There are 9 products.
Showing 1-9 of 9 item(s)
Boat deck equipment includes all the boat's hardware, which encompasses navigation equipment, maintenance tools, and comfort accessories. Sailboat deck equipment also includes rigging (halyards, sheets, pulleys...).
If certain accessories are recommended on motorboats, there is a mandatory list of essential safety equipment that varies depending on the navigation zone: basic (up to 2 nautical miles from a safe haven), coastal (up to 6 miles), semi-offshore, and offshore. As a reminder, a safe haven is a location on the coast where any vessel or boat and its crew can dock or anchor without assistance to seek safety.
Whether it's a catamaran, yacht, or other pleasure boat, every vessel must be equipped with individual buoyancy systems, such as foam or inflatable life jackets. Additionally, it should have a fire extinguisher for fire emergencies, mooring equipment, a manual bilge pump for water drainage, and a towing device. Beyond the coastal areas, a tracking and assistance system in case of a man overboard situation is necessary. Essential navigation instruments to carry on board include a magnetic compass, binoculars, a marine chart, and a description of the buoyage system.
In the event of water ingress, a simple bailer may not always suffice. A compact bilge pump will allow for water to be discharged outside the boat. There are electric bilge pumps with built-in motors capable of evacuating between 25 and 160 liters per minute, but they are not necessary for a small electric pleasure boat.
Even near the coast or on river routes, safety remains a priority. It is strongly advised to carry basic nautical safety equipment: a first aid kit, a light device such as a flashlight, and not forgetting an anchor line. Among the essential elements of anchoring, the anchor is included. For lakes, rivers, and canals, a grapnel anchor is recommended as it is designed for bottoms covered with algae. The windlass, a winch, is used to hoist the anchor to the surface. Finally, the gangway, which connects the dock and the boat, can be foldable, telescopic, or detachable. In open sea, a survival raft is indispensable.
Antifouling is undoubtedly the most important boat maintenance product for an electric propulsion boat intended for both sea and river navigation. It is a product to be regularly applied to the hull's submerged part, known as the hull's bottom, designed to delay the attachment of algae and other organisms. For a motorized boat, one should opt for erodible matrix antifouling: as the name suggests, the product erodes, and it is strongly recommended to apply multiple layers. Hard matrix antifouling, which contains a high level of biocide, is reserved for high-speed shuttles and racing boats.
In addition to the aesthetic aspect, varnish and preferably two-component paint are elements of boat maintenance and enhance its durability.
With an electric boat comes the electric motor and battery: their regular maintenance is crucial. The equipment for maintaining an electric boat includes battery monitoring devices such as a multimeter and acid hydrometer.
When navigating or simply mooring, it is essential to continuously protect your electric boat. Every boat should first be protected from water, especially rain. A PVC protective cover will eliminate water pockets that may seep inside. To prevent material damage in case of collision with the dock during maneuvers, consider installing a pontoon fender. A fender will mitigate impacts if the vessel collides with another boat on a waterway or at the marina.
For boat rental companies, between the boat rental season and boat winterization, the vessels must be protected from impacts during transportation. A trailer that is suitable for the dimensions of the boat will facilitate launching it into the water later on. A transport cover is also essential.
On a body of water or at sea, a sunshade canopy is essential for protection against UV rays. Whether on a family outing or a fishing trip, this canvas mounted on frames provides significant comfort. Also, consider tables and seat cushion sets to enhance your comfort. For picnics or cleaning products, bring a waterproof bag to avoid unpleasant surprises. Remember that regulations are strict regarding wastewater, including blackwater (from toilets) and greywater (dishwashing residue). When at sea, it is always advisable to have a freshwater tank such as a jerrican canister.
The battery for an electric boat is a crucial component of the equipment as it directly affects the autonomy. It is therefore crucial to match the battery to the motor in terms of capacity and power. A powerful electric motor will provide sustained speed but for a shorter duration. It is up to each individual to target the specific usage they want for their vessel.
