First Watersnake Test on Inflatable Dinghy
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- čas přidán 18. 12. 2021
- This is my first use of the Watersnake transom mount motor (54lbs/36") on a small (2.3m) inflatable (tender). Everything went well speeds were as expected (max 3.2 knots on speed level 5) and fine for getting me to and from shore. I will now do a more in depth test to check the level of battery draw over a longer run.
I'm using a 50amp AGM battery. The recommendation is 80 to 100 amps but I'm trying to keep the weight down. This battery is just under 15 kilos which is manageable on and off the boat for me. It should give me 25-30 minutes on full power,
Overall I'm pleased with the performance of the Watersnake motor. I'd originally selected the 26" shaft length, which would have been OK, but the extra 8" make it an ideal fit.
It's also a good idea to watch where your going, even in an inflatable!!
(Motor: Watersnake Venom - SX 54/36)
UPDATE: 2nd Test Run 4th January 2022
A trip to the Matilda bay cafe was an abject failure! I was refused service because I had forgotten to bring a mask. No argument really my fault!
Of course the trip itself was a success. Two 10 minute runs at setting 5 (full) resulted in the battery dropping from 13.00 volts to 12.83 (10 min) and 12.73 (2nd 10 min).
On 6amp charge since 9.45, in bulk mode. Noted that it was full at 10.50. Suggesting only used 6 amps? Need to look at this further as a paper calculation (based on 54 amp draw on full power) suggests that I should have used about 10 amps. Still not bad. - Sport
Thanks
Bought one a couple of days ago, on 11 foot aluminium tender, goes well in river current and easy to operate, very pleased myself, ok price too at BCF $349:00
Good, a friend of mine with a 23' yacht has just bought the 64lb to get him in and out of his pen for sailing. It appears to work well on the first tests.
Is it still going ok ? Am considering Water Snake over Minn Kota as not happy with the MK I have had before . Cheers 🍻
What kit do you recommend for the 50amp circuit breaker or fuse kit?
Hi, I went with the circuit breaker bought at the same time as the motor. I've now replaced it with the built in circuit breaker in the battery box, it just simplified the connections.
Do you have your battery locked down. Or is it just sitting in bottom of boat? Thanks
Hi, in this video it is simply an open battery on the floor near the seat. Since then I have bought a battery box and wired it up properly, its a bit bulky though. I also need to set up an emergency cut off (in case I fall over board, you never know!!).
How's this motor going now?
Have you used it much?
I've used it a couple of times, usually for 10-15 minute journeys. Once with two grand kids. Its working fine, but I have not put it through a full stress test (longer than 30 minutes). But it works well and is easy to set up. A lighter battery would help though, still considering lithium.
@@MrBunyipDreaming lithium is definitely the way to go.
Thanks
How many lb thrust is the motor rated for?
Its 54lb thrust. This equates (at least as I understand it) to a battery draw of about 50amps per hour. Tony
What is the inflatable brand and size
Hi Colin, Its a Nemo 2.3m inflatable. I bought it about 15 years ago and its very patched up now. I used it a few days ago to take the grandkids (2) ashore for ice-cream. A leaky floor made it a damp trip back - so more patches!
What battery is it?
Hi, I use a 50 amp AGM battery. It weighs 15kilos. In theory it will run the Watersnake at full tilt (that's forward setting 5) for nearly an hour, but AGM's shouldn't be dropped below 50% so I should get about 30 minutes. Not a lot but sufficient for me to get to the coffee shop with two grandkids, a 10 minute run each way.
Tony
Thanks. Looking to replace a 3hp petrol motor on a tender similar to yours. Will probably go the lithium way as I use it a lot.
@@jeffh676 hi Jeff, let me know how you go with Lithium, please. I considered it but the manufacturer advised against it, I couldn't figure out why but they were concerned about the level of power being delivered. By the way, I got my Watersnake from Dinga.com, they were cheaper than BCF and Anaconda.
Well. Today was the day. 44/36 watersnake, 2.4m alloy hulled inflatable. 25amphr lithium. Me and the dog.
Exactly 1hr runtime 95%at full power. Traveled 4.5km. Amazing couldn’t believe the distance. Only 25amphr battery weighing 3kg.
@@jeffh676 Wow!, 3kgs and excellent power, I'll have to look at this, 15kgs suddenly seems weigh too heavy.. Can you let me know the battery specs, particularly output current? Thanks, Tony