Gas vs. electric dinghy motors
- Thread starter Belzedar
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2004
- RO Number
- 12830
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- 674
About 1/3 of the people I've seen row the boat to shore. It's not to hard and you don't have to mess with gas, davits, heavy engines and batteries.
The other 2/3 use 2 to 9 hp outboards on planing hulls. Generally speaking, these people are using their dinks for exploring and they needed the range. Consider a davit system to stow this boat.
Personally, I am considering a Sea Eagle Kayak. Their Paddleski is winning acclaims for ease of paddling and stablility.
The other 2/3 use 2 to 9 hp outboards on planing hulls. Generally speaking, these people are using their dinks for exploring and they needed the range. Consider a davit system to stow this boat.
Personally, I am considering a Sea Eagle Kayak. Their Paddleski is winning acclaims for ease of paddling and stablility.
A few of us DO use electric trolling motors. After hassling with a 4 hp evinrude for a few years decided to try an old trolling motor I had in the shop... and stayed with it. It's easier to handle than the gasser and it's external tank; isn't near as messy or smelly, it's quiet, and I charge the battery by simply plugging it into the boat's electrical system. It always STARTS, too! The admiral likes it because she doesn't have to crank it.
Downside to electric is limited range and speed; mine is good for 6 mi or so, and it's about half the speed of the 4 hp.
For short trips of 100 yards or so to the beach and back, I use the famous "Armstrong" motor.
For serious gunkholing, or kids, you'd probably want a gasser.
Downside to electric is limited range and speed; mine is good for 6 mi or so, and it's about half the speed of the 4 hp.
For short trips of 100 yards or so to the beach and back, I use the famous "Armstrong" motor.
For serious gunkholing, or kids, you'd probably want a gasser.
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2003
- RO Number
- 12212
- Messages
- 12,185
electric motors are getting better, lighter and cheaper. Until recently, a small electric outboard was close to 5k. Now you have Brigs n straton with a fresh water only model for aroudn $1700 as well as torqueedo with a portable/foldable/integrated batery unit and as well as a larger external battery model around $2k.
http://www.torqeedo.com/en/hn/home.html
I also came across a replacement power head for yamahas... you yank the power head and bolt on an electric. http://www.ecyclemarine.com/eCycleOutboard.html
I think electric is becoming the way to go for tenders if you're not looking for speed.
there has been drastic improvment in larger motors as well. there are now some inboard replacements, that jsut bolt on a standard shaft. plugs in the batteries or diesel genset, controler, throtle and you go.
http://www.torqeedo.com/en/hn/home.html
I also came across a replacement power head for yamahas... you yank the power head and bolt on an electric. http://www.ecyclemarine.com/eCycleOutboard.html
I think electric is becoming the way to go for tenders if you're not looking for speed.
there has been drastic improvment in larger motors as well. there are now some inboard replacements, that jsut bolt on a standard shaft. plugs in the batteries or diesel genset, controler, throtle and you go.
I know a number of people who use an electric trolling motor on their dink, especially around the marina where you can't go fast anyway.
In the raft-up group I belonged to we always referred to the electric dink in the group as the "stealth dinghy" because you wouldn't hear him coming up until he said "Hi folks!"
I would highly recommend a totally sealed battery, either gel or AGM (Optima) otherwise battery acid spills might create a nasty situation.
If you are going to anchor out a lot then you might want to consider the battery recharge issue. In the marina it is nothing to simply charge the dinghy up again. When you are anchored out that might not be an option for you.
In the raft-up group I belonged to we always referred to the electric dink in the group as the "stealth dinghy" because you wouldn't hear him coming up until he said "Hi folks!"
I would highly recommend a totally sealed battery, either gel or AGM (Optima) otherwise battery acid spills might create a nasty situation.
If you are going to anchor out a lot then you might want to consider the battery recharge issue. In the marina it is nothing to simply charge the dinghy up again. When you are anchored out that might not be an option for you.
