Introduction

Torqeedo Electric Motor Base Small boats and dinghies would find Travel 801 L, a futuristic electric outboard motor perfect for them as it combines efficiency with mobility. Just 27 pounds, it has an integrated lithium battery that offers a quiet and clean driving experience. The Travel 801 L provides outstanding performance because to its simple design, which lets one navigate the water without problems. Priced at $1,400, this creative motor guarantees a consistent power supply for your water excursions.

Accessories

Technical data

The effective performance is available for boat propulsion (measured after deducting all deficits including propeller deficits). Definition of propulsion output = thrust power x speed)

Description

The Torqeedo Base Travel 801 L is designed with a focus on sustainability. It incorporates a high-efficiency electric motor that reduces environmental impact while delivering strong performance. The motor is equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, providing several hours of operation per charge. The remote throttle has GPS and a display screen, enabling users to track their speed, distance traveled, and remaining battery life in real-time.

The motor's design is streamlined and small, facilitating installation on several boat designs. It encompasses safety measures like automatic shut-off in the event of propeller blockage and a waterproof certification to guarantee durability in adverse sea conditions.

Equipment and operating elements

Supply scope

The full supply scope of your Torqeedo Travel should include the following parts:

• Folding shaft assembly group
• Transom bracket assembly group
• Tiller assembly group
• Battery assembly group
• Tiller handle
• 2 bolts (to attach the battery)
• 2 on/off pins
• Drybag
• Charger including Euro charger cable, US charger cable and UK adapter
• Operating instructions
• Warranty certificate
• Packaging

Plan of operating elements

Starting up

Assembly of the drive

1. Remove all the components, assembly groups and parts delivered with your Travel from the packaging.
2. Open the folding shaft on an even surface.
3. Straighten out all the parts of the folding shaft. Ensure that the cable and the cable stem are not twisted. Now assemble the shaft parts, as below.

4. Turn the tension screw on the shaft clockwise until you feel a definite resistance.

   

5. Put the tiller handle on the tiller. Make sure you align the opening button on the tiller with the recesses in the tiller handle. The opening button must click into place audibly.
6. Place the tiller above the deadbolt (A) on the folding shaft. The steering cable must come out under the tiller. Now slide the tiller to the required height. Close the tension bolt and tighten both wing nuts lightly. The height of the tiller can be adjusted after fitting.
7. Connect the control cable.

8. Push the transom bracket under the deadbolt (A) onto the folding shaft. Adjust to a suitable shaft length according to the conditions of your boat. The shaft length can also be adjusted once fitted. Close the tension bolt and tighten both wing nuts.

   

DANGER

• Make sure you do not crush the control cable.
• Do not place the transom mount onto the shaft above the deadbolt to avoid damage to the shaft and the transom mount.

WARNING

• Only fix the battery pack once the drive has been mounted and straightened.

Fitting the outboard motor to the boat

1. Suspend the drive in your boat and tighten the capstan-head screws. Ensure the weight is spread evenly in the boat.
2. To trim the motor, pull the stopper button of the transom mount and position the folding shaft vertically to the water surface.
3. To adjust the shaft length, loosen both wing nuts on the transom bracket and adjust the shaft length to your boat so that the propeller has the required submergence depth. Note that the submergence depth has a major influence on the efficiency of your drive. To optimize the submergence depth, please read the operating instructions in section 9.5.
4. To adjust the height of the tiller, loosen the respective wing nuts and pull the tiller to the required height. Once you have the required height, tighten the wing nuts again.
5. The tiller handle can be adjusted in length by pressing the opening button. Ensure that the button engages.
6. Turn the tiller handle to the stop position until it engages.

7. Fit the battery pack. To do this, lift it with both hands and fit it into the shaft head from above. Then swing the battery to the rear until it sits properly and engages.

   

8. Additionally you can secure the battery with the enclosed bolts to prevent it from coming loose accidentally. You may also slip a safety line through the eye on the bottom of the battery.
9. Insert the on/off pin into the opening on the top of the tiller.

10. The Travel 401/801 is ready to go.

    

You can download a video showing the assembly of the Travel at https://www.torqeedo.com 

DANGER

• When loosening the wing nuts, hold the motor by the shaft head to avoid unintentional slipping. There is a danger that you might crush your fingers or cut the control cable.
• Never loosen the wing nuts on the transom with the battery in place.
• When handling the outboard, ensure a secure hold to avoid accidentally falling overboard.

WARNING

Make sure you do not crush the control cable.

Operation

Battery and charger

The battery is equipped with high-performance lithium-manganese cells, so-called LIMA cells. The LIMA cells have a self-discharge of under 1% per month at 20°C, are cyclically stable and have no memory effect. The lithium battery can be used at an ambient temperature of between -20°C and +45°C.

