ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Evo

[chipko]

Took the ‘new to us’ ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Evo for its inaugural shakedown run on the Trent today mounted on our tiny Ocean Runner 340 rib.

Have to say had a great chill out day just pootling along in virtual silence at a fast walking pace, taking in all the sights and sounds of the river bank. Reckon I might even go again tomorrow, it was so relaxing.

Not sure performance figures are really what these little motors are about but run times might be of more relevance to some;

1000w (flat out) 5.8mph with 1hr 15m run time
500w 4.8mph with 2hr 30m run time
250w 4.0mph with 5hr run time
100w 3.3mph with 12hr 30m run time.

Personally feel the flat out speed/run times pretty dire and a misleading indicator of performance. Much more effective to utilise the electric motors high torque and run at lower power settings which still return a decent turn of speed with vastly improved battery life. Running at 250w quarter throttle still returns 4.0mph with a very useful 5hrs run time.

Interested to try this on our 5m rib. If ok it may even replace the 3.5hp petrol auxiliary.

[jakub]

Hi chipko,
I bought one, too. Without the EVO. I'm satisfied. We have a dam here where gas outboards are prohibited. The Spirit is a great choice for me to boat here.
You're right it's not about speed and maximum power. It's about silence
I don't want a petrol outboard around 3 hp anymore. Electric is a great replacement for these low horsepower engines. Have a lot of fun.

Jakub

[Fenlander]

Great review Chipko. It pains me to say it but we could end up river folks only for the next couple of years and that may prompt an elec OB. A few years ago it would shave been unthinkable to me but with recent huge success with battery mower, strimmer, hedge cutter, leaf blower and recently a brilliant E-bike... well it might be a an interesting spend allowing the Tohatsu 9.8 to have a couple of mothball years.

[chipko]

Thanks Mr F. Reckon you’d find one of these new fangled electric jobbies just the ticket for cruising your local waterways.

Have to say had a cracking day out in the bay the other day up here in the frozen north. This time tried the ePropulsion on our Elling and found performance very similar to the Ocean Runner above…perhaps half a mile per hour faster across the range but negligible gain really. Covered 18 miles in four and a half hours run time mainly at 250w quarter power, with 10% battery remaining on return.

Very relaxing just cruising around bay hopping, and managed to snap a shot or two of our resident Arctic Terns busy zipping back and forth across the bay feeding their young.

[Trello]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Great review Chipko. It pains me to say it but we could end up river folks only for the next couple of years and that may prompt an elec OB. A few years ago it would shave been unthinkable to me but with recent huge success with battery mower, strimmer, hedge cutter, leaf blower and recently a brilliant E-bike... well it might be a an interesting spend allowing the Tohatsu 9.8 to have a couple of mothball years.

I hope it doesn't seem unduly nosy, David, but what is going to be different about the next two years that will preclude you from going to sea?

[If it IS too nosy, please feel free not to respond].

[Fenlander]

No I don't mind saying.

Actually the next two years are likely to mirror the previous two years in that we have significant caring responsibilities for both the 90yr old plus generation above and the generation below. We can be needed at short notice which makes the 4hrs from some point on the sea to getting home (i.e. get back to slip, pack away and drive almost 2hrs home) almost more stress than pleasure even if those involved believe they can manage for a day. But a very pleasant local river is only 12-15mins from our house to the launch marina and at frequent intervals along said waterway in a crisis we could pop out and get a taxi reaching either of our responsibilities in about 15mins. So less exciting but being pragmatic far less stress.

I don't begrudge it, we've had decades doing just what we want so paying back in this life period is a natural family thing.

[Trello]

Caring for elderly relatives is a privilege.

My parents didn't reach their 90s - I lost both of them in the last 4 years, and, without wanting to come across as maudlin, I would do absolutely anything to have them back. Boating (or any of my other hobbies) is nothing in comparison.

[chipko]

Land locked at the moment so a good excuse to give the little ePropulsion another run on the Trent today. Farndon Marina entrance in the background and our preferred launch site for these river jaunts.

[willk]

Originally Posted by chipko

Running at 250w quarter throttle still returns 4.0mph with a very useful 5hrs run time.

Interested to try this on our 5m rib. If ok it may even replace the 3.5hp petrol auxiliary.

That's really interesting - thanks for the post

There's a load of hooey talked about electric motors - work of the devil etc. I recently went 'all electric one vehicle household'. It's a nice drive, AWD, loadsa torque and I have to charge it once a week, outta habit rather than necessity. Every time someone I know sees it they tell me why 'electric' doesn't work. Mad Nostradamus type prophesies about dissolving batteries, melting tyres, nowhere to charge it, etc. I just smile and drive on.

I'd give very serious consideration to an electric Aux. Clearly if the main didn't start, you would be careful to not spend an hour turning the key....

[Trello]

Originally Posted by willk

I recently went 'all electric one vehicle household'. It's a nice drive, AWD, loadsa torque and I have to charge it once a week, outta habit rather than necessity.

That's interesting, willk. So far I've not been overly impressed with the range on my EV. Do you fancy starting a new thread in "other stuff" to tell us about yours?

[Fenlander]

>>load of hooey talked about electric motors - work of the devil etc

I have no elec car experience but I've been impressed by my new E-bike well beyond expectations. Its torque, range and clever assistance sensing plus power vs range software is all most impressive. In fact so much so I've shelved the elec outboard and river use in favour of off-road riding on this bike which is giving a similar feeling of relaxation and freedom to river boating with a lot less faff.

[Trello]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

I've shelved the elec outboard and river use in favour of off-road riding on this bike which is giving a similar feeling of relaxation and freedom to river boating with a lot less faff.

Heresy!

[willk]

Originally Posted by Trello

Do you fancy starting a new thread in "other stuff" to tell us about yours?

Good Lord no - it would be like sticking a target on my back. People get VERY exercised about battery EVs. Let's just say I changed from a full size diesel pickup to this and its working out very well for me. Other peeps mileage will vary

[69cmw]

Originally Posted by willk

Good Lord no - it would be like sticking a target on my back. People get VERY exercised about battery EVs. Let's just say I changed from a full size diesel pickup to this and its working out very well for me. Other peeps mileage will vary

What’s it like for towing Wilk?
You towed much with it?