How to make an electric boat motor yourself? Homemade boat motor Do-it-yourself boat motor from a screwdriver

Boat motors are very popular today. If we consider the medium power model, it is very compact and is designed for approximately 5 horsepower. In design, most modifications are quite different. This is primarily due to the different types of deadwoods. Additionally, it should be taken into account that the device parameters are affected by the connector used. You can make an electric boat motor yourself, but you should familiarize yourself with its structure in more detail.

The device of a conventional motor

An integral part of any outboard motor is the tiller. It is used to control the device. The upper block of the model contains a flywheel, which is connected to the crankshaft. As a result, the rotational motion is transferred from it to the screws. In the lower block of the outboard motor there is a small head with bearings. In the middle part there is a deadwood, which includes many elements. If we consider a simple modification, then this is a pan, gearbox, and also a rod. There is a connector located next to the motor in the device. Its main task is to control the operation of the fuel system.

Features of Min Kota motors

Making a Minn Kota electric boat motor yourself is quite difficult. Their electric motors are most often two-stroke. They are designed for a maximum power of about 3 kW. In this case, flywheels are used on both sides. They are made for models only from aluminum alloy. In order to install them, a small camshaft is used. A wide variety of fuel pumps are used for outboard motors. Their deadwoods are most often produced with pallets.

Watersnake models

Assembling Watersnake electric boat motors yourself is very difficult. First of all, this is due to the fact that their carburetors are used with special clamps. It's difficult to get them in the store, but it's possible. It should also be taken into account that steel pallets are used in all configurations. In order to secure them to the rotor, you need to use a rod. The pushers are attached to the outboard motor on the deadwood.

At this stage, you should calculate in advance the size of the rocker arm in which the valves are located. Lastly, it is important to deal with the lower head with bearings. Due to the durable propellers, these electric boat motors have good reviews. In this case, they can be removed from the broken model. Clamps are rarely used in devices, but they are ideal for homemade configurations. You can sharpen them at home using a machine. In order to secure the clamp to the pallet, it is necessary to disassemble the starter box. After this, it is important to disconnect it, and then the upper block will not interfere.

HDX models

You can make an HDX electric boat motor using a single-stroke engine. Additionally, assembly will require a crankshaft, which must be installed above the deadwood. In this case, it is best to use a steel pallet. You should also pay attention to the intake and exhaust valves. They are installed in the outboard motor near the fuel system.

A small metal plate can be used as a reverse lock. It can be fixed to the body by welding. Additionally, a central rod must be installed in the deadwood. You can take it from an already broken boat motor. The last thing you should do is the bottom block of the device. Due to the high-quality rotors, these outboard electric motors deserve good reviews.

Devices with double-sided handwheel

Let's move on to a more complex model. Making a boat electric motor equipped with a double-sided flywheel with your own hands (the drawings are shown below) is quite difficult. First you need to select the appropriate engine. In this case, it is more advisable to give preference to two-stroke modifications. Their cooling system is usually air.

To install the flywheel into the device, you will need to use welding. In particular, it is necessary to make a support above the camshaft. After this, the flywheel can be mounted on its wall.

The next step is to assemble the deadwood. For this purpose, it is best to use a large diameter rod, since the load on it will be large. Additionally, you should select a separate tray for the outboard motor.

Lastly, the lower block is connected, which consists of a head and screws.

Models with two-stroke engines

To assemble a boat electric motor with a two-stroke engine with your own hands (the drawings are shown below), you need to prepare all the tools in advance. In particular, you will have to use a welding machine. It is impossible to install a deadwood on an electric boat motor on your own, so the help of two people is required. Many people use sanding machines to sand the pallet. In turn, the rod can be cut for the model using a grinder. You will also need files to fit the valve. In this situation, it is best to select a compact size rocker arm.

All this is necessary in order not to pinch the fuel system channels. Pushers for outboard motors are selected separately. Flywheels for a two-stroke engine are most often installed as conventional ones. Connectors in such models are used quite rarely. Additionally, it should be taken into account that the easiest way to remove the head is from an already broken outboard motor. The same goes for screws. If the assembly does not include the installation of a gear unit, then it is better not to install the tilt lock in the lower block of the structure.

