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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Electric outboard looking attractive

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putzmeister
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100 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/23/2012 : 17:18:01

Have been tied up with a home project this summer. Boat sat unused for about 6 weeks. We purchased ethanol free fuel in the spring thinking this would alleviate fuel problems. Went to start the outboard and it wouldn't even spit. Yanked out a little electric unit and it moved the reasonably well.

It was real easy! Mount it on the ourboard bracket, connect two wires to the battery, turn the handle and voila!

I need to research electric ourboards for inland lake sailing (save the Yamaha for larger bodies of water.)

1989 C25
Hull #5822

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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4593 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2012 : 17:22:06

As an alternative, you might want to check out the new propane powered outboards.
Might be less expensive in the long run, and with extra fuel canisters, a longer range.

Edited by - dmpilc on 10/23/2012 17:32:20

MrKawfey
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Response Posted - 10/24/2012 : 10:06:53

There are a few legitimate options for electric. The problem ( just like any electric vehicle) is the energy storage. You can check out torquedo ( think that's the spelling). They have attacked the problem a different way by optimizing the hydro dynamics and motor combination so they can use smaller batteries. One of their models even has the battery built in( lithium ion). The down side is their cost.

A DIY alternative is to replace the power head in your outboard with a pancake motor. There are a couple that are perfectly suited in terms of both size and power.

Last there is a company that sells a kit that mounts an electric motor to an existing inboard shaft. If i was going to do an electric conversion, i would glass in a stuffing box and convert to an inboard. It has the fewest moving parts and moves weight forward in the boat. It also gives you the ability to get a prop that is optimized for the motor. Last it would help improve steering at the dock

Keep mind that our system of rating outboard by hp makes it difficult to compare electric vs gas. It's been a long time since I have studied this application, but an electric motor equivalent will be much smaller than its gasoline brother.

Edited by - MrKawfey on 10/24/2012 10:12:11

MrKawfey
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Response Posted - 10/24/2012 : 10:28:50

Actually I would love to see someone do a series hybrid with a small portable generator. Would also give you ac on the boat when away from the dock. I bet you would only need a 1.5 to 2kW generator.

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redeye
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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2012 : 10:58:01

<< Went to start the outboard and it wouldn't even spit. >>

Ya know.. I just don't get that.. I just cranked an engine that had not been cranked sense 2007. Pulled the plugs, sprayed starter fluid in the cylinder, replaced the plugs and it started right up.. and using the same fuel that was in the tank from 07..

The fuel had turned the color of the plastic tank...

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dmpilc
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Response Posted - 10/24/2012 : 14:30:32

Worth checking out:
http://www.boatingmag.com/engines/outboards/lehr-propane-outboards

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awetmore
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1144 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2012 : 15:48:04

It would be cool to see LEHR do the same treatment to the Tohatsu Sailpro or the 8/9.8 engines with long shaft. I think that their existing engines are variations of existing Tohatsu engines.

In the meantime the LEHR 5hp doesn't come in the 25" shaft length that would be appropriate for a C-25, plus they are a little under powered for pushing against a strong headwind. In protected situations they should be okay.

They have the existing LEHR engines at a local store and they do seem to run smoothly. If the 2.5hp had the same weight as the Honda or Suzuki 2hp motors it would be a great dinghy engine.

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islander
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4024 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2012 : 16:26:10

I have to agree with Ray, Sometimes it's to easy to blame fuel when the problems lie elsewhere. I've never had a problem with " Old gas, separation, water etc" I have had dirt get into the carb and cause problems but that was only once. My vent is always open and it gets hot and humid in the day and cools off at night here. If you ran the carb dry and the hose and bulb are in good shape and the motor is in tune it should start. 6 weeks isn't that long.

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MrKawfey
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Response Posted - 10/24/2012 : 17:11:12

If we are talking about trouble shooting your outboard, I also have to agree with Ray and Scott. 6 weeks isn't all that long to be sitting. you didn't mention whether you had a 2 stroke or 4 stroke. I would put new plugs in it and try again. My money would be on carb clogging though. Get some seafoam and add it to the gas. If you can get it running let it run for a bit to suck in the seafoam and then let it sit for a few days. The seafoam will help break down any deposits or dirt. Then when you start it up again it will run like crap for a while as it sucks through the junk.

Once you have it running you can rev it up real high and put your hand over the intake. It will choke the engine but the engine vacuum will suck junk that may be stuck in the carb jets. Do it a couple of time and I bet it will help.

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DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2012 : 07:15:20

I'm with Ray and Scott. Run the fuel out every time you use it, change the lower unit oil every several years, a plug now and then, a water pump if it starts peeing slow and you should be good to go. I do understand that guys that don't need to run their motors as long can have more problems, but that just means you need to motor around a little more often.

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panhead1948
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345 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2012 : 09:26:02

I have a 7.5 Honda and one tank last a long time. I use Startron and I don't have any problems. My neighbor had trouble with his Tohatsu and was going to take it off and take it to have it serviced. I told him to get some Seafoam and just run it for awhile. Soon it was running fine and he thanked me for the money I'd saved him

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.