Presentation
The motor tested is a Torqeedo 403 AC. It is equipped with a 915 WH lithium battery of the same brand with integrated GPS receiver.
To facilitate mounting on a kayak, the brand has developed, with various kayak manufacturers, support plates. These plates are installed on the hull, which often has original inserts. If not, it is easy to install them with rubber inserts if the kayak model does not have original inserts.
The set is solid, reliable and light, 10.6 kilos for the complete set, including battery. For the engine control, there is a small computer, in the form of a plate, deported to the fishing area.
We find the speed, the battery charge and various useful information.
The dead man's security is a magnetic key connected to the user, which finds its place on this box. In the delivered box, there is an assembly notice in French and there are tutorials on the net. The assembly does not pose any particular difficulty.
Tests
For the first test, I added stabilizers on the hull I used for these tests, an alboran FX2 with stepper system. Not knowing how the kayak would behave with this engine, I preferred to ensure.
I removed them quite quickly, the mounted assembly does not change the stability of the float, you just have to be careful when you turn with a high speed and a large rudder angle. As far as speed is concerned, I got up to 10 km/h with it, which is very good, I think.
During the endurance test, I stayed 7 hours in continuous operation, with occasional speed peaks, at the end of the day, I had 55% of usable charge left. This is one of the advantages of these lithium batteries, you can use practically the whole charge of the battery, without damaging it.
This mounting kit also allows to keep the original propulsion. On the alboran, I kept the stepper in place, you just have to put the blades under the hull when running the engine.
I also made the same assembly on a supernova propulsion pedal. You have your classic propulsion to move your kayak on your fishing area. If you want to quickly explore another area or go on a hunt in the distance, just start the engine and go fishing.
Conclusion
Tested also in fishing, the trolling becomes a child's play, as well as a rise of drift or the on the spot in a strong current. The various accessories delivered in the kit are solid, nothing is missing, the instructions are clear.
It is of course designed for practice in the sea and can be used in both fresh and salt water. The battery is supplied with its charger. There is a Torc Trac option. This bluetooth transmitter allows a wireless connection between the onboard computer and his smartphone, via a free application available on Apple store or Google Play. This Torc Track gives the GPS position updated in real time on a zoomable map.
As a negative point, I will say the price, this kit is proposed around 2400 euros, but it is German quality!