Devices with four-stroke engines

It is quite difficult to assemble an electric boat motor with a four-stroke engine with your own hands. First of all, you need to choose a good case for the model. Next, you need to prepare a clamp for it. With its help, a boat electric motor can be installed. Impellers for models are used in a variety of shapes. First, the deadwood for the engine is folded.

At the next stage, to assemble an electric boat motor with your own hands, you should secure the rod. This will allow the crankshaft to rotate above the sump. In order to install the drive gear into the head, the anti-quitting plate must be moved to the side in advance. Only after this the anode will not block the outlet. In this case, the propeller is attached last.

Modifications on recoil starter

Boat motors of this type are quite widespread. Single-stroke engine configurations are most suitable for them. In order to install it, you should prepare the housing as standard. You can easily take it from an outdated model. After this, it is important to assemble the upper block, which includes the motor and rotor. Only after this can you move on to deadwood. The manual starter is directly mounted above the sump.

In order to fix it in the body, you will need to use a welding machine. After this, it is possible to connect the rod to the crankshaft. If it is large in size, it can be shortened using a grinder. Also, problems during assembly may include the lack of a suitable flywheel.

In this case, it is necessary first of all to evaluate the size of the rocker arm. After this, it is important to take the existing model and simply grind it down to the desired size. However, the edges of the flywheel should ultimately be very smooth.

A wide variety of fuel systems are installed on an electric boat motor. The most common are two-valve modifications. They are inexpensive on the market and extremely easy to install.

Model with protected gearbox

Boat motors with protected gearboxes are quite common today. They should be collected from the top block. First of all, the fuel system and gearbox are installed. After this, it is possible to mount the electric motor. In order not to block the valves in the system, the flywheel should be selected in a compact size. The last thing you need to pay attention to is the lower impeller. It is connected to the plate by welding. Only after this are the propellers secured.

Homemade e electric motor on a boat.

Many who are interested in electric boat motors have most likely read an article about a homemade motor for a boat based on the GSK-1500 generator. The generator has a mass of about 12 kilograms, is powered by 24 volts, a current of about 40 amperes and costs between 10 - 12 thousand rubles. The article gives a complex scheme for coupling a generator with a boat propeller. Let us remind you that such generators were previously used in aviation. According to the data, a fully charged 24-volt battery would last for 40 minutes before running out.

In general, not very optimistic.

In the end, we settled on a completely acceptable option - an electric winch for ATVs and snowmobiles. They are not as powerful as, for example, automobile ones, but they have good traction due to the gearbox and relatively low current consumption.


Let's take for example uh electric winch for an ATV or snowmobile COME-UP 1500. It has a three-stage metal transmission to achieve high speed. At a voltage of 12 volts it has a power of about 300 watts (0.4 hp), small size and current consumption of up to 10 amperes.

For comparison, we can say that some factory-made boat electric motors have slightly worse characteristics.

Another thing is how to connect such a motor to a boat propeller? The simplest thing that can be proposed, without going into mathematical calculations and complex drawings, is a belt drive. For example, a motor mounted on a base and secured to the transom of a boat with clamps rotates a large diameter pulley.

A shaft is welded to the lower end of the deadwood, on which there is a screw with a pulley of small diameter. Thus, when the upper large pulley rotates, even at a low speed, the lower pulley will rotate much faster. And since such electric motors with a gearbox already have a certain traction force, which will easily move the same ATV, then to rotate the boat propeller, the engine will work with virtually no load. What will have to be changed in this electric winch design is to install a pulley on the electric motor.

Now an equally important detail. Battery for boat motor. If you use a battery designed to work with electric boat motors, then such a battery will last for quite a long time. The advantage of such batteries is that they allow complete discharge.

We will be glad if someone brings such a design to completion and contacts us with a detailed photo report.

Typically, most anglers own a boat. Many boats, especially modern ones, are equipped with gasoline engines. And a boat without a motor, especially if you have to fish in the waters of a large lake, becomes a burden that requires enormous costs, effort and energy to move. And here you definitely need a motor: gasoline or electric - it doesn’t matter.

