1.4 Gearshift and operation of electric boat motors

We explain the differences between steering with a steering wheel, tiller and also how you can use an autopilot! Electric boat drives are basically operated and controlled in the same way as internal combustion engines. If you have an existing steering wheel control on your boat, you can therefore continue to use this without any problems!

The most common type of operation for boat engines is remote control by throttle and steering wheel control. Steering wheel control is much more convenient to use, especially if you have a larger boat. Initially, the investment is somewhat higher, because you need a control set and a control stand, which is often already in the boat.

The steering wheel controls either the motor or the motor transom, if they are rotatable, or a rudder. The rudder is controlled if the engine is rigid, as in the case of a shaft system. The control system usually works hydraulically or mechanically and must be connected to both the steering wheel and the motor or rudder.

Even with smaller outboards up to 10 kW there is often a tiller control. In the tiller, the throttle is integrated in the handle similar to a motorcycle and by turning the handle, the throttle is given. The engine can be turned with the tiller and thus steer the boat.

The advantage of the tiller is that it is cheaper and requires no other components. You can control the engine directly. Depending on the model and manufacturer, the tiller is rigid, extendable or even foldable. For suspension you do not need anything, except the engine mirror included on the boat.

If the engine model has an on-board computer or battery indicator, this is integrated into the tiller. In the remote throttle models, this is integrated into the remote throttle, displayed on the battery monitor or even on an app on the smartphone.

There are also batteries where there is no integrated display at all. Here you need a smart shunt and measure the remaining capacity based on the currents. This you can display on a small monitor or also via Bluetooth on the cell phone.

In the absolute luxury segment, there is still the autopilot control. This is merely supplementary and always requires another type of control in addition, so that the boat can also be maneuvered manually.

With an autopilot control, the course can be held, a route can be driven or the location can be held. Depending on the range of functions, the autopilot works with GPS data. The advantage is that you now have both hands free and can better enjoy the time on board.

The majority of electric boat drives can be regulated continuously forward and backward. This allows you to be much more comfortable while cruising. With stepless control, you can maneuver faster because there is no need for a mechanical reversal of the direction of rotation.

With stepless control, the extraction current from the battery is regulated and the electric motor works significantly more efficiently. You can drive further or longer with a stepless motor compared to an electric motor with gears with the same battery. A clear plus for the range! 

Often electric motors also have different shift stages, for example 5 forward and 3 reverse gears. With the gear steps, part of the current is lost to heating resistors in the form of heat. They heat the water while driving and reduce efficiency enormously at low speeds. The efficiency is enormously reduced, especially at low speeds.

For smaller and cheaper electric motors, we recommend that you find out more in advance. See for this purpose testimonials or customer reviews, compare the offers and attach importance to the price-performance ratio.

In the end, it all depends on you! If you are looking for a simple and inexpensive motor, you are very well served by a model with a step shift. However, if you want to travel more often, longer and with more comfort with their boat, we recommend a continuously variable electric motor.

Fishing motors in particular are often even more flexible to operate. Bow motors can be operated and controlled by means of a hand or foot remote control. Over it, the speed and direction can be influenced.

In addition, there are various setting options on the remote control or the app, for example, the anchor or route function. This way, the boat stays in the exact same spot all by itself or follows saved routes. The control can be connected to the echo sounder.