Choosing an electric outboard: Apart from budget there are some essential things to consider before purchasing an outboard motor. Use: where do you plan to use it, will it be in a saltwater or a freshwater environment or both?
If it’s salt water then you must spend a little more and buy an electric outboard that is designed to cope with saltwater. These motors will have extra built-in protection against corrosion, usually they will be constructed using premium grade metal that is impervious to saltwater and rusting, they also will have a paint more suited to saltwater use.
If you plan on using your electric outboard only in fresh water then opt for this type of model, they are a little cheaper on the pocket but don’t get one of these because they are cheaper and then use it in salt water. If you do then within a few months you’ll regret it!.
Thrust: When you are choosing to buy a motor you will come across many electric outboards that look exactly the same visually, however there will be differences in the amount of thrust each motor can produce. The different rate of thrust means at which the motor can propel you and your boat along. Generally speaking the larger the boat (& load) the heavier thrust model is needed. In electric outboards thrust is measured in lbs, with ranges from 10lb up to and over 100lb. The higher thrust models (sometimes) will also draw a greater amperage and need a higher voltage battery to run them, 12v for the smaller motors, 24v the medium size and 36v for the top end thrust models.
Shaft Length: You will also have to match the shaft length of the electric motor to one that is correct for your boat transom fitting height. There’s usually three choices being 36″, 42″ and 52″ your dealer will be able to advise you on what is suitable for your boat. An interesting advancement in the materials used in the manufacture of electric outboards are composite plastics / fibres. This is good news for those moments when you accidently ride over underwater obstructions since the shaft or the will flex rather than break, so this could be a consideration when purchasing a motor.
Operating the electric outboard: This is simplicity itself. Connect the battery leads to the out board motor and off you go. No messy petrol and oil to contend with, no pulling the starter motor either!. The tiller (the handle used to steer and control the boat’s speed) will have the speed adjustments set out on it. You will usually have the options of both forward and reverse gears coupled with slow, medium and fast settings.