Still, special attention should be paid to the electric motor because:

  • electric ones do not require either oil or gasoline to operate, which means there are no exhaust gases, which does not harm the environment;
  • electric motors are smaller in size, lighter in weight and do not take up much space. This is especially true if you have to fish far away, and every kilogram of excess weight is always felt;
  • they are much more economically profitable than their gasoline counterparts;
  • modern designs are assembled using modern parts developed using modern technologies, therefore they have maximum power with minimal weight.

But these statements only apply if the boat owner already has an electric motor and has experienced such benefits to the fullest. But what to do if it is not there? This means you need to do it yourself.

Many enterprising boat owners use a drill or screwdriver that runs on batteries, since the industrial design of the electric motor is based on the same principle. The basic layout of such a unit is almost the same for all models and looks like this:

  • the battery is the power source;
  • the electric motor acts as a boat engine;
  • a propeller with a gearbox is a working tool that allows the boat to move through the water;
  • control unit - consists of a knob for turning the direction of movement and changing the speed of rotation of the electric motor.

Almost all elements can be found in an electric drill or screwdriver. In this case, one should take into account the fact that industrial devices are hermetically sealed, which allows the main components to be in the water.

If you use an electric drill, it is advisable that it be located away from water. This is the only problem, quite serious, that requires a technical solution. The slightest splash of water on the control unit can damage it, which will lead to the boat stopping.

Advantages of such a model

If you take an electric drill, you should always remember that its main value is the engine and the speed control unit (button). Choosing a drill or screwdriver has some advantages compared to buying an industrial outboard motor:

  • In terms of price, this purchase will be much cheaper than purchasing a factory model;
  • according to the law, it is necessary to adhere to the requirements related to the power of engines used on various bodies of water;
  • the electric drill is powered by a battery or other power sources with suitable parameters;
  • The electric drill is easy to repair, thanks to the availability of a sufficient number of spare parts on the market.

When choosing a drill, you should take into account the fact that it is mainly designed for operation in cyclic mode. If the drill is installed on a boat, then you need to count more on a continuous cycle of work. This means that you need a reserve of power, otherwise the drill will overheat.

In such cases, you should opt for a power of 150 W or more. The power reserve will allow you to work with a propeller with a diameter of 130-150 mm. In addition, you need to take into account that the total weight of the boat will be 300 kg, no more. We can assume that this is the maximum weight.

You should immediately pay attention to the fact that drills and screwdrivers are available in different operating voltages, such as 12 V, 14.5 V, 16 V, 18 V and 24 volts. Batteries are also produced for the same voltage. And yet, the capacity of standard batteries that operate an electric drill or screwdriver under classic operating conditions is not enough to ensure the necessary movement of the boat on the water. In this regard, it is better to pay attention to a car battery, which has a much larger capacity. And since a car battery produces 12 V under load, a drill should be selected with an operating voltage of 12 V.

Naturally, you can make a battery from a set of manufactured batteries for power tools for any voltage, but this can be much more expensive.

Required tools and materials

For such a device you will need the following parts:

  • electric drill for motor;
  • clamps for mounting the motor (drill). Both ready-made factory and handicraft ones are suitable;
  • the gearbox from the grinder is suitable if the motor is installed on the transom of the boat;
  • round tubes with a diameter of 20 mm and profiled tubes 20x20 mm. A rod and a mount for the motor (drill) will be made from them;
  • a round rod of metal from which the motor shaft will be made, as well as sheet metal for the propeller.

The following tools may be needed for work:

  • metal scissors;
  • welding machine, although you can do without it;
  • electric drill and set of drills;
  • grinder with cutting and grinding wheels;
  • if the structure includes wood, then nails or screws (as well as wood).

The presence of a lifting mechanism radically simplifies the operation and maintenance of the entire system, especially since there are cases when it is urgently necessary to lift the propeller. As a rule, such a mechanism controls the position of the electric motor in all planes (vertical and horizontal).

As an option, we can propose the following design of such a mechanism: the motor is attached to the transom of the boat using clamps, which are rigidly fixed to the plate. The clamps are equipped with rings through which the tube is threaded, and the motor shaft is threaded through the axle welded in the center of the tube. This results in a very simple articulated joint that can provide normal motor control.

As far as we know, the drill is designed for drilling holes and has a high final speed, which is not acceptable for supporting the operation of a propeller, which operates at slower speeds. Therefore, in order to reduce the speed transmitted to the propeller, the installation of a gearbox is required. Sometimes you need 2 of them, depending on design solutions. The upper gearbox should reduce the drill speed from 1500 to 200-300 revolutions, which will ensure normal boat movement.

