Electric motor for Highfield dinghy

sail sfbay · Oct 16, 2022

Torqeedo 1103CS Electric Outboard with direct drive - Travel 1103 C - Torqeedo. Lightweight, no gas can, long range, peppy.

dlochner · Oct 16, 2022

We also have a Torqeedo. For distances under a mile it will have plenty of pep. Over a mile and the trade off between battery charge, speed, and distance works against an electric motor. The larger battery helps to mitigate this issue. Make sure you have sufficient charging capacity to recharge it if you off shore power for several days. It will take up to 10 hours to recharge the battery.

shemandr · Oct 16, 2022

Do you have a pic of you and the dog on the paddle board?

Paul Mermelstein · Oct 17, 2022

I have had a Torqeedo 1003C for several years, which is the predecessor to the 1103CS mentioned above. It seems to work well on my 9.3 ft Rib inflatable. At full throttle I get to about 4kts, and the display indicates it will last at that speed for about 40-50 minutes. At slower speeds, say 2 kts, it says it will last 7-8 hours. So either way, it's certainly useful for dinghying to shore and other short trips.

tfox2069 · Oct 17, 2022

There are now several electric outboard manufacturers that are making products similar to the Torquedo - even in looks. There were at least two at the Annapolis Boat Show this past weekend. They're competing primarily on price (less) and higher battery capacity than the low end Torquedo.

But there's one other electric outboard manufacturer that is very interesting - if it suits your use case: The EP Carry (I am non-affiliated, just doing the research now myself) cost $1,700 on special right now for April delivery, and is marketed as a shorter range, less battery power electric option. So the use case is basically hopping from boat to shore for relatively short trips in mostly protected waters. What you get in return for less endurance and power is an electric outboard that weighs 21 lbs TOTAL - 6 lb separate battery, and 15 lb motor. It is also American made, if that matters to you. Its been out for a few years now and is very well reviewed.

That use case fits my needs well - we sail in the Chesapeake Bay and our dinghy rides are very short from protected anchorages or marinas. See what you think: EP Carry - Powerful and light electric outboard motor

Paul Mermelstein · Oct 17, 2022

I agree. Although I have the Torqeedo and I like it, but it's not the only game in town. Do your research and pick what fits your needs and budget.

Mark Maulden · Oct 17, 2022

EP Carry is working for us. And it’s made an hour down the freeway. (No traffic) They come with a 2.5a charger and I found a 5a charger at Dakota Lithium. So, I bought it and mailed to EPCarry and he put the correct connector on it that marries up to the battery. I also bought a second battery for (long) trips and still have not used 1/3 of a battery yet. I bought a 300W inverter and installed a cigarette lighter on the boat for charging on the hook. I like it as the case on the motor is small as there’s no battery or charger that is part of it. It also has a longer tiller. Approaching a beach, pull on the tiller, motor comes up and slides forward and stays there

High Current · Oct 18, 2022

Newport vessels 86lb "trolling" motor. Same power as the Torqueedo (1150W) but only $400. 1150W isn't enough to get your dinghy on a plane either way. I have the 55lb on my 9.5ft inflatable, going strong after 2 seasons so far. Works just fine in strong wind/waves, and moves at 3-4 knots. Minn Kotas work too, but I've owned a couple and they sprung leaks and died young, even in freshwater.

tfox2069 · Oct 18, 2022

High Current said:
Newport vessels 86lb "trolling" motor. Same power as the Torqueedo (1150W) but only $400. 1150W isn't enough to get your dinghy on a plane either way. I have the 55lb on my 9.5ft inflatable, going strong after 2 seasons so far. Works just fine in strong wind/waves, and moves at 3-4 knots. Minn Kotas work too, but I've owned a couple and they sprung leaks and died young, even in freshwater.

Just curious - what size (Group and capacity) and weight of battery do you use with your 55lb (thrust?) trolling motor? I notice that Newport has a lithium battery coming soon, though its $800.

High Current · Oct 18, 2022

nitrogenase said:
Interesting - I hadn't seen this one. I'm curious why you are recommending the 86lb while owning the 55lb. Do you wish you went with the bigger one. Did you purchase a particular battery pack from them as well?

Mostly for comparison to the Torqeedo. Otherwise I'd say the 55 is good - it only needs a 12V battery and is nice and light. And yes, the "lb" is thrust.

NV Series Trolling Motor

Increase your range and stay out fishing longer than ever with Newport's lightweight, powerful 55lb thrust electric trolling motor.

newportvessels.com

High Current · Oct 18, 2022

tfox2069 said:
Just curious - what size (Group and capacity) and weight of battery do you use with your 55lb (thrust?) trolling motor? I notice that Newport has a lithium battery coming soon, though its $800.

I've been using an old group 29 deep cycle (flooded) with a small solar panel to keep it charged. However, I'm going to be replacing it with a 50Ah lithium that I can easily remove to charge. It'll free up some space, and the drag when I'm towing the lead at 5 kt is tremendous. The motor is spec'd at 50A so I figure a 50Ah lithium should give me an hour at full throttle.