Gas or electric dinghy outboard

[backinblue]

I have a non-mechanical spouse. Something she can run without fear of issues is worth a lot.

The ability store the motor in a lazarette with no fear of any leakage or fumes is worth a lot.

As I age, handling 2 parts x 20 lbs is better than 1 times 30 lbs. From a swim platform, into a dingy. Worth a lot.

Couldn't agree more with all of your points. Same reasons I love my eProp. BTW, even though it wasn't a decision point for me, there is data that shows electric is cheaper to own in the long-run than gas. I think the break-even is somewhere around the 7-year mark.

 

[backinblue]

Another opinion and case for electric, and not just for dinghies:
https://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/boats/outboard-of-tomorrow

 

[DrissZougari]

I always had gas engines In my 25 years boating career. I always used fuel additives to store all my engines over the winter and to run them dry if the dinghy was going to be sitting for more that few days. ethanol free gas is a plus but was never required.

 

[FlyWright]

Not to steal the thread but if anyone likes the Honda 2HP 27# air-cooled 4-stroke for a small dink, I've got a great one sitting in my shed that I'd be willing to sell for $550 in Sacramento/CA Delta/SF Bay. PM me if interested.

Sorry for the diversion from the conversation...

 

[Nomad Willy]

There’s nothing so bad about gas outboards that one needs to spend $1000 to 1500 more to get house appliance-like convenience.

Electric everything is vogue now cuz it’s the new latest thing. But when it’s apples to apples electric motor outboards will make more sense and more people will buy them. Sales will fall off until after the fad market gets saturated. Then there should be a slump after which a slow increase will build to near market saturation.

But for now electrics are far too expensive.

 

[refugio]

I’m happy with my EPCarry https://www.electricpaddle.com/ as are a few other members in my local YC.

They’re made here in the Seattle area (North Bend) and the engineer inventor is great to talk to. And their LiFePO4 batteries are hugely preferable to the older technology Torquedo batteries that last a couple of years.

The grandkids were able to run the tender after about 2 minutes of training. The dog though...not ever going to figure it out so no self-potty trips for him.

 

[Arc]

Both epropulsion and torqueedo have the complete motor under water all the time. I have had many gas OB’s that got some water in the gear case. I would assume it would be very bad and expensive for an electric.

 

[Xlantic]

According to these Wikipedia articles Tohatsu manufactures the outboards not only for Mercury (up to 30 hp) but also Nissan and Evinrude (up to 15 hp).

"Tohatsu produces outboards sold under their own brand, as well as for other companies. For instance, all Nissan outboard engines sold in North America were Tohatsus with a Nissan decal.[9] In 1988 Tohatsu and Brunswick Corporation set up a joint venture named Tohatsu Marine Corporation.[10][11]

In 2011, Tohatsu and Evinrude Outboard Motors made a deal to make smaller engines ranging from 15 HP and down with Evinrude decals.[12]"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tohatsu

"In the U.S. Mercury outboards, from 30 hp and below are rebadged Tohatsus."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Marine

 

[backinblue]

According to these Wikipedia articles Tohatsu manufactures the outboards not only for Mercury (up to 30 hp) but also Nissan and Evinrude (up to 15 hp).

"Tohatsu produces outboards sold under their own brand, as well as for other companies. For instance, all Nissan outboard engines sold in North America were Tohatsus with a Nissan decal.[9] In 1988 Tohatsu and Brunswick Corporation set up a joint venture named Tohatsu Marine Corporation.[10][11]

In 2011, Tohatsu and Evinrude Outboard Motors made a deal to make smaller engines ranging from 15 HP and down with Evinrude decals.[12]"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tohatsu

"In the U.S. Mercury outboards, from 30 hp and below are rebadged Tohatsus."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Marine

I have found similar info online about Tohatsu manufacturing motors for other companies, but I've also seen some info that states that even though they share a lot of common parts, they are not completely identical. I'm not sure we will know 100%. It's safe to assume that they are all coming out of the same factory, but there still may be some minor differences for instance in carburation. That would explain why some people swear by Tohatsu but hate the other brands.

 

[O C Diver]

Both epropulsion and torqueedo have the complete motor under water all the time. I have had many gas OB’s that got some water in the gear case. I would assume it would be very bad and expensive for an electric.

You're probably a good candidate for an electric outboard. There's no lower unit oil to change, which doesn't seem to be one of your (or the place who services your outboards) specialties. I've had 7 outboards; changed the lower unit oil in all of them; never had water in any of them.