The lower gearbox is used for horizontal installation of the propeller. When using a gearbox from an angle grinder, it is simply clamped in the drill chuck.

The manufacture of a propeller propeller begins by marking it on a piece of steel sheet. As mentioned above, its diameter should be no more than 130-150 mm. You can take a square of metal, 200x200 mm in size and 2.5-3.0 mm thick. It would be better if it was stainless steel, although it is much more difficult to process. As a last resort, you can use the impeller from an air exhaust fan or car cooling system. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the impeller profile is designed to work with an air mass. In this regard, you will have to start making it yourself.

A hole is drilled in the center of the square for the landing screw. Slots are made along the diagonals so that the sheet remains intact in the center up to 25-30 mm. After this, they begin to form the shape of the blades. Typically, they have a rounded appearance. In this case, you need to ensure that the blades are the same size, otherwise there will be vibrations. After this, the blades are slightly turned to a certain angle. In this case, the direction of rotation of the blade must be taken into account.

Since manufacturing takes place at home and, as they say, in order not to break off in the water, tests should be carried out. Any container of water that will fit the propeller will be suitable for this. Naturally, the larger the capacity, the better. As a last resort, if possible, it is recommended to go out into nature, to a river or pond and test it in action without installing it on a boat.

When the engine is running, a directed stream of water should be observed and felt. In addition, no serious vibrations should be felt. If the propeller is not operating at full power, you can modify it by increasing the angle of the blades.

The motor control system is modified depending on the wishes of the boat owner. The main thing is that it is convenient to manage. It is better to move the engine speed control button to a convenient place.

The following components should be included in the calculations:

  • weight of the boat when fully equipped;
  • power consumption of the electric motor;
  • current and operating voltage.

During the assembly process, you should take an electrical measuring device and make sure that the engine power matches the load power. The motor power must exceed the load power. It is desirable that the engine power overlaps the load power by at least 20%.

If the engine power matches the power consumed by the electric drill: if the power consumption, calculated by the formula P = 12V x Ipot, corresponds to the declared power of the engine (electric drill), then we can say that everything is done correctly and the electric drill can be used as a motor for a boat. At the same time, we should not forget about the 20% power reserve. It will definitely be needed in case of emergency situations.

During the setup process, it is better to experiment with the impeller to select the correct blade configuration. As a rule, their shape significantly affects the economics of engine operation.

Using the windshield washer motor

Some owners who decide to make their own electric motor for a boat use various 12V engines that are used on board the car.

Such engines are perfect for such functions, if only because they are designed to run on a car battery. Despite this, they require some improvement.

Boat owners are constantly experimenting and finding amazing solutions. The high cost of industrial designs forces them to do this. As a result, the idea of ​​installing a lawn mower motor on a boat was born. These are engines with a power of about 6 hp, which are designed for long-term operation under load in various conditions. Such an engine can be adapted to a boat if you use various spare parts intended for repairing Soviet boat engines.

Motor from the Ural-2 chainsaw

Some craftsmen easily adapted motors from Soviet chainsaws as motors for boats. At one time, a huge number of chainsaws were produced, the quality of which needs to be discussed separately. Despite this, some motors installed on boats still serve today. The main thing is to calculate everything correctly.

Electric motor application

This is a very interesting question. The use of conventional AC motors has been discussed for a long time. Such motors do not have a brush mechanism, so they are very easy to operate and operate.

But there are some factors that have to be taken into account. The first factor is the presence of an alternating voltage of 220 V. Alternatively, it is possible to install an inverter that can convert a direct voltage of 12 V into an alternating voltage of 220 V.

The second component is safety, because 220 V voltage is very dangerous for humans, especially on water. This requires special measures. But if there is water all around, it is difficult to even imagine what exactly these measures should consist of.

There is an almost ready-made option - this is the use of a motor from a trimmer or from a brush cutter. Almost everything is ready here, all that remains is to decide on the length of the device and install the propeller. There is no need for an upper gearbox and no need to modify the control system or engine power supply system.

The main task is to properly secure such a device on the boat. This is especially true if you have an inflatable boat.

