Many fishermen or just boat lovers often think about purchasing a boat motor for moving on water without the help of oars. Such a desire appears after the next overcoming of several kilometers of water surface manually. As a rule, the motor is needed already on the existing boat, or it will be bought already with the motor. One way or another, you need to know how to choose a boat engine.
To choose the right engine, you need to understand all the characteristics that it has. The competent layout of the main nodes and other details allows you to choose the perfect option for small trips along rivers and lakes, as well as amateur fishing.
Key parameters for engine selection
Before choosing a boat engine, you need to know all the characteristics that it should have. First of all, it is:
- Power in horsepower, which characterizes how large a boat or boat it is capable of moving and at what speed.
- Dimensions of the engine itself. They are important because boats come in all sizes.
- The length of a deadwood that should fit the boat.
- A type of engine that can be push-pull or four-stroke.
- A way to control the engine.
- The principle of the engine can be electric or gasoline.
All these parameters must be considered when choosing. It also matters which company to choose the outboard motor, as there are many brands on the market that offer dubious quality for little money.
Horsepower in the engine
To know what power to choose the outboard motor, you need to roughly determine the size of the boat and how many people will be in it. For one person, 6 hp will be enough. The same is true for short-distance swims, which are usually done by fishermen when exiting to a river or lake.
To be able to take passengers and some cargo on board, an average power of at least 10 liters is needed. with. Such traction will allow you to quickly gain speed and take a few kilograms of useful baggage.
If the boat or boat is iron, then an engine with a power of at least 25 liters is needed. with., this will allow you to develop good speed on such devices and take several passengers at the same time.
Based on the power characteristics, you can roughly understand how to choose the outboard motor. If you make a mistake and install a large power motor on a small boat, then the risk of tipping over during a maneuver on the boat may increase. The weight of the boat should be combined with the amount of horsepower in the engine.
Motor dimensions
The external dimensions of the engine are directly related to its power and other characteristics. For example, a fuel tank of 3 liters can be installed, which takes up a large amount of space. For a small boat, this parameter is one of the most important, since with large sizes and weight indicators it will be excessively tilted to the rear. Therefore, before choosing a boat engine, you need to compare its dimensions with the future installation site.
Screw immersion depth
The length of a stern device or elbow is the distance from the engine to the propeller. For each boat, it can be different. It all depends on its size and depth. If you select a short deadwood on a large boat, then the propeller may not be completely immersed in water, thus, a large amount of power will be lost. In the case of large sizes of the knee, a large water resistance and a problem with control, as well as power loss, will be obtained.
Therefore, it is very important to know, before choosing outboard motors, which one to choose the stern mechanism so that it is suitable for a particular boat and does not create problems with movement.
Type of gasoline engine
An important parameter when choosing a motor is the principle of its operation. This can be a push-pull type or a four-stroke type. Both that and another look has its advantages and disadvantages. The pricing policy for these two types is almost equal, the only question is the characteristics of these engines.
The two-stroke engine is more efficient, its specific gravity is slightly less than that of the four-stroke type. Also, its design is much simpler, and high maintainability. If a breakdown occurs while driving, then with the availability of spare parts, you can carry out restoration work right on the spot. In the case of the four-stroke version, the repair will be problematic due to the complex design. Therefore, if these characteristics are decisive, then a two-stroke motor should be preferred.
Four stroke engine
Quite often, four-stroke engines are also chosen for boats. They are characterized by more uniform and stable operation. They also use less oil in their work, as they have their own closed lubrication system. Fuel consumption is also slightly less. The operation of these engines is much quieter compared to the push-pull type. However, in terms of weight characteristics, such a motor is much heavier due to the complexity of the design.
If you compare boat motors by resource, which one to choose from will not be a problem. The undisputed leader is the four-stroke type. Due to the more developed cycle balance lubrication system, this type will work much longer.
Engine management system
When installing any motor on a boat, the control system is of great importance. It can be tiller, that is, control directly by the rotation handle of the engine itself. There are also options for remote control due to the transmission mechanism. Each of them has certain features that allow you to control the boat in different situations.
