Rating of the best electric motors for PVC boats for 2022

Plastic and inflatable boats are widely used among fishing enthusiasts. After installing electric motors on them, a silent movement on the water surface, high environmental friendliness and the possibility of using the latest technologies for unhurried movement at a constant speed or standing in a set place are ensured. Thanks to such devices, you can easily get to the most secluded fishing spots without scaring the prey.

General information and application

A boat electric motor is a device that converts the electrical energy of a storage battery (battery) into mechanical energy for moving a boat through water.

The principle of operation is to transfer the energy supplied from the battery to the rotation of the propeller by the interaction of the conductor in a magnetic field. An electric current is supplied to the stator winding and a magnetic field is created that sets the rotor connected to the screw in motion. The blades begin to rotate and the float moves.

Typically, an electric motor supports several modes of operation, depending on complexity, cost, and manufacturer. As a rule, they are produced with four or five forward gears and two or three reverse gears.

The most justified is the use of such engines in the following situations and places:

1. Trolling predators and spinning fishing - low speed with excellent maneuverability provide fishing in those areas where it is better not to meddle with a gasoline-powered unit.
2. Noiseless approach to secluded places - possible prey is not afraid and remains in the fishing grounds.
3. In small reservoirs where you do not need to travel long distances.
4. Steering and maneuverability in shallow water.
5. Movements in overgrown areas of the reservoir
6. In other situations where the speed of movement does not matter much.

As a rule, the power of the electric motor is not enough to deal with a good oncoming current, and the battery life is quickly exhausted. Therefore, it is recommended to use such devices during the initial rise upstream with the calculation of the return of the alloy. In addition, a sudden change in weather often makes adjustments, when it will be very difficult to get to the coast on a weak engine.

Sometimes they are used as spare units. After arriving at the fishing spot on a powerful gasoline engine, after switching to an electric motor, they start trolling or spinning fishing.

Design

The device of a conventional electric motor is quite simple. The main elements are:

1. An electric motor with a fixed screw, the rotation of which provides movement.
2. Rechargeable battery for power supply.
3. The control system prevents jerks during starting and smooth gear changes.
4. A rod (deadwood) for mounting the engine and connecting all parts into a single complex. Made of durable material to prevent breakage when colliding with underwater obstacles. The adjustable system allows the engine to move down or up in shallow water.
5. Tiller - to control traffic.
6. Clamp - a device for mounting the motor.
7. Control panel - to enable the required speed, as well as change the direction of movement.

Characteristics

1. Thrust is calculated in English pounds (lbs). The value is determined in the table by the weight of the equipped boat. To move 0.5 tons requires a pulling force of up to 33 lbs, and 1 ton requires up to 45 lbs.
2. Maximum current consumption at maximum load. Affects the capacity of the battery and the operating time at maximum loads before discharging.
3. Operating voltage as in a car - 12 or 24 volts.
4. Speed ​​control - shifting gears (two to five speeds forward, two to three - back) or a smooth change.
5. The weight of the motor, depending on the design and amount of thrust, is within 3-15 kilograms.
6. Deadwood height for any conditions of use on a large boat or a small boat.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of electric motors are:

• small dimensions and weight;
• low noise;
• smoothness of traction;
• maneuverability;
• passage of shallow water;
• maintaining a constant speed;
• simple device;
• maintainability;
• autonomy of work;
• environmental friendliness;
• easy start;
• convenient management without the need for special knowledge and skills;
• without the need for conservation for the winter;
• reliability and practicality;
• relatively affordable cost and fuel savings.

Flaws:

• the need to purchase a traction battery;
• large battery weight;
• low speed of movement;
• limited period of continuous operation of the battery and the impossibility of charging in the field;
• dependence on weather conditions.

Kinds

By place of installation

1. Suspended - fixed on the transom with special threaded clamps. Easily installed next to the main engine and moved when needed. Usually synchronous motors with permanent magnets or asynchronous alternating current are used. They are brushless type with no wear parts and no maintenance required.
2. Bow - placed on the tank of the boat on the mounting platform.
3. Mounted - mounted on the cavitation plate of the main outboard motor with the ability to remotely control the speed and direction of rotation of the propeller.

By type of management

1. Tiller - using a lever on the motor, which not only shifts gears and regulates speed, but also turns the motor, changing the direction of movement.
2. Foot - with the help of a pedal acting as a "gas" (throttle). A separate steering is required, since the motor is mounted motionless and does not turn in different directions.
3. From the remote control - on large expensive swimming facilities.

