electric motor for Com-pac 16

[Grant]

What is the best electric motor for the Com-pac 16?  How much thrust is ideal?  What is your experience with the Torqeedo?

[wroundey]

I have a 36 lb thrust trolling motor on my CP 16. Gets  me in and out of the dock and does OK if it is calm.

[cdflan]

See the post under "Outboards in Com-Pac Sailors Lounge" shich has extensive info on electric outboards.  Although it focused on Horizon Cats, much of the material is applicable

[MKBLK]

When I first got my CP16, Pegasus, I immediately purchased a small MinnKota trolling motor. Although only about 24 pounds of thrust, it worked very well on flat water. Since I sometimes combat wind, tide and current, I upgraded to a 36 pounder. Following is a story of how that performed.

I got back into Pegasus, cast off her lines, "fired up" the MinnKota and headed for the ramp. One of the guys from the boat club called out to me, "If you can't make it to the ramp, head out into the river and we'll come and get you. But, the MinnKota did its job and I was able to drive Pegasus right up onto
the trailer. Phew! What an adventure.

If you're interested in the sordid details of this adventure, visit The Log of Pegasus from March 09, 2014 in Model Specific Forums/CP-16's. The wind and wave conditions were quite rough that nice sunny day. I had to go against the wind and current to dash to the ramp (about 100 yards). Fortunately, the tide was now slack and the MinnKota pushed Pegasus right up onto the trailer!

More recently, my Johnson 2HP called it quits and the MinnKota came to the rescue (another adventure!). I don't think that I would leave home without it. I keep it lashed to the boarding ladder.

Marty K.
1981 CP16 Pegasus

[mdnuss]

I too am thinking about putting an electric motor on my recently purchased Compac 16, I saw this one on amazon and seems like a good deal with good reviews: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EYST1L8/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Any thoughts or experience with this brand of motor?
Thanks,
Marcel

[ChuckD]

Marcel, did you end up buying this motor?
If so, what is your experience?
Thanks! Chuck

[MKBLK]

Marcel,

55 lbs. of thrust. Your Com-Pac ought to fly! That's a lot of push. Just remember, the more powerful the motor the more juice it'll eat. Most of the time when using the MinnKota, I rarely go past "3". When I was pushing for the ramp in the heavy wind/current, it was "5" all the way.

One thing I really like about the MinnKota is that it needs NO maintenance and as long as you have juice in the battery it'll do its job.

Marty K.

[mdnuss]

Sorry for not posting sooner, I did get the 55lb thrust that I bought through Amazon. I've only had to use it a couple of times but I am thrilled with it. I keep it stored down below and bring it out only when I need it. It seems to have plenty of power in a calm or light breeze. I haven't used it when the wind is over 7 or 8 mph or if a strong current was against me. I love the no maintenance and convenience of it. I have my compac moored in front of my house, yes I am one very lucky and thankful "sailor". The price of the motor was very reasonable and so far no problems. Hope this helps.
Best wishes to all.

[ChuckD]

Marcel,
Your vessel is parked at your doorstep? Wow! Post a pic sometime.

I ordered a similar model directly from Newport Vessels. Free ship. No tax. (I had it in my cart for a couple days, & they knocked $5 off!) Essentially, I upgraded from a 1963 Evinrude to a 2016 this: http://newportvessels.com/electric-trolling-motor-55lb-thrust-x-series/

Question: Did you mount your battery in the transom locker?
Currently, mine is just aft of the chain locker. I wonder if that's too far to run a wire. (I know it's less than efficient, but I wonder if it would be fine just to motor out of the marina & back.)

Thanks for the report!
Chuck

[mdnuss]

Hi Chuck,
Thanks for your reply - I will post a photo when I get a chance. I did put the battery in the chain locker and ran #8 wires from there to the back, where I have a quick disconnect for the wires of the motor to the #8 wires. It makes it easy to hook up and disconnect. I also use a solar 5w solar charger topside and put the wires under my hatch up front.
Happy Sailing, I think you'll love the motor, which is light and convenient.
Marcel

[MKBLK]

I also have mounted my battery just forward of the compression post. I made an "egg-crate" assembly to hold the battery in place and miscellaneous junk. Also utilize the MinnKota Battery Box with straps (that come with a hold-down) for extra security. As you are well aware, batteries are really heavy. In this location, I believe better fore/aft balance is achieved. Already have enough weight in the stern - namely me! I ran some old heavy duty jumper cables (sans clamps) from the battery aft to an accessory panel I built for the stern lazerette. This contains a socket for the plug on the motor, a voltmeter, and the bilge pump. I plan to run the cables through a length of PVC pipe in the future to protect them from damage.

Marty K.
81 CP16 Pegasus

[ChuckD]

Cool, Marty - thanks.
My Newport Vessels 55 recommends a 50-amp breaker. My current forward battery compartment runs through (what I believe is) the standard Com-Pac panel containing glass fuses. I don't think it can accommodate 50 amps, so I should probably circumvent that and wire in a separate breaker.

I like the sound of your setup!
Chuck

[MKBLK]

Chuck - The MinnKota Battery Box has its own built-in breaker - just for that purpose!

Marty K.

P.S. I forgot to mention that originally my accessory panel rested on the scupper tubes... not good! I've since made legs to reach the hull to prevent stressing the tubes (which developed a leak (bad) from vibration when trailering).