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Hey guys, one more question on electric propulsion. On a 14’(V) bottom aluminum boat which electric motor would push my boat at the higher speed, Torqeedo 801 or the Minn Kota Traxxis 24 volt 80lb thrust and which would most of you guys buy if you were going to use it for main power.
Who fixes the Torqueedo if it breaks? I was reading some of the specs on the Torqueedo. To say it has 2 hp is stretching it according to my calculator. I am speaking of True HP (746 Watts=1HP). I can't find any current specifications on the torqueedo, so it is hard to compare the 2 units. The onlt spec I could relate to was the 74lb thrust vs 80 lb thrust. This tells me (if the two units had comparable props) the Minn Kota would be quicker at take off, but not necessarily have the faster speed.
Call the dealers and get some input. But, then they lie.:(
I contacted Torqeedo about current draw. They told me that the 801 draws 27 amps at full throttle. The Minn Kota draws 57 amps at full throttle. Torqeedo also told me that they measure thrust different. Torqeedo measures it as static thrust where Minn Kota measures thrust at the prop. This works out to be about a 30% difference in the Torqeedo's favor. Tempting motor...to try. Good point on the maintence concern.
Another thing to consider is batteries. If I read things right the MK uses regular deep cycle batteries (4 of them) while the Torqeedo uses a special battery. If thats all true then you could carry extra batteries for the MK but can you for the Torqeedo? But then who has room for 8 batteries? LOL Would you even have room for 4 of them?
No, the Torqeedo is 24v same as the Minn Kota. I have been thinking about your reply. Fixing that $1200.00 German machine might be next to imposible to do, if it breaks down. if I am honest with myself, I really want to put a 20hp Tohatsu or Yamaha on the back with a MK for manuvering around.
Ha. Their method is devious. Sounds like some of the deceitful Sonar power measurements.Quote:
Originally Posted by autumneagle
Fact:
Thrust is a static measurement of force. It is a result of the power developed by the electric motor, the propeller shape, pitch and dimensions, and the speed in rev/min.
Ask Sir Issac Newton.
Displacement hull theory is also working against you. The thrust curve is exponential. As you approach planing speed, the thrust required to go a little faster is huge. The difference in speed between the original 46 pound thrust MG and my new 82 pound thrust MG is less than 1 mph on my 17.5 foot boat. The top speed with the big TM is a little over 3.7 mph. I could go about 3 mph with the smaller TM.
The length of your boat is also working against you. Longer boats can go faster on the same power when not on plane. It has to do with the wake interaction from the front and back of the boat.
From reading most of these postings, you guys are not in favor of the Torqeedo as main power on a 14' fishing boat. I can see your point however, for half the price of the Torqeedo I can have a 24v MinnKota Traxxix 80lb thrust TM and go with a small gas motor for main propulsion. What do you think of this souloution?
That would be my choice for sure. I would go with a gas outboard and a 12v electric trolling motor. Just shop around and you could probably get both used for the same price as the other option new.