Just ordered my travel ultralight last Tuesday. Hoping I can get my hands on it before May... Wish they were sending out more concrete info on ship dates. Looks like a solid machine.
Jeff how about adding a spacer between the mounting plate and the motor bracket instead of cutting down the foil get some shallow ability? Seems like it would be super simple and let you leave the motor stock. You could either use individual spacers under the mount on each bolt or cut out something that would look like a 4 barrel carb spacer. 😂
I’ve done spacers out of polyethylene rod several times. It’s involved and custom. I wanted to show what anyone can accomplish with regard to adjusting motor depth and angle.
I’m curious as to what motor you think performs better at lower speeds between the travel and the 1103. When I fish the river I use my nk-180 to fish while going upstream. And I have it on the lowest setting allowed by the throttle a lot of the time. I’m looking to get a more powerful motor to get me upstream in the places the nk-180 can’t take me (not enough power). But I’m curious of how the low end speeds of the torqeedo perform? I’m leaning towards the travel ultralight. Love your videos Jeff. There very informative and entertaining thanks for taking the time to help all of us out.🤛🏼
The Torqeedo “Ultralight 1103” and “Travel Ultralight” are on par with each other and have the low end infinitely adjustable throttle. You can creep along slow if you want to or mash it and shoot up through a rapid.
I have two settings; river fishing and big water fishing. On a river, I want it as shallow as possible. The top of the swing of the prop is right at the surface when I am in the kayak. It’s the most efficient position in terms of speed and range. On big water, say the Chesapeake Bay I want the prop deeper. That’s because as the waves and boat wake get bigger, the kayak will see-saw over the peak of a wave and the prop will come out of the water. You lose thrust when this happens. Adjusting the prop deeper with the quick release adjustment lever on the steering triangle fixes this.
I was thinking I wanted to get one of these but I would want to figure out a way to rig one up while keeping the rudder. I like the idea of still having the boat control that comes with the pedal drive when I get to my location. I think it was you that had a video on the helix MD. How did you find that one in terms of range as well as longevity?
The Helix motor drive was a mid ship motor with no recourse for collision. If your kayak has a rudder that “tucks up” under, you can have both. If it’s a rudder that swings topside, you can do either or.
@@TheLittleStuff It is a Radar which has a rudder that swings up. I understand how they differ as far as how its mounted. What I am wondering is if there is a significant difference in range/battery life and if the Helix MD had good longevity. Thanks for the reply
Hi Jeff I would appreciate you helping me with this. I called torqeedo to put this new motor on hold to purchase because it's not available which really isn't too much of a problem if you want the smaller battery 1080wh. so i started talking to him about the larger battery1425wh and they flat told me it's incompatible with the new motor? I did do a little bit of research the battery that I think you're talking about same voltage 44.5 volts as the voltage required by the new motor. The ultralight 1103 motor is a different voltage altogether maybe they're confused about what I'm asking. I will try to reach them again I was just wondering who you spoke to and what you knew about that issue because you really didn't get into it and I don't know why you would but at this time you cannot order any other battery than the 1080 wh I'd appreciate it if you could get back to me with some clarification thank you Jeff
The 1425 Watt hour battery and 1080 Watt hour batteries were both developed for the Travel motor. The Travel and Ultralight run on the same electrical system. The Ultralight 1103 and Travel 1103 use the 915 Watt hour battery. They have a different electrical system than the new Travel/Ultralight motors, and new batteries and motors will not work with old batteries and motors. But to say that the new Travel 1425 Watt hour battery will not work with the new “Travel Ultralight” motor cannot be true. Same plugs, same internal voltage, same throttle, etc.
thank you Jeff for responding so quickly. I fully agree with what you have been saying it sure appears that that battery the travel XP will work same plug arrangement could be wired different but I don't know. spent the last couple of days speaking with them and they absolutely assure me it's it's not intended or nor will it work but I don't know what they're talking about voltages are the same there's no reason it wouldn't work. If by chance you get the opportunity to speak with someone they will tell you the truth rather than my conjecture please let me know greatly appreciated I am going to order something just to get on the list thank you for the video that's what made me choose that motor.
