Torqeedo v. ePropulsion v. Elco Outboards

[Adelie]

Torqeedo recommends replacing gear cap including shaft seals every 2yr or 300hr operation, whichever comes sooner.

https://thetorqeedoshop.com.au/servi...rqeedo-motors/

I have not yet found any recommendation from ePropulsion.

[Nicholson58]

We are in the Caribbean as live aboard. Our sailing organization did a rally of over 100 boats to the Caribbean from the US East coast. Several members came with electric OBs. Three Torqeedos failed utterly after three months, unrepairable. Two other members with competing products gave up due to the long distances and limitations of power. Throw two people with groceries into a dink and plod home over a couple miles in 20 knots wind and rough sea. Forget about going to the reef with tanks, BCD fins, etc. many excursions are simply out of reach.

Consider that a dinghy with 10-15 HP may at some time be the tool you use to save your boat. We have used ours to rescue several boats with failed main engines, unable to dock or make it to the anchorage.

Store your gas cans on deck with canvas covers to keep them cool and UV shaded. 16 years now with three X 3 gallon gas tanks and no leaks.

The daily amp hour loading for most of us, fridge, freezer, water maker is in excess of the combined wind and solar available. There are also bad days, weeks. One runs the generator periodically as you must to keep the batteries healthy. The electric option here is simply not an option.

[kryg]

Thanks!! Good info, based on experience.

Thank you for sharing real world e-OB use. I have been on the fence waiting for e-OB to increase HP and range to match Gas OB. Physics plays a road block part in its progression, I'm sure.

Duel e-OB idea/ possible solution?

Maybe mount two 4hp e-OB side by side to get more power and possibly range, less work for one e-OB to push the dingy along when needed.

Yes, expensive and a complicated arrangement for sure, however doable for thoughts that can afford it to try? Good reason for G-OB's to remain king to do the hard lifting, dingy work?

Question: Has anyone tried using two e-OB side by side users out there, please share as it would be interesting to know your experience. Wishing Happy Navigation Experiences.

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

We are in the Caribbean as live aboard. Our sailing organization did a rally of over 100 boats to the Caribbean from the US East coast. Several members came with electric OBs. Three Torqeedos failed utterly after three months, unrepairable. Two other members with competing products gave up due to the long distances and limitations of power. Throw two people with groceries into a dink and plod home over a couple miles in 20 knots wind and rough sea. Forget about going to the reef with tanks, BCD fins, etc. many excursions are simply out of reach.

Consider that a dinghy with 10-15 HP may at some time be the tool you use to save your boat. We have used ours to rescue several boats with failed main engines, unable to dock or make it to the anchorage.

Store your gas cans on deck with canvas covers to keep them cool and UV shaded. 16 years now with three X 3 gallon gas tanks and no leaks.

The daily amp hour loading for most of us, fridge, freezer, water maker is in excess of the combined wind and solar available. There are also bad days, weeks. One runs the generator periodically as you must to keep the batteries healthy. The electric option here is simply not an option.

[nevetsyad]

Originally Posted by Adelie

I believe I pointed it out somewhere above, eProp and Torq use podded motors.
I believe the seals are mandatory replacement items YEARLY. You should check the owners manual or the manufacturer.
If the seals fail in use between replacements the motor will short and may be toast.

Elco has the motor out of the water at the top of the outboard.

It looks like the ePropulsion pod drives only require an anode replacement, as needed, no seals or annual checkup with the dealer.

https://www.epropulsion.com/wp-conte...-ENDE-V2.0.pdf