Torqeedo electric outboards are aboard a wide variety of craft, some of which serve as watertoys aboard megayachts. A possible leak in the housing for Torqeedo outboard motor batteries means you could be at risk for a fire. The company is therefore asking consumers to register their outboards via a special website to arrange an inspection.
The safety warning comes directly from the manufacturer. It identified the potential leak, which may allow water to enter the battery housing:
There is a corresponding risk in particular if a leaky battery becomes completely or partially submerged under water, so that more water can penetrate into the battery housing. If water penetrates into the housing, it may cause a chemical reaction inside the battery case under unfavorable conditions, resulting in fire and/or bursting of the battery housing.
The safety warning only impacts the Travel and Ultralight models of Torqeedo outboard motors, however. Furthermore, it affects just certain serial numbers. For the Travel model, the affected serial numbers start with 1001 and end with 1752. For The Ultralight model, the serial number range is from 1117 to 1826.
Over the past several years, Torqeedo outboard motors have made inroads into a variety of watercraft. Some never previously featured motors, while others came with gasoline-fueled outboards. Generally speaking, the Travel model (at top) suits tenders, dinghies, and daysailers, with Zodiac being one brand easily fitted. As for the Ultralight model, many popular kayak and fishing kayak brands, ranging from Hobie (above) to Grabner, Prijon, and Rotomod, feature it.
If you have one of these motors, Torqeedo wants you to register it via a dedicated safety website. (If you are in North America, you may experience an issue with that link. Therefore, visit this page to register.) Upon registering, you’ll learn which service center can check your battery. If the battery needs repair, the same service center will handle it.
“We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and thank them in advance for their understanding of the implementation of this safety measure,” says Christoph Ballin, Torqeedo’s managing director, in a statement.
Torqeedo torqeedo.com
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