The electric boat, which has the advantage of being quiet and environmentally friendly, is increasingly attracting enthusiasts of gentle boating such as river navigation. Any boater wishing to opt for this alternative to traditional motorized boats should assess their intended usage before choosing an electric motor. The battery for the electric boat motor is a key component. Regardless of the battery type, two characteristics should be considered: voltage, expressed in volts, and capacity, measured in ampere-hours (Ah). Simply multiply the voltage by the capacity to obtain the amount of electricity in kilowatt-hours (kWh). For example, a 12V battery with a capacity of 100 Ah contains 1.2 kWh: 12 x 100 = 1,200 Wh.
Before choosing a battery for an electric boat, it is important to be aware of the existing technologies. Starting batteries are used solely for starting the motor or activating elements such as navigation lights, depth finders, or bilge pumps. On the other hand, deep cycle or leisure batteries are perfectly suited for an electric boat as they are designed to power electrical systems subjected to constant heavy demands.
To determine the battery bank capacity, which refers to the number of batteries needed to power the boat's electric outboard motor, it is advisable to conduct a comprehensive energy assessment. For example, for the Ruban Bleu 7-seat electric boat named SCOOP, equipped with a 1.6 kW motor for 7 hours of autonomy and a maximum speed of 8 km/h, a battery bank consisting of four 6V batteries with a capacity of 320 ampere-hours is required.
They each have their own specificities and advantages. The open lead-acid battery, designed with a diluted sulfuric acid electrolyte and distilled water, is cost-effective but requires regular maintenance. The gel battery is easy to handle but has a limited lifespan, approximately 400 cycles at 80% discharge. The lithium-ion battery, a recent and promising technology, is more expensive but offers the advantage of being not only convenient and lightweight but also guarantees an average of 1,300 cycles at 100% discharge.
For a boat rental company operating electric boats from a marina, it will be necessary to recharge the batteries each evening after use to be able to reuse the boats the next day. To do this, simply connect the battery to the electric charging terminals installed on the pontoon. These chargers are designed to match the battery's specifications. Generally, for optimal charging, a constant current is applied at the beginning of the cycle. At around 80% charge, the charger switches to an absorption voltage. During this phase, the current decreases as the internal resistance increases. Once the current stabilizes, the charger switches to floating voltage.
A battery is not eternal. Its deterioration can be caused by several factors. The most common ones are overcharging and deep discharges. Intensive discharging and recharging of the battery lead to a loss of mass that deteriorates the material. Corrosion occurs when the voltage is high at the end of the charging cycle, causing the positive plates to degrade.
To minimize these phenomena, it is advisable to use a boat battery charger that can constantly adapt the voltage and current. Also, make sure to grease the battery terminals well to limit sulfation. Sulfation can be observed when white powder appears and crystallizes on the electrodes. The formation of this insulating layer prevents recharging.
Keep in mind that a battery discharges even when it is not in use. The lower the temperature, the less significant this loss will be. During the boat's winter storage, it is highly recommended to remove the batteries (even maintenance-free batteries) and store them in a dry, cool, and ventilated place. To keep a lead-acid battery in good condition for as long as possible, it is necessary to regularly check and refill the levels. The battery performs better when the plates are fully immersed in the water/acid mixture. In summer, the water inside the battery evaporates, and the levels decrease dangerously. In such cases, you will need to fill your battery with demineralized water. An automatic fill cap container is ideal for this purpose. Remember, the levels should always be checked after a recharge.
The electric boat offers an alternative to traditional motor-powered vessels. Praised for their numerous qualities, electric boats are increasingly popular among boaters and enthusiasts of gentle water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, and rowing. The electric propulsion system replaces the traditional diesel/gasoline engine or paddle. These silent, license-free boats provide a smooth navigation experience without emitting CO2 or exhaust gases. With an average autonomy of 8 hours, they are suitable for day trips on waterways. To recharge the battery of these small pleasure boats, simply connect it to the electrical terminal located on the pontoon. The new favorite in boat rentals, electric boats are also more energy-efficient and require simpler maintenance. Currently, three key players dominate the electric boat motor market: Minn Kota with their Endura series, Krautler, and Torqeedo.
