New Hunter 170 owner. I'm getting a lot of opinions on using an electric motor - mostly trolling type at 50 lbs or more thrust versus a 2.5 HP gas. I would appreciate any opinions.
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Dennis
Maybe
Don't know the thrust of the outboard but the electic might be light in a strong wind. But on the otherhand, a 17 footer can get by 95% of the time without any motor.
Don't know the thrust of the outboard but the electic might be light in a strong wind. But on the otherhand, a 17 footer can get by 95% of the time without any motor.
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Paul F.
Tried it
I tried an electric with a Flying Scott. Just could not make head way or worse get out of the way in any wind. A small gas engine worked well. It was a 3 h.p. There is still little that can match a gal. of gas for power.
I tried an electric with a Flying Scott. Just could not make head way or worse get out of the way in any wind. A small gas engine worked well. It was a 3 h.p. There is still little that can match a gal. of gas for power.
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Jack
Wind from shore
Agree, it's that other 5% that's the beast - recently had problems getting back to the boat launch with wind coming from shore.
Agree, it's that other 5% that's the beast - recently had problems getting back to the boat launch with wind coming from shore.
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Brian M H23
I just did it
I bought a 50 lb minn kota motor - got a decent deal at gander mountain (250 for motor and new group 24 deep cycle). I've had this same question in my head for a long time - So I put the chips in and bought one. hopefully I don't get burned (my boat is a 23, so if it works for me it will definitly work for you)
I know the replies on this thread are pretty negative, but in the past I have heard positive thigns as well. We shall see!
I bought a 50 lb minn kota motor - got a decent deal at gander mountain (250 for motor and new group 24 deep cycle). I've had this same question in my head for a long time - So I put the chips in and bought one. hopefully I don't get burned (my boat is a 23, so if it works for me it will definitly work for you)
I know the replies on this thread are pretty negative, but in the past I have heard positive thigns as well. We shall see!
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Jack
Electric
That's a pretty good deal from what I've seen. Any good ideas on how I would - reasonably/safely/keep cable(s) out of the way - in order to connect the battery which has to go in the front hold (no transom or other storage on a 170)and the electric motor?
That's a pretty good deal from what I've seen. Any good ideas on how I would - reasonably/safely/keep cable(s) out of the way - in order to connect the battery which has to go in the front hold (no transom or other storage on a 170)and the electric motor?
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Mac Lindsay
electric
Jack;
I am using a Minn-Kota Riptide 55 on my Cal 20 to see how ell it will work. Most of the time I putter out of the Marina then sail and putter back in. If it proves to not be sufficient in the long run then I will put it on my inflatable which I tow behind my H31. But so far so good.
For your use on the 170, check out www.torqeedo.com
Mac.
Jack;
I am using a Minn-Kota Riptide 55 on my Cal 20 to see how ell it will work. Most of the time I putter out of the Marina then sail and putter back in. If it proves to not be sufficient in the long run then I will put it on my inflatable which I tow behind my H31. But so far so good.
For your use on the 170, check out www.torqeedo.com
Mac.
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JungleJetJock
trollin'
I have used an electric trolling motor on a lightning (19') before. It worked very well. A friend of mine has a Catalina and his inboard can be temperamental at times so he keeps a trolling motor on board for when it acts up. I think it is about an 80lb thrust and it will move his big old heavy Catalina fairly well around the marina. I'm not sure how well it works once out of protected water but that is what the sails are for.
I have used an electric trolling motor on a lightning (19') before. It worked very well. A friend of mine has a Catalina and his inboard can be temperamental at times so he keeps a trolling motor on board for when it acts up. I think it is about an 80lb thrust and it will move his big old heavy Catalina fairly well around the marina. I'm not sure how well it works once out of protected water but that is what the sails are for.
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Brian M H23
Results / Thoughts
Tested 'er out this weekend- some good and some bad, but everything is pretty much as expected. 50 lbs of thrust moved me upwinds agaisnt the current i nthe genesee river, at about 1.5-2 knots. Half power, flat water, no wind, gets me 2 knots, full power a touch over 3.
It is VERY nice for docking - way nicer than an outboard. I will however say that it does not have the power to stop the boat quickly.
I used a brand new group 24 deep cycle, it did pretty good. I didnt run out so I can't really tell you how the total life was, but It took a ong time for it to recharge this afternoon so I am going to guess it was pretty far gone. I'd say that the range at about 2/3 power, on a full charge, is about 5 miles.
Tested 'er out this weekend- some good and some bad, but everything is pretty much as expected. 50 lbs of thrust moved me upwinds agaisnt the current i nthe genesee river, at about 1.5-2 knots. Half power, flat water, no wind, gets me 2 knots, full power a touch over 3.
It is VERY nice for docking - way nicer than an outboard. I will however say that it does not have the power to stop the boat quickly.
I used a brand new group 24 deep cycle, it did pretty good. I didnt run out so I can't really tell you how the total life was, but It took a ong time for it to recharge this afternoon so I am going to guess it was pretty far gone. I'd say that the range at about 2/3 power, on a full charge, is about 5 miles.
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Jack
Electric
Thanks very much. That's very helpful. I hadn't thought of the docking issues with an outboard. Based on what I've read on other blogs, it appears that a generalized estimate is that 50 pounds of thrust is equal to a 1 hp outboard in real world conditions. The variables in the comparison are significant, but that seems to be the general consensus from the engineers.
Thanks very much. That's very helpful. I hadn't thought of the docking issues with an outboard. Based on what I've read on other blogs, it appears that a generalized estimate is that 50 pounds of thrust is equal to a 1 hp outboard in real world conditions. The variables in the comparison are significant, but that seems to be the general consensus from the engineers.
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