Pre ordered my new travel ultralight in February. It arrived this week. Right out of the box, I cant use it. The battery doesn't charge. On top of that, was told when I ordered the expected ship date was May. Then April. Then June. Then July. Very frustrating and disappointing experience. I hope they can get me taken care of...
@@TheLittleStuff 10/4, yeah I hit him up as well and he said the same thing, figured you might know someone through the grapevine maybe. Worth a shot, if something comes to mind and you have time to just let me know. Thanks for the follow up! Kudos on the content as well sir, tremendous help for the community.
How do they calculate the HP ratings for these motors? If they keep getting faster and faster, at some point the HP would have to go up with it. I could see potential issues with tournaments that limit the HP ratings. Btw im a motor guy, I'm just playing devil's advocate.
I’m sure that I’ve had it explained to me during my time working for Torqeedo, but I can’t rattle off the “how”. Thrust can be measured at the shaft level.
Stern mount is all but required in shallow rivers. Bow mounts are hard to deal with in those applications. Also, the torqeedos motors are more powerful allowing for upcurrent mobility. My opinion on the matter.
@@TheLittleStuff they could easily do that ditch the protitary batt simplfy the mounting hardware and just let customers build there own stuff. All I need is the motor on a shaft.
@@FishingCPA-yf3oz @thelittlestuff - this has been the hardest pill for me to swallow also. I constructed my own stern mount system by modifying a Minn Kota 55 and a PowerQueen 12v 100AH battery. I rigged a console for the trolling motor control and use a 8' anchor pole for steering which also is a backup in case one of my power pole poles snaps. I may not arrive "first on the scene", i.e. not going to break any speed records on the water but I do get there. I'm in it for $800 between mount, trolling motor and battery. I'm considering a 24V system where I could mount a second LifeP04 battery in the bow with the first battery and find a used motor on ebay to alter. Only way I can see to get more power and keep the cost down. Two LifeP04 batteries are still lighter then one lead acid 100AH battery!
@@TheLittleStuff is that because of the we're a premium German company mindset? There is such a thing seen in premium and luxury brands of wanting to maintain the aura of desirability, profits be damned.
That prop change test really got me wondering about how much is left on the table with just a prop. A 3 blade prop, or a 2 blade with twice the surface area for instance. hmmm, we may never know. Been waiting for you to get the ATAK out of the shed. Thanx Jeff
So this is my opinion on this that second prop looked like it had less pitch. Less pitch will allow more rpm. What i think you want is less surface area and then dial it in with the pitch to get the fastest you can with the least amount of amps used. I have a ordered some different pitch apc airplane props coming to test what I can get. Great video
Received my new Torqeedo ultralight motor today..... the prop is neither the 1103 or what you demoed on this video. Curious how its going to perform and/or if this video had some influence.
Jeff, I have learned a lot from your videos and appreciate the lessons! I have to admit, as was mentioned in another comment, that your competitor's price point made it impossible to resist their offer. That being said, I definitely see the engineering emulation that was involved in copying much of the Torqeedo's build in making the "other" motor. Also, I noted that some of your newest innovations on this new Torqeedo seem to emulate that "other" brand! All's fair, I guess, as long as patents are respected! After all that, I decided to give up my pedal drive backup soon, here in SE Louisiana, and move my motor from my Native Slayer Propel to my ATAK 120. Your tests on the ATAK 140 give me hope for a slight speed increase after the move! Thanks for all your content - great stuff!
Are the profiles of the silver contoured shaft seem to be the same between the ultralight and 1103? Asking from a rock guard perspective... 👊 Appreciate the side by side comparison
Glad I watched to the very end 😂 Me and my buddy were talking about props Sunday and if we could get better speed or change them ! Somebody needs to 3D print some
Jeff, your swapping out of that prop just goes to show that If somebody wanted to come out with optimized Props for Torqeedo motors, theres a market. I take it the more noticeable drone at the higher output levels are just based off of the increased voltage the system operates at compared to the 1103, what are your thoughts? To your knowledge, is Torqeedo still going to offer a larger capacity/extended range battery for those of us with an 1103?