By cost

1. Budget models at a price of less than 10 thousand rubles - without a smooth gear shift system, with low revs and low power. Traction effort is not more than 0.5 hp. and voltage 12V.
2. The average price segment is less than 50 thousand rubles - power is less than 0.8 hp, telescopic tiller or foot control system, as well as with smooth switching.
3. Premium-class at a price of more than 50 thousand rubles - models of the best manufacturers made of quality materials with high traction, reliability and a large set of additional options - autopilot, remote control, built-in sonars, etc.

Criterias of choice

Experts advise what to look for in order not to make mistakes when choosing. After all, a heavy boat with a low-power electric motor, even with a slight wind or current, can be carried out onto rocks, stones or the fairway of large-capacity vessels.

1. Power for the tasks ahead and dimensions of the craft:

• with a length of up to 3 m and a displacement of up to 500 kg, motors up to 0.5 hp are suitable;
• with a length of up to 4 m and a displacement of up to 850 kg - motors up to 0.7 horsepower;
• with a length of more than 4 m and a displacement of more than one ton - motors from 0.81 hp.

2. Leg length depending on transom height up to 76 cm or when combined with a gasoline engine up to 105 cm.

3. Battery for continuous operation:

• with a capacity of 75A * h, the motor is powered up to one day with movement in second gear up to 20 km, in fifth - up to 15 km;
• with a capacity of 100 Ah - up to two days and travel up to 25 km in first gear.

4. Availability of additional options:

• backlight;
• clamp;
• remote control;
• telescopic tiller;
• blocking accidental start;
• battery discharge indicator;
• smooth switching of speeds;
• changing the angle of inclination;
• built-in battery.

Where could I buy

Popular models are purchased in department stores that offer products for outdoor activities, tourism, fishing or hunting. Sellers will give advice and recommendations - what are electric motors, their types, how to choose which one is better to buy, how much it costs.

In addition, the best inexpensive novelties can be ordered online in the online store or in aggregators - Yandex.Market or E-catalog. The description is preliminarily studied, characteristics are compared, photos are viewed.

Electric motors are offered at a price of 5,400 rubles. (Jet Force 30LBS (Vodomotorika)) up to 303,650 rubles. (Lowrance Ghost 47 (Navitop.ru)).

The best electric motors for PVC boats

The rating of high-quality models was developed according to the opinions of buyers who left reviews on the pages of online stores. The popularity of models was specified by user ratings, main technical characteristics, reliability, efficiency, service life, and price.

The review presents ratings among budget products up to 10 thousand rubles, in the middle price segment up to 40 thousand rubles, as well as premium class products worth over 40 thousand rubles.

TOP-4 best electric motors up to 10 thousand rubles

Greenworks G12TM32

Brand - Greenworks (USA).
The country of origin is China.

Compact model for installation on small boats with a displacement of up to 500 kg and a length of up to three meters. Powered by a marine traction battery with a capacity of 105 Ah with autonomous operation up to 100 minutes at a maximum speed of 3.3 km/h. The smooth ride is great for trolling. Easy passage through shallow water is provided by the ability to adjust the angle of inclination and depth of the propeller.

Warranty period - 36 months. Price - 9,792-12,369 rubles.

• compact dimensions;
• low noise level;
• use in shallow water;
• easy installation without special tools;
• easy transportation;
• excellent value for money.

• without charger and battery included.

Greenworks electric motor in action:

Jet Force 30LBS

Brand - Jet Force (China).
The country of origin is China.

Model with an original layout for installation on boats over four meters long and with a displacement of over 600 kg when operating in fresh water. The upgraded adjustment system allows you to change the height of the deadwood from 14 to 36 cm and tilt the transom clamp up to 90 degrees. The depth of the screw can be changed by the built-in servo without lifting out of the water.

Variable speed motor. The battery indicator is located on the top cover. Thanks to the gearbox (2:1), the engine turns ahead (tiller by 45⁰, motor by 90⁰). For the manufacture of the rod, a high-strength composite material is used, springy upon impact.

Warranty period - 12 months. The price is 5,400 rubles.

• tilt adjustment;
• transom mount;
• reliability;
• light weight;
• excellent traction;
• good maneuverability;
• convenient transportation;
• does not require much storage space.

• not identified.

Video review Jet Force 30LBS:

NISSAMARAN Ecomotor 36 PRO

Brand - NISSAMARAN (Japan).
Country of origin - Japan.

A universal Japanese-made model for installation on a plastic or inflatable boat on any water bodies, incl. with increased silt. Suitable for large boats over 4.5 meters long. Features a robust design with low noise and light weight. The battery charge level is easily determined by the built-in LED indicator. The ten-level telescopic tiller provides movement control. Switching five forward and three reverse speeds is carried out by turning the knob counterclockwise or clockwise.

Warranty period - 12 months. Price - from 8,000 rubles.

