Electric outboard instructions
Please read the instructions below before use. We are confident that once you have used the outboard once you will find it much simpler, quieter and more reliable than the 2-stroke petrol engine it replaced so it is worthwhile familiarising yourself with it's operation. There is also an accompanying video showing how to setup the outboard.
Battery and kill switch
- The detachable battery is stored in the clubhouse workshop, where it is charged.
- Ensure battery is FULLY CHARGED before use - displaying a BLUE light if connected to charger.
- When transporting the battery to and from the moored boats ensure the battery connectors are covered by the rubber caps.
- The battery floats; but we'd prefer you not to test this feature.
- You will find the magnetic kill cord next to the battery in the clubhouse.
- The outboard is kept on the moored boats. No adjustment should be required.
Lowering the outboard
- Lift the outboard slightly.
- Pull the lifting lever and gently lower the outboard.
- Turn the outboard so the tiller is facing forward.
- Ensure the outboard is clamped securely to the transom.
Attaching the battery and using the engine (diagram above)
- Align the two slots on the battery bottom to the blocks on the outboard bracket and slide the battery vertically down until it locks into position (step 1 above).
Note on Dibber rather than fitting the battery on top of the motor the battery should be placed in the boat under the tiller, fixed with a bungee cord and attached to the extension lead - see photo below. - Plug the power cable into the battery power port. Caution: ensure the cable is correctly aligned when attaching so you don't damage the pins/connectors.
Make sure the power connector and socket are dry before connecting (step 2 in image above). - Tighten the connector ½ a turn clockwise to lock into position (step 3 in image above).
- Put the magnetic kill switch into the slot on the tiller (step 4 in image above).
- Attach the other end of the kill cord to your leg.
- Ensure the throttle is centred. Press and hold the POWER button for two seconds to start the system.
- Twist the throttle anti-clockwise to go forwards and clockwise to go backwards. There is no need to turn the outboard 180 degrees to go astern (like some old engines) instead just turn the throttle clockwise.
Tips for using the outboard and range
- The outboard is an auxiliary and should not be considered as the boat's main source of propulsion.
- The range is limited. Do not expect to get back from Dartmouth on a single charge with the wind and tide against you. Plan accordingly.
- You will be able to go further the slower you go. The required propulsive power increases in proportion to the cube of the speed. This means to double your speed, you use eight times as much power and thus reduce your range eight times. Conversely, a small reduction in speed is sufficient to increase the achievable range substantially.
Raising the outboard
- Turn the outboard sideways, so that the outboard can be lifted sufficiently to be locked in the up position.
- Grab the side of the engine to lift it until you hear the lever engage to hold the shaft up.
After using the boat
- To switch the outboard OFF, press the power button for 2 seconds.
- Disconnect the power cable and replace the covering caps on the cable and outboard.
- Remove the battery and place the SAIL BAG COVER over the outboard for protection.
- Return the battery and kill cord to the clubhouse ground floor and put the battery on charge for the next user.
We hope you enjoy using the new outboard, let us know how you get on.
Downloads
Last updated 21:41 on 27 May 2024