Great information Jeff. Thanks for sharing with us
No problem. I’m excited to get one with the 1425 battery!
@@TheLittleStuff what’s the price point if you don’t mind me asking. Gotta start adding more to the savings jar haha
Just ordered my travel ultralight last Tuesday. Hoping I can get my hands on it before May... Wish they were sending out more concrete info on ship dates. Looks like a solid machine.
There are almost always delays when shipping from overseas.
wicked video sir. looks like a lot of fun
Jeff how about adding a spacer between the mounting plate and the motor bracket instead of cutting down the foil get some shallow ability?
Seems like it would be super simple and let you leave the motor stock.
You could either use individual spacers under the mount on each bolt or cut out something that would look like a 4 barrel carb spacer. 😂
I’ve done spacers out of polyethylene rod several times. It’s involved and custom. I wanted to show what anyone can accomplish with regard to adjusting motor depth and angle.
Thanks Jeff , time to start saving my pennies to upgrade my 403
Yes yiu do
Great video, ill definitely be purchasing this motor just not sure what kayak too pair it with, I’m leaning towards a bonafide
The PWR would be a nice pairing.
I’m curious as to what motor you think performs better at lower speeds between the travel and the 1103. When I fish the river I use my nk-180 to fish while going upstream. And I have it on the lowest setting allowed by the throttle a lot of the time. I’m looking to get a more powerful motor to get me upstream in the places the nk-180 can’t take me (not enough power). But I’m curious of how the low end speeds of the torqeedo perform? I’m leaning towards the travel ultralight. Love your videos Jeff. There very informative and entertaining thanks for taking the time to help all of us out.🤛🏼
The Torqeedo “Ultralight 1103” and “Travel Ultralight” are on par with each other and have the low end infinitely adjustable throttle. You can creep along slow if you want to or mash it and shoot up through a rapid.
@@TheLittleStuff thanks for the reply I’m going to go with the travel
how deep should the prop be in the water ?
I have two settings; river fishing and big water fishing. On a river, I want it as shallow as possible. The top of the swing of the prop is right at the surface when I am in the kayak. It’s the most efficient position in terms of speed and range.
On big water, say the Chesapeake Bay I want the prop deeper. That’s because as the waves and boat wake get bigger, the kayak will see-saw over the peak of a wave and the prop will come out of the water. You lose thrust when this happens. Adjusting the prop deeper with the quick release adjustment lever on the steering triangle fixes this.
What are the dimensions of the base of the new battery? It looks a LOT bigger than the 1103 battery
I was thinking I wanted to get one of these but I would want to figure out a way to rig one up while keeping the rudder. I like the idea of still having the boat control that comes with the pedal drive when I get to my location.
I think it was you that had a video on the helix MD. How did you find that one in terms of range as well as longevity?
The Helix motor drive was a mid ship motor with no recourse for collision.
If your kayak has a rudder that “tucks up” under, you can have both. If it’s a rudder that swings topside, you can do either or.
@@TheLittleStuff It is a Radar which has a rudder that swings up.
I understand how they differ as far as how its mounted. What I am wondering is if there is a significant difference in range/battery life and if the Helix MD had good longevity.
Thanks for the reply
Doesn’t the new throttle unit show the range at current speed like the old units?
I’ve not delved into everything that the new throttle can do, but yes, that’s certainly one of the functions.
What anchor is in the front? That's hanging there.
