[Rhodes22-list] Electric Outboards

[Michael D. Weisner]

Peter,

I think that the statement about it being too soon for electrics is really 
correct.  The world is waiting for better battery technologies.  The auto 
market is pushing the envelope and the marine usage will eventually reap the 
results BUT they will not be cheap!

For now, I think that a small gas outboard is still the best choice (a 
lightly used 2 stroke is much lighter and reliable but not entirely 
environmentally friendly).  We use so little fuel that it is a no-brainer 
compared to electrics.  We mostly use the engine in port (mooring & docking) 
and those mid-afternoon lulls when we must return to port and cannot wait 
for the evening wind.  We use less than 12 gallons per summer (probably 6-8 
gals).

Remember, these are really backup propulsion systems.  The R22 already uses 
the cheapest, lightest, most ecologically friendly power system, wind. 
Reliability leaves a bit to be desired, but even a calm day on the water is 
better than the best day on land.

Mike
s/v Shanghai'd Summer ('81)
Nissequogue River, NY

From: "peter klappert" <peterklappert at comcast.net> Tuesday, May 17, 2011 
10:50 AM
>
> Does anyone have thoughts on or experience with electric outboards?
>
> Practical Sailor pretty much says it's too soon. The 01/2010 issue 
> reviewed the new Solid Nav 4-hp & seemed to prefer the Minn Kota RT80, 
> though they found it "fragile compared to the Solid Nav." They mention a 
> Torquedo 6-hp Cruise 2, but haven't tested it.
>
> So I shelved the idea of getting an electric for the R22 I'll pick up in 
> Edenton this summer, though I'm still considering carrying a small 
> electric (a) as back up for a gas engine and (b) for trolling. Does anyone 
> do this? How do you mount a small electric without removing the primary 
> engine?
>
> BUT....
>
> About a week ago the 05/2011 Cruising World arrived with a review of 
> outboards for pocket cruisers & dinghies & that makes the Torquedo Cruise 
> 4.0 sound like a real possibility. 8 hp (9.9 thrust), 38 lbs, but 
> expensive: $3800.
>
> The Torqueda is much lighter than any gas engine but--aside from ease of 
> mounting/removing--any weight advantage is probably illusory given the 
> weight of high-quality marine batteries. PS tested the Solid Nav using a 
> bank of 4 (!) North Star Energy 1 Group 24 AGM batteries. They run $373 
> each & weigh 59 lbs each.
>
> I'm stumbling around in the dark here. I don't know if I can even define 
> volt, amp, watt, etc. I like the environmental implications of electric, 
> the lighter weight (I could mount the Torqueda myself), and I'd like to 
> avoid the hassle of ethanol in gas  & consequent water absorption (or the 
> cost of ethanol-free marine gas).
>
> So if anyone has an opinion or has heard anything about electrics, I'll be 
> glad to hear it.
>
> P
>
>
> DC / FL
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