• good traction;
• smooth running;
• low noise level;
• durable construction;
• quality manufacturing;
• use in shallow water;
• convenient storage;
• easy transportation;
• excellent value for money.

• simple design.

Using NISSAMARAN Ecomotor 36 PRO:

Haswing W-20

Brand - Haswing (China).
The country of origin is China.

One of the lightest models for installation on inflatable or plastic boats with a length of no more than three meters. Suitable for use in shallow water. The battery charge level is displayed on the information display with a color warning signal when it decreases. A tiller type of control is used. The body is covered with an integrated protective cover.

Warranty - 12 months. Price - from 7,280 rubles.

• excellent technical parameters;
• efficiency of operation during flow and in still water;
• environmental friendliness;
• quality service;
• low percentage of defective devices;
• convenient storage and easy transportation;
• simple maintenance;
• small average price.

• nondescript design;
• slight vibration on the bar;
• without additional accessories.

Video review Haswing W-20:

comparison table

	greenworks G12TM32	Jet Force 30LBS	NISSAMARAN Ecomotor 36 PRO	Haswing W-20
Power, hp (W)	0,5 (367)	0,5 (367)	0,51 (375)	0,28 (206)
Deadwood length, cm		36	75	60
Thrust, kg (lbs)	14,5 (32)	13 (30)	16,5 (36)	9 (20)
Boat weight, kg	500	600	750	370
Boat length, m	3.5	4.2	4.6	3
Maximum current consumption, A	32	30	36	17
Charge indicator	there is	there is	there is	there is
Number of speeds:
forward	5	5	5	2
back	3	3	3	2
Motor lift	manual	manual	manual	manual
Screw Depth Adjustment	there is	there is	there is	there is
Movement in shallow water	there is	there is	there is	there is
Number of propeller blades	2	2	2	2
Water	fresh	fresh	fresh	fresh
Weight, kg	7	6.7	6.9	2.3

TOP-3 best electric motors from 10 thousand to 40 thousand rubles

MotorGuide R-3 40HT 36″

Brand - MotorGuide (USA).
The country of origin is the USA.

A universal model of a boat electric motor for use in fishing or walking in freshwater in boats up to 4.8 meters long with an optimal ratio of reliability, strength and durability. It is characterized by convenient functionality with low noise level. Easy to mount on transom with aluminum bracket. Comfortable control is carried out by an ergonomic telescopic tiller. The screw insertion height is adjusted by a dynamic locking system on the shaft. In shallow water, you can select one of the nine angle positions. The speed is controlled by the Digital Variable electronic system.

Warranty period - 36 months. Price - 31,100 rubles.

• smooth and quiet running without scaring the fish;
• powerful traction;
• the possibility of mounting on the transom or on the bow;
• smooth speed control;
• long service life of the aluminum motor shaft;
• quick-release screw immersion adjustment.

• not detected.

Test drive MotorGuide R-3 40HT:

WaterSnake SXW34

Brand - WaterSnake (Australia).
Country of origin - Australia.

Universal model for rivers or the sea with additional protection against corrosion. The telescoping tiller handle is positioned at a comfortable operating height. Battery charge control is provided by a digital voltmeter on the top cover. A metal clamp with 7-position deadwood tilt adjustment securely fastens the motor to the transom. The propeller is made in an optimal shape, which prevents clinging to algae and grass.

Warranty period - 12 months. Price - 12,898 rubles.

• confident traction;
• high quality assembly;
• attractive price;
• possibility of use in shallow water;
• adjustable tilt angle;
• low noise level;
• environmental friendliness of operation without harmful emissions.

• there is no blocking of accidental start-up and an emergency engine switch;
• tiller without tilt.

Video review of WaterSnake SXW34:

Flower 33 TG

Brand - Flover (Republic of Korea).
The country of origin is the Republic of Korea.

A compact model for installation on PVC boats for comfortable fishing or boat trips in inland waters, as well as in calm coastal areas. The special design of the propeller eliminates the winding of algae, which allows it to be used effectively in shallow water. No special maintenance required.High reliability is confirmed by EU quality certificates. High-tech composite materials are used for production.

Warranty period - 24 months. The price is 14,110 rubles.

• small dimensions;
• fast installation;
• reliability;
• long service life;
• ecological cleanliness;
• low noise level;
• quality service;
• durable transom mount;
• telescopic tiller;
• versatility of use in sea or fresh water.

• not identified.

