Dinghy Electric Outboard

Feb 21, 2013
4,638
Hunter 46 Point Richmond, CA
I have a Achilles Inflatable LEX96 (9'6") 74 lb dinghy and considering replacing my 3.5 hp Tohatsu gasoline outboard with a Torqeedo and considering a model 503 or 503C. It is reportedly suitable for dinghies up to 1650 lbs. Anyone have any experience with either of these models? If so, what are the pros and cons? Would you buy either of these or a different model, and if so why, if you justified the cost over a gasoline outboard?
 
Mar 29, 2011
169
Beneteau 361 Charlotte,Vt
I've had Torqeedo 1.5hp since 2016. I'm not sure of the model number, but I think it's the same. I use it to push a Zodiac Wave 10'2" 90lbs. I've never had an issue with it. It always starts. I've used it with four adults in the boat. I would never own a gas outboard again. The Pros: Light weight, only weighs 35 lbs including the battery. No gas, oil, turn the handle and it runs. Built in GPS tells you how far you can travel with the amount of charge left and the speed setting. Using it at about 50-60% the battery would for a long time before charging.

Cons: You can't go fast if you want to battery to last. The plastic covers break easily. I've chipped mine a couple of time.

I definitely would buy another one if needed. Like I said, if you want to go fast, you will need to recharge more often. The only other thing is that we get a lot of weeds around our dingy dock and the prop would get easily jammed with weeds. So I would have to row out to deeper water to get free of the weeds. Feel free to contact me if you have more questions.
 
Dec 28, 2015
1,911
Laser, Hunter H30 Cherubini Tacoma
Curious on the cost of yours and the average recharge time?
 
Mar 29, 2011
169
Beneteau 361 Charlotte,Vt
I paid around $1600 at the Defenders warehouse sale. I normally will let the battery rundown to 10% left and charge it over night. I don't live onboard so I charge at home. I leave the shaft locked to the dingy and just bring the battery and tiller handle home with me.
 
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Feb 21, 2013
4,638
Hunter 46 Point Richmond, CA
mcrow33, Nice rely!! I am going to purchase a Torqeedo 503 to replace my gasoline outboard motor for all the positive reasons you shared.