Hi Adam,
I'm a big fan of small boats. My first sailboat was a Catalina 22 that I sailed in offshore conditions that would still scare me on bigger boats. I ended up hanging out with a Flicka meet-up one weekend at Catalina (30 miles offshore) and became friends with a couple that was just coming back from their Pacific tour (California, South pacific, Japan, Canada and back to California) on their 20' cruiser.
I believe that Torqeedo offers the most efficient electric outboard drives available today. While the 1003 is probably well matched to your boat, the Cruise 2.0 will provide all of the power and speed that you should want. The Cruise series of motors allow for regular deep cycle batteries that might be more useful on your boat than the integrated batteries on the 503 and 1003 models. You could also try to find one of the discontinued Base 801 motors, they are set up for remote batteries like the Cruise models.. just a word of warning, the 801, 503 and 1003 models are all propped for slower speeds, faster than a trolling motor, but not like a gas outboard.
When you're considering batteries, I always suggest Lithium batteries for their power density, great performance, and low weight, but for most people with working class budgets, I think that AGM are the only other choice. Flooded batteries look cheaper but are always a compromise on range and durability. Other people here feel differently, so you can take my comment with a grain of salt.
And while I am obviously a fan of electric, for boats that are weight conscious or have limited space, 4 stroke gas outboards are lighter, simpler, cheaper, more powerful, have great range, can charge your house bank (a little), and are easily installed. No electric system available today can match all of those attributes. I bought a Tohatsu outboard for my F-27 trimaran instead of going electric for exactly these reasons.
So think hard, and pick the best solution for your specific situation.
Fair winds,
Eric
Marina del Rey, CA
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "cptstarz1004" <cptstarz1004@...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Eric,
>
> I have been green since 1990 using off the shelf trolling motors and
> batteries. The motor I use now has 30 pounds of thrust and I find that
> lacking in heavy seas and winds. My latest project is my 1987 Compac 16'
> <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/electricboats/photos/album/435884548/pic/\
> list> that displaces less than a ton I believe. Not sure on the math
> on that but a small day coastal cruiser/weekender at best. I am planning
> to move to the coast to retire in the next 10 years or so and know from
> my many years of offshore sailing that 30 pounds of thrust is not going
> to cut it AT ALL! It's ok for the lake where I sail now, but offshore if
> I have to high tail it to safety then Scotty I need more power! I have
> fallen out of love with gasoline motors, the mess, stench, the constant
> whine, and explosive qualities I can do without in such a small package
> as the Compac.
>
> Don't laugh at the little boat, she is down right bullet proof and half
> submarine with a re-enforced hull and bulkheads below. So she will have
> the top sides redone with Bo-mar hatches. A poop deck to shed following
> seas and add room to the below deck. Just part of the transformations
> she will go through. One of modifications is the propulsion systems.
>
> Now digging around I found Torqeedo
> <http://www.epowermarine.com/torqeedo.html> outboard and this seems to
> be closer to my needs. Fact is the Compac is rated for a 10 horsepower
> gas outboard motor. It is common place for the Compac to run 2.5- 5
> horses and a modified prop for more torque vs speed. A 4 blade speed
> prop is common. Hull speed under sail or motor is 5-7 knots but she is a
> real tug boat when it comes to towing anyone. Of other owners I have
> interviewed they say that the 4 blade 5 horse is enough in heavy seas to
> fight a current and make port.
>
> I am looking for more information in this quest about other options,
> manufacturers, longevity, expected power drain, charging systems, solar
> panels, possible 110 power sources, generators, etc. to make this boat
> self-sufficient on weekend getaways.
>
> Looking forward to everyones input!
>
> Adam
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