Nestaway Boats Ltd - Torqeedo 401 & 801 motors

The best-selling 801 and 401 "Travel" models have integrated lithium batteries - the equivalent of a petrol outboard's fuel tank - that are far more energy dense than conventional lead acid types, meaning you don't have the hassle (not to mention weight) of carrying a separate battery. The 801 has a power output of 800 Watts, roughly equivalent to a 2hp petrol outboard; the 401 half that. They are lighter (including the battery) than any current petrol outboard; don't smell of petrol or leak oil; and require no maintenance. They are also unique amongst outboard engines of any type, in their ability to fold up, for easy transport and storage (much like our boats!). Waterproof backpack type bags are supplied for further versatility.

Torqeedo 401/801 folded (above) and
in waterproof backpack bag (right)

The 401 and 801 are also available as cheaper non-folding "BaseTravel"
models, where the battery is replaced with an adapter pack, so that they
can be connected to conventional lead acid or AGM (absorbed glass mat)
batteries. The 12volt 401 can run from a single battery whilst the 24volt
801 requires two (connected in series). The use of external batteries gives
the possibility of much longer journeys, depending obviously on the size of
the batteries.

Both types have the following advantage over petrol motors:
- EASY STARTING, just twist and go (no pulling cords, choke, fuel taps etc).
They are MUCH simpler to use than petrol motors, which is an important
consideration if you want people "lacking in mechanical sympathy" to get
involved with boating and build up early confidence. Great for kids too.
- CLEAN TO USE, no petrol and oil to mix, nothing to spill (also good when
transporting in the back of a car etc)
- LIGHTWEIGHT to handle and install on boat. The battery or battery adapter
is easily removable, so the motor can be fitted to the boat without them,
weighing approx 8kg. Lightest petrol motor on the market is approx 14kg, if
you include the (fairly essential) lubrication oil and a tank of petrol (which
their figures often don't!).
- POLLUTION-FREE at point of use; this is increasingly becoming a requirement
for use on inland waterways (lakes, rivers etc)
- QUIET, which just makes life more pleasant! You don't scare off the wildlife -
whether you want to watch it or catch it - and you can chat to each other
without shouting.

Choosing Between the Travel 401 and Travel 801 models

This often causes confusion, as in many respects they are nearly identical -
weight, appearance, propeller etc. The main difference is that the 801 runs
at twice the voltage, and has double the maximum power output (800
Watts instead of 400).

The two batteries store the same amount of energy, so for a given power
output - or the same speed on the same boat - will last an equal period.
For example, the 401 at half power (ie 200 Watts) will push your boat the
same speed and last the same distance as the 801 at quarter power (also
200 Watts). Similarly the 801 at full power (800 Watts) will last half as long
as the 401 at full power (400 Watts).

So the advantage of the 801 is that you have the extra power when you
need it, punching against a tide for example. The disadvantage is that if
you run it flat out the battery will not last very long (about 20-25 minutes).

Another consideration is that if you wish to extend the range, by attaching your outboard to external batteries (like a car battery), the 401 can be
attached to a single battery whilst the 801 will require a pair wired in series
(to achieve the required voltage). In both cases this requires an optional
adapter cable set (Torqeedo ref 1115-00).

Or, if money is no object, buy the "Torqeedo Power Lithium Battery" which
is the correct voltage to power the 801 and has sufficient capacity for
almost any voyage you are likely to undertake by outboard (even flat out).
In many ways the perfect solution, but it does cost £3000!

Click here for: Torqeedo Prices