I used an electric drive (minnkota 24 volt system )for several years. It was fine for getting in/out of the slip and marina. Due to limited range and long recharging times
I returned to a gasoline outboard.
I now have and for many years have used a tohatsu 6 hp sail pro and carry 6 gallons of gas which gives me virtually unlimited range and much more power to push through chop and waves when necessary.
Full power on electric would push my starwind 19 at 4.3 knots .
The tohatsu will push the boat at hull speed (5.4 knots) with the throttle set at just above the start setting just sipping fuel.
If you have ever been stuck on the water at night with no wind and drained batteries I think you would agree, gas is just better.
Pull in to any marina and refill your gas tank in minutes not your batteries in hours. After using both systems, I'll stick with gasoline.
I used an electric drive (minnkota 24 volt system )for several years. It was fine for getting in/out of the slip and marina. Due to limited range and long recharging times
I returned to a gasoline outboard.
I now have and for many years have used a tohatsu 6 hp sail pro and carry 6 gallons of gas which gives me virtually unlimited range and much more power to push through chop and waves when necessary.
Full power on electric would push my starwind 19 at 4.3 knots .
The tohatsu will push the boat at hull speed (5.4 knots) with the throttle set at just above the start setting just sipping fuel.
If you have ever been stuck on the water at night with no wind and drained batteries I think you would agree, gas is just better.
Pull in to any marina and refill your gas tank in minutes not your batteries in hours. After using both systems, I'll stick with gasoline.
I will give electric power one big plus,
it's quiet !
I like my EP Carry. Using a 170 W solar panel for power it can easily cover 30 miles on a sunny day, full solar range in summer is probably 50 miles.
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