Interesting electric propulsion.

[r111]

Lookup Texas Power Paddle. On utube etc. SOL dont allow direct links and just might remove this post altogether, u never know

Edited July 18, 2021 by r111

[r111]

So, this one uses direct drive (no gears) miniature turbine- may be 4" OD x 4" long, weight can't be more than 1lb. One of the vids shows disassembly for servicing, real beauty how it can be completely  taken apart in 2 mins. Looks like Blue Robotics T200. Optional weed guard protection shroud.

 

The BLDC motor has a  rotor that uses permanent magnets and is on the outside. In other words, unlike the common DC motor, where only the shaft rotates, here the exterior of the motor rotates. It requires no seals (!) to protect the inside, has no brushes that wear off etc. About the only concern I'd have is with sand getting in between the rotor and stator. That space is exposed to water and if the clearance is tight, sand can be an issue.

 

It is so small, could be mounted into a cutout inside of a Hobie rudder, or fit inside of Hobie transducer mount.  When retracted, the unit is completely outta way. They sell a custom rudder with motor pre-installed, installation would take 5 mins at most. When so mounted, u get insanely tight turning radius. U also get the usual kick-up protection, should you hit underwater obstacle. And the unit requires no installation effort (outside of hooking up the battery) before launch. Nothing to remove when u are ready to beach, you'd just pull up the rudder as usual.

 

Then there's the "case" - think HF Pelican. Contains custom lithium battery (prolly 26V or so), along with usual BMS, DC to 3 phase controller (ESC) that powers the head, charging port. Not sure what chemistry they use, LiFePo4 (likely, considering  it weighs 10+ lb) or what. And lastly, the throttle control unit, just a resistor pot inside so it is very small, can clip onto existing kayak rudder control. Someone claims they used the unit during a three day fishing outing and it was still at 40% left. around  30AH 26V ?

 

The battery case has a kill switch. It is a common mechanical disconnect (of $5 variety) - not very saltwater friendly. Not a reed (magnetic & sealed) type.

 

The unit pushes common Hobie to about 3.5Mph. When combined with moderate use of Hobie's own MD, you'd get close to 5mph hull speed.

 

They claim pending patent, but I am not sure exactly what could be the claim here, as long as PO clerk aint asleep when he reviews the application. But the entire set is nice, very ez install, priced under $2K and will surely finds its users.

Edited July 18, 2021 by r111

[lafalot]

Saw this a while back - looks really interesting.. just waiting for reviews before I bite the bullet. That rudder mounted prop is genius.

[atv223]

That's cool.  As I read the website, it sounds like the patent is around the hinged mount that allows it to retract up.  I can believe that element of this is patent-able.  

[nateD]

 

Looks pretty cool if it holds up

[gellfex]

Looks to me like if you get weeds in it you're paddling ashore or taking a swim to clear it, unlike the drivewell mounted devices.

[spoonplugger1]

Looks like the prop design is reminiscent of the weedproof prop designed by Roland Martin way back when, and still used today on bowmount trolling  motors.The prop ring has a long history of protecting props from rocks, weeds, kelp and shallow water obstructions also for a very long time.

[s.e. charles]

would this be comparable to a "full motor" system (powered exclusively) or is it supplementary to paddling? (motor & paddle simultaneously)

 

thanks

[GeoffT]

After extensive research, I think I'm gonna go for a TPP.   I like the fact you can still use your Mirage drive to supplement the motor propulsion and it's seamless with an integrated rudder motor after an easy 5 minute swap out of the regular rudder.  I'd like to be able to pedal readily if the motor fails or gets clogged up with weed or debris.

 

More expensive than I would like it but appears to be worth it from the reviews I've read so far.  Nicely designed website too.  I heard customer service is very good.

 

I didn't want to have to switch between the drive well motor and mirage drive itself, and or deal with a transom mount.  So TPP looks like a happy medium for me.

[gobigblue]

21 hours ago, GeoffT said:

After extensive research, I think I'm gonna go for a TPP.   I like the fact you can still use your Mirage drive to supplement the motor propulsion and it's seamless with an integrated rudder motor after an easy 5 minute swap out of the regular rudder.  I'd like to be able to pedal readily if the motor fails or gets clogged up with weed or debris.

 

More expensive than I would like it but appears to be worth it from the reviews I've read so far.  Nicely designed website too.  I heard customer service is very good.

 

I didn't want to have to switch between the drive well motor and mirage drive itself, and or deal with a transom mount.  So TPP looks like a happy medium for me.

motor + still being able to use the mirage drive is the only way to go 100%.  i cringe when i remember back to the days where i mounted it in the mirage drive slot like a lazy mofo.  now im just half lazy.

[ijuanaspearfish]

id be interested in doing this to my outback.

[afishinado]

I got a TTP last year for my Hobie Compass.  It is mounted in the transducer cavity (I don't use a fishfinder).  I simply unscrewed the transducer plate and ran the wire through the scupper hole and screwed in the motor mount.  Nothing to cut or drill.  

 

It works as advertised.  At full power it propels the kayak at 3.5 to 4mph.  Easy pedaling with my mirage drive with the motor, I can reach 5mph to get to my fishing area. I often fish rivers and it easily takes me up stream in a decent current.  I reduce the speed and often use to slowly work my way upstream and fish hands-free.  I can also turn down the power to hold my position to fish out a spot.  I find I hardly ever anchor to fish with the TPP.  The battery pack lasts all day with power to spare for every trip so far.  Just plug in the battery pack to a wall outlet and it recharges quickly and easily.  It's a winner in my book.  Good luck with it if you get one.

[computeruser]

20 hours ago, afishinado said:

I got a TTP last year for my Hobie Compass.  It is mounted in the transducer cavity (I don't use a fishfinder).  I simply unscrewed the transducer plate and ran the wire through the scupper hole and screwed in the motor mount.  Nothing to cut or drill.  

 

It works as advertised.  At full power it propels the kayak at 3.5 to 4mph.  Easy pedaling with my mirage drive with the motor, I can reach 5mph to get to my fishing area. I often fish rivers and it easily takes me up stream in a decent current.  I reduce the speed and often use to slowly work my way upstream and fish hands-free.  I can also turn down the power to hold my position to fish out a spot.  I find I hardly ever anchor to fish with the TPP.  The battery pack lasts all day with power to spare for every trip so far.  Just plug in the battery pack to a wall outlet and it recharges quickly and easily.  It's a winner in my book.  Good luck with it if you get one.

Since you motor is sticking out at the bottom of the kayak what happens when you need to drag the kayak on the beach to get to the water or landing the kayak...I would be very concern that I could damage it....has it ever happened to you?

[afishinado]

9 mins ago, computeruser said:

Since you motor is sticking out at the bottom of the kayak what happens when you need to drag the kayak on the beach to get to the water or landing the kayak...I would be very concern that I could damage it....has it ever happened to you?

No problem beaching the kayak or running through shallow water.  The motor nests flat inside the transducer cavity and has a magnetic latch holding it in place.  When the motor is powered up it pops out and deploys  If you hit an obstruction it retracts.  I've run the motor in very shallow water and beach it all the time without any issues.  

Edited March 24, 2022 by afishinado

[computeruser]

5 mins ago, afishinado said:

No problem beaching the kayak or running through shallow water.  The motor nests flat inside the transducer cavity and has a magnetic latch holding it in place.  When the motor is powered up it pops out and deploys  If you hit an obstruction it folds back in.  I've run the motor in very shallow water and beach it all the time without any issues.  

great...did not realized that the cavity for FF is that big...seems like a perfect solution if you do not use FF.