Going Electric

[Mike Wainfeld]

My beloved Yamaha 3hp has finally given up the ghost after 20+ years. I'm going electric-ePropulsion 3hp. More expensive than the 4 stroke 3.5hp Merc/Tohatsu/Nissan, but forward/reverse, quiet, lighter, should be much less maintenance. I'll let you know how it works out.

[rickmurray]

Hi...I'd be interested to see how this turns out, in particular how the 'power' of the 3HP compares to whatever the size of e-motor you got. I find it hard to compare from what I read on-line. I have a CD25 with 6 HP Tohatsu gas outboard in lazarette and wondering what size e-motor I would need to replace the Tohatsu with when it dies.

Thanks,

Rick Murray
"Sara Jane", Scituate MA

[Mike Wainfeld]

I finally took the boat out for a little spin with the ePropulsion Spirit 1 Evo. It worked great! Typhoon, as you all know, 18.5', 2000 lb, full keel. It moved the boat along easily at 3.5 kt at half throttle, and 5kt at full. Half gives me 2 1/2 hours and full 1 hour. I only need 30 minutes to get in and out of my small canal. Occasionally, with a North wind I can sail out. So range, my biggest worry, does not seem to be a problem. Silent, and I had my hearing aids in! I used to leave the Yamaha on the mount, this one I'm taking off and putting in the cabin. But the battery comes off, and each part is about 20 lbs, so its pretty easy. Just push the on button, and turn the throttle! It seems stronger than the gas outboard, the propeller is bigger, apparently the electric motors have more torque.

[keneasley]

That range looks impressive. The web site said something about "hydrogeneration" so maybe it recharges itself while sailing if you leave it down?
I think you made a good choice. More expensive than a gas outboard but lighter and no maintenance.
Did you get the long shaft 29.5 inch ?

[Mike Wainfeld]

No, the Yamaha long shaft was 26", I got the 24.5", and it's fine.

[Mike Wainfeld]

Couple of things-I could not tilt the motor up, I have a standard Ty bracket-But-the motor did hydrogenerate at a speed of 3.5-4 Kts. 88% of the battery left after 1/2 hr use getting out and back onto my canal.