Conclusion

The production of such structures is available only to those boat owners who are in constant creative search. On the other hand, most of the boats are owned by anglers who are constantly experimenting. Therefore, it will not be difficult for them to realize their ideas.

Naturally, creative people or people whose family budget does not allow them to purchase both a boat and a motor for it are engaged in the independent production of various designs. Therefore, some fishermen still use oars and do not regret it. They are only satisfied with the fact that they have a boat, since there is another category of fishermen who do not have such a boat. They enjoy fishing from the shore and envy those fishermen who have a boat, although without a motor.

We will be glad if someone brings such a design to completion and contacts us with a detailed photo report.

Typically, most anglers own a boat. Many boats, especially modern ones, are equipped with gasoline engines. And a boat without a motor, especially if you have to fish in the waters of a large lake, becomes a burden that requires enormous costs, effort and energy to move. And here you definitely need a motor: gasoline or electric - it doesn’t matter.

Still, special attention should be paid to the electric motor because:

  • electric ones do not require either oil or gasoline to operate, which means there are no exhaust gases, which does not harm the environment;
  • electric motors are smaller in size, lighter in weight and do not take up much space. This is especially true if you have to fish far away, and every kilogram of excess weight is always felt;
  • they are much more economically profitable than their gasoline counterparts;
  • modern designs are assembled using modern parts developed using modern technologies, therefore they have maximum power with minimal weight.

But these statements only apply if the boat owner already has an electric motor and has experienced such benefits to the fullest. But what to do if it is not there? This means you need to do it yourself.

Many enterprising boat owners use a drill or screwdriver that runs on batteries, since the industrial design of the electric motor is based on the same principle. The basic layout of such a unit is almost the same for all models and looks like this:

  • the battery is the power source;
  • the electric motor acts as a boat engine;
  • a propeller with a gearbox is a working tool that allows the boat to move through the water;
  • control unit - consists of a knob for turning the direction of movement and changing the speed of rotation of the electric motor.

Almost all elements can be found in an electric drill or screwdriver. In this case, one should take into account the fact that industrial devices are hermetically sealed, which allows the main components to be in the water.

If you use an electric drill, it is advisable that it be located away from water. This is the only problem, quite serious, that requires a technical solution. The slightest splash of water on the control unit can damage it, which will lead to the boat stopping.

Advantages of such a model

If you take an electric drill, you should always remember that its main value is the engine and the speed control unit (button). Choosing a drill or screwdriver has some advantages compared to buying an industrial outboard motor:

  • In terms of price, this purchase will be much cheaper than purchasing a factory model;
  • according to the law, it is necessary to adhere to the requirements related to the power of engines used on various bodies of water;
  • the electric drill is powered by a battery or other power sources with suitable parameters;
  • The electric drill is easy to repair, thanks to the availability of a sufficient number of spare parts on the market.

When choosing a drill, you should take into account the fact that it is mainly designed for operation in cyclic mode. If the drill is installed on a boat, then you need to count more on a continuous cycle of work. This means that you need a reserve of power, otherwise the drill will overheat.

In such cases, you should opt for a power of 150 W or more. The power reserve will allow you to work with a propeller with a diameter of 130-150 mm. In addition, you need to take into account that the total weight of the boat will be 300 kg, no more. We can assume that this is the maximum weight.

You should immediately pay attention to the fact that drills and screwdrivers are available in different operating voltages, such as 12 V, 14.5 V, 16 V, 18 V and 24 volts. Batteries are also produced for the same voltage. And yet, the capacity of standard batteries that operate an electric drill or screwdriver under classic operating conditions is not enough to ensure the necessary movement of the boat on the water. In this regard, it is better to pay attention to a car battery, which has a much larger capacity. And since a car battery produces 12 V under load, a drill should be selected with an operating voltage of 12 V.

Naturally, you can make a battery from a set of manufactured batteries for power tools for any voltage, but this can be much more expensive.

Required tools and materials

For such a device you will need the following parts:

  • electric drill for motor;
  • clamps for mounting the motor (drill). Both ready-made factory and handicraft ones are suitable;
  • the gearbox from the grinder is suitable if the motor is installed on the transom of the boat;
  • round tubes with a diameter of 20 mm and profiled tubes 20x20 mm. A rod and a mount for the motor (drill) will be made from them;
  • a round rod of metal from which the motor shaft will be made, as well as sheet metal for the propeller.

