When I first went from my Honda 5hp outboard with 3 gal external tank to the Epropulsion Spirit, my starting anxiety with the Honda was replaced by range anxiety with the Spirit. So i ran speed trials in my home creek in about 10kts of wind. So I did a run in both directions at 3 different power settings, and averaged the results for both directions. Speed came from Navionics Boating app on the phone using the phone's GPS. What I found was approaching hull speed is highly inefficient with an electric outboard.
At least now I have numbers to plan with. The one battery is sufficient for day sailing, but might not be enough for several days cruising. I have since purchased a 12V charge cord, which will slowly recharge the outboard battery from a 12V source (motor came with a 120V AC charger). A 100AH 12V LiFePO4 battery is sufficient to recharge the outboard battery once (I have a 150AH battery). A 100 watt solar panel can partially extend the 12V battery, probably enough to supply 3 days of camp cruising.
I don't regret the Spirit purchase. My shoulders and back thank me.
just my experiences
Fred W
Stuart (ODay) Mariner 19 Sweet P
- at full power (1000 watts) I went 5.5 kts for a range of just over 6nm with a 1275 watt hour battery
- at 400 watts, avg speed was 4.1 kts for a range of over 12nm.
- at 300 watts, avg speed was 3.5 kts for a range of over 14nm.
At least now I have numbers to plan with. The one battery is sufficient for day sailing, but might not be enough for several days cruising. I have since purchased a 12V charge cord, which will slowly recharge the outboard battery from a 12V source (motor came with a 120V AC charger). A 100AH 12V LiFePO4 battery is sufficient to recharge the outboard battery once (I have a 150AH battery). A 100 watt solar panel can partially extend the 12V battery, probably enough to supply 3 days of camp cruising.
I don't regret the Spirit purchase. My shoulders and back thank me.
just my experiences
Fred W
Stuart (ODay) Mariner 19 Sweet P
