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ePropulsion spirit 1.0 Didn't work for us, But it might work for you.

April 30, 2025 · 11 min · 10K views

What this video covers

The ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 electric outboard lacks the power to plane a dinghy or maintain safe speeds in adverse conditions, such as wind against tide.0:04 While the motor functions for short, calm-water trips, it fails to provide the range or thrust necessary for longer distances or challenging sea states.0:17 Paulo, owner of the sailboat Starry Night, replaced the Spirit 1.0 with a 20-horsepower Honda gasoline outboard after a 20-knot breeze and heavy chop made returning to the anchorage nearly impossible.3:25 The gasoline engine allows the dinghy to plane at speeds up to 19 knots, reducing a two-mile transit from 45 minutes to seven minutes.6:36 Although the electric motor is sufficient for light, short-range use, the inability to overcome wind and current creates safety risks for cruisers. The optimal setup involves carrying both a gasoline outboard for range and safety, and a smaller, lighter electric motor like the ePropulsion E-Lite for casual, short-distance trips.7:57

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