How to choose a boat for a motor

With the help of a motor, the boat can reach high speeds, making it easier to overcome water spaces and cope with strong river currents. However, not every boat is suitable for operation with a motor, and in order to choose a suitable option, you should pay attention to a number of technical nuances.

The best motor boat manufacturers

Many manufacturers are currently engaged in the production of boats, however, not all models are suitable for operation with a motor. Preference should be given to those brands that are well known, and their products are in demand among advanced hunters and fishermen, as well as intelligence officers:

1. Solar;

2. Marlin;

3. Korsar;

4. Fregate;

5. Hummingbird;

6. Track;

Technical characteristics of specific models, as well as expert opinions and user reviews, revealing the features of operation, strengths and weaknesses, can always be found on the Internet, on thematic forums and in social networks.

What are outboard motors?

Outboard motors fall into two categories:

1. Internal combustion engines. Powerful and noisy devices designed to be installed in the stern of the boat, allowing you to develop high speed and take the boat to planing. They are used as the main element that propels the boat and require certain characteristics from the floating craft and the presence of a rigid transom for stable fixation;

2. Electric motors are compact electric motors. They are installed both in the bow and in the stern of the boat due to the peculiarities of their own design. In the first case, such an electric motor will perform the functions of an auxiliary engine, in the second, it will be used as the main one.

In this regard, the choice of a boat for use with a motor can be quite different. If a compact electric motor with a small tractive effort is mounted on almost any watercraft, up to the good old rubber 'Ufimka' or 'Ivolga', then with a powerful four-stroke gasoline engine, not everything is so simple, the boat must not only be prepared accordingly, but also have a set of characteristics.

The main criteria for choosing a boat for a motor. What to look for?

The material from which the boat is made

If we are talking about an electric motor, it can be installed on all boats without exception. Powerful and, accordingly, heavy, two- and four-stroke gasoline outboard motors require maximum density and rigidity of the hull material. This can be provided by wood, plastic and metal, and from inflatable models – polyvinyl chloride (PVC);

Boat bow design

Taking into account the fact that under the engine the boat is capable of developing a significant speed, it is necessary that the bow be raised as high as possible. This contributes to comfortable planing and makes it possible to overcome even strong waves of the water surface;

Transom presence

The transom is a special element in the stern of the boat, designed to mount the motor and increase the rigidity of the structure. The transom is a fundamental element, without it it is impossible to install a gasoline engine in principle. In the case of a bow electric boat motor, you can do without it. The transom design can be both hinged and rigidly fixed. The first one involves the use of a low power outboard motor, the second one is perfect for installing sufficiently powerful gasoline engines, up to 15-20 horsepower;

Bench design for seating

While driving under a motor, the boat is capable of developing a significant speed, and therefore the design of the benches must be rigidly fixed and not fidget in their seats.

Boat dimensions for motor

1. The minimum size of a boat suitable for use with a motor is 200 centimeters – such a boat is suitable for a fisherman or a lone hunter, and it is better to use an electric motor as an engine with it.

2. Boats with a length of 300-320 centimeters are suitable for moving two people and a full set of equipment. Both gasoline and electric motors can be installed on them.

3. Massive four-meter boats allow for the simultaneous presence of 4-5 people and assume the use of powerful gas engines, about 10-15 horsepower;

Boat bottom type and construction

For maximum stability, preference should be given to boats equipped with a hard bottom – plywood or metal. Acting as a kind of strut, it significantly increases the stability of the boat while driving at high speed. For low-power gasoline or electric motors, it is quite possible to limit yourself to the rigid inflatable bottom found in most inexpensive PVC and rubber boats.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose a boat motor and the secrets of choosing a boat for fishing.

Video for choosing a boat for a motor

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.