Ted

 

[Hippocampus]

Thread is more about how the mothership is used than outboard engines. If you’re a cruiser there is still no viable option than gas. At present fuel injected gas is the only viable replacement imho. Why do I say this.
As a cruiser the dinghy is your daily driver. You put great weight in it such as when going food shopping or transporting multiple people and their stuff in it. Getting on / off beaches, through channels, running surf you need a considerable amount of torque and horsepower. You may even use the dinghy to move the mothership around or fend off another boat. Have had occasion to tow a boat that dragged and was heading out to sea. Owner didn’t leave ignition key in so boat would have been lost otherwise. Exploring for a day means hours of run time mostly at WOT. No currently available electric can compete with gas when looking at the needs for a daily driver while cruising. There’s less energy in a cubic ft or lbs of battery as compared gas. We’ve had 2stroke, 4 stroke, carb and injected. We were with a couple who had electric. Ended helping them out carrying their groceries and bottled liquids as with that load they couldn’t make the 1 1/2m run back to the anchorage. In a 10’ RIB you can put 4 people and all their stuff and go tens of miles. We even carried batteries out to a disabled vessel. We’ve towed electrics off the beach because they couldn’t get through the surf.
Electrics make great sense in calm waters with short runs and light loads. A 4stroke injected rib is like a pickup truck and that’s what you need cruising. The last Suzuki even made electricity for the running lights or charge a hookah.

 

[Chrisjs]

Always seems to me that "battery people" forget how their electricity is (mostly) generated in the first place, plus the environmental impact of battery production and disposal. I agree totally with Hippo. No comparison for real boaters! Still waiting for the fuel cell version, though propane does offer some advantages for local cruising where the fuel is easily available, if expensive compared to gas. Depends where you are cruising. I remember waiting several days for the next propane (for cooking) shipment while in the Bahamas.

 

[backinblue]

Thread is more about how the mothership is used than outboard engines. If you’re a cruiser there is still no viable option than gas. At present fuel injected gas is the only viable replacement imho. Why do I say this.
As a cruiser the dinghy is your daily driver. You put great weight in it such as when going food shopping or transporting multiple people and their stuff in it. Getting on / off beaches, through channels, running surf you need a considerable amount of torque and horsepower. You may even use the dinghy to move the mothership around or fend off another boat. Have had occasion to tow a boat that dragged and was heading out to sea. Owner didn’t leave ignition key in so boat would have been lost otherwise. Exploring for a day means hours of run time mostly at WOT. No currently available electric can compete with gas when looking at the needs for a daily driver while cruising. There’s less energy in a cubic ft or lbs of battery as compared gas. We’ve had 2stroke, 4 stroke, carb and injected. We were with a couple who had electric. Ended helping them out carrying their groceries and bottled liquids as with that load they couldn’t make the 1 1/2m run back to the anchorage. In a 10’ RIB you can put 4 people and all their stuff and go tens of miles. We even carried batteries out to a disabled vessel. We’ve towed electrics off the beach because they couldn’t get through the surf.
Electrics make great sense in calm waters with short runs and light loads. A 4stroke injected rib is like a pickup truck and that’s what you need cruising. The last Suzuki even made electricity for the running lights or charge a hookah.

No argument with any of your points but I think you are mixing apples and oranges. Of course a small electric can't compete with a large gas motor, just like a 2.5 hp gas motor can't compete with a 50 hp. If you have the means to hoist a large RIB and outboard on/off the mothership, then that is a separate discussion. This was meant to be a comparison of small electrics vs. gas of approx 3 hp or less. Those of us with these types of engines and small lightweight dinks never plan to or need to use them in the way you describe.

 

[backinblue]

Always seems to me that "battery people" forget how their electricity is (mostly) generated in the first place, plus the environmental impact of battery production and disposal. I agree totally with Hippo. No comparison for real boaters! Still waiting for the fuel cell version, though propane does offer some advantages for local cruising where the fuel is easily available, if expensive compared to gas. Depends where you are cruising. I remember waiting several days for the next propane (for cooking) shipment while in the Bahamas.

I can only hope and pray to gain the status of "real boater" like some of you here!

 

[Hippocampus]

Back you’re right my bad. I didn’t get that. I still have a Seagull I inherited from my dad. It still works!!! All metal. Exposed moving parts. Have had to take it apart when I got it and drop it in a ultrasonic bath but otherwise it hasn’t been touched. But for the function you’re suggesting think you missed the third option OARS .