The battery has an integrated control system that has several functions for protecting and caring for your battery. Among other functions, the control system protects the battery against overdischarge as well as overcharging. So you can leave the battery on the charger or empty it completely without worry.

The current charge status can be determined by pressing the „battery charge“ button at any time. After pressing the button, the LEDs will illuminate for approx. 10 seconds and show the charge level of the battery as a percentage.

When charging, the battery‘s control system regulates the charging current. The light diodes glow permanently on the capacity areas that are already charged. The light diodes of the capacity areas that are currently charging flash. Once charging is complete and the battery is fully charged, the LEDs extinguish.

The real capacity of your battery is subject to technical fluctuations. Its capacity will also change over time. To compensate for the capacity change, the charge indicator will adjust to the battery‘s capacity. In order to ensure the charge indicator continues to show reliable values, it is necessary to empty the battery to below 20% and then fully charge it once a year.

The enclosed charger is adjusted to the control system and charges the Travel‘s battery in approximately 10 hours. When charging in high ambient temperatures (>35°C), it could take longer, as the control system is fitted with a temperature-dependent current regulator.

This ensures gentle charging of the cells. Connect the charger and the cold battery to the mains for charging. 

WARNING

• When mounted, the battery is protected against rain and spray water. Do not submerge it, and keep the contacts as well as the charger port dry. If water enters the battery via the contacts or the charger port, this can cause irreparable battery damage. If liquid has entered the battery, first drain off the liquid through the battery case openings. Then dry the battery in a dry, warm environment up to 50°C before you use it again or before you press the „Battery charge“ button.
• Only use the Travel 401 battery with the Torqeedo Travel 401 outboard motor and the Travel 801 battery only with the Travel 801.
• Only use the enclosed charger or one authorized by Torqeedo to charge the battery.
• If a fault (all LEDs flashing) shows on the battery, take the battery off the shaft head. Wait until the LEDs go out (approx. 3 seconds) and press the „Battery charge“ button. This features an integrated reset function and may correct minor faults itself.

DANGER

• Never open the battery case and protect the battery pack from mechanical damage.
• Do not short-circuit the battery.
• Do not submerge the battery in water or other liquids.
• Only charge the battery at ambient temperatures between 0° and 45°C.
• LIMA battery cells only catch fire if they are exposed to temperatures above 00°C. This is a major advantage over other lithium-type battery systems. Should this occur, try and position the battery so it will cause no damage. Should this not be possible, keep your distance or cover the battery with sand or other dry, non-flammable materials.

Transom bracket

The power needed for steering can be adjusted with the friction screw. Turning the screw clockwise increases the necessary steering power up to locking the motor. Turning anti-clockwise reduces the necessary steering force.

Pulling the stopper button unlocks the folding mechanism. The drive can be locked into position at 30°, 8°, 16°, 24°, 36°, 49°, 62° and 75 °. If a boat does not have a vertical mounting, it is thus possible to adjust the motor to ensure it is at a right angle to the water surface.

WARNING

• Only tilt the shaft if the battery is removed or fixed to the shaft head with the bolt.
• When using the tilting mechanism, hold the shaft until you feel it lock into place.

Tiller 
The tiller can be lifted up two notches by up to 20°.

The opening button on the aluminum tube allows the length of the tiller to be adjusted. Press this button into the aluminum tube to adjust the length in three stages.

WARNING
Ensure that the button engages again.

You can shut down the drive quickly by pulling the on/off pin. Simply remove this pin by pulling it out. The drive will only start again when the pin is re-inserted. The tiller must be positioned in stop-mode to do this.
The digital power control combines continuously variable speed with fixed locking points for pre-defined speeds. The following diagram shows the different control points as seen from the boat.

Pylon 
The motor and the electronic control system are located in the pylon. They generate the propulsion. In addition, several protective functions are integrated:

1. Temperature protection: If the motor overheats, the motor control system reduces the output of the drive until a temperature equilibrium is established between generated and disposed heat.
2. Undervoltage protection: If the voltage falls below 9 V (Travel 401) or 17 V (Travel 801), the electronic controller switches the drive off to avoid overcharging the battery. Even beforehand, the output of the motor is regulated so that high currents of over 37 A do not occur.
3. Blocking protection: If the propeller is blocked or stuck, the motor would normally take in too much power. In this case, the motor is switched off within a few hundredths of a second to protect the electronics, motor winding, and propeller. After unblocking, the motor can be re-started out of the stop position after about 1 second.
4. Cable damage protection: If the steering cable is damaged, i.e. if the connection to the tiller is broken, the motor will not start, or it will stop.
5. Acceleration control: The alteration speed at which the speed of the propeller adjusts to a changed tiller position is limited in order to protect mechanical drive parts and to avoid short-term peak currents.

