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 Post subject: Torqeedo Reliability
PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 7:12 pm 
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Site Rank - Captain

Joined: Mon Jun 05, 2017 7:05 pm
Posts: 105
Location: Franksville, WI.
I plan on getting some kind of motor for my getaway for the next season, (motormount as well but thats another subject for later). Honda 2.3 is about $950.00, Torqeedo 1003C is $2500.00 plus accessories.
I haven't come across any problems with them on this site but when I google reviews most people are not happy with theirs, lots of error codes that can't be fixed over the phone, lots of breaking plastic parts etc. Most say its ok when it works. Several people recommend buying from a West Marine or some place like that that offers extended warranty protection otherwise your screwed. Price is $250.00 for 2 years.
Is there a better electric option out there? German engineering is supposed to be good. How happy are you guys with your Torqeedo? Thanks, Steve C.


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 Post subject: Re: Torqeedo Reliability
PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 8:49 pm 
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Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2014 1:30 pm
Posts: 984
Location: Benicia, CA
I had a torqeedo on my boat for exactly one outing, then returned it. If you need to shift from fwd to reverse quickly (such as in a busy marina or when docking with a crosswind) then the motor quits with error codes and can't be restarted quick enough to keep from hitting something in a decent breeze (my boat ended on rocks-thank goodness for plastic hulls). It was also much noisier than any 2 stroke motor, let alone a 4 stroke (loud squealing in the gearing). I may have had a bum one...but I went to the Honda 2.3 (short shaft) and was happy with it on my Getaway. Why pay more than twice as much for headaches?

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II


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 Post subject: Re: Torqeedo Reliability
PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2018 8:02 am 
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Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
Posts: 15021
Location: Oceanside, California
These issues went away several years ago.

I have heard very little about problems with the evolve / Torqeedo for a long time now.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)


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 Post subject: Re: Torqeedo Reliability
PostPosted: Fri Sep 28, 2018 8:14 pm 
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Joined: Mon Dec 22, 2008 7:02 pm
Posts: 736
Location: Rockford, IL
I have had a Torqeedo 1003 since 2012, use it pretty much every time I sail because of the docks I have to launch and recover from. I know Thom has said his was very loud, mine is not, it's much quieter than a gas outboard. Mine has been extremely reliable. I have had an occasional error when switching from forward to reverse too quickly. I turned it off then back on, a matter of a few seconds, and it was fine.
I broke a propellor and a skeg when I ran onto some rocks. I had lost control and blew a tack, and too late tried to motor out of the situation. A replacement prop was about $90 and the skeg was about $30. Pricey, but not outrageous. I may charge the battery twice in a season, so it's nice not worrying about gas. It's pretty easy and convenient.
I grew up with small outboards and hate the noise, smell, and unreliability. I'm sure the modern hondas are much better than the old 2 strokes, and the lower price is pretty attractive; have they come down in price? When I was shopping in 2012, it seems the honda was closer in price, maybe $1400? Plus I know I paid nothing like $2500; I think it was $1600. Yeah, for $900 vs $2500, today I'd probably get a gas motor.

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Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft)
Too many canoes and kayaks


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 Post subject: Re: Torqeedo Reliability
PostPosted: Fri Sep 28, 2018 8:19 pm 
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Joined: Mon Dec 22, 2008 7:02 pm
Posts: 736
Location: Rockford, IL
Oh, and for motor mount, look on this forum for Keith's motor mount design. It's brilliant. I had a Cheeta, but built Keith's design and sold the Cheeta. I added an additional brace that really stiffens it up. It cost me about $100, I think, to build it, vs the $400 the Cheeta cost, plus it's better. I'll look for a link and edit this post with it on it.
Here it is. I'd recommend reading it all the way through.
https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=57851

_________________
Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft)
Too many canoes and kayaks


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 Post subject: Re: Torqeedo Reliability
PostPosted: Sat Sep 29, 2018 11:16 am 
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Site Rank - Captain

Joined: Mon Jun 05, 2017 7:05 pm
Posts: 105
Location: Franksville, WI.
Thanks for the info guys. Yes, I have studied that motor mount thread quit a bit. The Kieth design is pretty cool. I am going to kick that around over the winter. There is a carbon fiber company out there as well that sells pieces, they even bolt together with the aluminum T slot stuff. I am trying to think of a system that would be adjustable as well. Thanks, Steve C.
https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/


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