Torqeedo for Viper

[Charlie Visser]

Which Torqeedo model is appropriate for the Viper?

[Matt Sole]

The light version that doesn't need a battery.....
;-)

[Charlie Visser]

Long shaft or short? Foldable 401/801 or non-foldable 503/1003?
Leaning toward the 801 because sometimes it would be nice to fold it into its carrying case and stow beneath the foredeck.

[Greg Jackson]

Charlie,

I have had  a 401 S for around three years, so the model number might have changed, and it works great.

I have never folded the thing, too much of a pain in the a@@, I just stick the battery in a dry bag at the sole of the mast and lash the battery between my old spinnaker turning blocks under the tiller and completely out of the way.

Greg

[Charlie Visser]

I assume the 401S means the short shaft. I would expect the transon mount is low enough on a Viper not to need the long shaft.
You meant you lash the shaft/prop part out of the way beneath the tiller?

[Drew Harper]

I have an 801S (short shaft). Love the damn thing. Powers a Viper over 5 knots at half throttle.

The new version has an internal GPS that gives you range, remaining charge, etc.

[joshua charlton]

I have the new one (1003), which has the added bonus of being totally waterproof.  I would recomment the short shaft and like Drew said, it powers you well enough, though I wish the battery would have a slightly longer life -- it loses charge fairly quickly at full throttle.  It's so nice to just tie it up to the mast and not have to worry about gas in your boat.

[Greg Jackson]

I assume the 401S means the short shaft. I would expect the transon mount is low enough on a Viper not to need the long shaft.
You meant you lash the shaft/prop part out of the way beneath the tiller?

That's what I meant to say...

[Charlie Visser]

Thanks, folks. I am debating between the foldability of the short shaft 801 and the improvements of the 1003. Both seem to be more than adequate for the Viper.
Charlie

[Justin Scott]

I use the Drew101. No gasolene involved.

I get about 3 knots from the Drew in conventional mode using the short shaft. But when I stick him up by the mast I get 4 knots.

Folds up nicely in front of the shrouds in light airs but hikes like a bastard when the breeze is up.

This year I have promised him a long shaft paddle.

[Drew Harper]

I use the Drew101. No gasolene involved.

I get about 3 knots from the Drew in conventional mode using the short shaft. But when I stick him up by the mast I get 4 knots.

Folds up nicely in front of the shrouds in light airs but hikes like a bastard when the breeze is up.

This year I have promised him a long shaft paddle.

God, I'm sure glad you said 'stick him up the mast' versus the alternative :-D

[Justin Scott]

I use the Drew101. No gasolene involved.

I get about 3 knots from the Drew in conventional mode using the short shaft. But when I stick him up by the mast I get 4 knots.

Folds up nicely in front of the shrouds in light airs but hikes like a bastard when the breeze is up.

This year I have promised him a long shaft paddle.

God, I'm sure glad you said 'stick him up the mast' versus the alternative :-D

Different Drew. Newer and better East coast model.

Dan Tucker has used the West Coast model and reports that it is heavier and finicky. You have to use choke to get it started or dowse it in alcohol.