WARNING
If the motor malfunctions, first switch the tiller control to the stop position for approx. 2 seconds. The stop position has a reset function and may correct minor faults itself.

The highly efficient variable pitch variable camber (VPVC) propeller is equipped with a mechanical slip clutch that protects the drive from mechanical damage on sudden blockages of the propeller. The slip clutch is designed as a redundant safety feature to the electronic blocking protection described above.

The fin supports steering movements and protects the propeller when it comes into contact with the bottom. The sacrificial anode protects the metallic components that are located under the water from corrosion, especially in salt water.

WARNING

• Only run the motor when the propeller is under water. If it is run in the air, the shaft sealant rings that seal the motor to the drive shaft are damaged. If the motor is run in the air for a longer period, the motor itself can overheat.
• After using the motor, it must be removed from the water. You can do this using the tilt mechanism of the transom mount.

Optimum submergence depth 
The submergence depth of the propeller in the water has a major impact on the efficiency of your drive. When measured by Torqeedo, depending on the submergence of the propeller, variations in the total efficiency of up to 10 percentage points, up to 20 percent for distance and up to 5 percent for maximum speed were found.

The substantial influence of the submergence depth of the propeller is due to the significance of the wake for the boat‘s propeller. On the whole, propellers can achieve maximum efficiency if they use the wake of the boat to the best advantage. The position for this varies from boat to boat. On the whole, the propeller shows very good efficiency when only submerged slightly (near the water level, but low enough that it does not take in air). Independently of this, we recommend you find the efficient depth by trial and error. The simplest way to do this is to find the highest speed with different submergence depths using a GPS.

DANGER

The high power thrust of the drive makes it necessary to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of your Torqeedo Travel 401/801. Practice handling the motor and maneuvering in open water.

Dismantling

1. Pull the on/off pin
2. Remove the bolt from the battery and lift the battery up.
3. Unhinge the motor and place it on an even surface.
   DANGER: The pylon may be hot.

4. Loosen the wing nuts on the transom bracket and open the tension clamp. Pull the tiller off the shaft.

   

5. To remove the control cable from the tiller, press the locking switch on the plug and pull the control cable out.
6. Loosen the wing nuts on the tiller and open the tension clamp. Pull the tiller off the shaft.
7. Turn the tension screw in the shaft head anti-clockwise until it is loose.
8. Pull the folding shaft parts apart.
9. Fold the shaft together.
10. Stow the folding shaft and the other assembly groups in the enclosed drybag.

WARNING

• Ensure all the motor components are dry before you place them in the drybag.
• Ensure you do not fold the cable and rope around sharp edges.
• Only use the drybag for transport, not for shipping. Do not place heavy objects on top of the motor stowed in the drybag.

Setup Guide

To configure the Torqeedo Base Travel 801 L,

• Commence by meticulously extracting all components from the packaging.
• Verify the presence of the motor unit, battery pack, remote throttle, and any supplementary equipment such as the mounting bracket.
• Affix the motor unit to your vessel with the supplied mounting bracket.
• Attach the battery pack to the motor unit in accordance with the guidelines provided in the user manual.
• Install the remote throttle and attach it to the motor unit using the supplied cord.
• Ultimately, verify all connections and confirm that everything is firmly positioned prior to launching your vessel.

Storage and care instructions

Corrosion protection
Materials have been chosen with a high level of corrosion-resistance. Most of the materials used in the Travel 401/801 are, as with most leisure maritime products, classed as „seawater resistant“, not „seawater-proof“.

WARNING

• After use, always take the motor out of the water. You can do this using the tilt mechanism of the transom mount.
• After use in salt or brackish water, rinse the motor (but never the battery) with fresh water.
• Always store the motor and battery dry in the drybag.
• Treat the following parts with contact spray once a month:
  • Contacts on the battery
  • Contacts on the shaft head
  • Steel bolts on the joints of the folding shaft
  • Plug on the control cable
• We recommend checking the sacrificial anode once a year. The sacrificial anode is fitted to the drive shaft of the propeller. Only use Torqeedo sacrificial anodes - you can order these from your dealer or the Torqeedo Service Team.

Battery care
You will prolong the life of your battery if you do not expose it to a very hot environment. When you store the battery over an extended period (e.g. over the winter), charge it to about 80-97% and store it at -20°C to +15°C to ensure a long battery life and avoid deep-discharge.

Leaving your battery permanently connected to the power supply unit does not solve the problem of deep-discharge, since the battery cancels the charging process once it is fully charged in order to prevent over charging. It is only possible to re-charge the battery by reconnecting it to the charging socket.

Other care instructions
To clean the motor you can use any cleaning agents suitable for plastic - follow the manufacturer‘s instructions. Cockpit sprays available for cars achieve good results on the plastic surfaces of the Torqeedo Travel.

