Turns out GPS modules aren't terribly expensive (just another $50, on top of everything else....). The GPS doesn't have to be on the motor - but it IS nice to be able to see how fast you're going at a given power rate.
I'd be very surprised (and happily so) if you get 6 kt out of the MinnKota. If you do, PLEASE let us know!! I agree with you that the price is MUCH better, and it's nice to have the pod underwater where it can be cooled for free.
However, if you don't get the speed you want - Torqeedo does sell replacement props. I'd love to see what would happen if you simply took a Torqeedo prop and adapted it to a MinnKota engine (though watch your amps / power and be careful not to burn up the motor with the possibly greater load from a higher pitch prop!).
Good luck!
(the other John)
From: "john@eng21.org" <john@eng21.org>
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, December 28, 2013 1:30 PM
Subject: Re: [Electric Boats] RE: new to the group
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, December 28, 2013 1:30 PM
Subject: Re: [Electric Boats] RE: new to the group
The 36V MinnKota has a maximum draw of 49 amps = 1764 watts = 2.3 horsepower (in theory). I really have no need to move quickly and will be very happy with 5 or 6 km/h. There are a couple of reasons I want to go with a pod (underwater motor) and why I'm going to get the MinnKota. First one is price - at 900 USD it's not bad for a complete solution with controller and "throttle". There is a German company which makes a nicer pod but the price is a little too far out there in the Toqueedo range. I hope it will be quiet because the motor is under water and I don't like the look of an outboard on a wooden boat. I also hope to run it at about 10 amps which should give me about 6 or 7 hours of run time per charge. That is of course only the plan - I'll have to wait and see how things work out in practice. On a side note... Too bad the Germans have to over-engineer everything. Do you really need GPS in a boat motor? I understand its pretty cool to have an LCD panel and all that information about speed and battery life, but all that comes with a big price tag...
It is my understanding that the shaft and gears in the outboard body will eat up some of the horsepower of your motor but I'm not sure how much - somewhere I heard about 20%.
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