New ultra-quiet electric outboard motor

German firm Torqeedo has added a new direct-drive Travel motor to its series of high-tech electric alternatives to small petrol outboards for dinghies and day-sailers. The top-of-the-line Travel 1103 C delivers equivalent propulsive power to a 3hp combustion outboard and is suitable for boats up to 1.5 tons. The push-button start, integrated onboard computer with GPS-calculated range and runtime data, fully variable forward and reverse, and lack of risk of fuel or oil spills are said to make this unit easy to use and maintain. All Travel motors come with a lightweight, high-performance lithium-ion battery that clicks on top of the motor, has an integrated USB port for charging a cellphone or camera, and is easy to remove for charging. The removable battery and tiller make the Travel easy to handle and store on board – the heaviest piece of the Travel 1103 C weighs 11kg (25 lb) and the total system weight, including the removable battery and tiller, is 17kg (38 lb). The motor is fully waterproof to IP67 and has a two-year warranty for recreational use. The 1,100W motor ships with a high-capacity 915Wh battery and standard charger. It can power a small inflatable at 2kts (3.7km/h) for approximately 20 hours for a maximum range of 74km (46 miles). At a speed of 5.5kts, (10km/h), owners can expect a range of at least 8km (5 miles) – more than enough for most dinghy and tender applications. The new model adds instantaneous throttle response, a stronger pylon for increased protection from impact damage and an upgraded transom mount. “The Travel 1103 C does everything a small combustion outboard can do, but it’s lighter, much quieter, easier to use, cleaner to handle and store, and more environmentally friendly,” said Dr Christoph Ballin, co-founder and CEO of Torqeedo.