Torqeedo Travel 801 Versus New 1003

[Al Gross]

I have a 9' inflatable dinghy that I use primarily to take the our dog (Schatzi the Sheperd) to shore for "potty breaks." I'm tired of rowing her ashore, and want to buy a small motor for the dinghy.

Does anybody have the Torqeedo Travel 801 and, if so, what are your thoughts? Is it worth the expenditure, especially over a 2.5-3 HP gas motor?

The Travel 801 has the advantage of tear-down and storage, especially on a relatively cramped 340DA. Given this, I'd also be interested in thoughts/opinions on the new Travel 1003 (which doesn't disassemble) over the Travel 801? :huh:

 

[GP_Blank]

As I said on the other thread, I have a summer of use on the 1003 on a 9ft dinghy. While it doesn't break down into a bag like the 803, it still breaks down into 3 very manageable pieces. The shaft/prop portion fits very well under the cockpit seating on our 310. The tiller arm and battery portions are stored in the cabin because we charge the battery down there and have a nice spot for them out of the way. Again, the main reason we bought it was for clean use and portability. Horsepower and long range use was not the main concerns However the 1003 does have a little more power than the 803 and gets better range numbers. I think the integrated GPS unit with real time power usage numbers is very useful as well. as i said before, it takes some of the range anxiety out of using the electric motor. a 3hp gas engine is what... half? 1/3rd the price? I guess it's up to you if it's price is justified.

 

[Al Gross]

Thanks much GP! Did you look at the Honda 4-stroke 2 HP gas engine in comparison? Believe I'm leaning towards the 1003 for storage and the other reasons you highlighted

 

[GP_Blank]

Thanks much GP! Did you look at the Honda 4-stroke 2 HP gas engine in comparison? Believe I'm leaning towards the 1003 for storage and the other reasons you highlighted

We did look at a few (not sure about that exact one) but I was just uncomfortable with the engine storage. It would need to be stored on its side if we were going to get it to be out of the way. we keep the dinghy up on the bow during the week and/or when cruising (if not deflate all together for longer cruising), so that means the engine comes off and gets stored most of the time. The torqeedo's ability to break down was key. not dealing with gas, or any maintenance whatsoever was also huge. The cost savings will likely never be realized by going electric vs. gas, but for us, there were different payoffs that made the choice worth while. It's completely no hassle and it does what we need it to.

 

[Al Gross]

Thanx much--very similar thoughts for me regarding gas -vs- electric/torqeedo.