Tuesday, June 18, 2013

[Electric Boats] Torqeedo 4R vs. Torqeedo 2R vs. Traxxis 80 on a Catalina 22

 

I only had a few minutes before it got dark, so I don't have much data.   But here's the executive summary so far:
 
TOP SPEED, Catalina 22
===================
 
Torqeedo 4R:  6.3-6.5mph  (~3300w)
Torqeedo 2T:  5.8-6mph (<=2000w)
Traxxis 80T:   3.5mph
 
In general, I was very pleased with the Torqeedo 2T so far. 
West Marine had one on close-out for about $2200.   This is generally about $1000 less than what they charge for a Torqeedo 2.0 - and not sure what the difference is.   I'm assuming Torqeedo is coming out with a slightly upgraded version for the 2.0.
 
The one I got has ONLY a voltage display.   No GPS, no wattage indication, no battery life hints (which I never got to work on the 4.0 anyway).
 
For the $$, a Torqeedo 4.0 puts out a LOT more power, and is only marginally more expensive than the 2.0 - so on just the cost of the motor, the 4.0 is (IMHO) a much better deal.   HOWEVER - The 4.0 also requires twice the battery pack (48V vs. 24V).  There's efficiency arguments to be made for a 48V system vs. a 24V system, but bottom line on a new purchase is that it will be much more expensive to set up, and that much more expense and weight if you want to have a backup battery bank.
 
As best as I could tell, the 2.0 and 4.0 have the same prop.  The motor mount, lift, and release mechanisms seem to be a little more robust.   The 4.0 has what appears to be a pretty flimsy lock lever to keep the motor from flipping up when in reverse.  The 2.0 appears to not have the kickup feature (which is fine by me, since the rudder and keel are MUCH deeper than the motor!).
 
Again, *generally speaking*, the Torqeedo 2.0 is plenty of motor to push the Catalina 22 sailboat.  The Torqeedo 4.0 could almost be said to be "overkill" - but gives you that comfortable margin that you would not need to run it full out to still be able to hit just about top speed of the boat.   I know that LONG term it may not be a big deal, but I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the expense of the battery bank (with backup) and charger that I'd want for a Torqeedo 4.0.
 
I'll continue to collect more data as I have more time with the motor(s).   If anyone has any specific questions, please feel free to ask.
 
John
 
 

__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (8)
Recent Activity:
.

__,_._,___

No comments:

Post a Comment