ePropulsion Dinghy Motor Impressions

[CaspersCruiser]

I recently bought an ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus battery electric outboard for the Achilles LEX-77 dinghy that came with my boat when I purchased it. I’m on a Florida cruise in my 2012 R27 and this is the first trip I’ve taken with the ePropulsion onboard.

The ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus is a perfect match for the LEX-77. It is lightweight and easy to handle. The battery and shaft are separate components that make the on/off dinghy process even easier. A nice feature is the battery floats if you happen to fumble it into the drink.

A four-horsepower Tohatsu outboard came with the dinghy when I bought the boat and it is simply too big a motor for a tiny dinghy like the LEX-77. I have never carried that motor on a cruise, choosing instead to row the dinghy on trips to shore.

The mission for my dinghy is short excursions in and around an anchorage. Yesterday morning, I tooled around the anchorage at Silver Glen Springs in Florida. There were several folks in kayaks and on standup paddle boards quietly exploring the special place that is Silver Glen Springs (before the hordes of day boaters appear). It was just great to be able to quietly motor around with them in my dinghy and the ePropulsion— its operation is essentially silent. The sound of water being displaced by the dinghy far exceeds the noise of the motor.

I was using half throttle and getting 3.5 mph. According to the battery level display on the tiller, I had four hours of battery life at that throttle setting. Back off the throttle level to 2.5 mph and the battery life rises exponentially.

Now for the downsides. This motor is not going to run all day taking one at high speed to visit far off locations and waterside restaurants. The motor simply doesn’t have the thrust or battery life. A source of 120 AC current is required for the best charging. A fully depleted battery takes several hours to charge on AC power. A 12-volt charger is available and, not surprisingly, it takes 12+ hours to recharge the battery. A solar charger is available.

So far, the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus has met and exceeded my expectations.

 

[knotflying]

Every purchase is all about concessions and what works best for you. I have the Torqeedo. A great motor. The downside is replacement battery cost after about 5 years. Yes, those batteries degrade even when not in use so expect to replace it. Service, if required, is either find a repair place (which could be non-existent) or ship to Torqeedo. And then there is distance limitations. The upside, light, no gas can, no real maintenance.

 

[GaylesFaerie]

Haven't used my ePropulsion much being winter now, but thought I would add these items to the conversation:

1. Note that the manual shows 5 separate anodes for the eProp. With good care and not leaving the lower unit sitting in salt water when not in use and fresh water rinsing after every use, this probably is not a big deal, BUT... that's a lot of anodes for such a small motor. See page 40 in the manual at: https://0220afca-6e42-4f45-a99f-036...d/77b59c_b2aa77216bff4461b29cc0021c95aa8a.pdf .

2. I don't know what the Torqeedo has for battery management so I can't compare, but the eProp manual specifies the following starting on page 14:

• Before long time storage, ensure the battery charge level is 60% around, store the battery in 15 C ~ 25 C (59 F ~ 77 F) ambient temperature. If the battery level is larger than 60% for more than ten days without activity, the battery itself will discharge with a small current around 100mA until it reaches the 60% battery level.
• Battery will actively discharge to 75% after 20 days without charging or discharging.
• If battery level is low for a long time, it will enter sleep mode. Charge to wake it up.
• During long time storage, activate the battery every 3 months by a charge condition and keep the battery charge level at 60% around. This activation is very important and it can help to keep the battery in good condition.

Hopefully those BM activities will keep the battery healthy for many years for those of us who haul boats every winter and store all the loose bits in the basement.

 

[strangecrew]

We have the same model and agree it's perfect for what it is. Great for tooling around. Used it when we were at Alderbrook to run to the store at Hood canal marina. Perfect for that kind of trip. Definitely not all day exploration and even less so at high speed but for basic utility it works well.

 

[johnbenj]

I see three shaft options for the ePropulsion 1.0 Plus, but I am not sure which size would be best for a dingy that I bought with the 2021 27OB I own. There is an extra-short (20.67"), a Short (24.6") and a Long (29.5"). Which shaft length is appropriate?

TIA
John

 

[johnbenj]

I see three shaft options for the ePropulsion 1.0 Plus, but I am not sure which size would be best for a dingy that I bought with the 2021 27OB I own. There is an extra-short (20.67"), a Short (24.6") and a Long (29.5"). Which shaft length is appropriate?

Answering my own question:

The RIB with the 27OB has a transom height of 15". A ePropulsion with an extra-short shaft (20.67") looks the most appropriate choice.

John

 

[Mark_H]

I am starting to look for a dinghy and outboard for my 2022 R-27 OB.
The ePropulsion 1.0 Plus seems like a good choice because I want low weight and and low maintenance.
But, my slip is in Newburyport, MA on the Merrimack River where there is a strong tidal current.
Sometimes I will go for a ride on the river in the dinghy and I am not sure if an electric outboard will be powerful enough.
Does anyone have experience with an electric outboard in an area with fairly strong currents?

For the dinghy, I a considering the Sport Boats Dolphin Air Floor 8.8' because I know it will fit in the cockpit center stowage area. Any opinions on this dinghy, or other recommendations?

The new inflatable catamaran dinghies such as the Takacat also look interesting.
Has anyone tried one of these?

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderations queue.