Testing the Beta Version of the Electric Paddle.wmv

Out and about on the Lake Wilderness with the Prototype of the Electric Paddle, and seeing what it can do.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• electric paddle
• red barn boats
• duckworksbbs
• duckworks magazine
• electric boat motors

[fatehunter1972]

I am very impressed with the power out of this light unit! Very interested in product ready for sale.

I find the straight thin blade very interesting. high aspect ratio?

michael

[redbarnboats]

I will be doing another test when the "production" unit is ready. I will take a GPS along to determine the speeds, and do a battery drain test at the same time.

[hoz49]

Kind of noisy, that hum could be irritable

[redbarnboats]

A lot of the noise was coming from the boat itself. The hollow area under the stern seat acts as a sound chamber, magnifiying the noise.

[hoz49]

I suspected that, the boat amplified the motor vibration. You think if you filled the hollow area with foam the noise would be dampened?

[redbarnboats]

Probably would help. When I tested the boat, some of the rubber parts were removed to get the "mount" over the thick rails I put on my boats. If I was going to use one for fishing, I would epoxy a 1/4" layer of closed cell foam under a piece of 1/4" plywood, and use that under both sides of the motor mounts. That should muffle the noise a bit.

[innerphaedrus]

@granite25: Good question: a trolling motor plus battery weighs 80 lbs or more, requires relatively more time to set up with separate connections, etc. The heavy battery is a sinking hazard for some boats, the motor's rigid pivot can upset your boat in a grounding, and it's quite a bother to transport. The Electric paddle weighs 14 lbs, the battery floats, and it all takes less than a minute to completly set it up- clamp, plug in, and go. -from electricpaddle

[redbarnboats]

The one I was using, was "just" long enough for my 8ft Pram, and a good length for a canoe. I only have a Winona 17' Encounter (solo, middle seat) canoe, so I couldn't test it on that without a remote switch of some type. They may make one in the furure.

[hoz49]

Will they be made in a short shaft version? Nice for a canoe.

[redbarnboats]

I would say weight of the motor, and esp the battery. Also the battery can be charged very quickly compaired to an AGM, or Lead Acid type.

Also being light, a help to older folks who still want to get out on the water and putz around for a couple of hours; or to have some help getting back to the dock if the wind picks up.