 

[O C Diver]

Thread is more about how the mothership is used than outboard engines. If you’re a cruiser there is still no viable option than gas. At present fuel injected gas is the only viable replacement imho. Why do I say this.
As a cruiser the dinghy is your daily driver. You put great weight in it such as when going food shopping or transporting multiple people and their stuff in it. Getting on / off beaches, through channels, running surf you need a considerable amount of torque and horsepower. You may even use the dinghy to move the mothership around or fend off another boat. Have had occasion to tow a boat that dragged and was heading out to sea. Owner didn’t leave ignition key in so boat would have been lost otherwise. Exploring for a day means hours of run time mostly at WOT. No currently available electric can compete with gas when looking at the needs for a daily driver while cruising. There’s less energy in a cubic ft or lbs of battery as compared gas. We’ve had 2stroke, 4 stroke, carb and injected. We were with a couple who had electric. Ended helping them out carrying their groceries and bottled liquids as with that load they couldn’t make the 1 1/2m run back to the anchorage. In a 10’ RIB you can put 4 people and all their stuff and go tens of miles. We even carried batteries out to a disabled vessel. We’ve towed electrics off the beach because they couldn’t get through the surf.
Electrics make great sense in calm waters with short runs and light loads. A 4stroke injected rib is like a pickup truck and that’s what you need cruising. The last Suzuki even made electricity for the running lights or charge a hookah.

You're mistaken, it's what YOU need for YOUR style of cruising. In case you aren't aware of it, the majority here are coastal or inland cruisers. Take a trip down the AICW and look at some mooring fields full of cruisers and Snowbirds. You will probably find the majority of dinghies are small, the vast majority with less than 10 HP outboards, and many with less than 5 HP.

I understand that you need more for your passage making, but a 10' dinghy with a 3 HP electric outboard is all I need.

Ted

 

[backinblue]

Back you’re right my bad. I didn’t get that. I still have a Seagull I inherited from my dad. It still works!!! All metal. Exposed moving parts. Have had to take it apart when I got it and drop it in a ultrasonic bath but otherwise it hasn’t been touched. But for the function you’re suggesting think you missed the third option OARS .

LOL, oars are ok, but not as wife-friendly!

 

[backinblue]

You're mistaken, it's what YOU need for YOUR style of cruising. In case you aren't aware of it, the majority here are coastal or inland cruisers. Take a trip down the AICW and look at some mooring fields full of cruisers and Snowbirds. You will probably find the majority of dinghies are small, the vast majority with less than 10 HP outboards, and many with less than 5 HP.

I understand that you need more for your passage making, but a 10' dinghy with a 3 HP electric outboard is all I need.

Ted

Thanks Ted. Same with me. Most of my usage is to get to shore from a mooring or anchorage, less than a mile almost all of the time. But I still have enough capacity to explore or cross a bay if needed and can go for hours if I am fairly gentle on the throttle.

 

[CompuNerd]

This is how I get to shore.

 

[SteveK]

Some research found the answer. Let me know what it is as the video is quite long and my attention span is short.

 

[DDW]

Both epropulsion and torqueedo have the complete motor under water all the time. I have had many gas OB’s that got some water in the gear case. I would assume it would be very bad and expensive for an electric.

Seals on electric motors are pretty well worked out. Submersible pumps for example are expected to last a couple of decades, continually submersed at significant depth.

Electrics make great sense in calm waters with short runs and light loads. A 4stroke injected rib is like a pickup truck and that’s what you need cruising.

You need a gas engine if you need a gas engine. You don't if you don't. I spent 10 long seasons on the sailboat (4 - 7 months/season) with a planing dinghy and gas engine. 95% of the time it was run at speeds and distances that would have easily been done with an electric. The other 5% would also easily been done with an electric, if that is what I had. For your use and habits, maybe you need a gas engine. Don't confuse your needs with others needs. It was due to my experience that for the trawler I bought an electric. A mile and a half to the beach or dock and back is no problem at all for it (range is around 8 miles on a charge). Heavy load is no problem for it. It will not plane so if you are in a hurry, get the gas. I don't think I'd want to land or launch through a beach break with it. It will tow the trawler at docking speeds but not into a wind or seaway - but neither will a small gas outboard.

Both gas and electrics have their place and their use case. I didn't care about the environmental aspects, other than the lack of noise. That, and convenience of use was worth the higher price for me. Might not be for someone else. I still own 3 gas outboards I could use on the dinghy - but I use the electric.

 

[backinblue]

Seals on electric motors are pretty well worked out. Submersible pumps for example are expected to last a couple of decades, continually submersed at significant depth.

You need a gas engine if you need a gas engine. You don't if you don't. I spent 10 long seasons on the sailboat (4 - 7 months/season) with a planing dinghy and gas engine. 95% of the time it was run at speeds and distances that would have easily been done with an electric. The other 5% would also easily been done with an electric, if that is what I had. For your use and habits, maybe you need a gas engine. Don't confuse your needs with others needs. It was due to my experience that for the trawler I bought an electric. A mile and a half to the beach or dock and back is no problem at all for it (range is around 8 miles on a charge). Heavy load is no problem for it. It will not plane so if you are in a hurry, get the gas. I don't think I'd want to land or launch through a beach break with it. It will tow the trawler at docking speeds but not into a wind or seaway - but neither will a small gas outboard.

