When searching for the perfect electric outboard there are many factors to consider. You are rarely presented with a simple solution when browsing for an outboard engine, and that is because there is no “one size fits all.”
Almost any boat can serve as a fishing platform, including aluminium boats, jon boats, bass boats, bay boats, pontoons, skiffs, and flats boats. Every boat has a different weight, shape, and size. The environment you choose to fish in also affects your choice of drive system. Some face a strong current or tide, and others may regularly opt to fish in calm inlets. The third factor to consider is how fast you need to go.
Once you have decided to own an electric fishing boat, understanding how they operate, which add-ons are a prerequisite, and which electric outboard model is right for you takes time to learn and understand.
Torqeedo offers four main types of electric outboards, including Ultralight, Travel, Cruise, and Deep Blue. We look into a range of environments and boat types to help you determine which electric motor series line and power are best suited to your needs.
FISHING IN LAKES AND RIVERS
Very lightweight motorboats best suited to angling on protected waters, rivers and inland lakes include aluminium or composite boats, small skiffs, and even inflatables. The Torqeedo Travel 1103 outboard (3 HP) is our most popular engines for smaller vessels. They come with an integrated battery and onboard computer so you know exactly how far and how fast you can go. The Torqeedo Travel 1103 outboard can accommodate powerboats up to 1.5 tonnes.
CREEKS, STREAMS, BACKWATERS, AND RIVERS
Fishing in low, skinny waters and searching for areas where water changes direction is excellent for targeting bass, trout, carp, and many other types of fish. Traveling along the upper reaches of freshwater creeks and rivers requires a lightweight and agile boat to maneuver through narrow channels. Some of the best small boats in the 15-20 foot range include small jet boats, kayaks, canoes, skiffs, and Jon boats.
The Ultralight Outboard is an ideal power choice for anglers looking to find a big catch using a lightweight boat. The ultralight outboard is the lightest Torqeedo electric outboard in our range, weighing only 8.8 kg (incl. battery). Ultralight outboards are specially designed not to make any noise underwater, meaning that anglers have stealth on their side when trying to catch a big one.
The Torqeedo Ultralight comes with lots of power and can cover a range up to 100 km, and it’s quick and easy to mount onto fishing kayaks. If you fish in areas with less than 5 feet of water, the mount allows the motor to kick up automatically toward the stern of the kayak when it encounters an underwater obstacle, thus minimizing damage. The weedless propeller v10/p1100 prevents tangling with underwater plants.
SALTWATER FISHING
Saltwater fishing boats are either designed for inshore use or offshore use. Bay boats, center consoles, sportfish yachts, cruisers, day cruisers, and cuddy cabins are popular boats for saltwater fishing. Boats of this size would be best suited to an electric motor from Torqeedo’s Deep Blue electric outboard series. The Deep Blue 50 motor powers motorboats with 67 HP and delivers extraordinary performance.
Vessels intended for offshore use are typically used for game fishing and, therefore, must have seaworthy capabilities. Generally speaking, the larger a vessel is, the more seaworthy it is. For heavy displacement vessels, offshore anglers should consider the Deep Blue 100i, an inboard motor that provides roughly 135 to 150 HP. Fast, planing offshore fishing boats require a tremendous amount of power and will be best served by a Deep Blue Hybrid system.
Motors from the Deep Blue series come with everything you need to go electric, including one or more Deep Blue 40 kWh batteries, cables, chargers, throttles and displays.
ELECTRIC PROPULSION: POINTS TO REMEMBER
Choosing the right power system for a new boat can be challenging, and you’ll have to make many choices relating to the initial cost, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and reliability. But regardless of what type of power system you pick, remember to consider these crucial factors:
- Electric motors have very few moving parts and generally have a significantly longer lifespan than gasoline engines.
- You don’t have to worry about fuel prices, since electricity prices are lower and much more stable.
- Fishing electric can help you gain or maintain access to the best fishing spots. You won’t disturb nature or neighbors with your ultra-quiet, efficient and emission-free fishing boat.
- An electric drive system requires far less maintenance than comparable drive systems using fossil fuel.
- It’s wise to opt for the most powerful engine possible, even if you don’t need the extra speed.