Electric motor only

[daffod]

folks, i am allowed to use electric motor only on private lake. I am in market to buy pontoon boat. can some expert recommend me what electrical motor i should buy to cruise in lake. I am using at pleasure use. I can buy pontoon without motor and install myself, i am aircraft repair tech and with very sound technical knowledge to do any DIY project, i need a starting point and guidance. I try to find info but i am hell confuse now. please guide me. i am new to boating community.
cheers.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Electric motor only

Many guys on here have outfitted their toon with regular electric trolling motors as a secondary means for power. I know of only one that is specifically designed for you purpose, that being Torqeedo.

 

[mjc3834merc]

Re: Electric motor only

Minn Kota makes the E-Drive. A 2hp electric outboard. Their web site says it will push a full size (?) pontoon to 5 mph. Seems to me I've seen pontoons with a pair of them too.
Mike
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/trolling_motors/electric_outboard/edrive.aspx

 

[5150abf]

Re: Electric motor only

There is a company called Torqueedo (sp) that makes electric outboards, we have run a couple of them at work but never heard how they ran.

 

[Mr Crabbs]

Re: Electric motor only

http://www.torqeedo.com/us/hn/home.html

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Electric motor only

They do make electric pontoons.I looked at one at a boat show.

This may have been the company if i remember correct..

http://www.gillgetter.com/

 

[imported_Skippy]

Re: Electric motor only

Comment: purged for not agreeing with the Forum elders

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electric motor only

What you need for electric propulsion depends on how big the pontoon is you plan to purchase, what load the boat will normally carry and what distance you plan to travel (how big the lake is). Big pontoons will require a big motor and at least two very large capacity batteries. Most large electric motors are at least 24 volt units but some may be 36 volts which will require three batteries in series. Range will be limited to whatever combination of boat, motor, and battery capacity you end up with. There are no simple answers to your question. You should however, research the electric motors first and obtain the maximum current draw at full power. Armed with that information you can determine run time before battery charging is required. And just so you know, adding a solar panel is not a solution to extend range as the panel would need to be larger than your pontoon.

 

[Mr Crabbs]

Re: Electric motor only

Nice solar powered pontoon from skippys link.

Nice links BTW skippy.