The weak point in all electric systems is the battery. The reason Torqeedos (and electric bicycles) cost so much is in significant measure because of the lithium batteries. If you want to stay with the affordable and heavy lead-acid batteries then you will spend money regularly on a new battery, but otherwise it's fairly inexpensive. You can buy 3-5+ lead-acid marine/RV batteries for the price of one (much lighter) lithium battery of similar capacity. And they are readily recycled to reclaim the lead. Note that those marine/RV batteries will die fast if you run them down more than 20% regularly. They are not true "deep cycle" batteries, which are rated at 50% discharge cycles. "Marine/RV deep cycle" are typically only rated 20% discharge cycles. Which means, the expected life or number of cycles from the manufacturer is based on no more than 20% discharge per cycle (50% per cycle for true deep cycle batteries). If you repeatedly discharge deeper than that, their life shortens considerably. If you are just going to/from a mooring fairly close to shore then you could be fine in terms of battery use. Also depends on how often you use the motor, and the math of solar panels and battery capacity & charging. A panel small enough to be not in the way on a Monty is basically a trickle charger for a trolling motor size battery. It will not keep up with motor use if you use the motor more than a certain amount. The calculations of "a certain amount" can be done but there's a lot of details needed...beyond the scope of this reply :-). If you are within the sustainable window of solar input vs. motor use a trolling motor will do ya with minimal hassle. If you're outside that window, then you will be having to haul that heavy battery home repeatedly to charge it up (and then haul it back out to the boat and wrestle it back where it lives...). Less of an issue at a dock, more of a hassle on a mooring to transport that battery. cheers, John On 5/11/21 10:30 AM, Jon Barber wrote:
Yet another trip to the mooring where I am smelling gasoline. I love the 2 hp Honda, but i realize in many situations I really only need a small push here and there. My thought was to buy a trolling motor, extra battery and a solar panel. There us plenty of sun where I live. The Honda leaks just enough to perfume my cabin with gas fumes. I will be making the necessary repairs; fuel lines and cap, but can anyone offer their wisdom re electric options? Torqueedo is out of the question as to the price. Thanks Jon Barber Monty17l Ol'44
-- John Schinnerer - M.A., Whole Systems Design -------------------------------------------- - Eco-Living - Whole Systems Design Services People - Place - Learning - Integration john@eco-living.net - 510.982.1334 http://eco-living.net http://sociocracyconsulting.com