Important safety and operating instructions

Important safety instructions
Torqeedo motors are designed to operate safely and reliably as long as they are used according to the operating manual. Please read this manual carefully before you start the motor. Ignoring these instructions can cause property damage or personal injury. Torqeedo accepts no liability for damage caused by actions that contradict this operating manual.

To ensure safe operation of the motor:

• Familiarize yourself with all the motor controls. You should be able to stop the motor quickly if necessary.
• Only allow adults who have been instructed on how to operate the motor to run it.
• Follow the boat manufacturer‘s instructions on the permissible motorization of your boat. Do not exceed the capacity limits.
• Stop the engine immediately if someone goes overboard.
• Do not run the motor if someone is in the water near the boat.
• Do not use the motor as a lashing point for your boat. Do not use the motor as a handle for lifting or carrying smaller boats.
• Do not open the battery case and protect the battery pack from mechanical damage.
• Do not short circuit the battery.
• Do not submerge the battery in water or other liquids.
• Only charge the battery at ambient temperatures between 0° and 45°C.
• The battery of your Travel Motor is classified as a hazardous item under the UN 9 classification. Transport for private use is not critical. If sending by courier, the appropriate legal regulations must be observed.

Important operating instructions
Here are the most important instructions on operating Torqeedo Travel Motors. Apart from these instructions, please observe the complete operating instructions to prevent damage to your motor.

• Only run the motor when the propeller is under water. If it is run in the air, the shaft sealant rings that seal the motor to the drive shaft may become damaged. If the motor is run in the air for a longer period, the motor itself can overheat.
• When mounted, the battery is protected against rain and spray water. Do not submerge it, and keep the contacts as well as the charger port dry. If water enters the battery via the contacts or the charger port, this can cause irreparable battery damage. If liquid has entered the battery, first drain off the liquid through the battery case openings. Then dry the battery in a dry, warm environment up to 50°C before you use it again or before you press the „Battery charge“ button.
• After use, always take the motor out of the water. You can do this using the tilt mechanism of the transom mount.
• After use in salt or brackish water, rinse the motor (but never the battery) with fresh water.
• Occasionally use contact spray to care for the battery contacts, the shaft head contacts, the steering cable plug as well as the steel bolts at the joints of the folding shaft. If you use the motor in salt or brackish water, we recommend
• applying contact spray once a month.
• You will prolong the life of your battery if you do not expose it to a very hot environ-ment or store it fully charged for longer than necessary. When you store the battery over an extended period (e.g. over the winter), charge it to about 80-97% and store it at - 20°C to +15°C to ensure a long battery life.
• Always store the motor and battery dry in the drybag.
• Only use the drybag for transport, not for shipping. Do not place heavy objects on top of the motor stowed in the drybag.
• If the motor malfunctions, first switch the tiller control to the stop position for approx. 2 seconds. The stop position has a reset function and may correct minor faults itself.
• If the battery malfunctions (all LEDs flash), remove the battery from the shaft head. Wait until the LEDs go out (approx. 3 seconds) and press the „Battery charge“ button. This features an integrated reset function and may correct minor faults itself.
• If you have a problem with your motor, please follow the instructions in this manual for handling warranty claims.

Troubleshooting

• Repairs may only be carried out by authorized Torqeedo Service Centers. Owner‘s repair attempts immediately make the warranty claim void.
• In case of a warranty claim, please follow the warranty instructions at the beginning of the instruction manual.

Torqeedo Base Travel 801 L Pros & Cons

Pros

• Environmentally Sustainable: Emission-free and silent functionality render it an eco-conscious option.
• Lightweight: Facilitates transportation and installation owing to its minimal weight design.
• Exceptional Efficiency: Delivers several hours of functionality on a single charge.
• Intuitive Interface: Remote throttle equipped with GPS and display facilitates navigation.

Cons

• Expense: Elevated initial expenditure relative to conventional gas-powered outboards.
• Charging Duration: It takes several hours for complete charging.
• Battery longevity may fluctuate based on usage and aquatic conditions.

Customer Reviews

Customers have lauded the Torqeedo Base Travel 801 L for its dependability and efficacy. Numerous individuals have observed its user-friendliness and the considerable decrease in noise pollution relative to conventional outboard motors. Nonetheless, several customers have indicated that the initial expense may be excessive and that charging durations might be prolonged.

Common Complaints

• Substantial upfront expenditure
• Prolonged charging durations
• Variability in battery longevity

Warranty

The warranty ends two years after the date on which the product was delivered to the final purchaser. Products that are used commercially or by public authorities - even if only temporarily - are excluded from this two-year warranty. In these cases, the statutory warranty applies. The right to claim under warranty runs out six months after discovery of a fault.