Boat electric motor Flover 33 TG on the pond:

comparison table

	MotorGuide R-3 40HT 36"	WaterSnake SXW34	Flower 33 TG
Power, hp (W)	0,47 (346)	0,49 (370)	0,48 (360)
Deadwood length, cm	91	66	75
Thrust, kg (lbs)	40 (18,1)	15,3 (34)	15 (33)
Boat weight, kg	1000	650	800
Boat length, m	5.5	4.5	4.5
Maximum current consumption, A	43	32	30
Charge indicator	there is	there is	there is
Number of speeds:
forward	5	5	5
back	3	3	3
Motor lift	manual	manual	manual
Screw Depth Adjustment	there is	there is	there is
Number of propeller blades	3	3	2
Water	fresh	marine, fresh	fresh, marine
Weight, kg	10	7.3	6.8

TOP 3 best premium electric motors

HDX Ultima 55 GPS

Brand - HDX (Japan).
The country of origin is China.

A compact model with a GPS-receiver on the remote control or phone to memorize fishing spots and save routes. With cruise control and advanced autopilot. Anchor mode keeps the boat at a set point in current or wind. Quick installation and removal of the unit is provided by a unique mounting system with a special latch.

Warranty period - 24 months. Price - 58,200 rubles.

• smooth running;
• maintaining the set speed;
• control via an application on a smartphone;
• keeping the floating facility in the designated place;
• saving GPS coordinates with the ability to return to them;
• low noise level;
• good traction;
• quality assembly;
• overload protection;
• unpretentiousness of service;
• ecological cleanliness;
• simple installation;
• convenient LED indication;
• long service life.

• not identified

Fishing with HDX Ultima:

MotorGuide R3-45SW HT 18″

Brand - MotorGuide (USA).
The country of origin is the USA.

Model from a foreign manufacturer for installation on boats operating in salty sea water. Functional aluminum bracket for easy transom mounting. Comfortable control is carried out by an ergonomic telescopic tiller. The transom mount is made of powder-coated aluminum alloy. Excellent strength and long service life is achieved by the use of stainless steel swivel axles. The motor is securely fastened with pivot bolts.

Warranty period - 36 months. Price - 44,500 rubles.

• easy handling;
• quick rearrangement of the tiller assembly for reverse trolling;
• smooth adjustment of traction with a digital variator;
• high reliability;
• durability;
• silent operation;
• convenient motor height lock;
• simple maintenance;
• good transportability;
• long warranty period.

• not detected.

Minn Kota Traxxis 45

Brand - Minn Kota (USA).
The country of origin is China.

An improved model for installation on PVC boats up to 4.5 meters long with a displacement of up to 1,100 kg when used only in fresh water. The use of a completely new transom mount allows you to lift the motor out of the water with one hand.The power supply is controlled by the Maximazer device depending on the speed, increasing the time without charging by five times. Adjustment of the telescopic tiller in length up to 38 cm and height by 45⁰. The immersion depth of the screw is fixed by an improved mechanism. It is completed with two types of screws with systems of protection against dumping and winding of algae. Comes with a wide range of optional accessories from portable chargers to on-board batteries.

Warranty period - 12 months. Price - from 50 830 rubles.

• tilt angle adjustment;
• motor quick lift system;
• movement in shallow water;
• smooth gear control;
• reliable bar;
• long service life;
• high quality materials and assembly;
• low noise level;
• stable move;
• convenient mechanism for quick lifting from the water.

• not identified.

Video review:

comparison table

	HDX Ultima 55 GPS	MotorGuide R3-45SW HT 18"	Minn Kota Traxxis 45
Power, hp (W)	1 (660)	0,73 (537)	0,7 (514)
Deadwood length, cm	92	45.7	91
Thrust, kg (lbs)	26,4 (58)	20,4 (45)	20,4 (45)
Boat weight, kg	1100	1000	1100
Boat length, m	5	5.2	4.8
Maximum current consumption, A	55	44	45
Charge indicator	there is	there is	there is
Number of speeds:
forward	5	5	smooth
back	3	2	smooth
Motor lift	manual	manual	manual
Number of propeller blades	3	3	2
Water	fresh	maritime	fresh
Weight, kg	12.2	10	10.8

Self assembly

Those who are not satisfied with expensive industrial electric motors can make a suitable model with their own hands, which can easily pass for a product from a domestic manufacturer. With the presence on the Internet of numerous step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks, you only need skillful hands, good tools, and desire.

This will require:

• an electric motor suitable in voltage for a power source (it can be from a drill);
• accumulator battery;
• screw from a broken motor or made from sheet metal yourself;
• steering column;
• gearboxes (possible from a grinder);
• metal tubes;
• clamps (handicraft or factory);
• metal rod for the manufacture of the shaft.

You will need tools:

• Bulgarian;
• electric drill with a set of drills;
• metal scissors;
• in the presence of wooden structures - nails and screws.

Video instruction for self-assembly of a boat electric motor.

Enjoy the shopping. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!