Trolling motor for lightweight inflatable

While it is apparently very complex to calculate the conversion - As far as I am aware in previous investigations of this very question : 55lbs of thrust equates to something just under 1HP.

If you can live with that, then it gives you a benchmark.
 
Also you may be familiar with Seagull ouboards and their performance on dinghies. They are identified by their static thrust.

Seagull 100 gives 100 lbs of static thrust. the 120 gives 120 lbs and the 40 gives 40 lbs etc.

So it is easy to compare with thee thrust of electric outboards. (in theory of course)
 
Trolling motors have been around for years, but not suitable for use on a tender. Although your tender may be light, it is not when you have bodies in it. Trolling motors are designed for use on flat bottom fishing platforms in lakes and need a large battery to get any kind of range. Very different from a yacht tender.

The Torqueedo is the only viable electric outboard, but hideously expensive and still limited in range, although it has other benefits that some people value. Your 4hp is OTT. Most tenders are fine with a 2.5hp.
 
I bough a new Bison trolling motor on ebay, came with a 30?ah battery and charger 4 years ago.
It does the job on my 4 man inflatable and still going ok.
Couple of times its gotten me out of trouble when an unexpected squall appeared in transit to Aurora.
 
Why not put hotter plugs in on the existing outboard. We used to do it on our 28hp Yamaha 2 stroke many years ago as it ran at low revs and the plugs oiled up. In the end the main dealer on servicing would use the same. This would mean that the existing outboard could be run at tickover and therefore hopefully trolling speeed.
 
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