R23 dinghy Setup

OlygirlNav

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 24, 2017
Messages
58
Fluid Motion Model
C-30 S
Vessel Name
Cool Mint2
We finally got to check out our dinghy setup on our R23 outboard. We do not have a solar panel so we use that area to transport the dinghy.
To secure the Zodiac A230 7'6" (aero floor weighs 53 lbs.) we use two custom made lanyards and clips to keep the dinghy centered. Then two straps to secure if from any lift.
For a motor used a Minn Kota 55lb thrust saltwater 36" shaft. Weight is easy to handle by one person. This stores nicely in the "cave" using foam cutouts to protect the prop. There is a gauge on the motor to indicate how much power remains in 25% increments.
For the battery I needed something I could easily lift. The 12V 35Ah AGM Deep Cycle 24.7lbs from Duracell fit the bill. I bought two so that we could use when away from shore power. First time use indicated that one battery will last a little over 1 hour. Bought two battery holders, containers and quick disconnects. Will mount the battery holders in the engine compartment. They could also be stored in the bow thruster area to help balance load on the boat.
For a battery charger I got the Duracell Ultra 7.5A. This will charge the battery in 3-4 hours. I could have gotten a lower cost one but it would take over 8 hours to charge.
It was fun getting out for the first time with this setup. Very easy to assemble. Quiet. And were able to put up a wake when put on full throttle.
You could probably make do with a 45lb thrust motor, still requires the same type of battery. Could use a bigger battery if you can lift it in and out of the dinghy.
We'll be at the rendezvous so stop and by and take a look if you like.
 
Cool and the gang
See you there
E
 
Niceeee.

FYI.... I bought the Lithium Battery For 12v Electric trolling motor ( Li Ion 11.1V 50Ah Includes 15A charger )-Solar-Marine-RV-GolftCart for our SeaEagle Kayak. It weighs a mere 10 lbs. Yes, it's spendy but you gets what you pay for with this. This battery will allow discharging all the way down to 10% without destroying the battery. This battery keeps the same power output continuously so the motor run at a constant speed rather than going slower and slower using a lead acid battery.
 
We did consider other electric motors like the "Electric Paddle" and "Torqeedo". Went with the Minn Kota for lower cost, lower battery replacement cost and the battery indicator.
 
We had two days of using the dinghy with the electric motor setup. Best estimate is a single battery lasted approximately 2 hours and still has some charge on it. Next time out we'll keep better track of the time.
Initially the Minn Kota showed the fully charged battery as only two out of four batteries. The next time we connected with a fully charged battery the Minn Kota showed four batteries so it must have a feature where it will adjust to battery Ah.
We did get several comments about our "stealth" dinghy. Nice to have on a early morning cruise...
 
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