Bull City
Bull City
As many know, I have been using a Torqeedo Travel 1003 on my H-Boat (27' 3200 lbs.) for about 3 years. I've been happy with it. I have been eyeballing their 5 HP pod drive, but the cost has put me off some - $8400 plus tax, shipping and installation. I'm looking into the ePropulsion pod drive (6 HP), and the cost is $2,000+ less than the Torqeedo. I've got a lot of questions, and there are probably important ones that haven't occurred to me, so I thought I would start this thread and ask for y'all's advice.
I confess that I can live with the Torqeedo OB; the Pod is a "nice to have" not a "gotta have." I think the extra power would be nice if conditions get nasty. The Torqeedo's 3 HP is not robust. Ease and convenience are a consideration. I store the Torqeedo in the cabin, and schlep it out and back when sailing. I also schlep a battery home for re-charge, although not every time. Aesthetics are also a consideration. An OB motor and bracket do nothing for a boat's appearance.
A pod drive would solve these problems, I think. But there would be new things to worry about. Anti-fouling. Anodes. Continuous immersion. What to do if the motor breaks down - the motor is in the pod. What kind of batteries - eProp has a Li-ion with 3042 Wh for $3K , and a LiFePO4 battery with 4096 Wh for $2K.
The Torqeedo brand has a mixed reputation. I've had a good experience. I don't know anything about ePropulsion. The closest dealer is Annapolis Hybrid Marine. So far they have been responsive and forthcoming.
Thanks in advance.
B.C.
I confess that I can live with the Torqeedo OB; the Pod is a "nice to have" not a "gotta have." I think the extra power would be nice if conditions get nasty. The Torqeedo's 3 HP is not robust. Ease and convenience are a consideration. I store the Torqeedo in the cabin, and schlep it out and back when sailing. I also schlep a battery home for re-charge, although not every time. Aesthetics are also a consideration. An OB motor and bracket do nothing for a boat's appearance.
A pod drive would solve these problems, I think. But there would be new things to worry about. Anti-fouling. Anodes. Continuous immersion. What to do if the motor breaks down - the motor is in the pod. What kind of batteries - eProp has a Li-ion with 3042 Wh for $3K , and a LiFePO4 battery with 4096 Wh for $2K.
The Torqeedo brand has a mixed reputation. I've had a good experience. I don't know anything about ePropulsion. The closest dealer is Annapolis Hybrid Marine. So far they have been responsive and forthcoming.
Thanks in advance.
B.C.