In our opinion (and that of numerous independent testers), Torqeedo make the best electric outboards on the market - and the only ones that are realistic alternatives to petrol engines. They are far, far more powerful than the electric "trolling motors" you may have seen elsewhere, but can operate all day at trolling speeds should you want them to, in virtual silence and without "sooting up" as a petrol outboard would. 

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 "base" 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.

Torqeedo also make larger electric engines, with outputs of 2kW and 4kW (2000W and 4000W respectively). The 2kW motor will drive our Trio multi-purpose boat at 9 knots, in virtual silence and with acceleration that you won't believe until you try it (we haven't got hold of the 4kW yet...)! The 2kW model is available with either a tiller handle or with a remote throttle for connection to remote steering mechanism. The remote version includes a GPS unit to give you speed, range, battery capacity etc. The 4kW model is currently available with remote throttle only, although we understand this may change soon.

If you are considering "going electric" it is essential that you understand the fundamental difference between electric and petrol motors. Electric motors are relatively high torque, low power, making them best-suited to easily-driven displacement hulls. They will perform much better on low-drag hulls (hard dinghies, canoes etc) than small inflatable dinghies, which are primarily designed to operate on the plane.

The electric motor comes into its own when you want to go at relatively slow speeds, quietly. Fishing, wildlife watching (or hunting), and harbour, river or canal cruising are ideal applications.

And on an increasing number of inland waterways the only permitted type
of powered craft is electric.

The Torqeedo 801 will drive our Trio multi-purpose-boat at 5-6 knots, which is much faster than most inflatables with a 2hp petrol engine, and far in excess of the speed limit in most harbours and inland waterways. Depending on your intended use, you might never be able to use the extra power of a petrol engine - and with the Torqeedo you will still be able to talk to (rather than shout at!) your fellow passengers, with all the other advantages mentioned above.

And if you do want to surprise other water-users with something of an "electric speed boat", try our Trio multi-purpose-boat with the 2kW Torqeedo...

Battery life is an issue that cannot be avoided but again needs clarification. Run/range times are greatly increased by throttling back even slightly, and massively increased when running at half power or less. On the right hull half power may still give you 75% speed, and the Torqeedos with integral batteries have built-in pre-defined settings to give a set or maximised running time.

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!