I’m hoping someone here can help me!
For a while now I have been researching motors and props on flipsky and maytech as well as sifting through the wealth of knowledge on this forum. I would like to build what basically amounts to a rideable diy tow boogie, minus the towing. I’d like to use it to explore some lakes in my area that are inaccessible on foot. The “boogie” portion would be quite a bit larger then an actually boogie to help with floatation and stability while being made of very light composite. Can anyone suggest a motor, esc and prop combination that would work well in this configuration. I was hoping for top speed of 15mph, and while cruising getting about 2hr run time to actually get some range at say 10mph. I was considering the thruster kit from flipksy as it has a 6kw motor and built in esc. Does anyone have experience with this kit? If so what kind of performance can I expect? Should I get an upgraded prop? Are there any other motor,prop, esc combinations that anyone can suggest? Please help and old man have some adventure!
Hi, I am (slowly :)) working on a slightly similar project: a high-performance electric outboard for a canoe. I also hope to get 15mph or so; based on my research, you will need MUCH more power than the kit you mentioned if you hope to get that type of speed.
I am using the 85161 motor; you probably need either a motor like that or two of the smaller motors. Two motors is the usual configuration for a tow boogie. Two of the “6kw” 65161s might work, or two 70165. Two 63100 motors are also an option, but that is likely too weak; it’s a possibility though and is by far the cheapest. (Three 63100?? )
DON’T get the one with built in ESC, it has been reported to be extremely weak because the ESC is undersized to fit in the motor.
The reason you need so much power is because an efoil is way more efficient. You are flying above the water rather than pushing through it–in a boat, there is a lot of drag.
Overall, it depends mostly on price/how much you are willing to pay to guarantee the target performance. Having not finished my own boat I don’t know exactly how much power is needed, but the above motor suggestions are guesses in the general area.
You don’t mention what position you will ride in but anything other than standing will be uncomfortable at those speeds for that long. Any wave action even small ones will make the ride bumpy - 15mph will be more of a pounding.
There are lots of EFoil builds here that use a 65161 motor and a Flite prop. Obviously the foil provides lift but the board has to achieve your 10mph value approx before it flys so I can’t see why it wouldn’t work in your scenario.
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