Specifications

General

Model EWS34 saltwater motor
A34lb motor matched to a Hobie Outback will travel at about 7 kmh this depends on wind and current.
Trolling speed is variable.

Battery

You should choose a 12v deep cycle marine battery with screw down terminals.
The battery should be a sealed type, in case you tip over you will not spill the acid causing potential harm to yourself or the environment.
Battery manufactures recommend not discharging the battery below 30% as this decreases the life of the battery.
It is also important to note that a new “smart charger “ is recommened to charge you batteries. This is because a normal car type battery charger if left to long will boil the battery and cause sulfidization of the plates, leading to the battery not accepting a full charge . Smart chargers such a the C TEC will sense when a battery is full and lower the amperage to suit.
A battery charger of about 10amps will charge a big battery overnight.
We recommend a battery of between 70 amp hours – 120amp hours.
A120 ah battery will last for about 20 hours trolling speed (speed 1) and about 4 hours speed 5.
The motor draws about 25amps per hour at full speed , so battery choice should take this into consideration.

Motor

All care has been taken to seal the main shaft from water but the switch can potentialy absorb water if you happen to roll.
If you do happen to roll It would be safer to assume water has penetrated and DO NOT SWITCH MOTOR ON.
Because water might have penetrated into the switch you can potentialy short circuit the motor.
If this happens the main power cables will become hot and melt, causing damage to the motor, your beloved kayak and possibly yourself.
PLEASE BE WARNED: Because rolling is a fact of life while kayaking. Always carry your pedals or oar with you at all times you may need it.
But if you do happen tip don’t worry to much the switch is easily replaced by any Jarvis marine dealer. The cost of a switch is about $50.
The best place to position a battery is directly behind the seat. Not only is it perfectly balanced within the kayak but is also within reach if you have to disconnect.
Your hobie dealer can help you install tie down lugs (Supplied by us ) and supply you with straps for this purpose.
But above all, exersize care and common sense.

Fitting

Fitting is easy but has a manouvre involved. Loosen the nut and free the cassette, unlock from kayak and lean towards the seat and lift it. There is a bit of a trick to it so practice it while on dry land a few times so you become familiar with it. You may have to put your fingers down the kayak cavity to turn the prop by hand. Please do this with the battery disconnected. If storing the motor on board do so in a secure manner and where possible cover the head (handle side so it does not get wet. Please refer to the Demo section for a video demonstration of the procedure.

Operation

When positioned right the motor head sits a little above the gunwales of the kayak and about 300mm below the hull. The motor can be pull up safely without worry that it will hit the hull. There is a stopper in place . Operating the motor in the fully up position is safe and sometimes nesessary in shallow water ,but inefficient at top speed
When finished after a day’s fishing wash the motor in fresh water as you would your rods and kayak.
periodicly take off the propeller and check for obstructions like fishing line, .fishing line can potentialy dammage the seal to the main shaft and allow water into the motor windings .If you happen to get your line trapped in the motor .stop operation strait away .lift the motor and remove the prop. carefully remove the line and fit the prop once more .Do not wait till later or the next day. do it when it happens .
An occasional spray with INOX or WD40 is recomended
when washing down after use tip the motor with the handle facing the ground to allow any water which may have got in to drain.99% of water that gets into the head does so when washing down, keep this in mind and gently mist spray after use .dont blast it
Normal splashing and rain will not damage the motor

Feedback

If you have any questions or problems or any ideas for improvements please contact me.
My details are on the Contact page, or you could post a comment through the Post section on this website.
I would like to hear any feedback from you or even some photos of you with a fish in your arms and a smile on your face.

Wheels

You can use the Hobie non inflatable wheel type or you can get a heavy duty wheel set made by us specifically designed to carry the extra weight of the battery.
The heavy duty set are wider, higher and stronger.
They will hold 200kg + they are a nylon wheel barrow wheels with nylon bushes on a 25mm stainless steel frame.
They come in two wheel base sizes – 690mm, and 815mm.
Up to 4 rod holders can be added to the wheel set using 38mm tube.
They are also good on rough and sandy surfaces.
They are available from your Stealth Serpent / Hobie dealer or we could supply them direct from us.