We're often asked whether electric outboards offer a realistic alternative for combustion engines when cruising on a trailer sailer. The entry level Torqeedo Travel and Epropulsion Spirit 1.0 models only rate at round 3HP equivalent - not really enough to propel a typical trailer sailer weighing over 3/4 tonne into strong winds and tide. So, we tested the boat speeds (and therefore the range) which could be achieved on a more powerful unit, the Epropulsion Navy 3 electric outboard. At 3KW, the Navy 3 is reported to be the electric equivalent of a 6HP combustion engine. We put this claim to the test on the water on the Hamble River in Hampshire, UK.
