On Mon, Aug 15, 2011 at 09:29:46PM -0000, Eric wrote:
> For me, the decision came down to the fact that the total drive
> weight, including battery and extra stuff was considerably lower for
> the Torqeedo 801. Also, with everything in one compact unit, dealing
> with it as a tender drive is much simpler. Mine packs into its own
> drybag when not in use, so handling and storage is a breeze.
>
> But since my primary use is to power the dinghy on my racing trimaran,
> weight was the biggst reason. This setup is lighter than even a 2.5hp
> gas outboard and the limited range is no problem in the way that I use
> the motor.
>
> Of course, I don't have a bilge pump or any other electronics in my
> inflatable, though I do keep the foot-operated bellows pump aboard
> when the dinghy is in use.
>
> If you don't have similar considerations for your situation, then
> perhaps the MinnKota is a better solution, but the decision wasn't
> even close for me.
Thanks very much for the input, Eric! I suppose that, looked at from
that perspective (and it is one that makes total sense...), I should
have put it in terms of what I want it to do. Thinking about it, here
are a few parameters, in no particular order -
* Max distance on a single charge should be at least a couple of miles
* Rechargeable from the 12V shipboard system - maybe even via a tether?
* ~5kt at max thrust would be nice
* 12V available for light, bilge pump
* Reasonably tough (I don't tend to hit stuff, but it can happen...)
Weight, for any reasonable value of battery + motor, isn't really a
consideration. Neither is packing it - it would rarely be off the
dinghy, except for ocean passages.
So far, it seems that the Torqeedo doesn't provide any particularly
salient benefit in my case.
--
Ben Okopnik
-=-=-=-=-=-
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