|
|
Just the facts:
Pounds-thrust
by Lee & Sharon De Bevoise
anglers & editors
Despite a popular belief among anglers, the more pounds of thrust that an electric trolling motor has doesn't equate a faster boat speed. With trolling motors and outboard motors, boat speed and acceleration both depend prop pitch. So, by changing prop pitch, you can swap acceleration for speed. In either case, the top speed for many trolling motors is about 5mph. However, that, too, is determined by boat size/weight, as well as prop pitch.
Pounds-thrust
When manufacturers talk about pounds-thrust, they are referring to the amount of energy used by the motor's propeller to propel the boat through the water. This energy is measured in pounds of thrust, as opposed to horsepower.
What do I really need?
Our suggestion is to plan to have about 5 pounds of thrust for every 350-400 pounds of gross weight. Remember that gross weight includes the not only the boat but also the motor, batteries, gear and people.
How to measure the horsepower of an electric motor
Still confused? Following is an easy method to compute the approximate hp of any electric motor.
1. Measure the current (amperes, better known as amps) while under load as the boat is underway.
2. Multiply the current by the battery voltage to find the watts.
3. Multiply the watts by the motor efficiency to find the effective watts.
• Efficiency is about 70 percent for a series electric motor.
• Efficiency is 80-83 percent for permanent magnet electric motors.
4. Divide the effective watts by 746 to find the horsepower
Bottom line
You should buy the highest thrust motor your budget allows. By doing this, you'll be sure to have plenty of power for tidal waters, windy days and rough waters.
©Fish Dreams
FISH DREAMS is proud to be a
Supporting Business Member of the
National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.
Please show your support by joining TODAY!
This site rated ALL AGES by Safe Surf & ICRA
This site listed & recommended by Mothers of America & Family Friendly Sites
| Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Site Map
Top | Boating Menu | Home
|
|
|
