I am considering replacing (but keeping) a 1997 Honda 8hp for my Hunter 235 with a Toqeedo 1003 (still looking at the specs and may go with a larger model). Some sailors in my local sailing club forum have recommended their use on our lake. The Honda came with the Hunter when I purchased her 3 years ago and it's difficult to start when it's cold despite the best efforts of my mechanic, also it's heavy, smelly and noisy. I had shoulder surgery last fall and looking to decrease the stress on it. I keep the boat on a smallish lake for the entire summer and day sail. I'm going to hold on to the Honda if I decide to venture down to the Chesapeake. Any thoughts and advice are much appreciated!
Electric Outboard
- Thread starter Chris Flanagan
- Start date
If you ever go to the Bay, I would suggest a gas due to longer distances and batteries do run out. YOu do not want to be caught out with no batteries at night for many reasons.
Hi Chris, electric sounds perfect for your application--small freshwater lake. The Torq is 1/3 the weight of a gas outboard and the battery can be detached, making it even lighter for transport. I sailed on one of the new RS21 race boats last year and thought the built-in torqeedo was awesome, although they are not as quiet as you expect. I think they are ridiculously priced but if you can afford it then go for it--I'll just have to be jealous. It sure beats sniffing gas fumes all day.
-Z
-Z
For the first couple years that I owned my 235, I ran with a big 24V trolling motor and a pair of 100AH SLA batteries. I loved it. Never ran the batteries bellow 70%. Before that, I sailed all around the Bay of Florida in a 17 ft dinghy with no motor at all so I wasn't all that worried about range.
Recently, I've been wanting to try some extended stays on the boat away from power so I switched to a 6Hp Tohatsu Sail Pro. It's a fine motor but every time I crank it up, I wish for my little trolling motor. If the boat ends up being too cramped for more than a couple of nights then I'm thinking I'll switch back to the trolling motor (or maybe a bigger boat..)
Recently, I've been wanting to try some extended stays on the boat away from power so I switched to a 6Hp Tohatsu Sail Pro. It's a fine motor but every time I crank it up, I wish for my little trolling motor. If the boat ends up being too cramped for more than a couple of nights then I'm thinking I'll switch back to the trolling motor (or maybe a bigger boat..)
Interesting comparison of gas, propane and electric outboards. Except for the weight factor, propane looks like a good replacement for gas
http://www.boatus.com/magazine/2013/december/alternative-outboards.asp
http://www.boatus.com/magazine/2013/december/alternative-outboards.asp
It was approximately the same cost as replacing the old outboard with a new one. You are right they are overpriced but it's just what I need. Thanks for your input.
Thought it worth mentioning that, if you don't mind going with Chinese knock offs, the trolling motor option is 1/5 the cost of a torqueedo with twice the battery capacity. It won't push your boat as fast as the torqueedo (mainly because of the prop pitch) but if all you're doing is maneuvering in/out of the marina then it's more than enough. Mine is still working fine after two years in salt water. The only real problem I've had is that the bracket is a little flimsy so I have to be careful thrusting off axis.
When buying model trains, I always ensure that there is warranty and quality regardless of cost. Otherwise You may be buy a pin in a poke. I just bought one engine with DCC and sound. Lights and sound work great but will not run. Sent it off and was advised three months till I get it back. I know it will be done but for a new engine, where is quality control out of the box? will not buy from that company again.
I have a 3.5hp Lehr (propane). Its nice to not have to have gasoline on board and I can store it inside while at the slip with no gas smell. We use the green camping bottles which is nice because we use them for the bbq. It came with the adapter hose for the larger tanks that we haven't used.
I hope your don't store the motor inside with the green propane bottles still attached or for that matter store the spare green propane bottles or the larger tank "inside."
I'm well versed in propane and propane accessories thanks.I hope your don't store the motor inside with the green propane bottles still attached or for that matter store the spare green propane bottles or the larger tank "inside."