Ideal for a dinghy, leisure boat, or small fishing vessel, an electric outboard motor, which can be installed at the stern or bow, offers numerous advantages. Before choosing an electric motor for your boat, it is advisable to analyze decisive factors such as the dimensions and weight of the vessel, including the equipment (winch, carabiner, etc.), fishing gear, boat accessories, and the weight of the passengers.
The navigation location is crucial: a motor used in freshwater has parts susceptible to oxidation. Conversely, in coastal areas, the components are treated to withstand saltwater. The power of a motor designed for saltwater must be higher to cope with wave, wind, and tidal movements based on weather conditions.
Discussing an electric motor inevitably raises the question of autonomy. The duration of navigation will depend on how you intend to use your boat. Therefore, it is essential to ask yourself the right questions: Do you plan to navigate in calm waters such as a lake during good weather or in rough marine environments? Do you prefer longer durations or prioritize sustained speed? A powerful motor equipped with a small battery will provide speed but only for a short period.
It's important to note that the power of an electric boat motor is measured in kilowatts (kW). The power of electric motors is indicated in pounds (lbs) or kilowatts, not in horsepower (CV) as with a traditional combustion engine boat. The power of electric motors typically ranges from around 650 watts (equivalent to 0.9 hp) to a little over 2.2 kW (equivalent to 3 hp). Please note that in England and the United States, pounds (lbs) are used to measure the power of an electric motor, while in France, kilowatts (kW) are used. However, some distributors may still use pounds (lbs).
Maximum speed can be an important factor. However, for fishing purposes, sustained high speed is not necessary. The maximum authorized speed is 6 to 8 km/h on canals, 10 km/h on rivers, and reduced to 3 km/h in ports, river stops, as well as the entrances and exits of locks.
To simplify, the battery is like the "fuel" of an electric boat. A low-quality battery will not provide the required autonomy. Currently, there are three types of batteries available. Lithium batteries are often the most suitable type for electric boat propulsion. They are lightweight and practical, but they can be expensive. Open lead-acid batteries are inexpensive, but be careful with complete discharge! Lastly, Gel batteries have a limited lifespan. An essential component is the propeller, which is determined by the engine's RPM (revolutions per minute) and is responsible for propelling the vessel. A larger propeller diameter puts more strain on the motor to set it in motion. For smooth and long-term navigation, it's best to avoid over-revving the motor. The pitch, which is the distance traveled by the propeller to complete one full revolution, is a key factor. A smaller pitch is noticeable during startup but is not recommended for gentle navigation, such as fishing boats or leisure crafts. Finally, the 3-blade propeller is the most common as it offers a balanced compromise between comfort and performance.
The motor requires meticulous maintenance. You should always ensure the waterproofness of the components and regularly grease the removable parts. For novice boaters, note that some repairs can be done using a maintenance kit that includes all the necessary tools (fuses, terminals, etc.) for the proper functioning of your electric boats, provided you have some knowledge to replace motor brushes, seals, anodes, or propeller pins. Ruban Bleu offers technical training to acquire sufficient knowledge and be autonomous in the maintenance and use of these motors. Generally, it is advisable to entrust the electric boat motor to a professional, such as Ruban Bleu, preferably during the boat's winterization period. It is not recommended to dismantle the motor yourself: aside from potential damage, you may also risk voiding the warranty.
"The ECO range includes:
Reduced price: Ruban Bleu designs, manufactures, and sells its motors directly.
Easy maintenance: Order your maintenance kit online and perform the maintenance of your motor yourself.
Up to 1000 hours before first-level maintenance, nearly double the lifespan of traditional motors found on the market (typically between 400 and 600 hours before maintenance). We have chosen the best and most durable materials to design them.
An environmentally friendly range of motors suitable for both freshwater and saltwater use.
Proud to be the first French electric POD motors, they stand tall and straight thanks to their two fins.