The following tools may be needed for work:

  • metal scissors;
  • welding machine, although you can do without it;
  • electric drill and set of drills;
  • grinder with cutting and grinding wheels;
  • if the structure includes wood, then nails or screws (as well as wood).

The presence of a lifting mechanism radically simplifies the operation and maintenance of the entire system, especially since there are cases when it is urgently necessary to lift the propeller. As a rule, such a mechanism controls the position of the electric motor in all planes (vertical and horizontal).

As an option, we can propose the following design of such a mechanism: the motor is attached to the transom of the boat using clamps, which are rigidly fixed to the plate. The clamps are equipped with rings through which the tube is threaded, and the motor shaft is threaded through the axle welded in the center of the tube. This results in a very simple articulated joint that can provide normal motor control.

As far as we know, the drill is designed for drilling holes and has a high final speed, which is not acceptable for supporting the operation of a propeller, which operates at slower speeds. Therefore, in order to reduce the speed transmitted to the propeller, the installation of a gearbox is required. Sometimes you need 2 of them, depending on design solutions. The upper gearbox should reduce the drill speed from 1500 to 200-300 revolutions, which will ensure normal boat movement.

The lower gearbox is used for horizontal installation of the propeller. When using a gearbox from an angle grinder, it is simply clamped in the drill chuck.

The manufacture of a propeller propeller begins by marking it on a piece of steel sheet. As mentioned above, its diameter should be no more than 130-150 mm. You can take a square of metal, 200x200 mm in size and 2.5-3.0 mm thick. It would be better if it was stainless steel, although it is much more difficult to process. As a last resort, you can use the impeller from an air exhaust fan or car cooling system. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the impeller profile is designed to work with an air mass. In this regard, you will have to start making it yourself.

A hole is drilled in the center of the square for the landing screw. Slots are made along the diagonals so that the sheet remains intact in the center up to 25-30 mm. After this, they begin to form the shape of the blades. Typically, they have a rounded appearance. In this case, you need to ensure that the blades are the same size, otherwise there will be vibrations. After this, the blades are slightly turned to a certain angle. In this case, the direction of rotation of the blade must be taken into account.

Since manufacturing takes place at home and, as they say, in order not to break off in the water, tests should be carried out. Any container of water that will fit the propeller will be suitable for this. Naturally, the larger the capacity, the better. As a last resort, if possible, it is recommended to go out into nature, to a river or pond and test it in action without installing it on a boat.

When the engine is running, a directed stream of water should be observed and felt. In addition, no serious vibrations should be felt. If the propeller is not operating at full power, you can modify it by increasing the angle of the blades.

The motor control system is modified depending on the wishes of the boat owner. The main thing is that it is convenient to manage. It is better to move the engine speed control button to a convenient place.

The following components should be included in the calculations:

  • weight of the boat when fully equipped;
  • power consumption of the electric motor;
  • current and operating voltage.

During the assembly process, you should take an electrical measuring device and make sure that the engine power matches the load power. The motor power must exceed the load power. It is desirable that the engine power overlaps the load power by at least 20%.

If the engine power matches the power consumed by the electric drill: if the power consumption, calculated by the formula P = 12V x Ipot, corresponds to the declared power of the engine (electric drill), then we can say that everything is done correctly and the electric drill can be used as a motor for a boat. At the same time, we should not forget about the 20% power reserve. It will definitely be needed in case of emergency situations.

During the setup process, it is better to experiment with the impeller to select the correct blade configuration. As a rule, their shape significantly affects the economics of engine operation.

Using the windshield washer motor

Some owners who decide to make their own electric motor for a boat use various 12V engines that are used on board the car.

Such engines are perfect for such functions, if only because they are designed to run on a car battery. Despite this, they require some improvement.

Boat owners are constantly experimenting and finding amazing solutions. The high cost of industrial designs forces them to do this. As a result, the idea of ​​installing a lawn mower motor on a boat was born. These are engines with a power of about 6 hp, which are designed for long-term operation under load in various conditions. Such an engine can be adapted to a boat if you use various spare parts intended for repairing Soviet boat engines.

