Electric outboards?

[Kelpie]

I was recently out in a friend's Wayfarer and noticed that his outboard was a bit of a pain- it's only a wee 2hp Yammie but bulky enough to upset the balance a little and to catch on the sheet, which was annoying. I'm getting my own dinghy soon, and for all the use it would get, would an electric outboard suffice?
Didn't know such a thing existed until recently. I don't really get on well with engines, so I like the idea of having no mess, no fumes, etc. Stick a car battery down low somewhere, and the unit itself is small and light and easily stowed.
I'd imagine it would only be used for very short runs to and from the mooring, where there's barely room to swing an oar between the boats at times.
Any thoughts?

 

[Otter]

A 55lb thrust 12v unit that will run for 30mins on a 50ah battery will cost approx £150. The Rolls Royce solution is the Torqeedo - £750 for the base model but will easy power your boat for over an hour on the very light integral battery. Personally I'd go for the £150 job, and if you don't like it sell it on ebay for almost what you paid - they fetch silly amounts there.

 

[exfinnsailor]

Tried one on the river at Southwold .. Ok with the flow but had trouble against a 3 knot tide .. Used a leisure battery .. Told they take along while to recharge .. Think thats why most opt for a petrol .. Less hassle /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[oldharry]

Was considering this myself after some g** helped himself to my dinghy OB. There are various claims made for electric engines, like a 55lbs thrust engine pushing a 16foot dinghy at 4 - 5kts.

However, real life reports all indicated that these figures were only acheived in still conditions, and as soon as the going gets at all rough its out with the oars, as they have no guts

So I bought another petrol engine.