Anchor Wizard
Hi Jeff I would appreciate you helping me with this. I called torqeedo to put this new motor on hold to purchase because it's not available which really isn't too much of a problem if you want the smaller battery 1080wh. so i started talking to him about the larger battery1425wh and they flat told me it's incompatible with the new motor? I did do a little bit of research the battery that I think you're talking about same voltage 44.5 volts as the voltage required by the new motor. The ultralight 1103 motor is a different voltage altogether maybe they're confused about what I'm asking. I will try to reach them again I was just wondering who you spoke to and what you knew about that issue because you really didn't get into it and I don't know why you would but at this time you cannot order any other battery than the 1080 wh I'd appreciate it if you could get back to me with some clarification thank you Jeff
The 1425 Watt hour battery and 1080 Watt hour batteries were both developed for the Travel motor. The Travel and Ultralight run on the same electrical system.
The Ultralight 1103 and Travel 1103 use the 915 Watt hour battery. They have a different electrical system than the new Travel/Ultralight motors, and new batteries and motors will not work with old batteries and motors.
But to say that the new Travel 1425 Watt hour battery will not work with the new “Travel Ultralight” motor cannot be true. Same plugs, same internal voltage, same throttle, etc.
thank you Jeff for responding so quickly. I fully agree with what you have been saying it sure appears that that battery the travel XP will work same plug arrangement could be wired different but I don't know. spent the last couple of days speaking with them and they absolutely assure me it's it's not intended or nor will it work but I don't know what they're talking about voltages are the same there's no reason it wouldn't work. If by chance you get the opportunity to speak with someone they will tell you the truth rather than my conjecture please let me know greatly appreciated I am going to order something just to get on the list thank you for the video that's what made me choose that motor.
Pre ordered my new travel ultralight in February. It arrived this week. Right out of the box, I cant use it. The battery doesn't charge. On top of that, was told when I ordered the expected ship date was May. Then April. Then June. Then July. Very frustrating and disappointing experience. I hope they can get me taken care of...
Let the customer service people know.
Jeff by chance by chance do you know anyone who has an extra Torqeedo 403 utility rock guard / one for sale?
I don’t. They stopped selling, so Tray stopped making them. It all went 1103. He will have a new one soon for the new Torqeedo motor.
@@TheLittleStuff 10/4, yeah I hit him up as well and he said the same thing, figured you might know someone through the grapevine maybe. Worth a shot, if something comes to mind and you have time to just let me know. Thanks for the follow up!
Kudos on the content as well sir, tremendous help for the community.
How do they calculate the HP ratings for these motors? If they keep getting faster and faster, at some point the HP would have to go up with it. I could see potential issues with tournaments that limit the HP ratings. Btw im a motor guy, I'm just playing devil's advocate.
I’m sure that I’ve had it explained to me during my time working for Torqeedo, but I can’t rattle off the “how”. Thrust can be measured at the shaft level.
Been waiting for this, was hoping prices wouldn’t go up but everything is getting more expensive. Looking forward to more information and videos.
What’s the advantage of the torqueedo over a similarly priced motor with spot lock?
Stern mount is all but required in shallow rivers. Bow mounts are hard to deal with in those applications. Also, the torqeedos motors are more powerful allowing for upcurrent mobility. My opinion on the matter.
This is a good answer.
I don't believe that the spotlock motors come close to 3hp. Much slower.
I can affect the speeds by just going to the bathroom...lol
🤪
Nope! Over the top expensive! Remember a kayak isn’t a boat! Plus any thought about the economy? I’m out!
Torqeedo has always been missing out on a massive profit opportunity of offering a price point kayak motor.
@@TheLittleStuff they could easily do that ditch the protitary batt simplfy the mounting hardware and just let customers build there own stuff. All I need is the motor on a shaft.
@@FishingCPA-yf3oz @thelittlestuff - this has been the hardest pill for me to swallow also. I constructed my own stern mount system by modifying a Minn Kota 55 and a PowerQueen 12v 100AH battery. I rigged a console for the trolling motor control and use a 8' anchor pole for steering which also is a backup in case one of my power pole poles snaps. I may not arrive "first on the scene", i.e. not going to break any speed records on the water but I do get there. I'm in it for $800 between mount, trolling motor and battery.