Both gas and electrics have their place and their use case. I didn't care about the environmental aspects, other than the lack of noise. That, and convenience of use was worth the higher price for me. Might not be for someone else. I still own 3 gas outboards I could use on the dinghy - but I use the electric.

Well put DDW thanks. I'm not pushing electric over gas for any reason at all, more to make people aware of the option and the advantages of these newer electrics. As batteries improve, more and more outboards, cars, trucks, buses, tools, etc will become electrified.

 

[sledge]

Another happy owner here of an eProp Spirit 1.0 Plus; its funny the first time we pushed off in the dinghy, for a moment we thought hey this motor isn't working(!) ...until we realized it was so quiet we didn't hear it, Ha! We also figured it out because when I twisted the throttle, the low end torque gets your attention right away.
Apparently this is one of those "controversial" topics since it is up to nine pages and growing, which can be entertaining. It was particularly amusing when one guy referred to an entire group as "battery people"
Not sure i understand the argument that electric is too expensive. the eProp isn't much more than a small gasser, then spend a year not buying gas cuz you've gone electric, and not buying parts for the outboard and not wasting time with outboard maintenance, etc.

 

[backinblue]

Another happy owner here of an eProp Spirit 1.0 Plus; its funny the first time we pushed off in the dinghy, for a moment we thought hey this motor isn't working(!) ...until we realized it was so quiet we didn't hear it, Ha! We also figured it out because when I twisted the throttle, the low end torque gets your attention right away.
Apparently this is one of those "controversial" topics since it is up to nine pages and growing, which can be entertaining. It was particularly amusing when one guy referred to an entire group as "battery people"
Not sure i understand the argument that electric is too expensive. the eProp isn't much more than a small gasser, then spend a year not buying gas cuz you've gone electric, and not buying parts for the outboard and not wasting time with outboard maintenance, etc.

View attachment 111941

Agreed. I'm not pushing the "green agenda" but for a setup like yours (similar to mine) there are plenty of advantages that makes it worth the price IMO. BTW, there is some data that shows electric becomes more cost-effective than gas over time by savings in fuel, oil, maintenance, etc. But the intangible benefit is knowing your wife or kids will not get stuck trying to start a finicky motor when they are out on their own. The lack of sound does take some getting used to. It's virtually silent so you have to pay attention to know when it is running or not. Makes for a nice experience, cruising in silence through a nature preserve or marsh. Also, how cool is it to twist one way for forward and another for reverse? No more rotating the engine 180 and still trying to control it!

 

[Zoar]

Yes, i am one of those "battery people". 15 years off the grid and yes I sure as heck absolutely do know where my power in my batteries comes from: The sun! Indeed I love my solar panels.

 

[Arc]

EP carry has caught my attention. I like small American companies. I’m not sure it’s enough OB for my 9’ Zodiac.

 

[FF]

"But for the function you’re suggesting think you missed the third option OARS ."

The 4th option is sail. Our Grumman Dink has a mast and sails and is a fantastic method of sightseeing an area. Sailing 3 or 4 miles to purchase lunch or just an ice cream cone is silent and frequently faster than oars , especially on the return trip.

The Grumman was well built so 2 sets of oars can be operated by two rowers.

In a large bay like Georgetown in the Bahamas the fetch can create waves that make single person rowing a big effort..

 

[Zoar]

"But for the function you’re suggesting think you missed the third option OARS ."

The 4th option is sail. Our Grumman Dink has a mast and sails and is a fantastic method of sightseeing an area. Sailing 3 or 4 miles to purchase lunch or just an ice cream cone is silent and frequently faster than oars , especially on the return trip.

The Grumman was well built so 2 sets of oars can be operated by two rowers.

In a large bay like Georgetown in the Bahamas the fetch can create waves that make single person rowing a big effort..

Yes! I have a dinghy as well that is electric, oar powered OR sail!!!

LOVE it.

Quiet is soooo good.

 

[backinblue]

As a former sailor, I'd love a sailing dink, just not practical to carry on my boat. Maybe for the next one!

 

[Porgy]

I got rid of the inflatable and picked up a Fatty Knees with a sail rig so I could sail and enjoyably row. I use the Torqeedo when I feel like it.

Which reminds me, Lyn and Larry Pardey rowed a FK for decades everywhere they needed to go and for whatever reason. But I guess they weren’t “real boaters.”