There are many ways you can improve your boat. Adding an electric outboard motor is one of the best improvements you can make since they’re efficient, quiet, and better for the environment than traditional motors. If you’ve never owned an electric outboard, follow these three tips to optimize its performance.

Proper Weight Distribution

Your electric outboard propels your boat. Unevenly distributing the weight on your boat can make your outboard’s job more difficult. Overworking your motor in this way can shorten its lifespan.

To prevent this from happening and optimize performance instead, you should create proper weight distribution. Balance the weight at the front and back and on each side of your boat. Keep this well-distributed weight within the motor recommendations. Even if the weight is evenly distributed, overloading your engine can also shorten your motor’s lifespan.

Clean and Store Your Outboard Properly

When people consider engine performance, they often focus on what they can do for the motor while it’s working. However, optimizing your electric outboard’s performance also comes from how you care for and maintain the engine out of the water.

The first thing you should do when you get out of the water is clean your outboard. Otherwise, saltwater, sediment, and seaweed can build up and degrade the motor. After a thorough cleaning process, store your outboard in a cool, dry place. This helps preserve your motor, optimizing its performance the next time you’re on the water.

Fully Charge Your Battery Before Boating

Proper weight distribution, cleaning, and storage are the best ways to foster peak performance in all motors, not just electrical outboards. If you want to focus specifically on peak performance for an electric outboard, you must focus on the battery.

Charge your outboard battery the night before you plan to boat. Most batteries take around 12 hours to charge, although this can vary based on any leftover charge and the size of the motor. Regardless of these variables, ensure the battery is fully charged before going out on the water. Even if you’re planning a short excursion, a fully charged battery will perform better than a depleted one.

The best way to optimize electric outboard performance is to follow these three tips and care for your motor. If you’re interested in purchasing an electric outboard motor, RJ Nautical can help you find the best one for your needs.