electric motor for hunter 21

[dckids]

wondered if anyone out there has used/owns an electric motor for their hunter.
if so, what kind- size etc. how well has it worked

many thanks
dckids

 

[Bill Roosa]

it ain't the motor that makes electric hard

The motor is the easy part.
Getting enough energy to run it is not.
A 1 HP motor (not much by sailboat standards) consumes something like 0.75 KW or 750 watts continuous. At 12 volts (dumb but illustrative) that is:
P=V*I or I=P/V=750/12=62 amps continuous
So your 100 amp hour battery taken to 50% would run the motor for just a little under an hour
A 2 HP motor just a little under 1/2 hour
A 4 HP motor just a little under 15 minutes

You get the picture

 

[bloomac]

You may want to try one of these. Don't waste your time with a Minn Kota etc.

http://www.navagear.com/2007/01/torqeedo-electric-outboard-motors/

Since they are German made by Festool, I would guess you can really trust them. However, I would only trust on an inland lake etc.

Have a 3.5 hp one cylinder 2 stroke on my 216. Loud as hell, but pushes me pretty fast to almost hull speed.

 

[jfien-helfman]

hunter 216 motor

thanks - are you saying you have one of these electric motors or a gas 2 stroke? if gas - whose is it?
we have the tohatsu 4 stroke which seems to never work so about to post to see what people have.
do you leave your engine on boat during the season or take off when not there?

You may want to try one of these. Don't waste your time with a Minn Kota etc.

http://www.navagear.com/2007/01/torqeedo-electric-outboard-motors/

Since they are German made by Festool, I would guess you can really trust them. However, I would only trust on an inland lake etc.

Have a 3.5 hp one cylinder 2 stroke on my 216. Loud as hell, but pushes me pretty fast to almost hull speed.

 

[LDM]

I have a 28 year old Mariner 8hp outboard on my H22. It starts on the second pull even after sitting for months. The secret, according to the PO (and has proven true), is when finished for the day, unclip the fuel line and let the engine idle until it stops.

 

[Brian M H23]

Hello!
I actualy use a minn kota 55 lb trolling motor with my Hunter 23 when my outboard died. It was cheap, and I had been asking the same question without much response.
Short answer: it's exactly as it should be. Full speed under power is about 3-3.5 knots.
As for time until discharge? My range is about 4-5 miles at full speed, and probably double that at lower power levels. I have a 220 Reserve Capacity deep cycle 12V. Total outlay was ~ $275

Docking is awesome: i can coast right in withsails down, and then at the last second give the throttle a twist and turn on the silent brake (with some creative wiriing you can charge your batteries under sail this way). It can spin 360 degrees easily, as it's so light.

So, if you have to motor a long distance, don't go electric. If you need to just get away from the dock, buy the minn-kota and a nice battery. It will get you home as long as you make sure the battery's charged and you stay within your range. Maybe not fast, but you'll get there.

A 55 ft-lb is < 1 hp, btw.

 

[peptobysmol]

I also use a 55 lb thrust. It manuevers very well. Not a rocket, but it is very reliable. I'm almost considering getting another but I only have to travel about 1/4 mile to get out of my marina. I just do lake sailing so its not a problem. If i were to do coastal cruising or sailing in an area that has tidal flow or currents i'd get a gas powered 9.9 HP motor. Another point to consider is to get an additional battery for the lights and cabin accessories or to use as a backup. For a 23 that will necessitate a reconfiguration of battery placement. HTH. Brad

 

[huntercando]

I sail out of a small cove on Winnipesaukee. The prevailing wind blows from the water side down the length of the dock thence no way that I know of to depower the sail. I purchased a 6 HP mercury 4 stroke. It starts on the 2nd pull and pushes the 216 at idle power very well for docking and pointing into the wind to raise or lower the sail. It has a 3 gallon tank. I have been using it for 3 years now and it is barely down to half full. I would highly recommend this set up over dealing with a battery, battery acid electrical connections, recharging etc etc.
Hunter CanDo