Posted by Robert Kent on 9/2/2009, 20:35:37

I'm seriously considering buying a 1986 Capri (Catalina) 18 (displacement 1,500 lbs), and I would love to avoid a gasoline outboard. I anticipate that, most of the time, I'll use the outboard for about 5 minutes leaving the dock, and another 5 minutes to return to the dock. Of course, I also realize that you need help when the wind calms. I'd appreciate thoughts and advice on electric outboards that would work for this boat. I've started to look into this and, between thrust, horsepower, range, battery options, etc., my head is spinning. Thanks for your input.

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Posted by Steve W (NY) on 9/3/2009, 9:34:53, in reply to "electric outboard on a minicruiser"

I owned a C18 for about 2 years and they are a great boat. I eventually sold mine as trailering became too difficult, but if I was to keep it at a marina or mooring it would still be mine. I used a Honda 5Hp on the back, and it pushed the boat great, but it was heavy and pictures show I was always loaded back heavy. the problem is that the C18 will take some serious wind, but provides a lot of windage that could overwhelm a small outboard. I used a Johnson Colt (2hp 2 stroke) for a brief experiment and it pushed the boat great in calm water, but the prop would come out of the water in any kind of chop. I think the Current motor I have on my Sea Pearl, a 2HP Honda, would be great for the situations I was in, but I rarely dealt with any current, just wind. Confusing right? My business partner says the stress in your life is proportional to how many internal combustion engines you own, and I agree they contribute. But I think anything short of the most powerful electrics would be a cause for concern, as with even a stub keel, grounding is a problem. Take Care, Steve

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Posted by Dave Laux on 9/3/2009, 10:26:13, in reply to "electric outboard on a minicruiser"

You ought to be able to row this boat for the distances you are describing. It would be cheap,resistant to theft, and good excersize. It would also leave you with a boat that in some states would avoid the registration number and sticker thing. The wind hardly ever calms enough o stop a good small sailboat but rowing reasonable distances is not that bad. Most people that have tried the electric option seem to give it up in the long run due to range and chrging issues. Dave

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Posted by Phil McLean on 9/3/2009, 12:17:20, in reply to "Re: electric outboard on a minicruiser"

Check out this YouTube video/review. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0utXxauZOso You'll probably find better value in a small outboard with integral gas tank, but if you are motivated to the electric solution this is a serious option. Good points are portable (about 30lbs) in a bag, and can run for 3.5 hrs with a single charge.

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Posted by Uan Lu on 9/3/2009, 13:14:14, in reply to "Re: electric outboard on a minicruiser"

I used a Minn Kota 70 electric on a Potter 19 for about a year. It moved it pretty well around the canals and out to the lake. To fight the tidal current when going out to ocean I purchased a 6 hp Nissan/Tohatsu. The electric would barely push it under the bridges with tide against it. If you have no tides it is doable.

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Posted by Jack Florida on 10/29/2009, 13:27:23, in reply to "Re: electric outboard on a minicruiser"

I had a 30lb electric trolling motor ($99) on my Precision 165. It did a great job moving the boat in and out of the ramp area and had a range of close to 5 miles. I used it for a few years until I started cruising and felt that motoring any distance was not going to happen with the electric. I added a 2.5hp 2 stroke next to the electric and used both for 7 more years. Many time I would not even get the gas motor wet as the electric would handle most situations. Strong tides and currents are better left to the gas motors.

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Posted by Uan Lu on 10/31/2009, 17:40:07, in reply to "electric outboard on a minicruiser"

Well I've just about had it with the electric motor. I keep buying a new battery every year and hauling battery chargers back and forth. I quit! Dang batteries do not hold a charge long enough and every time I want to use boat I have to charge the battery the day before. Whatapain! Gonna git a small outboard motor. Shoulda done that in the beginning. Now I've spent more time, energy and money on batteries than I would have spent just getting the outboard motor and using it.

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