What kind of boat is most likely to be equipped with a 3HP electric motor?

[Miguel Seabird]

Hello, everyone,
We are planning to launch a recreation program in our nearby lakes, and considering the environment and noise issue, we prefer to go with electric outboard motor equipped boats. Anyway, our program is more provided to small group people, such as couples, so with the small boat shorter than 16’.
According to some information, the electric motor provided by some small vender, such as Torqeedo, ePropulsion looks more fit for such a kind of recreation program.
Does any one provide any experience on those electric outboard motors? Or what kind of boat is most likely to be equipped with such a 3HP electric motor?

Thank you very much.
Miguel

 

[briangcc]

I think 3HP is undersized - depending on batteries and number of people on board you could/will be lapped by someone operating a paddle boat. Batteries to give you any amount of run time are going to drastically reduce your carrying capacity. Then you have to arrange for charging - either onboard or pull the boat and charge on land - which would be in the hours area, not minutes.

To answer your direct question, you're looking at an aluminum utility boat. Tracker, Lund, Lowe, etc.

**Typically these rentals have 9-25HP outboards on them.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Many trolling motors put out more than 3hp

Agree with above

 

[JASinIL2006]

We had a 4hp 2-stroke gas outboard on a 14 v-hull utility board, and it would plane with one person, and move along quickly (maybe not on plane) with two people. It certainly was faster than someone in kayak or canoe.

I don't know what the weight difference between an outboard+gas tank vs. an electric motor+batteries would be, though. That could make a difference.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Good luck with it. I suppose it’s feasible to do. Especially if it’s all about environmental. Not sure what exactly your going to actually use the boats for. For sure the boats won’t be speed demons. The 3HP tourqeeto cost over 2000$ with battery. Spare batteries are around 800$. If your just using them to slowly cruise around, a standard motor like a minnkota 55 pound thrust is like 300$. A decent group 27 battery can be had for 200, and you can run a pretty decent amount of time with a set up like that.
I fish a couple electric only lakes that are decent size 800 to 1000 acres. Lots of guys use a set up like above and do just fine. I see a few torqeeto motors out. They are faster, have no idea on battery life. No doubt with new technology electric motors are going to continue to improve

 

[Miguel Seabird]

Hello, briangcc, Scott, JASinIL2006,OLDFLATHEAL1,
Thank you very much for your replies. Really helps.
Yes, the factor of the output power is really small, and it causes some hesitation here.
The major supportive advantage is environmental reasons. We will go to make more comparisons with Minn Kota.
Thanks a lot.
By the way, do we need to ask the provider to show any certification of their electric motors, either Torqeedo or ePropulsion?

Miguel

 

[Scott Danforth]

Do we need to ask the provider to show any certification of their electric motors, either Torqeedo or ePropulsion?

Not sure why you would. They are an appliance like a toaster or blender

 

[Miguel Seabird]

Hi, Scott,
Thank you for your response.
Indeed, I don’t know either. We are a group of people who are planning to invest in a recreation program. One senior guy has the certification concern and wants to make sure the equipment purchased will not cause any legal risk. We have no experience on these types of equipment.
So, we are trying to collect the related information.
Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[briangcc]

I would talk to your insurance writer on what documentation they are going to require.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Hi, Scott,
Thank you for your response.
Indeed, I don’t know either. We are a group of people who are planning to invest in a recreation program. One senior guy has the certification concern and wants to make sure the equipment purchased will not cause any legal risk. We have no experience on these types of equipment.
So, we are trying to collect the related information.
Any suggestions? Thanks.

The fact you are renting to the public is the biggest risk. Not the equipment. You need lawyers to draft an indemnification clause in your rental agreement. Remember, the general public now needs to be told not to eat tide pods and drink batter acid. And they will find an ambulance chaser to take the case when they try to stop the propeller with their fingers or face

 

[Miguel Seabird]

I would talk to your insurance writer on what documentation they are going to require.

HI, Briangcc,
Yes, you are right. It maybe the best option.
Really appreciate it.

 

[Miguel Seabird]

The fact you are renting to the public is the biggest risk. Not the equipment. You need lawyers to draft an indemnification clause in your rental agreement. Remember, the general public now needs to be told not to eat tide pods and drink batter acid. And they will find an ambulance chaser to take the case when they try to stop the propeller with their fingers or face

Hi, Scott,
Yes. Thank you very much. That is exactly what we are worrying about. You are right.
As an appliance, the equipment itself is good to go. But renting is the biggest part to take care of.
Thank you very much. Really appreciate it.

 

[Silvertip]

Renting anything to anyone is a high risk situation. I learned a long time ago not to lend tools (especially power tools) to anyone because when they were returned they were often broken or missing accessory pieces. Some people should simply not own or operate other people's stuff. The chance of personal injury is high in your proposed operation and when the case ends up in court the question how much training did you receive prior to renting the boat/motor, etc? Bingo -- you are to blame.

 

[Miguel Seabird]

Hi, Silvertip,
Thank you very much! Really appreciate it. We will rethink our model, as you suggested.
Thanks a lot.