Torqeedo Real-world sailboat test (UPDATED)

Demonstrating a Torqeedo Travel 1103C electric outboard's performance at different speeds and conditions on a 1,100 lbs displacement shoal draft keel sailboat.

[@sumobear2031]

On the strength of this informative video i have changed my 5hp Mariner for a Torqeedo. I was so misinformed about the run time of an electric engine, that i wasn't going to change, until i saw your video. so many thanks, i now have a torqeedo on my Drascombe coaster and i'm very pleased with it.

[@ColoradoSailing]

Thank you! I can think of no better compliment!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

teßt8ng topßpeed

[@danw776]

@sumobear - I have a Drascombe Lugger and have been considering the Torqeedo 1103CL. I sail in/out of a tidal harbor that, not infrequently, presents head on wind and current of+3 knots. On infrequent occassions I have had to use near-full throttle on my 3.5hp Mercury outboard. I currently have an opportunity to purchase a new 1103CL for approximately 30% off, but am concerned about having insufficient juice or running out of power. Curios what your actual Torqeedo-powered Coaster experience has been. Thanks in advance for any comments or additional information you can provide. And, special thanks to firefighterdave for this really informative video.

[@peterjorgensen3]

Nice video! Good technical review and data!

[@joefrancis759]

Nice demo. I really would like to spring for one of these but at >2x cost of the putt-putt (and well over half the cost of my boat itself), it's making me balk. Plus, I eventually want to take my rig on stuff like the TX200 and I'd be anxious this wouldn't be up to the task for the higher end of bad weather on those trips without a huge energy bank on standby. But I'm a sailor, I shouldn't need any motor. Really it's the cost.

[@ColoradoSailing]

For me, it was several things: 1) not water cooled, so easier aquatic nuisance species (ANS) inspections at the ramp, 2) instant reverse gear instead of spinning the motor 180 degrees, 3) no maintenance or tune-ups, 4) whisper quiet, 5) access to “electric-only” lakes, 6) I primarily sail small lakes so not a lot of motoring. Certainly risky on longer voyages with lots of motoring.

[@joefrancis759]

@@ColoradoSailing oh man, I never thought about the ANS inspection

[@Silverback1969MoonLandingLies]

I very good video, I definitely don't want an electric outboard motor, but I do want the same boat.

[@jefffrayer8238]

I do know Torqeedo is a great outboard and think it could work for many like those on a lake or in many other situations. You gave a great video of what to expect on probably an average situation. The one thing lacking is are you using 1 battery or more and what the amp/hrs for the battery/ batteries. Also do you program the battery capacity info into the Torqeedo or does it somehow know? Thanks.

[@ColoradoSailing]

I have one Torqeedo 915Wh battery ($995) which is 29.6V rated at 31Ah. I’ve never gotten my battery below 50%; even though I’ve sailed for 3 consecutive days without charging. But, I am paranoid, so I did purchase a 12V charging cable ($50) which I can connect to my boat’s 12V 35Ah deep cycle marine battery. I estimate it will give the Torqeedo a 50% charge…but I’ve never had to use it. I also have a small solar panel for the boat’s 12V marine battery…but have not had a need to use it either. The Torqeedo outboard has a built in computer with GPS that monitors the battery and provides speed, range and consumption and battery life remaining…

[@jefffrayer8238]

@@ColoradoSailing Hmmmm, Obviously not a Trolling Motor from walmart, Lol. My mistake. Thanks for the great video and educating me of what's out there.

[@peterjorgensen3]

@@jefffrayer8238 I have the Epropulsion equivalent - Spirit 1.0. it has a 1.2 kWh battery so it will run at full power for an hour and a half - about 6 miles. At 30% power probably 20 miles of range. You can find the Torqeedo on eBay or Facebook marketplace used.

[@sailingwyvern9564]

Thanks for that, id suppose wind factor should allow to calculate range at what it would be for double or more the actual speed?

[@ColoradoSailing]

The speed displayed is actual speed over the earth based on GPS…the water speed could be higher or lower depending on current. If motoring into the wind, the boat experiences more resistance and drag, requiring more power for any given speed. But, the Torqeedo’s display remains accurate as far as power consumption, speed and range. Does that help?

[@sailingwyvern9564]

@@ColoradoSailing it does indeed. Ive bought one and will be trying it on my boat in the coming weeks. Its 18ft Foxcub, approx 1 ton including myself and the gear in it. Im sailing upriver on the Shannon and think the river flow is between three to one knot against me, plus wind, so am hoping it can do the job.

[@ColoradoSailing]

@@sailingwyvern9564 I’m thinking a 3 knot current will be a challenge. I’d guess that to move 1 kt upstream against 3 kts of current would take 400 watts of power and yield maybe 8-10 miles of range in those conditions. Of corse, if you only have 1 mile upstream to go you should be fine. You can also use the sails to help (motor sail) if possible.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

@@ColoradoSailing buy emtrc bayliñer

[@emmottataolcom]

relying on readout estimates. not actual. and in what wind,current,tides?

[@ColoradoSailing]

This is in a “no wind” situation with the exception of one test done in 12-15mph winds. The wind test showed about 2x power consumption and 1/2 range of similar speed of “no wind” situation. As far as actual numbers, when motoring a sailboat for long periods over long distances throttle changes are often required (obstacles, letting other boats pass, maneuvering around kayaks, changing direction relative to wind, wind speed changes or shifts) and the computer re-calculates range for each change, making the data useless. Given that and the fact the lake I’m on is only 5.3sq mi…a long-distance real-world test is impractical and really would not translate into solid real world useable info. The general point here is with throttle demand, runtime goes down exponentially. Plus, I’m a sailor…I’d rather spend my time sailing! 😁

[@sharonbraselton4302]

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[@nadinefox9797]

safe your self some money They are anything but RELIABLE

[@peterjorgensen3]

Remind me again about oil changes and spark plugs and dead gas outboards that perpetually die and stink and shake and make me go deaf...