Torqeedo Batteries

[Allen]

I have a Torqeedo 801 that I have used for 4 seasons. Realizing that the battery capacity decreases over time; I am thinking of getting a second battery.  Does anyone have recommendations on how best to use a second, spare, battery to maximize overall battery life?  Do you keep the new one charged and ready, but not use it, or rotate usage?   I would appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Thanks,
Allen;  U20#7  Bomazeen

[Tom Burden]

Hi Allen,
I have two batteries for the 1003 Torqeedo motor. Before we go sailing we charge both all the way, and usually run the motor at wide-open throttle, so we get about a half hour of running time. The spare battery is stored in the lazarette, and we just swap when the first one is done. For longer distances we throttle back about half way, which really extends the operating time. Interestingly, lithium-manganese batteries like to be stored at least partially discharged, so spreading the use out and running both batteries down would make them last longer.

Tom Burden
Layla #92

[Allen]

Tom,  Thanks.  The 1003 looks pretty nice.  Does it fit in the cockpit locker?
Allen

[John Scharer]

Hi,

I have 2 801 batteries for 4 years and note that they state that the lifetime can be extended if one STORES them for longer periods at HALF charge, NOT full charge.  Then one should fully charge it just before going out to utilize.   At fixed time level use one can run the battery on a U20 for close to 50 min-1 hr in normal lite chop conditions.

Thanks,

John Scharer
#61

[Allen]

Now that I have been looking into this, the 1003 looks like quite an upgrade from the 801. I am considering upgrading as opposed to getting a second battery.  The 801 is discontinued and that bothers me a bit for the longer term.  The 1003 looks a lot bigger, sturdier, and has longer range. Is the physical size a problem at all?  Any other comments or suggestions?
Thanks,  Allen
#7

[Chris McGraw]

If I can add to Alan's question, I am also considering a 1003.  Along with Alan's question about the size in terms of storage onboard, would you recommend a short shaft or long shaft model?

[Allen]

Well this is not a battery discussion any more.

I got a chance to see the 1003 this morning.  The biggest problem I have had with the 801 is that the motor mount is not rigid enough under high load conditions.  The new one appears to have this well under control. 

However, the 1003 does not allow you to easily lock it in position while on the lake, i.e. by tightening a screw.  To lock it in position, you need to remove the locking pin on the battery, lift the battery, insert a pin, lower the battery, reinsert the battery locking pin, and then restart the motor.  To use it for steering again, you would have to reverse that procedure.  This would not work well for me.  I need to steer with the motor until I am in deep water, then fix the motor to maintain heading while I lower the keel and raise the sails, and the reverse procedure for my return.

In talking to the torqeedo people, there apparently is an adjustment that can be made to increase the friction of the motor for turning.  There is apparently a plastic screw under the collar cover that can be adjusted.  This is not adjustable on the water either.  However, it might work well enough to allow steering with the motor, and still have enough resistance to stay fixed when not attended.  Does anyone have experience with this, or perhaps a way to fix the motor in another manner?

Another question after seeing the motor is does the steering arm interfere or rest on the boat when it is in the raised position? 

Thanks for any inputs.
Allen
#7