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Duffy Electric boats....?

Discussion in 'Tenders & Dinghies' started by Norseman, Sep 18, 2013.

  1. jimg

    jimg New Member

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    Here is a thought from my experience. My motor went underwater as the result of a bilge pump failure 2 years ago after a lot of rain. I took the motor out and brought it to my local golf cart dealer (who also sells batteries). He suggested 2 options: a new motor or a rebuild of the old one. Being on the cheap side, I opted for the rebuild and what I got is a lot more power and a lot less draw. All the difference in the world for a lot less money than a new motor. Now, I know that there will be golf cart dealers out there who might soak you for the rebuild, but it worked for me just fine. Just sayin.
  2. joules

    joules New Member

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    What did they change on your motor? How much did your efficiency change.
  3. jimg

    jimg New Member

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    They rewound it for about half the cost of a new one. I am no expert on golf cart motors but they seemed to recognize the motor immediately. I have no way to measure efficiency but I noticed a big change in power and efficiency. I think in retrospect that I had some internal shorting before got salt water wet
  4. joules

    joules New Member

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    What year and model is your Duffy? Can you test your speed and amp draw next time you are out? I am getting 55A@5mph, about 84mpge, or 2.5mi/kwh.
  5. jimg

    jimg New Member

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    I have a 1990 20'. I am not so sophisticated electrically. I monitor my battery and motor performance "on the fly" looking at the "voltmeter" over time. I use the boat here on the Chesapeake for "cocktail cruises" and before the rebuild, I could go about 2 hours before I saw any real drop in voltage at moderate speed. Now it is about 4 hours.
  6. Jim robertson

    Jim robertson New Member

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    I am looking for an inexpensive fixer upper Duffy. If you know of one please call or text. Jim
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 11, 2016
  7. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    4 hours is good if your voltage is still up there.
    How many batteries and what kind?
  8. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    eBay and Craig's list is your friend.
    I bought my Duffy for $5k, fixed it up, used it for 2 years and sold it for $15k
  9. todd kromer

    todd kromer New Member

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    My 1999 is for sale but everything is fixed and perfect. She is $18,200 and soon , if not now, will be on Boat trader and Craigs list Seattle. Theres a bunch of pictures.
    Todd
  10. Jim robertson

    Jim robertson New Member

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    Is there a secret to trailering a duffy? I will need a special trailer from what I understand
  11. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    No special trailer to my knowledge.
    My Duff came with a trailer but it looked like any previous small-boat trailer I have owned.
  12. Jim robertson

    Jim robertson New Member

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    Thank you. I plan to purchase a boat in southern California and trailer it to Sacramento. The dealer said a special trailer is needed
  13. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Probably just a double axle trailer as I imagine Duffy's are pretty heavy for their length due to all the batteries.
  14. chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    Or the Duffy dealer is a trailer dealer too.............
  15. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Nah, the 18' Balboa is 2000 lbs with a full tank of batteries:)
  16. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Canadian electric boats seem quite popular on ebay and very much stretching the facts to get hits on the names of others.

    2017 CANADIAN ELECTRIC BOAT CO FANTAIL 217

    FANTAIL 217 2016 ELECTRIC MOTOR BOAT DUFFY PONTOON TRITOON ELECTRACRAFT TESLA

    So they pull every name they can think of to try to get hits in their headline/title.

    I hope the owners of all those trademarks are paying attention. Duff, Tritoon, Electracraft and Tesla. Pontoon is ok.
  17. joules

    joules New Member

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    Hey all,

    Just wanted to share that I finished my 1983 Duffy re-powering. Put a Motenergy ME1305 in (A Thunderstruck EV 5kW saildrive kit) to replace what appears to be the original 2.5hp GE/Taylor Dunn motor. I had to add 2 new batteries for 48V.

    Instantly went from 2kW underway at 1000RPM prop speed 5.5mph, to 1200W at 1000RPM 5.5mph. 40% improvement.

    Pretty excited. Next step is to research more efficient propellers, nozzles, or both.
  18. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Got pictures?
  19. DovekieDavid

    DovekieDavid Guest

    Greetings Norseman and all,

    I was pleased to discover this forum thread related to Duffys .

    The electric function is unique but also the related traditional hull forms associated with it.

    Like many of you I have an older Duffy needing a refit.

    Can I ask where I will find the HIN ?

    I am still awaiting title.

    This is a Duffy 17 '

    I live in the NorthWest.

    Many thanks

    DovekieDavid
  20. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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