We have already had the opportunity to talk about fishing and, specifically, electric outboards suitable for fishing activities. But we still have to delve into the factors to consider when choosing a boat that suits specific needs.
A straightforward solution is not always possible, especially when looking for an outboard engine, so it’s best to consider different options and to examine the most interesting solutions.
We will make a journey inside the different environments, starting with the most interesting and popular products that can be found on the market thanks to the production of Torqeedo.
The type of boat suitable for fishing
Let’s start, for example, from the type of boat: it must be pointed out that any boat can become a perfect platform for fishing, including jon boats, hull boats, bass boats and flat boats, which are all small motorboats.
Undoubtedly, the place and therefore the environment in which you want to fish will influence the necessary type of propulsion system. There are people who have to face areas with strong currents, others who prefer to move towards calmer coves that are more static. Obviously, there are different characteristics suitable for dealing with these situations!
And at this point comes another factor: the driving speed.
Electric outboards are a versatile choice
More and more fishing enthusiasts focus on electric engines, a solution that certainly requires a minimum of knowledge, but which is also the most suitable for a very large number of cases and environments. The approach with an electric fishing boat therefore involves understanding how it works and what additional components are required. Let’s examine the different environments and evaluate which are the most interesting solutions starting from a selection of Torqeedo engines.
Large lakes, rivers, and coastal areas
Those who love to fish in bodies of water that are considered large, as in the case of lakes and rivers, the type of power that the engine must have is worthy of the type of space in which it moves. Let’s think, for example, about the electric propulsion units of the Cruise series, which are able to offer up to twenty-five horsepower equivalent (HPeq).
Those who want something stable for most of the day, but not necessarily too fast, can rely on the Cruise 3.0, with a Power 24-3500 lithium-ion battery. The solution is affordable and light, capable of assuring excellent performance without emissions.
If, on the other hand, we consider the speed factor, there are two options, giving that the engine will necessarily have to be more powerful. We may consider a 6.0 (9.9 HPeq ) or a 12.0 (25 HPeq) outboard, combined with Torqeedo Power 48-5000 batteries.
They are ideal when you are looking for some speed and the boat is in planing mode, with the bow off the water and low drag. Let’s consider that by mounting the Cruise 6.0, for example, an average cruising speed of 11 knots is obtained, which obviously varies according to the number of passengers and external conditions.
Cruising outboard for river and lake anglers
When in environments with more protected waters, such as smaller rivers or inland lakes, it’s best to move around on light motorboats, small skiffs, and dinghies.
For small boats, the preferred solutions are Torqeedo Travel 603 (2 HPeq) or Travel 1103 (3 HPeq), both equipped with an integrated battery and an on-board computer which allows to know the speed and the distance that can be covered.
The 603 is suitable for any personal watercraft up to 1 ton, while the Travel 1103 can fit motorboats up to 1.5 tonnes.
Shallow waters of streams, ponds, rivers, and streams
We are in the preferred area for finding carp, bass, and trout, moving along the upper course of freshwater streams and rivers, trying to opt for a boat that defining light is limiting.
Therefore, starting from a boat that is agile to maneuver and capable of “flying” on the water (like a fishing kayak), it’s necessary to rely on a light solution such as the Ultralight Outboard. It offers a moderate power, ideal for this type of setting, and a really low weight, of only 8.8 kg (battery included).
It manages to not generate any noise, thus favoring any fishing activity, covering a range of up to 100 km. In addition, the v10/p1100 propeller (which is standard on the Ultralight 1103 and optional on the 403) prevents entanglement with underwater weeds.
What about salt waters?
Yachts, day cruisers and bay boats are widely used for saltwater fishing. In this case, a more powerful electric engine is preferrable, such as Torqeedo’s Deep Blue, which powers motorboats with 80 HPeq and offers extraordinary performance.
When choosing boats to be used in the open sea for sport fishing, you must count on high performance, with good navigation ability. For this type of more imposing platform, the Deep Blue 100i, an inboard engine that supplies around 135-150 HPeq, is the best choice.
In general, the Deep Blue series is satisfying in every respect and is equipped with every tool to go electric such as one or more 40 kWh Deep Blue batteries, cables, chargers, accelerators, and its display.
5 factors to remember when choosing an electric engine
Considering some variables, including maintenance and reliability costs, we can say that there are 5 factors to keep in mind:
- Electric engines have few moving parts, and their average lifespan is significantly longer than that of a petrol engine
- There’s no need to worry about fuel costs, because electricity prices are lower and stable
- Electric fishing allows to move towards better fishing spots for this activity. All without weighing on nature in terms of pollution, emissions and noise
- The electric drive system requires less maintenance
- A more powerful engine is always the optimal choice even when speed is not the main focus
The choice can be very demanding. After all, finding a boat system that is right and suitable for specific needs is not a walk in the park. But by choosing the combination of features that best suits your style, Torqeedo engines makes this choice easily possible.