Electric or Propane Auxiliary Motor

A

avpilot

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 4, 2012
Messages
64
Fluid Motion Model
C-26
Vessel Name
Santolina (2013)
Any thoughts on an electric or propane auxiliary motor for a dinghy? We are in the market for a dinghy motor and wondering about alternate power sources (other than gasoline). While anchored at Squirrel Cove during the recent Desolation Sound cruise we saw a dinghy equipped with an electric motor. It looked really sharp. The dinghy driver told us the unit broke down into 3 pieces for easy storage, a plus. The negative was the price.

Then, when picking up our trailer from North Harbor Diesel in Anacortes we saw Lehr propane outboards on display. Hmmm. Since we have a propane grill and cooktop, a propane outboard might make sense.

Does anyone have experience with either of these? Has anyone done research on electric and/or propane outboards and formed an opinion you'd care to share? (We're looking for a dinghy, too, but that's another topic.)

Gregg and Kathy Dohrer
Santolina, R25SC
 
A colleague tried a torquedo on their ~9ft rib. They liked the quiet and ease but gave it up and went back to a small gasoline engine as they found keeping the battery charged at anchor and range anxiety bothered them too much.
 
I pondered this thought for more than a year, test drove the Torqeedo in a 10' rib with 4 people on it, I was sold. I was also in Squirrel and we drove all over the place and used 3% of battery power. It tells you the range and % of power left at the current speed you are doing. We charged it once on the Desolation trip. While other people were pulling to start their motors I was off and running. One night about 11pm we had to reset our anchors with another boat and do a difficult stern tie on a rock ledge, the reverse was what saved our bacon.
I looked at the Lehr, love the concept, the motors are a Yamaha knockoff made in China and I did not trust the lack of dealer support at the time.

Had a boat next to us at Poet's cove, his Honda was difficult to start and smoked like mad, think he was a bit annoyed when I took off almost silent for a trip around the marina, never did get his started. Obviously a lack of maint. on his part. I find that the older we get breaking it into 3 pieces made it easy to transfer to the dinghy and store.

Don
 
I just bought the Torqeedo after using a gas Tohatsu. I love the Torqeedo. Easy to mount on the boat, quiet, no need to fill with gas, no maintenance or carburetor fouling. I made up a charging cable that I plug directly into the 12V outlet in the cave and then right into the battery. It is always topped off and ready to go. Distance you get from a charge is dependent on speed, wind and current. I would say on average you will definitely get 6 miles out of a charge. I have never had any worries of not making it back to the boat. The GPS will tell you your endurance as you apply speed. Everyone has different needs and desires. If you are using it to get to and from the boat from a mooring or anchor it is great. If you want to tool around and explore and go distances that exceed the charge then it may not be for you. The propane looks promising, but I would like to see it around longer before I would commit to it. By the way, Defender has a pretty good price on the Torqeedo.
 
Thanks for the comments on the Torqeedo. Based on the comments above there are more positive comments than negative. Are there any concerns about long-term battery life? I assume that the battery will lose efficiency, over time. (ie, hold charge for shorter time as battery ages). The Torqeedo website has a fairly impressive video. Clearly, the design is German. Are we sure the units are made in Germany, or are they made in China?

Gregg and Kathy Dohrer
Santolina, R25SC
 
I estimate my battery should last for 6 to 8 years before needing to be replaced. The cost of a new battery probably is around $600. There is a more powerful battery available today I believe that will push you further on the water.

My battery is now close to 4 years and shows no signs of 'giving up'. It holds a charge of close to 85% over 4 months of no use.
 
I posted this before...electric very expensive and requires other accessories charger batteries etc. Bought a Lehr propane...runs 3 hours on camp stove can and longer on larger can. Quiet doesnt smell no gas cans and hoses no carb to gum up and affordable.
Makes huge sense if u are alredy carrying propane...you will like it.
 
Wolf Pack is very happy with its Torqeedo.

In response to the comment in this thread above about Lehr's "lack of dealer support", all's we can say about Torqeedo is their customer support has been exemplary. Typical of Ranger Tugs to associate with vendors who treat customers in the highest regard. All of our issues with the Torqeedo were handled swiftly, fairly and correctly. Anyone with problems on their Torqeedo, just call and they are there to help. Sven and his peers are very nice to deal with.

Just thought we'd mention that because it is a consideration when making such purchases.

Gene R
Wolf Pack
 
The research is over. Defender is running its Fall sale and for a short period the Torqeedo price is reduced - from very expensive to expensive. It is such cool technology that we ordered one last night. We look forward to giving it a try.

Thanks to all for your invaluable input.

Gregg and Kathy
Santolina, R25SC
 
Love the LEHR. Starts every time and runs without smoke. Lightweight and attached to the transom rail with a security cable. Inexpensive and doesn't need a charge or batteries.
 
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