anybody using electric outboard

[DanaDCole]

John Harris states that the new generation outboards would work well with the PocketShip. All I really want one for is maneuvering around docks and so on when there is a lot of traffic. So far the only ones I have found that might be feasible are the Torqeedo 2HP and the Electric Paddle advertised on CLC's Website (although CLC doesn't give the equivalent horsepower and the largest boat they mention it being used for is a sailing dinghy).

Is anyone using an electric outboard on their boat? If so, what is it and how well does it work? Any brands out there I haven't found? Any recommendations?

[Shudoman]

I haven't actually used an electric outboard on the PocketShip although that is my intention. I have the latest generation Torqueedo Travel 1003 long shaft that I used on my WWP-19. It's a very impressive piece of hardware. It includes a tiller that has a GPS and battery monitor functions so you get instant real time updates on your speed, range, battery level and it can even tell you how far you can go at your current power level. According to the marketing hype it provides about the same power as a 3hp engine. It's relatively light at a little less than 30 lbs.

This worked flawlessly on my WWP-19. A considerably bigger/heavier boat than the PocketShip. It easily moved that boat in and out of it's slip. At a nominal speed it had a range of about 12nm. Again this was with a larger boat. There is an inherent range issue that can't easily be remedied with a jerry can. The company does offer some options for powering it from a 12vdc onboard battery and adding a solar charger. I haven't explored either of these options. I have purchased a charger that can recharge the integrated battery from my boat battery but I consider this an emergency situation. The best thing about this is that it always works, doesn't produce an odor, and is quiet. I can't say the same about the gas engine that it replaced.

The only decision I had to make was how to mount it. I've settled on a removable mount that is sold through duckworks (http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/mo ... /index.htm). Unfortunately for others they're out of stock right now. But, I've got mine and it's a very nice and relatively inexpensive piece of hardware and perfect for those that don't like a big ugly motor mount on the back of their pretty little PocketShip.

Bill
http://http://pocketship.blogspot.com

[DanaDCole]

Thanks for the great info. I don't plan on using the motor much, so discharge may not be a problem--although I may be proven wrong. Still, the batteries have a pretty long life if used sparingly. They do sell extra batteries but they are
extremely expensive. I think some kind of 12V backup might be the answer.

I am still considering the Lehr propane-powered option, but I like the idea of an electric motor much better if I can make it work. Still waiting to hear if anyone thinks the Power Paddle might fill the bill. Another thing is, unless I use solar power to charge the electric motor batt, I don't know if its carbon footprint would be any better than the propane option. And, the Lehr is much cheaper.

So, I've got a conundrum within an enigma here--but I have years to sort it all out.

[truenorth]

I use a Minnkota Enduro Max 55lb 42" for my 22' Macgregor. It won't break any speed records but has pushed the boat in 20kn winds, head on. It's powered by a regular shared circuit 12v battery. The battery is hooked up to a solar panel for trickle charging. Makes for a huge difference when getting to/from the mooring ball, picking up folks at the dock, and dropping off the tender. Our lake does not allow gas motors so this was a good solution for us.

Of course, this can't be what powers us on Lake Superior but for the sheltered waters we're usually on, it's perfect. I plan to use this most of the time unless on big lakes or coastal cruising. Then I plan to switch to the Lehr motor. Christmas gotta come early for that.