Motor from the Ural-2 chainsaw

Some craftsmen easily adapted motors from Soviet chainsaws as motors for boats. At one time, a huge number of chainsaws were produced, the quality of which needs to be discussed separately. Despite this, some motors installed on boats still serve today. The main thing is to calculate everything correctly.

Electric motor application

This is a very interesting question. The use of conventional AC motors has been discussed for a long time. Such motors do not have a brush mechanism, so they are very easy to operate and operate.

But there are some factors that have to be taken into account. The first factor is the presence of an alternating voltage of 220 V. Alternatively, it is possible to install an inverter that can convert a direct voltage of 12 V into an alternating voltage of 220 V.

The second component is safety, because 220 V voltage is very dangerous for humans, especially on water. This requires special measures. But if there is water all around, it is difficult to even imagine what exactly these measures should consist of.

There is an almost ready-made option - this is the use of a motor from a trimmer or from a brush cutter. Almost everything is ready here, all that remains is to decide on the length of the device and install the propeller. There is no need for an upper gearbox and no need to modify the control system or engine power supply system.

The main task is to properly secure such a device on the boat. This is especially true if you have an inflatable boat.

Conclusion

The production of such structures is available only to those boat owners who are in constant creative search. On the other hand, most of the boats are owned by anglers who are constantly experimenting. Therefore, it will not be difficult for them to realize their ideas.

Naturally, creative people or people whose family budget does not allow them to purchase both a boat and a motor for it are engaged in the independent production of various designs. Therefore, some fishermen still use oars and do not regret it. They are only satisfied with the fact that they have a boat, since there is another category of fishermen who do not have such a boat. They enjoy fishing from the shore and envy those fishermen who have a boat, although without a motor.

You never cease to be amazed at the engineering minds of ordinary people. And as soon as one could think of assembling a homemade electric boat motor from a drill. But it has been successfully used for a long time, and in various design solutions. And there is a possibility that the trend towards the manufacture of such products will gradually increase.

By assembling a motor from a drill, you will save a decent amount on purchasing a ready-made motor.

Advantages of an electric motor from a drill

There are several reasons for this:

  • Not everyone can afford to buy a boat motor;
  • environmental legislation strictly regulates the use of factory-made motors;
  • a homemade boat electric motor operates almost silently, which is very important for a fisherman;
  • Electric motors cost the user much less than internal combustion engines.

Return to contents

Required power

The power of the drill motor must be at least 150 watts.

First of all, you need to decide on. And the main parameter is the power of this device. If it is less than 150 watts, then using such a drill to make a boat motor will be ineffective. In still water, such a motor will somehow move the boat, but on a river it will be of little use: it will not be able to overcome the current. This is all conditional, since it is necessary to take into account both the size of the boat and the speed of the current. But practice shows that it is better to make a homemade electric boat motor based on a powerful battery-powered hammer drill.

Return to contents

As a rule, a hammer drill is equipped with a reverse and has several operating modes. This is very important for a boat motor. With it it will be possible to regulate the speed of the boat when fishing “on the track” (trolling).

Operating voltage

The second point, which is very important, is the operating voltage of the electric motor. It is mistakenly believed that the best option is to use 18-volt cordless drills. But for the manufacture of a boat electric motor this is not at all the case. Sooner or later, the battery will fail and he will have to look for a replacement. How many of these batteries can you find? Only in specialized power tool stores, and at a high price. This approach is impractical.

Return to contents

Required tools and materials

It is much easier to use a drill that operates on 12 V. It won’t be difficult to find a battery for it. A regular car battery will do. And you can connect it using wires: they won’t interfere in the boat.

  • So, you have a drill available, so you can start making an electric motor for the boat. For this venture you will need:
  • square tube (20x20);
  • 2 clamps;
  • 2 gearboxes;
  • metal tube (diameter greater than 20);
  • rod for making a shaft;
  • metal sheet for making an impeller;
  • welding machine;
  • Bulgarian;
  • self-tapping screws;

Return to contents

screwdriver

Lifting mechanism for impeller

It could even be a wire of large diameter, but its mass will be quite large, which is not desirable. It is better to use a smaller diameter tube. The second argument in favor of the tube is that it can be provided with bearings at the top and bottom of the outer tube. Friction will be less, and vibration of the shaft in the pipe body will be virtually eliminated.

