forward and 3 reverse.
The material used to create the motor housing was a composite, and the maximum specified motor voltage is 12 V, and the current consumption is within 30 A. The motor will please you with its weight - only 7 kg. The motor is quite affordable in Russia, the average cost is 18,500 rubles.
Minn Kota Pro 32
One of the most beautiful and powerful representatives, the weight of the electric motor is only 7.3 kg. But its power allows installation on boats with a load of up to 680 kg; the indicated power indicator is around 0.5 hp. It must be started electrically.
The voltage is up to 12 V, the owners, based on the characteristics, indicate an interesting feature: with high current consumption, the motor produces a low frequency indicator. Also particularly interesting and efficient is the Power Pro propeller.
Electric motors Nisamaran 36 Pro
One of the most budget-friendly representatives of its segment, the motor design is quite simple. The efficiency and number of models are at a high level. The Nissamaran 36 Pro model received excellent power of 0.5 horsepower, the engine is easy to start and control even for inexperienced owners.
I am very pleased with the average cost of a boat motor - about 13,000 rubles with satisfactory current consumption. The standard provides 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds. The weight of the outboard motor was only 7 kg.
Top 3 electric boat motors
1. The first line of our rating is occupied by the Minn Kota model Endura C2 30
.
This electric motor meets the expectations of customers because it meets high quality requirements and is comfortable when driving on water.
Reference: American began its history in the 30s of the twentieth century. The name MINNesota-North DaKOTA comes from its geographic location at the intersection of Minnesota and North Dakota. Since its founding, the company has been producing trolling motors and occupying a leading position in the market. The engines are truly quiet and at the same time reliable, causing minimal damage to the environment.
The Minn Kota Endura C2 30 engine is powered by a battery and has a power of 30 Lbs. This motor, unlike others, does not heat up even after prolonged use, which guarantees long service life at maximum conditions. There are eight in total: 5 forward gears and 3 reverse gears.
The body is made of carbon fiber composite. Even when colliding with obstacles, the electric motor remains intact, because the strength of the material is successfully combined with flexibility. In the event of an impact, it may bend, but after the load is removed it gradually returns to its previous position.
Rod length – 760 mm. Mounting clamps provide the ability to install the engine on almost any type of boat. The depth of immersion in water is regulated by a special clamp, and a special screw is made so that algae does not cling to it.
2. On the second line is the Motor Guide R3 30 HT
from another American brand MotorGuide (MotorGuide).
The company's products have proven themselves to be the best. The motors are almost silent, comfortable, light and high-torque, and serve on any vessel, from a single-seat inflatable to a solid multi-seat boat.
Information: its history dates back to 1961. Then Garrett Harris decided to create a motor not for racing, but suitable for leisurely fishing. When developing the control system, Garrett came up with the idea of a spring drive, which allowed him to control the motor and boat using his feet. The invention was appreciated by local fishermen. This is how the MotorGuide brand was born. The company is now part of the Mercury Marine concern.
The MotorGuide R3 30 HT engine is very light, weighing only 6.1 kg. It is equipped with a three-bladed propeller, so with a power of 30 Lbs it is capable of pulling a loaded boat weighing up to 800 kg. This indicator attracts anglers who are not ready to purchase a higher class motor.
3. In third place is the WaterSnakeFWT30TH
from Australian (Jarvis Walker).
Information: the brand received the name of its founder, avid fisherman Jim “Jarvis” Walker in 1964. He was a successful fisherman, tackle inventor and enterprising businessman. Today, the company continues to produce fishing equipment; the Water Snake division, located in China, produces electric motors. .
The Water Snake FWT30TH model is a budget option. Prices start from 9,500 rubles. At the same time, it has good speed characteristics and can operate smoothly at a speed of 5 km/h. Maximum thrust – 600 kg, power – 30 Lbs. This means that the engine will take out a boat up to 3.8 meters long with two passengers and equipment on board. The telescopic tiller makes steering the boat even more convenient and safe. The only drawback is the Chinese assembly.
Other popular electric motors
Of course, the range does not end there and is represented by dozens of manufacturers and hundreds of models. For example, I would also like to highlight the electric motor Nissamaran 55 Pro and Minn Kota C2 34. If you are buying an electric motor for a PVC 320 boat, we advise you to pay attention to the following suitable specimens:
- Yamaha M12 - rated 360 watts, weighs approximately 9.5 kg and can load up to 1,000 kg on the boat;
- Minn Kota Endura C2 34 - load capacity is about 600 kg, has a weight of 13.6 kg.
