Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the gladiatorial arena of electric outboards! Yes, you heard me right; we are stepping into the high-octane world of… water-based propulsion (never thought you’d hear that, did you?). In the blue corner, we have the indomitable Torqeedo, with its Teutonic efficiency and a name that sounds like a Machiavellian supervillain. And in the red corner, we have the scrappy upstart Epropulsion – a name that suggests they started a business before they’d decided what it would do, but boy, have they made a splash (pun absolutely intended). Buckle up, folks, for the wet and wild ride that is: Torqeedo Vs Epropulsion!
ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 EVO
Behold, the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 EVO, the darling of Yachting Monthly, and a product that will make you toss your gas-guzzling outboard to the sharks. Now, the specs might seem like gobbledygook at first glance but stick with me here. We’ve got ourselves a motor that weighs about as much as a chubby cat at 10.5kg, and a battery that’s roughly the same weight as a healthy bowling ball. It packs a punch with 1276Wh of power capacity and can propel you to a top speed of a brisk walk (4.5mph) on a RIB and a light jog (6.0mph) on a skiff.
Now, here comes the killer – the thrust. This baby can push 31kg or 68lbs, which is about as much as a willing labrador. The brains over at ePropulsion, our buddies from the East, have clearly been keeping their noses to the grindstone for quite some time, perfecting their electric outboards and lithium batteries. You could say, they’ve been pulling some serious ‘EVO-lutionary’ tricks.
Now, it’s clear that Torqeedo has inspired them, but our pals at ePropulsion have gone their own way, most notably with a direct drive motor that’s quieter than a church mouse and doesn’t wake up gearbox gremlins. The battery has more juice than Torqeedo’s original, and even trumps the latest version by 30% – it’s like the Duracell bunny on steroids. And should you somehow manage to drop it overboard, it won’t sink like Jack in Titanic – it floats!
If there’s a downside, it’s that plugging in the battery requires the dexterity of a concert pianist, a good stretch over the transom, and a game of blind man’s bluff to locate the slots underneath. Plus, the power cable socket is safeguarded by a rubber cap that’s about as reliable as my diet plans. The display, while easy to read on a sunny day, only tells you power consumption, voltage, and remaining runtime. GPS speed or range? Nowhere to be seen!
The ePropulsion has the same trim settings as the Torqeedo, complete with a fiddly split ring, and a magnetic kill cord that is frankly a nightmare to lose. It comes in three shaft lengths for transoms up to 61cm high. And here’s the best part – the shaft can turn a full 360º for maximum manoeuvrability and reverse. Think Austin Powers trying to do a three-point turn, but way more successful.
So, there you have it – the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 EVO. A force to be reckoned with in the electric outboard game. High battery capacity, quiet operation, and full rotation make it a killer option. But remember, the display options are as limited as my cooking skills. Choose wisely.
User Reviews
In this user review, a seasoned sailor recounts his blissful switch to an electric engine, in particular the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 EVO. After years battling with unreliable traditional outboards, this user became a veritable convert to the joys of electric. With the ease of a simple throttle turn, and clean, odour-free operation, this engine has breathed new life into his Cornish Shrimper. Far from the uncertainty of the old “will it, won’t it” start, this engine’s reliable performance has rekindled his love for sailing. So if you’re after smooth sailing and an easy life, this user would tell you to go electric or go home!
Torqeedo 1103
Here’s a rundown on Torqeedo’s powerhouse – Torqeedo 1103. With a motor weight of 11kg, and a 6kg battery, it provides 915Wh capacity. This beast can reach 4.4mph on a RIB and 6.0mph on a skiff, exerting a thrust of 68lbs. Torqeedo, as a renowned pioneer, introduced the idea of integrating lithium batteries into outboards in 2005. Their first models relied on high-revving geared motors known for their signature whine. However, with the advent of their new, larger battery, they switched to direct drive around the same time ePropulsion entered the market.
The 1103 model is a 1.1kW unit featuring a detachable battery and tiller/throttle. The battery fits conveniently into slots on the powerhead, requiring only one hand to install – a plus point when you’re on a rocking dinghy. The slots are clearly visible from above, making the battery easy to position. The tiller also slots in similarly. The battery and tiller connect to the motor via a power cable and data cable. The data cable has an 8mm plug with five small pins needing careful alignment, which are then secured with a threaded plastic collar. Unfortunately, these sockets lack caps to prevent water or debris intrusion when not in use.
The tiller’s display presents four lines of data, including volts, battery capacity, speed, and power consumption. It’s a bit small to read, but you can opt to use a phone app for a bigger display. The motor also has a magnetic kill-cord as a safety feature. The motor allows four trim positions for angled transoms, but the split ring securing the lock pin can be a bit of a pain to adjust. Additionally, the motor can be tilted horizontally using a side-mounted lever. It’s worth noting that the motor prevents kick-up in reverse unless released, useful for shallow waters.
Torqeedo offers both long and short shaft versions, with the long shaft standing at 62cm from the transom top to the prop’s top. Despite being fitted with stainless steel clamps, screws, and fittings, an anode is an added extra. And while it provides forward and reverse movement, 360º rotation is not a feature. Why should you consider the 1103? Torqeedo has established itself as a trusted brand with a long history. The model boasts a removable battery and tiller and a wide range of display options. However, the display can be hard to read, which might be a bit of a deal-breaker.
User Reviews
User reviews for the Torqeedo product range widely, with some users appreciating the product’s features and others expressing dissatisfaction. Raymond J. Carnevali gave the product a 3-star rating, mentioning a few technical issues but also highlighting successful communication with the company’s representative. On the other hand, Mark Brophy, who gave a 1-star review, vented his frustration with the product’s poor design and lack of response from the company. Ekel Epic also gave a 1-star review, pointing out a design flaw and poor customer service. Clayton Berlinghoff was similarly disappointed with the product and customer service, mentioning a particular issue with an E30 error message. Lastly, Lachlan from Australia gave a 2-star review, expressing disappointment with the product’s poor performance in saltwater. Despite varying experiences, there seems to be a consensus about the product’s reliability issues and the company’s customer service.
Summary
In the great battle of outboard motors, Torqeedo and ePropulsion stand toe-to-toe, each brand with its unique selling points. Torqeedo, a stalwart in the business, offers robust safety features, a removable battery and tiller, and a variety of display options. However, it’s like trying to read War and Peace through a keyhole— the display is just too small! On the other hand, ePropulsion, the new kid on the block, might not have the brand heritage, but it makes up for it with its innovative design and easy-to-use controls. In the end, choosing between Torqeedo and ePropulsion is like picking between a hot cup of Earl Grey and a cold pint of lager— it all depends on what floats your boat!
