There is boating, and then there is fishing. Fishing is an all-hands-on-deck adventure that requires skill, endurance, and patience. It is a sport, hobby, and lifestyle.

Whether you plan on bringing back dinner or catching and releasing, quality excursions require a boat equipped to meet your fishing needs. Here is a quick guide on how to choose an electric outboard for your fishing boat to guarantee a good time out on the water.

Compare Compatibility With Your Boat

Motors are a boat’s driving force. They propel you toward your fishing destination and make sure you return to land. They work alongside and influence many other important boat mechanics, from speed to steering. Ensuring your outboard and your vessel are compatible in size and weight ensures they work together to maximize boating operations. The smoother the sailing, the more time you get on the water with your fishing pole.

Outboard Sizes

Usually, the size of an outboard does not matter as much as its horsepower, but certain size variations provide different experiences. Larger outboards are often heavier and less portable. However, their large scale makes maintenance on the motor easy and allows more room for additional features.

Smaller motors are lighter and easier to transport but more finicky to navigate during maintenance because they are more delicate and sometimes require special, less accessible parts. The perfect size outboard for your fishing boat depends on your preference and how the outboard will affect your boat’s weight and travel ability.

Weight Compatibilities

Your boat’s weight, combined with its outboard weights and the motor’s horsepower, influences portability, storage, travel speed, power longevity, and steering ease. It also affects the fishing gear you can carry, as certain equipment adds extra weight to your vessel.

If your boat and motor are too heavy, you will lose buoyancy, travel slower, and use up more power while covering short distances. In general, your boat should have around 25 to 40 pounds of weight for each unit of horsepower. A lightweight, powerful electric outboard guarantees better power efficiency and sailing conditions.

Check Battery and Power Longevity

Electric outboards provide a more environmentally friendly power source than traditional motors. However, recharging requires its own power supply, which is hard to find out on the water. Using an electric outboard involves proper planning to make sure you have enough juice to make it back to land.

Look for outboards and batteries that provide longer power sustenance, efficient and sustainable energy usage, and long-distance durability. An outboard with maximum power and battery longevity allows you to spend more time out on the water reeling in quality catches.

Opt for Quiet-Running Motor Systems

Fish and other marine life are sensitive to sound and vibrations. Many steer clear of loud noises and view unusual and sudden loud sound waves as a sign of danger. It is easier to lure in a catch when you are stealthy and silent.

Compared to traditional gas motors, electric outboards run more quietly. On average, they produce as low as 55 decibels. Before committing to an electric outboard, compare noise control and vibrations to other models, and opt for the one that provides the most stealth.

Consider Your Fishing Destinations

Where you plan to fish plays an influential role in choosing an outboard. Certain motor designs better suit specific locations than others. Knowing where you are going to fish helps you determine different features to look for in your electric outboard, from portability to durability.

Outboard Portability

Certain fishing spots are harder to reach. They are not all as easy to get to as simply leaving the marina’s dock. Whether you plan on going out on a public lake or secluded river, getting to the launch site involves packing and towing your boat.

For easy portability, choose a lightweight, compact electric outboard. They are easier to transport and less likely to get scratched by outreaching branches or tailing cars. A detachable, foldable outboard further streamlines the transportation process to your fishing destination’s dock, so they are a great investment.

Location Adaptability

You also want to consider the body of water you plan on fishing in. Some materials deteriorate in salt water, while others are more durable.

Picking an outboard for the type of water you will encounter guarantees less maintenance and more trips in the future. The most durable materials to look for include stainless steel and aluminum alloys.

Water Depth and Obstacles

Deep sea fishing is very different from fishing in the mangroves. If you are fishing in the mangroves, you will encounter more obstacles, from shallower water depths to roots, rocks, and patches of raised sediment beds.

Outboards that feature detachable mounts, foldable structures, and tilt mechanics allow you to adapt to environmental obstacles. It provides you with more travel flexibility, making sure you reach that perfect fishing hole, no matter the barriers.

Travel Time and Distance

How far and long you plan on going fishing determines the kind of battery and power supply you should look for in an electric outboard. If you plan to frequently travel long distances and go out on day-long excursions, you will need a more efficient and long-lasting outboard power supply. Shorter fishing trips give you more flexibility in battery sustainability.

Invest in a Notable Brand

Certain brands have better reputations in their industries, providing you with guaranteed quality and standard features. There are many notable brands in the marine and boating industry that are popular for their outboard and motor designs, like Yamaha and ePropulsion. Investing in an outboard from one of the top brands guarantees quality.

Choose the ideal electric outboard for your fishing boat with these five tips, and set sail for a memorable and successful fishing trip. Equipping your boat with an adequate and quality outboard elevates your fishing excursions in many ways. It enhances and streamlines sailing, fishing conditions, transportation, and your experience as a boat owner.

Check out RJ Nautical’s selection of ePropulsion spirit electric outboards and find an outboard that meets your fishing lifestyle needs.