Inflatable boats are the most wanted product in the marina. Marine electric motors have become increasingly popular, and you may be interested in installing one on an inflatable boat.
Most inflatable boat though comes with solid paddles to pilot the boat whether the boat is big or small. Some boats are designed with an outboard motor which lets you attach an electric motor to enjoy a faster speed on the water.
The connecting process is the simplest, even for beginners, in a suitable place on the boat. Only an appropriate guideline with some knowledge will help you to attach a motor to your boat without any helping hand.
Follow our instructions and learn how to install a motor on an inflatable boat from the basic point!
Importance To Install Motor On Inflatable Boat
Inflatable boats are very famous for various reasons. The causes are – the boats are very easy to store, portable, and move. Anyone can be used it in several different settings, most like those boats for fishing, hunting, and recreational boating. The most significant reason to use this vehicle is that it is an exceptionally multipurpose item.
Anyone can pick it to use any type of water, like rivers, lakes, oceans, or more. However, if you have planned to drive your inflatable boat in saltwater and enjoy this journey with speeds, you must choose and attach a perfect motor for an inflatable boat.
Advantages Of Motor Using For Inflatable Boat
The main advantage to attach an electric motor to your inflatable boat is more. It lets you control the speeds and direction of the boat easily. It provides some extra power when you need to get through any toughest spots in the water. Or you can save yourself and your boat from any challenging environment.
Besides, an electric motor is significantly noiseless than a gas engine motor. You can enjoy a peaceful and memorable moment on the water. The journey will be more enjoyable instead of any worrying and disturbing happens or wildlife.
How To Install A Motor On Inflatable Boat?
Here we are talking about how to install an electric outboard motor on your inflatable boat. This type of motor is more trendy, easy, and user-friendly to mount than outboard gasoline motors.
But you should install the motor in its right position, which is important to protect the engine from danger and increase operator comfortability. We will share with you some safeguard tips with simple steps of installation.
Before Installation
Before installing the electric outboard motor on your inflatable boat, you have to measure the boat together with the height and the thickness of your boat transom.
1. Measure The Height And Thickness Of The Boat Transom
The installing height of the outboard can seriously affect the moving speeds of the boat.
If the mounting height is too high, cavitation can slow down the speed and waste your energy. If the mounting height will very low, the water resistance can reduce the speed and power with the performance of the motor.
Most of the motor comes with an anti-cavitation plate that is located between the bottom of the inflatable boat. It is situated in 1-inch below. Without an anti-cavitation plate for placing the motor, the propeller’s top must be 100-150 mm below the water.
You can test the running condition for the best mounting height by mounting your outboard at several heights.
2. Understand The Perfect Shaft Length
There are different heights of inflatable boat transom, and they require different motor shafts. Below is a simple chart that will help you understand the perfect and suitable shaft length.
Shaft Length of Spirit Series Products
| Shaft | Shaft Length |
| XS | 52.5 cm/ 20.7 inches |
| S | 62.5 cm / 24.6 inches |
| L | 75 cm /29.5 inches |
Shaft Length of Navy Series Products
| Shaft | Shaft Length |
| S | 63.4 cm / 25 inches |
| L | 75.9 cm /29.9 inches |
Shaft Length
| Transom Height | Shaft Length |
| 30 cm to 40 cm 11.8 inches to 15.7 inches | XS/Extra Short |
| 40 cm to 50 cm 15.7 inches to 19.7 inches | Short |
| More Than 50 cm or 19.7 inches | Long |
Note: If the Outboard motor doesn’t reach the water till now, you should install a motor bracket first.
3. Ensure The Thickness Of the Transom
Before installing the electric outboard motor on your inflatable boat, you should ensure the transom’s thickness and its range must be 30mm to 70 mm.
Steps To Install The Motor
Here are 3-simple steps to install your electric outboard motor.
Step 1: Place the outboard on the right line of the transom
The motor should be installed on the boat’s center line for well-balanced. Otherwise, it will be very hard to steer. Place the outboard motor on the transom as close as possible to the center.
Step 2: Tighten the transom clamp screws
After placing the motor, tighten the clamp bolts securely.
Cautions:
- Check the clamp bolts after tightening during the operation of the motor. In some cases, they can become loose for the engine vibration.
- Try to use the stainless steel screws because they are super durable and won’t rust easily.
Step 3: Use Two Bolts to attach the outboard to the boat
If you desire to install the motor on your inflatable boat more inflexibly, fix the screws very tightly, which we have already recommended. And then, make sure the motor is fixed rigidly, as loosened clamp bolts may respond the motor to fall or be damaged.
To skip those accidents, a cable can recommend used to skip the complete loosening of the motor.
Read also: How To Charge A Trolling Motor Battery
Final Words!
If you are a first-time user who has recently purchased an inflatable boat and wants to learn how to install a motor on an inflatable boat, you should know some basic knowledge. We also hope that the above direction for mounting a motor on the boat will be more helpful for you. You can enjoy the best relaxing boating moment if you try a little.
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