Remote control is more suitable for long boats, in which the steering wheel is installed in the middle part. In simple small boats, the rear control is predominantly used. It is worth noting that the tiller system is more reliable, since it has fewer interaction mechanisms. Therefore, before choosing a boat engine, you need to determine the type of control and choose a more suitable one for a particular boat.
Electric motors
One of the popular solutions for boat movement is an electric motor. Such a solution is more popular in Europe, but we are increasingly resorting to this option.
The main advantage over gasoline types is its quiet operation and high environmental friendliness.
Also, engines have a low price, which is incomparable with internal combustion engines.
But in addition to the engine, you still need to purchase a high-quality battery and charger.
In total, the option is slightly cheaper than a gasoline engine. In normal operation, electric boat motors are very simple.
How to choose a charger for such a motor is usually written in the instructions. The main parameter for it is the amount of current that it can provide.
There are also downsides to this type of engine. When charging the battery there is no way to know exactly how much it will last with constant movement. Also, it will constantly have to be charged for several hours before exiting. Such procedures can introduce significant inconvenience to planned boat trips with an electric motor.
Firms that manufacture engines
The actual leader in engine manufacturing are American and European companies. First of all, these are Yamaha, Mercury, Tohatsu and other brands.Engine selection experts advise paying attention to these companies, as they have proven themselves for a long time. There are also Russian engine manufacturers, but they have appeared recently and cannot fully compete with the presented brands.
However, they are more attractive at a price, and if the owner is well versed in technology and is able to repair it, then the domestic motor can be adopted. Therefore, in order to know which brand to choose the outboard motor, you need to determine the purchase budget, if funds allow, then purchase a European or American motor. In this case, the quality and long life of the engine can be guaranteed.
There are also offers from Asian manufacturers. There are also quality models. But to decide which Chinese outboard motor to choose, you need to thoroughly study the history of the company. If she works for a long time, then you can trust her.
Second-hand engine market
Among lovers of motor boats there is an opinion that it is possible to purchase an inexpensive engine that has been used for some time. Typically, such offers attract those who have a small purchase budget.
But before choosing a boat motor, it is worth checking it well and looking at the wear of the parts. And in most cases this cannot be found out, since no one will disassemble the engine. Therefore, experts recommend in extreme situations to buy used engines of only the best brands. They can guarantee a long service life and with good service will last a long time.
If there is a small amount of money and it is not known which outboard motor is better to choose, new or used, then it is better to wait and buy a new device. In this case, you can count on good quality.
Features of choice
If you need an engine that would ensure long trips, then, of course, you need to choose a gasoline option, as it can guarantee greater reliability. If there is an option to use outboard electric motors, how to choose will help the purpose of the boat. If it will be used for a quiet approach to fishing places, then this option is more suitable, since it has a silent operation.
In the case of gasoline engines, you need to pay attention to the characteristics of the boat, which will be installed.
You should also choose which is more important: less fuel consumption or longer engine life?
Experts recommend putting two-stroke engines on small boats and boats for one person.
In the case of large sizes of a swimming means and several people, four-stroke engines are more suitable. But these recommendations are not critical and in both cases different types of engines can be used.
Conclusion
When choosing an engine for a motor boat, it should be noted that there are several types that, depending on their design features, may not work effectively on all boats. First of all, you need to determine the power that is necessary in order for the engine to work in normal mode. Also of great importance is a stern device, which determines the height of immersion of the screw in water. Suitable engine sizes have been developed for each type of boat to ensure proper propeller operation. You should also consider the type of engine control, which can be remote or direct using the lever on the motor.
Some boats may go on planing in motion. This mode is achieved at high speed and can reduce the hydraulic resistance that occurs during movement. During this mode, the boat rises above the water and receives an air cushion. To ensure this effect, you need a good supply of power in the engine. Therefore, before buying a motor, you need to consider that you need to have a slight power advantage.Also, this stock is useful for those situations when the boat will be overloaded.