Return to contents

Gearbox installation and propeller manufacturing

The drill's battery must be 12 volt.

Gearboxes must be mounted on both ends of the shaft. Craftsmen recommend making a gearbox with your own hands for a specific type of electric motor in order to make the number of revolutions optimal. This will be quite difficult and will take too long. You can use a gearbox from used equipment or purchase it from a retail chain. Only one condition must be observed when choosing a gearbox: the transmission number should not be too large. Ideally, the gearbox should reduce the number of revolutions of the drill by 5 times. Pessimists argue that this number of revolutions is not enough, and the boat will not develop speed. We hasten to dissuade you: this will not affect the speed, but the motor will not burn out due to excess load.

The lower part of the pipe can be easily equipped using a gearbox from a used angle grinder. All that remains is to add an impeller to it. You can use a ready-made propeller from other devices, for example, a cooler from the power supply of an old computer. But such an impeller will not create a water flow sufficient to move the boat. It is recommended to make the propeller from sheet metal.

To do this, cut out a square with a side of 30 cm from a sheet of tin (thickness no less than 2 mm) and make 4 slits in it from the center of each side to the intersection of the diagonals. There should be a distance of 5 cm between the slits. You will get 4 “petals”, the edges of which need to be given a rounded shape. We give them the desired shape and rotate each blade 30 degrees from their axis. If you are using a gearbox from a grinder, then you need to make a hole in the central part of the propeller, and it can already be secured to the shaft using a locking nut.

Now you need to connect the upper gearbox directly to the drill. It’s good if the gearbox shaft can be clamped in the drill head. Then the work is simplified to the limit: we clamp the shaft and attach the drill itself to the base using clamps. Sometimes the design of the base does not match the dimensions of the drill, so a tube is used to connect the gearbox and the electric motor. It should fit tightly onto the gearbox shaft. To prevent rotation of the shaft inside the tube, reliable fixation is necessary. For this purpose, make a through hole through the tube and shaft and secure them with a pin. You can do the same when connecting a pipe to a drill.

The homemade electric boat motor is almost ready for action: let’s start testing and tuning it. There is no need to put it on the boat and immediately set off across the pond. You can simply lower the impeller into any container of water and turn on the electric motor. You should feel the flow created with your hands. Check its operation in different modes. If movement is felt, then a homemade electric boat motor can be used on a pond. During testing, the motor should operate in normal mode and create a normal background noise.

The considered design of an electric motor for a boat has two very serious disadvantages:

  1. It is not possible to rotate the electric motor relative to the vertical axis. It will turn out that to control the boat you will need to use an oar, and this is not very convenient for fishing.
  2. The self-assembled boat electric motor is not yet equipped with convenient controls.

Return to contents

Improvements to turns and controls

Both shortcomings are eliminated during subsequent revision. First we place the base on the swing bridge. The simple design is as follows: on the fastening, which is secured with clamps, you need to weld a bolt in the central part. Weld a piece of pipe to the base, the diameter of which is comparable to the diameter of the bolt. The pipe fits onto the bolt, and you will be able to rotate the base along with the electric motor.

A handle is welded to the base, onto which the regulator for supplying current to the electric motor is connected. It can be any rheostat. In this case, the drill will have to be slightly modified by connecting its motor directly to the rheostat. This design will be more functional.

You may have a question: is it possible to simplify a homemade electric boat motor structurally in order to ultimately reduce its price and the time spent on assembly? The answer will be this: it all depends on what components you have available. Craftsmen recommend using a flexible shaft to create electric boat motors.

The convenience of this design is positioned in the fact that you can do without a gearbox. The torque from the engine will be supplied directly to the impeller through the shaft. The problem with this design seems to be that the friction of all elements of the flexible shaft in the protective casing is quite large, and this will create additional load on the electric motor.

The second negative point is the number of revolutions: the motor simply cannot withstand it for a long time. You will need at least one gearbox. You can only do without the upper gearbox. The shaft is fixed in the drill head, located vertically. The motor will rotate the shaft itself, which will simplify the design. At the bottom, a gearbox is needed, at a minimum, to change the direction of torque transmission.

 

It might be useful to read: