Solar Electric 12S LiPo BRUSHLESS Mini Boat - Epropulsion SPIRIT 1.0 Outboard Review in Hawaii Ocean

How does the Epropulsion Spirit 1.0 Electric outboard and solar charging system do on my mini boat here in the ocean of Hawaii? bit.ly/2KH2m5L
Products tested and used in this review:
Electric Motor & Solar Panel System bit.ly/2KH2m5L
Boat amzn.to/2IyMXlz
Sun Shade Bimini Top (smallest size for this boat) amzn.to/2WIkZxI
Bimini Mounts (Glue on) amzn.to/2VTWgqE
Bimini Mount Pins (Drilling Mount Required) amzn.to/3xGhzsU
Front Bow storage amzn.to/2IDPJpt
Padded seat storage amzn.to/2WIsmoH
All-in-One Boat Safety Bag & First Aid Kit amzn.to/3lHNnts
Anchor Line amzn.to/39mai7R
Portable Anchor amzn.to/3hNeYZ1
Osmo Action Cam amzn.to/2MAdcgG
GoPro amzn.to/2MScgEv
Floating GoPro Handle amzn.to/2MXtujQ
I hope you enjoy this great adventure I had with the help of my Son and daughter. We are excited with the new boat and the setup seems really portable, economical and environmentally friendly.
Lot's more above and underwater adventures to come.
Please consider subscribing and supporting our channel.
Aloha,
- Dustin & Family
Help support our channel / dustindunnill

[@bigeyetuna6228]

I love this one, I’ve messed around with outboard motors most of my life and still do, the fumes, the noise and fuel are all a real downsides even for today’s advanced 4 stroke motors, this completely removes all those inconveniences, also like the read out on the tiller, very well thought out, solar abilities as well, very cool, I’m surprised someone hasn’t done this already-the electric motors on bass fishing boats aren’t that much different and they have a ton of thrust plus RC ability as well as gps, keep us updated on this if you hang on to it... Maui No Ka Oi

[@ek9772]

Big eye Tuna there is another company, Torqueedo, that I know that has similar products.

[@leslidodge5042]

I love that the motor does not disturb the wild life. I am looking for an clean energy motor. Your review was very well done. Thank you.

[@senorgecko8236]

It’s amazing how things like this can be so small and compact but still efficient, those are the types of things I love

[@daleadmire1451]

It's such a privilege to be alive right now with all the toys and gadgets available to us, people are short-changing themselves, they're so busy watching the news and getting into Twitter fights they're not enjoying their lives, you sure are, people need to unplug and get out in the world and live!

[@theone2be33]

Very well said brother!

[@dabbayoo]

Nah. It's overrated, hot, sun blinding and boring lol

[@shine9680]

All the toys and gadgets are for the rich. Its a privilege for the PRIVILEGED

[@daleadmire1451]

@@shine9680 I made that statement 8 months ago, the world is a very different place now, but if you are a middle-class American you have a better lifestyle than Kings a hundred years ago. Now of course, all bets are off and I fear for our future, may the good Lord have mercy on us all 🙏

[@shine9680]

@@daleadmire1451 lol i live off $350 a month. And about the kings, so not true, not failing to mention moot.

[@adddude7524]

Really impressive how you managed to comfortably fit in and use that tiny dinghy with 3 people!

[@AnthonyBate]

When in Turkey I went on a river boat that had an electric motor, it had a capacity of 20 people. They preferred them as they could have a housing around the prop which wouldn't maim the passing Turtles.

[@thekraken1173]

Dalyan?

[@gaycha6589]

Nice but prop guards have been available for ice engines for decades

[@DanBee123]

Man the blue color of that water is mesmerizing

[@holgere.]

Thanks for the review. I just bought the successor version of the motor, the Spirit 1.0 Plus and a bit larger 600 W solar panel w. another charge controller. I'm currently trying to figure out how to get the EPropulsion proprietary connector for the battery. I might have to make one by myself since the company is not offering them for sale. Any hints will be appreciated.

[@niz76]

Hey it's Dustin! Whaa?? This isn't a drone video?? Lol. Looks like we have many of the same interests. Great to see you in the boating section of yt!

[@didactylos4diddy474]

Now that would be a really good motor system for a yacht tender. Not sure about the solar charging on-board the dinghy but it worked. Like it.

[@eddiegeorge2658]

You get the best toys!!!

[@GulfCoastTim]

Yep I noticed this as well!

[@ek9772]

Great review. The straps, as you know, should grab the panel gear from the corners only, and they should point away at about a 45° angle from each corner. The reason for this, of course, is to avoid shading from the cords on the panels themselves. Depending on the way the panel system is setup, the shading can cut the output by up to 100%. Great setup. Mahalo 🤘🏻

[@ek9772]

I have an idea for keeping the charger dry. Several years ago, I found a waterproof box for keys, wallet, and spare change at Walmart. Whenever, I went near water I would put everything inside, and it kept things dry. If it fell on the water, it would float. I know they used to sell a similar box for larger items. This larger box seems to me about the right size to allow the charger to fit in. You would need to drill holes on each side for the cables, and then seal the holes with the cables with a water proof sealant. There are waterproof liquid caulking and silicon materials for this application. The only concern I would have is temperature buildup inside the box. So a shaded corner inside the dingy might help, You would probably need to check with the manufacturer whether this would work.

[@mrguitman99]

I cant wait to see that ship wreck. Motor and solar panel were very impressive! Thanks for this.

[@DustinDunnill]

The wreck was... An interesting situation with all the commercial scuba companies barging in 😂

[@scootroter4859]

You always do the co0olest unique videos and explain things very clearly so anyone not familiar with this gear can easily understand it. It's pretty obvious why these companies want you to review their products! You do a damn good job, get your family involved in the adventure, and make it fun! I'm a long time subscriber and even though I am mostly interested in the FPV drone racing reviews, you make this stuff fascinating! Always Awesome content Dustin! 😊🤘

[@DustinDunnill]

What a great comment from a great subscriber! 🍻

[@kiliclimber2001]

Thank you for reporting on the latest gadgets. And always clip the motor key to you...is a safety device in case you fall overboard.

[@gdhall5311]

Really good video Dustin, I love the idea of the electric motor and the view is amazing.

[@joerover]

😎well, it's look like so good & reliable ! if have 2 pcs of solar sheet may be better ! but the camera moving so much, that make me little bit not well 🥴

[@SmolStufff]

A range test without the solarpanels will be a real nailbiter. :)

[@giordanonagro3592]

7hink1 depends on the speed

[@andrewfreeman88]

It'll take about a week to fully charge that battery via solar panel ; ) Solar is just a trickle charger but very cool!

[@chronicawareness9986]

ive seen guys with 2-500 watt solar panels connected to electric motor and can go non stop all day aslong as there is sun!

[@andrewfreeman88]

@@chronicawareness9986 This same setup or a different one?

[@chronicawareness9986]

@@andrewfreeman88 different, heres one kzbin.info/www/bejne/inrVfHWLfrmrmpI many more if u look up solar power trolling motor

[@jimyeats]

With the solar panel he has it would take about 2 days assuming the battery was completely drained. It’s a 1000 watt battery and the solar panel looks like an 80 watt folding panel. With reference to Chronic awareness, there are few (if any) 500 watt solar panels for a private individual to get their hands on. Simply too large and unwieldy. The solar panel in the link you referenced looks like a 300 watt panel that is used on most residential or commercial applications. They are around 6.5ft x 3ft for roughly 300 watt capability, so a 500 watt panel would be something like 8.5ft x 4ft, which would be.....quite large....and heavy. But, with that all said, with the right set up yes you certainly could get enough solar power to charge and maintain an electric motor going at lower speeds.

[@kentwood9821]

Excellent review, glad to see one with other people in the boat!

[@iVolkswagen]

For those wondering, about $3,000 for this setup (boat, sun shade, motor, solar panel)

[@DustinDunnill]

Very affordable full setup and I don't need a trailer. It all breaks down and fits in the back of my Toyota 4Runner. Takes about a half hour to setup on shore once you get the hang of it 👍.

[@iVolkswagen]

Dustin Dunnill I’m envious! Lol. This set up is perfect

[@andreodinot9950]

Nice for more than our boating need

[@bigglyguy8429]

Oh wow... I just checked their site to see how the price and weight of their larger motors compare to the 9.8 hp 2-stroke I just bought. Their 9.9hp motor is actually 2 kg heavier - excluding the battery. In Malaysian ringgit my little Tohatsu cost 4,600, the electric 9.9 would cost a thumping 13,000 ringgit! That's like 3 times the price and heavier? I can't really call this progress.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

9,99 cist 6400 too 9600

[@GateKommand]

Yet again an interesting video mate. Sat here in Northern England about 60 miles from the coast I do envy you :)

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Buy rand 28 or 30 foot tge. Ark aqwatt 847 twin carbon. 2 baters 124 mi k es

[@scottydrones2987]

Awesome vid Dustin. Your toy box is so much better than mine buddy!

[@BBooka]

This electric motor looks great. Easy assembling and looks so quiet. The same looks solar panel easy to use and most important, that is possible to attach it on sun shade. (Y)

[@markjennings2315]

Fantastic, my favourite RC reviewer is now doing boat things too!

[@hygrometer]

a longer ,aluminum flat bottom jon boat, with epoxy coating on the bottom to lower drag, this motor would prob go 10mph with the same payload, maybe even get on plane! cool motor setup, just needs the least amount of drag as possible. This would do well in an aluminum canoe too, just use the side of the canoe towards the rear as the transom (piece of plywood both sides for clamp support. Bam! you be flyin in a canoe!

[@DustinDunnill]

Good points there 👍

[@eyeonyou3540]

Dustin you need to get a hold of one of those new DJI fpv systems and review it. Your the only reviewer I trust to give me the low down and real talk about the system. Seems bad ass and way better then analog...

[@DustinDunnill]

Review in the works 👌

[@Prifly70]

Arrrrgh....I want your life Dustin ! *fists raised like an old man yelling* Love your content man. Given me a lot of flying tips over the years. Bravo.

[@DustinDunnill]

😂🍻

[@r-wheelz7691]

Dude you have the life I wish I had!! Seriously I'm jealous man people just send you products to test that is great. In return I have learned allot from your channel and you as far as drones. You're the reason I'm buying a Mavic 2 or 3 pro!! I'm there same way very thorough with everything you do you read you don't just charge and go. You get maximum out of every product wether or not it's nice out junk!! But nothing that I have really seen you do or have is junk.

[@r-wheelz7691]

So thank you for the knowledge!!

[@raffyturc]

nice little boat Dustin 👍

[@DroningaboutNW]

That is a cool concept made functional right there

[@MrJustus88]

Would be perfect for lakes

[@RICKHALBUR]

Thanks Dustin very nice set up I like it’s on my wish list now

[@michaelmontgomery6388]

I do like your set-up, very nice👍👍

[@andreodinot9950]

Good explanation thank you from France

[@dronereviewman9580]

This is so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! . BEST REVIEW EVER!!! . 👍😀👍

[@robbyducati]

Awesome review and nice real world example! Shaka!

[@bens3067]

Cool idea and concept, but an hour and 45 min is just not enough life. Seems like you could get alot more run time with a minnkota and a full size deep cycle marine battery

[@DustinDunnill]

I thought about getting a trolling motor but the flimsy design and heavy extra battery requirement in my small boat turned me off. I got this one because it stacks together leaving room in boat and is an overall lighter setup with a lifetime warranty. Runtime is totally dependant on throttle. 4 or more hours at low throttle and 1hr at full throttle. More with the solar panel constantly charging as you go.

[@AnthonyBate]

With the solar charging I'd estimate around 30W input from the cells. If you're willing to go slow you could go forever! How about lining the top of your canopy with solar cells!

[@DustinDunnill]

Epropulsion rates the pannel at 100watts max. How much is actually getting to the battery is hard to say but you may be right. I knew it was charging when we got back and still had 75% battery or more 👍

[@RUS_US]

7:10 it will be 6mph at any boat which is lighter ... the speed is a function of rpm and propeller pitch 8:14 ... the exhaust is not smooth ... the extra short is not good for the boat

[@josh199175]

You mentioned in the video matching the shaft length to the boat, what was the shaft length for your boat in the video in case i wanted to buy the same setup you got. Great video i really like that little boat w/the sunshade and that motor is awesome

[@DustinDunnill]

Extra short shaft length. I mentioned it when I was mounting it also 👍

[@josh199175]

@@DustinDunnill awesome thank you much Dustin 👍

[@Usatorok]

When clamping down, did you feel like you could break the handle or did it feel strong and secure? Excellent video as always.

[@DustinDunnill]

Felt pretty strong and secure. You just need them equally snug since it's not a big powerful motor. I guess if you really over torque them they could but the motor is very well engineered it seems.

[@Usatorok]

Dustin Dunnill Thank you!

[@PedalForward]

Very informative video, thanks!

[@raymondj8768]

That is a wicked cool boat n motor !!!!

[@BBBYpsi]

1 hour charge in perfect sunlight boat turned off not running & got really no extra charge from the solar panel. I call this a fail for the solar panel.

[@DRONETREADONME]

Interesting concept. Do they offer any canoe mounting options off the shelf? Can you tap a Garmin fishfinder into the battery?

[@DustinDunnill]

I think their VAQUITA line is designed to fit kayaks and paddle boards 👍

[@str8channel]

Oh that's bad ass.... cool review brother

[@aaronwilsontd]

So it’s a boat with a high power trolling motor that uses loop batteries? Not much difference there other than voltage.

[@benc1927]

I cant decide a Torqeedo or a epropulsion

[@raymondboots6089]

Very cool! Mahalo for the awesome share again! Aloha!

[@brucegordon3566]

Thanks. Just bought a used zodiak.after my stroke Hoping this will be good for trolling Hope not to expensive 5$ gas has killed us for travel If any discounts around let Mr know

[@Voxguitarsrock]

How much do those motors sell for? And can you buy extra batteries for extended range?

[@DustinDunnill]

I put the link in description under video. Yes you can get extra batteries.

[@WildCaptures]

That is a really cool setup, do you think it could reach Molokini crater??

[@DustinDunnill]

Yes. Molokini is 3 miles from Maui so I don't think it'd be an issue unless the wind and waves got bad. Would just have to be the perfect calm day to be safe 👍

[@DeanF]

Mahalo Dustin! I always appreciate the reviews :) P.S. Launching at Keawakapu?

[@DustinDunnill]

Kihei Harbor 🤙

[@Gilly714]

Amazing review bradda , great job now I want one haha....

[@DustinDunnill]

⚓🤙

[@bahamianfreedivermay6859]

I wonder if this boat could plane

[@flagship1701e]

Oi Da Loco Haole Boi flashin da pigeon to da odda guys in da wata. Great review!

[@DustinDunnill]

Lol.. and da odda guys was actually da Haole ones but LOOK local 😂. Dis Boi Haole born and raised bulleh! Thank you. Stay tuned for more with this boat 😉🤙

[@bjl1000]

I think the US Navy Seal teams would like this.

[@kf4293]

The price is getting closer, but a Honda is still $1k or so. That or similar super-quiet 4 stroke would be the best comparison. That said, there are lakes that allow these, that won't allow anything gas. So that gives yah more options. I think the KZbinr mentioned something that bears noting: the company sent him all their nifty stuff to review. While other people who had to buy it also love these, the fact remains that _he didn't have to make a purchase of over $2000._ If he were trying to choose between this, or the Honda, with his wallet caught in the middle, would this still win?

[@DustinDunnill]

Actually I had to buy the motor. They footed the large shipping bill to Hawaii 🍻

[@KubotaManDan]

When is the fishing tripper you lured us with, you'll have to wait till after the tropical storms, I wanna see some big Brilliant Pomfret fish on your line

[@DustinDunnill]

I'll get some good fishing (and catching) on vid sooner or later 🙂

[@compositionsforever2466]

Very very very nice.

[@theone2be33]

Cool boat! What was total cost for everything?

[@DustinDunnill]

About 3k

[@theone2be33]

@@DustinDunnill Not bad considering. Im thinking it would work amazing on a quiet lake with no wind or waves.

[@hkvanx]

Hi Dustin, I have the same boat as yours and my Eprop dealer is recommending the Short Shaft instead of Extra Short Shaft. They mentioned the additional length would be helpful in choppy water conditions there would be more chance of the prop coming further out of the water and then unit will begin to lose performance since one blade is no longer catching all of the water it needs to in order to move the boat forward -- especially when encountering waves from other boats or wind blown chop. Did you have this experience with Extra Short Shaft unit?

[@DustinDunnill]

If water is choppy like that you probably shouldn't be using this low power motor anyway. I haven't seen much cavitation issues because I go out on very calm days. If your not worried about extremely shallow coral heads in your area then yes, get the longer shaft motors.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Yes it is biy it

[@mrwascallyt9865]

beautiful place

[@clocks8791]

Awesome video

[@bensboats-b9t]

Would it be possible to create a hybrid system here using an onboard generator?

[@rogerkerkmann]

Wonder how well it makes a bucket of margaritas 😎

[@thecyrusthegreat]

Damn... I have been in the exact spot in Maui Kihei area. Very nice neigborhood.

[@vee2easy]

circumnavigate the globe with this.

[@ZakonACinfo]

Little drones, they grow up so fast (๑•́ㅿ•̀๑) Coming up next, an actual full scale RC yacht ⛵😂💦💦

[@DustinDunnill]

😂

[@markjennings2315]

Neat set up. thanks for the vid. Where did you get the bimini mounting point? does it glue on? thanks.

[@DustinDunnill]

I think I put the link in description. Initially I just ziptied it to the side boat handles but have since glued on some flip up plastic Bimini mounts 🍻

[@Alex4n3r]

I guess the key is a safety to be attached to your body. In case you fall into the water, the motor stops.

[@DustinDunnill]

Correct

[@tomvillalon]

Great review. How long did it take to ship out to Maui, and did you order directly through the website?

[@DustinDunnill]

From a dealer in California took a few weeks by barge. There are only a few Epropulsion dealers in us. Link is in description.

[@tomvillalon]

@@DustinDunnill mahalo nui! We are going to order

[@DustinDunnill]

You bet. Tell them I sent you. Maybe they'll give you a discount 🍻

[@gear21clothingco.75]

Technology. Awesome...

[@aguld8633]

Awsome!

[@troutstag]

That solar charger is a joke. At best it’s 50 watts. Not good when you suck out 500 watts when running motor.

[@DustinDunnill]

75% power when I got to my location and still 75% when I got home. Guess it's working.

[@frans810324]

$2000,- for an electric outboord is a lot...for that kind of money you can buy yourself a much better electric outboard and battery pack. Go for rebellcell and Minn Kota all day long. Proven quality and a great pricing makes this even more interesting.

[@DustinDunnill]

This has a lifetime warranty and much more durable as far as I can tell.

[@Hakimfarhat]

New idea for migration 🤫

[@elijahs4914]

how fast you can go with this boat (3 people on board)?

[@rippingj6017]

That mini boat is pretty sweet

[@Cstrong278]

What makes it better than a trolling motor with a solar panel on it's battery for less than half the price

[@DustinDunnill]

Likely the lifetime warranty and build quality. You won't find a brushless trolling motor with battery matching this quality for half the price.

[@oliverjahr]

I like to know how long did you try to change it while you were out and how many watt is the solar pannel

[@teinh22a]

Is it lithium ion or polymer?? You called it both... but they are not the same.. also, where is this hawaiian ocean you speak of?

[@DustinDunnill]

Ion cylindrical cells I believe

[@kentmparker]

Thanks for the video. Did the mount for your sunshade/bivi? I have the same boat and like your shade set up.

[@DustinDunnill]

Glue on mounts from Amazon

[@kentmparker]

@@DustinDunnill oh boy. Thanks I'm so excited to get my shade up.

[@DustinDunnill]

I may have linked them in the description under video. Good luck 👍

[@slugosrc1256]

Cool!

[@hkvanx]

nice video....for the bimini, how did you install on this boat? glue on mount attachment included in kit? thanks

[@DustinDunnill]

I ordered some Bimini glue mounts. I think I linked them in description under video 🍻

[@hkvanx]

@@DustinDunnill thanks for reply....didnt see mount listed in description...can you provide a link? I have same boat and want to make sure I order same bimini and mount as yours

[@DustinDunnill]

Howard V. I added these to the description that I use to mount bimini: Bimini Mounts (Glue on) amzn.to/2VTWgqE Bimini Mount Pins (Drilling Required) amzn.to/3xGhzsU I took off the plastic bottoms ring mount of bimini bars and drilled hole through bar and mount then just add the pin through both when setting up. You could also try leaving the plastic ring mounts in the bimini bars and taking off the male end off boat side glue mount then slide pins through that and existing bimini mount ring but I don't think it would work as well.

[@fireislandmavic5939]

super cool, did you check out the torqeedo?

[@DustinDunnill]

I honestly tried to order the new Torqeedo that just came out from the dealer here but they were very rude, unprofessional and hung up on me so I went to fourseas.com Nabs was very professional and got me the equipment quickly.

[@fireislandmavic5939]

wow sorry you had bad xp with that, thank you for the cool video

[@arturoc2c714]

whats the lifetime on the battery?

[@ngengs1]

Aloha Dustin, I am interested... can you tell me how you purchased? online dealer? Thanks!

[@DustinDunnill]

Please see the description under video for info/links 🍻

[@VoidlessOfSpace]

Kinda small for 3 people

[@jdeshetlerII]

Sorry but I don't like how proprietary the power source is. If you get into a situation where you run out of juice is there a cable to hook up to a standard battery? Especially if a second power source will cost you $900 more..

[@DustinDunnill]

Of you know how to build batteries, you can always build your own.

[@pedrohenriquepassos]

Hello, how are you? My name is Pedro and I have a Mirovia just like yours. In it, I use a Hidea 9.8. I would like to buy a Navi 6, I think with it I could get the boat to glide. What do you think?

[@tonyciroc6565]

How would this motor hold on a saturn 18 ft inflatable boat

[@ChristopherF_1971]

Droneworship will be convinced you stole this idea from him.. lmao. I bet anything! Anyway great video and well explained.

[@nicholaschristophorou3087]

The future...

[@keldri6345]

Vid title says it is a LIPO battery, but you called it a Li-ion battery - which is it?

[@DustinDunnill]

I'd assume it's a giant cluster of Li-ion 18650 cells

[@canaanwinthrop2463]

I would like to see one made with safe batteries like LiFePo4.

[@JohnSmith-xn3fr]

ever heard of MinnKota trolling electric motors ?

[@DustinDunnill]

I checked those first and they are not an all-in-one package with battery like this. Also seemed not as well constructed but I do like the GPS hold functionality. Like a virtual anchor.

[@paulkazjack]

Should he have done?

[@manu2garcia1]

Hej.where i can buy the solar panel,i have the same motor