I'm considering a 24V system where I could mount a second LifeP04 battery in the bow with the first battery and find a used motor on ebay to alter. Only way I can see to get more power and keep the cost down. Two LifeP04 batteries are still lighter then one lead acid 100AH battery!
Kayaks are literally boats.
@@TheLittleStuff is that because of the we're a premium German company mindset? There is such a thing seen in premium and luxury brands of wanting to maintain the aura of desirability, profits be damned.
That prop change test really got me wondering about how much is left on the table with just a prop. A 3 blade prop, or a 2 blade with twice the surface area for instance. hmmm, we may never know. Been waiting for you to get the ATAK out of the shed. Thanx Jeff
Love that boat!
So this is my opinion on this that second prop looked like it had less pitch. Less pitch will allow more rpm. What i think you want is less surface area and then dial it in with the pitch to get the fastest you can with the least amount of amps used. I have a ordered some different pitch apc airplane props coming to test what I can get. Great video
Received my new Torqeedo ultralight motor today..... the prop is neither the 1103 or what you demoed on this video. Curious how its going to perform and/or if this video had some influence.
I’m curious too!
Jeff, I have learned a lot from your videos and appreciate the lessons! I have to admit, as was mentioned in another comment, that your competitor's price point made it impossible to resist their offer. That being said, I definitely see the engineering emulation that was involved in copying much of the Torqeedo's build in making the "other" motor. Also, I noted that some of your newest innovations on this new Torqeedo seem to emulate that "other" brand! All's fair, I guess, as long as patents are respected! After all that, I decided to give up my pedal drive backup soon, here in SE Louisiana, and move my motor from my Native Slayer Propel to my ATAK 120. Your tests on the ATAK 140 give me hope for a slight speed increase after the move! Thanks for all your content - great stuff!
Patents are not respected. Who can afford better lawyers is. It’s not my fight any longer as I don’t work for Torqeedo now.
Are the profiles of the silver contoured shaft seem to be the same between the ultralight and 1103? Asking from a rock guard perspective... 👊 Appreciate the side by side comparison
They are different. Innovative Sportsman will have one for the new motor.
@@TheLittleStuff Thanks for the feedback, I'm sure innovative Sportsman is on it... I got notice this afternoon that my Torqeedo has shipped. :)
Hey Jeff , have you had any issues at all with motor? and can you remove battery to charge in house ? Thank you !!
Bobby, the battery can be brought anywhere you need it to go to charge it
Thank you !! Last question, I promise , what do you recommend for a battery charger ??
Now what’s the speed going up the Susquehanna?
Not sure. I’m headed there now with my Osprey and 1103. Need that Innovative Sportsman rock guard to protect the prop on that shallow rocky river!
Glad I watched to the very end 😂 Me and my buddy were talking about props Sunday and if we could get better speed or change them ! Somebody needs to 3D print some
Ryan, 3-D printed items are fragile. I bet Tray mills a bunch of them and sells them.
Try the Apc airplane props I bought a few there like 4 to 8$ a piece 10-4 10-5 10-8 all different pitch props
Jeff, your swapping out of that prop just goes to show that If somebody wanted to come out with optimized Props for Torqeedo motors, theres a market.
I take it the more noticeable drone at the higher output levels are just based off of the increased voltage the system operates at compared to the 1103, what are your thoughts?
To your knowledge, is Torqeedo still going to offer a larger capacity/extended range battery for those of us with an 1103?
On your last question, you should purchase a second 915 watt hour battery, soon.
Higher voltage making that noise might be right.
Hey Jeff great info thanks. Are you able to use the existing steering cord tubes on the ATAK 120 with this motor ?
I had to move the tubes wider. There’s a video on that modification somewhere in the kayaks and kayak rigging playlist.
👍👍👍👍👍, Nice.
Jeff, great video! Are you going to the Classic expo?
Pretty much all I am doing are dealer visits this year. Classic expo next year for sure!
Yes sir 👍🏾
great video jeff guess i know where i'm getting my props from.Whats charge time on the 1425.
I could do the math, but it’s faster with that charger, even though it’s a larger battery.