New Torqeedo Travel 1003 Electric Outboard

Torqeedo keeps adding new models to its line of electric outboards. The latest is the Travel series with two new units offering power equivalent to 1.5 hp and 3 hp, respectively. The Travel 503 and Travel 1003 not only offer more power than their predecessors but are tougher and are completely waterproof to IP67 standards.

According to Torqeedo, the Travel 1003 offers a battery with 30% more capacity and an even higher level of efficiency than before.   Torqeedo’s lithium-manganese batteries enable a large amount of energy to be stored per pound of battery weight.  At slow speed, the range of a Travel motor exceeds 12 nautical miles. A display located inside the tiller shows precise information about the remaining range, as well as current speed-over-ground, power consumption and state of charge.  Speed and range information is calculated with the help of the integrated GPS.  If the remaining charge of the battery drops below 30% an acoustic warning is triggered.  Both models can also be rigged for remote throttle.

Torqeedo outboards are not cheap by any measure but they offer some significant advantages. On a diesel yacht, carrying a Torqeedo-powered dinghy or tender can eliminate the requirement to carry hazardous supplies of gasoline. You’re not going to water-ski behind a Torqeedo outboard, but if you’re looking for quiet, environmentally sensitive power, they will fill the bill.

You can even charge the motor in a more environmentally-friendly way. Foldable, 3′ square solar panels utilizing CIGS-technology are available.  The absorbed sun energy is stored in the weatherproof and UV-resistant modules, so they still deliver electricity even when the sky is cloudy or dull.  I can imagine installing the solar panels on a small tube frame over the outboard, or above a driver’s console in a bigger RIB.  When the panels are combined with a Torqeedo Travel, users get one of the lightest and smallest solar-powered drives in the world, with a total weight of only 31 lbs.

These new Torqeedo models would be great for dinghies, tenders, Jon boats, fishing boats and any other sailboat up to a weight of 1,653 lbs. for the 503 or 3,000 lbs. for the 1003. The Travel 1003 from Torqeedo has a price of $1,899, while the Travel 503 costs $1,599.

Editor’s Note:  The Torqeedo Travel 503 and 1003 will be on display in booth #J65 at the Miami International Boat Show, February 11-15 in Miami, Florida.

Copyright © 2010 by OceanLines LLC. All rights reserved.