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David Dennis · 19-05-2014, 18:45

Does anyone have experience with electric-powered dinghies, such as this design from Gig Harbor Boat Works? It looks nicely designed and better thought out than electric outboards like the Torqeedo.

Rudder-Mount Electric Motor | Gig Harbor Boat Works

This looks almost like the super-cool Duffy Electric Boats, which are designed and, unfortunately, priced

for owners of multi-million dollar waterfront homes in Newport Beach, California. I've always wanted to own one, but of course the 16' minimum size is a bit big for a dinghy, and the $26,000 price is pretty much prohibitive for all but superyacht owners.

The Gig Harbor version seems like a pretty cool option and surprisingly reasonably priced, a lot cheaper than a $2,000 Torqeedo electric outboard, but with a longer run time and probably more aesthetically pleasing to boot.

Thoughts?

Anyone seen one or given it a whirl?

David

deckofficer · 19-05-2014, 19:43

Looks a bit like a modded version of the MinnKota outboard motor mount trolling motor.

Engine Mount - Saltwater | Trolling Motors | Products | Minn Kota Motors

**minaret** · 19-05-2014, 21:18

They are nice, almost bought a GH, did my research. However, I seriously doubt they'd sell just a propulsion unit. They are gonna want you to buy a boat. I found them to be less than pleasant to do business with, and took my money elsewhere. Paid about the same, got much more boat.

deckofficer · 19-05-2014, 22:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by minaret

They are nice, almost bought a GH, did my research. However, I seriously doubt they'd sell just a propulsion unit. They are gonna want you to buy a boat. I found them to be less than pleasant to do business with, and took my money elsewhere. Paid about the same, got much more boat.

They do sell just the propulsion unit......

AUXILIARY PROPULSION
Rudder mounted electric motors, w/remote control
12 V, 55 pound thrust . . . . . . .$ 895
24 V, 80 pound thrust . . . . . . .$ 995

**minaret** · 19-05-2014, 22:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by deckofficer

They do sell just the propulsion unit......

AUXILIARY PROPULSION
Rudder mounted electric motors, w/remote control
12 V, 55 pound thrust . . . . . . .$ 895
24 V, 80 pound thrust . . . . . . .$ 995

Where does it say they will sell just the unit? That is clipped from their price list of addons for their boats. I may be wrong, but try calling them and asking. They have a substantial wait list for their very pricey boats. They didn't seem to me to be in a hurry to be helpful...

ElGatoGordo · 19-05-2014, 22:49

I'm not an electric motor expert for sure. But it LOOKS like a trolling motor adapted. If it's the same thing, a 55# thrust for $900 seems very high. I'd want more info on the sourcing of the motors.

Since I'm a DIY kind of guy, I can see easily converting a $350 trolling motor Like this:
Minn Kota Riptide RT 55 Transom-Mount Saltwater Trolling Motor, 42" Shaft, 55 lbs Thrust 12V: Outdoor Sports : Walmart.com
to accomplish the same thing. Run time is simply about the battery you have.

Totally agree about the Torpedo. I've seen several in operation, not impressed.

deckofficer · 19-05-2014, 22:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElGatoGordo

I'm not an electric motor expert for sure. But it LOOKS like a trolling motor adapted. If it's the same thing, a 55# thrust for $900 seems very high. I'd want more info on the sourcing of the motors.

Since I'm a DIY kind of guy, I can see easily converting a $350 trolling motor Like this:
Minn Kota Riptide RT 55 Transom-Mount Saltwater Trolling Motor, 42" Shaft, 55 lbs Thrust 12V: Outdoor Sports : Walmart.com
to accomplish the same thing. Run time is simply about the battery you have.

Totally agree about the Torpedo. I've seen several in operation, not impressed.

See my link in post #2.