Minn Kota electric outboards

[colind3782]

Any experience? I currently have a Suzuki DF2.5 but it's used so rarely it needs a service every time I want to use it. For my usage, and for emergencies, an electric would seem more practical and the Minn Kota range seem to be good value compared to Torqueedo. Any idea what size would be close to the DF2.5 for power?

 

[RupertW]

I can only answer for the Torqueedo which gives the approximate drive of a 2hp, although it feels a lot more as it pushed along our heavy 3m rib over the last few years.

 

[Portofino]

Been unsing one for over 12 y , same one just won,t pack up .
It’s only got a 40 lbs thrust .I think they are up to around 55 lb ? Theses days .
Light
Child friendly- as in they could off in swallows / Amazon way and importantly - return - no start issues
Dog friendly no noise
Fuel - recharge is free , well feels free at the marina or geny @ anchor .
Surprisingly I still got the same 60;Ah bat —- it’s in a box and we have quick connects .
Last time I looked they were around €60- again waiting for it fail - hold charge etc —- amazing .
So what’s it like .
Was on a 2.4 flat / splattered tender and it was fine - not fast ,but perfectly ok in the Med ( no tides ) for shore trips , beach trips and dog comfort breaks .
Now it’s on a hard V Capelli 2.2 tender .The additional of the hard hull and V tender has actually improved the performance .

Mines a proper marine sea Vs it’s got an anode etc .Not to be confused with freshwater trolling motors .

Petrol OB,s are faster , and heavier.
Our boat has been de gassed and we have no petrol storage , stale , fuel , OB service issues .
In the winter the mini Kota , lives in a damp locker —- it just won,t die .

Obviously the torqweedo lie ion bat technology has taken over , more powerful etc , but @1499€ , and more bulk ,
I think the li Iion bats are nickabke ( as is the motor ) and not sure on lifespan .
Love to buy another motor lead acid ,from AN Other car motor factors but 12 y later still waiting !
Bat life is about 3-5 hrs depends on the speed settings .
Modern chargers have a bat indicator anyhow , even when I can,t Remember how many hrs useage ,it’s never really ( even after a winter dumped in a damp cockpit locker ) been lower than 50%

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[colind3782]

Thanks Portofino, looks like it might be the solution.