Equipping the boat with an electric motor allows you to use a boat with minimal noise, which is especially convenient when fishing. Also significantly improves the environmental friendliness and efficiency of the use of the power unit. The main task after acquiring an electric outboard motor is the correct selection of the source of electricity. There are a large number of battery models that can be used as an electric current source for an outboard motor, but not so simple.
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Features of batteries for outboard motors
A feature of battery operation for outboard motors is a long battery discharge. To ensure long-term operation of the electric motor, the battery must have a large capacity, and, given the frequent full discharges of the battery, - increased resistance to deep discharges.
Thanks to specially stripping technology, it was possible to achieve battery stability to multiple full discharges. In addition, a longer operation of a charged device will significantly increase the range of fights in a boat equipped with an electric motor.
Types of traction batteries for outboard motors
A huge number of models of traction batteries are available on the market that can be used as an electric power unit for energy supply of both small craft made of PVC and massive metal boats. Such products may vary in size, capacity and maximum discharge current. The cost of traction power sources can also vary greatly. This value is significantly affected by the technology by which the battery was manufactured. Modern products can be several times more expensive than obsolete lead-acid batteries.
Gel batteries for boats
In gel traction batteries, the electrolyte is in a jelly-like state, which is why it is very convenient to use such a battery when frequent movement of the product is necessary. In devices of this type, the electrolyte does not evaporate, so the product can be made maintenance free.
Thanks to the original design of the separators, the probability of plate shedding during operation is completely eliminated, which allows the device to be used in various operating modes for at least 5 years. Disadvantages gel batteriesIn addition to the high cost, it is possible to attribute insufficiently high stability of operation at low air temperatures and a decrease in resource with frequent battery recharges.
Lithium batteries for boat electric motors
Lithium traction batteries have a high power consumption, light weight and can withstand up to 3,000 battery charge and discharge cycles. Such products are very expensive, but after the purchase it will be possible to use the device in the most intensive mode for several years. In addition to the high cost, the disadvantages of the product include an increased risk of fire during depressurization of the device, short circuit, or supplying too much charging voltage and current to the contacts.
AGM boat batteries
AGM battery is a lead-acid product, in which the plates are in the "cover" of fiberglass. Such batteries are made maintenance-free, because the need to remove excess gas is completely absent. The product has an increased operational resource, due to the lack of the effect of shedding of the plates, and relatively high resistance to deep discharges. The cost of AGM batteries is much higher than conventional lead-acid products, but given the increased life of such a battery, the purchase will be more profitable.
Boat Lead Acid Traction Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are the cheapest of traction devices, but the operation of such products is associated with many inconveniences. First of all, the restriction is imposed on the battery installation method. The product should only be operated in a horizontal position.
Serviced models can emit hazardous gases, and when the housing is tilted, the electrolyte can spill, which can lead to oxidation of the metal surface with subsequent destruction. Also, such products have a greater weight and size, which will be a very big drawback on a small craft.
Deep Discharge Batteries for Outboard Motors
The traction battery must be capable of withstanding multiple deep discharges. For installation on watercraft, products with a capacity of 70 to 100 A / h and a voltage of 12 volts are usually used.
The most suitable for deep discharge are lithium batteries. Such batteries are not always affordable, so gel products can serve as a good alternative, which, in addition to good tolerance for deep discharges, have a relatively small mass and are completely sealed.
Can I use car batteries
Using batteries designed for installation in cars is strongly discouraged. Such products are very sensitive to deep discharge and can completely fail even when used once as a traction device. In addition, the served batteries are not sealed, which can lead to spillage of electrolyte, which can corrode the hull of a metal boat.
What to look for when choosing a battery for a boat
When choosing a new battery for a boat, it is recommended that you first pay attention to the type of battery and its voltage. You can determine whether a battery belongs to the category of traction devices by the designation on the case. If the product is intended for operation in this mode, then the battery marking should contain the following notation: PzS and PzV. Traction devices with a supply voltage of 12 or 24 volts are installed on the boats, so you should carefully select the product for this parameter.
The battery capacity for the boat will directly depend on the power of the electric motor. The power of an electric motor for a boat is most often expressed in pounds. The approximate ratio of the power of the outboard engine to the battery capacity is 1/1. That is, for every pound of electric motor traction, 1 ampere of battery capacity will be consumed. For example, a WaterSnake T18 electric motor with a traction power of 18 pounds will completely discharge a battery with a capacity of 55 A / h for 3 hours.
Popular manufacturers and their features
Traction batteries are much more expensive than starter car batteries, so in order not to be mistaken with the choice of products, it is recommended to purchase products from well-known manufacturers. The following brands of traction products are most popular with buyers:
- Radiotech - traction lithium batteries from a domestic manufacturer are not inferior in their characteristics to the best imported samples.Products are not cheap, but given the light weight, high capacity and low level of self-discharge, it will be enough to purchase such an electric power source 1 time so that then for several years one does not think about the need to replace the battery. The products are suitable for installation on small inflatable boats, as well as for use on powerful boats with electric traction.
- Varta - traction batteries from a well-known German brand have very good indicators of power and resistance to deep discharges. Products are available with various current-voltage characteristics, so choosing a suitable product for any boat electric motor will not be difficult.
Products of these brands are the most reliable, and a variety of models will allow you to choose a traction battery, both for a small rubber boat and for a multi-seat boat powered by electric traction.
