Gas vs. Electric for Tender power

[yuukis]

I have ordered a Portland Pudgy for our new Ranger 27', which we won't get until late June. I haven't made a decision on the engine for the Pudgy and would like to hear some of the pros and cons. I like the idea of electric and not having to carry extra gas, but am concerned about the battery life and having to recharge it constantly. On the other hand, carrying a gas can is a pain, but easy to extend the cruising time when carrying gas and not worry about the battery running out of juice.
What are other's experiences?
Thanks
Charlie and Nancy

 

[doke01]

I row...LoL

 

[Doryman]

I would get gas, if I had a convenient place to stow the engine while under way. I didn't on my Tom Cat, so I got the Torqueedo. Does the Pudgy require more power to attain a given speed as opposed to an inflatable? If so there's another reason for gas.

Warren

 

[Ram]

If you want to go electric I would seriously consider whether you will have the capacity ti keep it charged. My recollection of the Torqueedo (I went through the same analysis) was that it was about 8 hours of charging time for 1-2 hours of use. If you're in a slip all the time that might be workable, but if you're anchored out it doesn't seem practical. I went with a little 2 HP Honda that works great.

Ram

 

[yuukis]

Thanks for the input. I think the Honda 2hp. is the way I will go, but I haven't had a lot of feed back in favor of the electric. However, I still have a couple of months before I make the decision.

 

[Doryman]

Be aware that the Honda has a centrifugical clutch. This means that it does not engage until you get a certain # of RPMs going, hence it is difficult to drive smoothly. From what I have heard, it also is not powerful enough to buck a strong current flowing out of the harbor (for example.) Lots of tradeoffs to consider. If I were going to gas I would probably go with the 3.5 Suzuki or Yamaha. Other people like the Tohatsus -- cheaper and lighter.

Warren

 

[yuukis]

Thanks for the advise. I was wondering whether the 2 HP would have enough drive. I believe that the Portland Pudgy transom can handle it, but nothing larger.
Charlie

 

[Aurelia]

I just spent a weekend with my pudgy in a couple of large lakes. With two adults, My Minn kota 55lb thrust electric motor would only put it 3.5 mph with a full charge. It was easy to get 10 miles out of a single group 24 battery, but only if the speed was kept down to about 2mph. We are planning to get a gas outboard for our Pudgy and keep the electric as well for lakes and putting around.

If anyone here has a Pudgy with a gas outboard, How does it perform with your motor and what motor is it?

Greg

 

[captd]

The Lucky Fin carrys a Pudgy with a two horse Honda Long shaft. With two people groceries water , ice, whatever it seems to work fine. Sure beats rowing. I would rather have a long shaft Suzuki 2.5. I have one in a short shaft and I like it better. It has a neutral and forward unlike the Honda.
captd

 

[CaptMac]

I've also got the 2 HP Honda long shaft on my Pudgy. You need a long shaft motor so you don't have to lower the transom. Likewise, I wish it had a neutral, but I love the 28 pounds. Pushes the dinghy along OK - 3 dogs, two people, groceries - but not very fast. It overheats/smokes if you try full throttle when loaded. Although I dislike having to carry gasoline, I'm sold on the range (and carry a small amount of fuel in a container in the dinghy so I never run out.

Mac

 

[yuukis]

It does sound as though the Honda 2 hp does not have quite enough power. The next step up is 2.5 hp, but they are all short shaft as far as I could learn. So next is the 3.5 hp and Mercury, Tohatsu and Nissan have the long shaft version. They are made by the same manufacturer, so your choice is color or the name and price, no other differences. The weight is about 41 lbs, so more than the Honda 2hp, but not bad. If you jump to 4 hp, you are at 57 -61 lbs, which is too much for me. Dave, at Portland Pudgy, definitely said the transom would not handle 5 hp, but I did not ask him specifically about 3.5 hp. I think the new electric put out about 3 hp and I am not sure how that correlates with thrust. So, my thoughts are that the 3.5 hp might be ideal. Anyone have one on a Pudgy that want to share their thoughts?
Charlie