Tuesday, March 26, 2024
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Tested: Watersnake Slider Pro bow-mount electric

FOR the last six months or so I’ve been trialling a new Watersnake Slider Pro 54lb bow-mount electric on my 3.9 Quintrex Hornet Trophy.

The Watersnake replaced the existing 10-year old electric that came with the boat and was unfortunately in need of some expensive repairs. After replacing the original quick release plate and fitting the new mounting plate that came supplied with the Watersnake – which was basically a direct swap – it was simply a matter of attaching the motor and connecting it to a 12 volt power supply – the motor features an inline fuse.

The motor base attaches quite easily to the plate and is secured via a large gnurled locking nut in the centre. For quick removal of the motor I attached it to the battery supply via an Anderson plug.

After I’d initially installed the Watersnake I discovered it wouldn’t run. After a call to the guys at Jarvis Walker I found out these motors won’t run when in travel mode ie stowed in the cradle. This is for safety reasons and prevents the possibility of anyone turning the motor on when it’s not in the water and rotating the propeller. Once the motor was fully deployed it ran without a problem. Jarvis Walker will hopefully add that important little detail in to their owner manual so other users don’t get caught out in the future!

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Having used bow-mount electrics for well over 20 years, I found the Watersnake Slider Pro was an easy motor to get familiar with. Deploying it is simple via a foot on the release plate and hand on the control head which sees it easily hinge upwards for deployment. The 54” shaft locks into place with a solid click and you’re ready for business.

The Watersnake Slider Pro comes complete with both manual foot control or remote operation via a handy fob with wristband. Using the latter just requires a simple pairing operation which is explained in the user manual. This only took a couple of minutes to complete and the remote was fully operational.

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I’ve operated the motor using both methods of control, but of late have found myself favouring the foot control which I prefer to use when casting lures around mangroves for bream. The foot control features separate left and right controls and both a constant “ON” or momentary push “ON” and a rotaing speed control. Anyone familiar with foot control electrics will find this Watersnake easy to drive. I find the momentary ON very handy for quick manoeuvring – especially when retrieving lures hung up in trees or snags!

The Watersnake motor drives a three-blade weedless plastic prop fitted to a stainless steel prop shaft. In operation it changes direction easily with a stab of the foot (or push of remote button). When rotating direction I reckon it sounds slightly noisier than other competitor motors such as Minn Kotas. This is only a minor criticism though, as in all other areas this electric works very well. The motor itself runs quietly and is only noticeable at higher speeds.

Being a 54lb thrust model it also easily spins my little 3.9 Hornet which is a very handy attribute when fishing the tight stuff. The only thing I miss on it is an auto-pilot mode.

All in all after a half year or so using the new Watersnake Slider Pro 54 I would have no hesitation in recommending them to potential buyers. The price too at $829 RRP is sure to be a big factor for potential buyers. Very good value in my book.

For more info on Watersnake motors go to: www.watersnake.com.au

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