Torqeedo Cruise 10 vs. Propel S1 - 10 kW Outboard
Disclaimer in advance: Propel has discontinued development and production. Torqeedo remains the undisputed market leader in the 15 hp equivalent. There are of course a few other manufacturers in this segment, but rather for displacement boats.
The video was not sponsored and is not intended to favor either of the two manufacturers. The evaluations presented here are our personal opinion. You can see the results here and on our YouTube channel: E-Bootsmotoren TV
Optimal test conditions
We had perfect weather in the middle of November in Amsterdam, little wind and mild temperatures. The two outboard engines were tested on two identical boats. The boat with the Propel S1 was a little heavier and had a slightly different weight distribution, as there were two people on board.
In terms of top speed, we might have been able to get a little more out of the Propel boat. But we were already really surprised by the test results. One must say to it: it was with the Propel S1 still a test engine from the first pre-series. But also the Torqeedo Cruise 10 was overhauled with the helical gear, meanwhile there is the remote version of the Cruise only with 12 kW.
.Propel test drive
By the way: You can book a test drive in Amsterdam through us or through Propel. Currently mainly with the Propel D1 inboard. After consultation, a test drive with the S1 outboard is conceivable. Feel free to contact us directly and we will help you with the arrangement!
Propel S1 vs. Torqeedo Cruise 10.0 R in test
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Driving curve Torqeedo Cruise 10 vs. Propel S1
The driving curves reveal some similarities, but also obvious differences. In the lower power range, the Propel S1 seems to be a bit more efficient due to the high torque. From around 4 kW, however, the Torqeedo Cruise 10 is slightly faster than the Propel.
From around 7 kW, the Torqeedo pushes a large bow wave in front of it and does not manage to transition to planing speed. Up to 10 kW, the hull speed remains constant. Between 7 and 8 kW, there is a tipping point on the Propel S1 and the motor actually manages to move that into planing speed. At maximum power of 10 kW, we achieved a final speed of 19 km/h. That is mathematically just under 50% more final speed.
A few words about the boats: Both the Torqeedo Cruise 10.0 R and the Propel S1 hang on a Gentle 510 Sloep with an empty weight of 550 kg. The waterline length is 5 meters and the boat has a displacement hull. Including engine, people, battery and accessories the boat weighs about 800 kg. The calculated hull speed is approximately 10.2 km/h. 70% of the hull speed is circa 7.1 kWh.
(By the way, the measurements were taken at 12°C air temperature, 13.5°C water temperature. We had only a light breeze at 13 km/h and optimal conditions with 0.1 m waves.)
Acceleration in comparison
In the tests, both drivers have completely put the lever on a start signal. On the first 3-5 meters both boats still take nothing. After that, however, the boat with the Propel S1 gets above hull speed. Within a few seconds, the Propel S1 has a much higher top speed than the Torqeedo Cruise 10 and simply drives away. Within 50 meters, the Propel gets a head start of several boat lengths.
Clear winner: the Propel S1.
Stopping was also no problem for the Propel S1. Within a few seconds, the boat came to a stop. However, you pull along with the S1 a decent bow wave, from which you are caught up. That makes it a little harder due to the higher speed.
.Speed in comparison
The final speed at full power is particularly striking. The Torqeedo Cruise 10 reached a maximum speed of 10 km/h. This coincides with the calculated hull speed of the boat. We expect a comparable result from other motors in the power range: Aquamot, E-Tech, Mitek or RiPower. Here you can see times the theoretical driving curve.
But it looked quite different with the Propel S1 outboard. Here we could measure a maximum speed of 19 km/h. 50% more final speed than the Torqeedo Cruise 10! With the same power, we got above hull speed and the boat went into semi-planing mode. Thus, the Propel S1 with the right boat can even already think of water skiing with small children.
This result was very unexpected for us and really blew us away.
Range in comparison
Important with electric outboards is above all the efficiency: With how much power I achieve a comfortable driving speed with my boat. E-boats usually do not have the claim to achieve the highest possible speeds.
With a look at the driving curves of the two motors, it becomes clear: The Propel S1 is much more efficient on the road. With the same battery can be driven circa 10% longer/farther. That is a really decent value in the long run and should definitely be taken into account when selecting batteries.
.Noise with the two 15 hp electric motors
Both motors are not silent, both the Propel S1, as well as the Torqeedo Cruise 10. Especially in the lower speed range, the gearbox still causes a few noises. We already know from Propel that this is being worked on. The S1 available from April with us will be changed and probably still significantly less audible. The Cruise 12.0 with the new helical gearbox we could not yet test.
We sat mainly in the boat with the Propel S1. But in all honesty, we barely heard the Cruise 10.0 from our boat either. The Cruise models are quite different than still the old Torqeedo Travel 1003 models. If you sit close to the engine, the noise is of course audible.
All in all, we see here a slight advantage with the Propel S1.
.Price and batteries
Of course, the purchase price is one of the most important decision criteria in every purchase decision. In our view, a complete system should be affordable. Our added value lies primarily in the personal consultation and our diverse references. Also our website and our YouTube channel should help to inform boat owners comprehensively about electric drives and the various advantages and disadvantages. In return, we are of course happy if you, if you order an electric motor, also order it through us.
The complete system with the Propel S1 with 10 kWh LiFePO4 starts at 12,000€. That's a real fighting chance for the power range. With the Propel batteries, the system is of course a bit more expensive again. The complete system of the Torqeedo Cruise starts at 17.000€. With the original Torqeedo batteries, the complete system costs even rather 22,000€.
We must currently say quite clearly that the Propel S1 is a real bargain. However, said price of 5,700€ for the outboard is not yet final. The final retail price is expected to be a bit more expensive. In the end, however, the Propel S1 will probably still be several thousand euros cheaper compared to the Torqeedo.
.Other: driver's license, availability
The variant with remote gas from Torqeedo - the Cruise 12.0 R - has more than 15 hp and can therefore not be driven without a license. From our point of view, this is a huge disadvantage, especially for rental companies and the leisure sector. Here, the Propel S1 can clearly score. If you think of driving schools, however, it is even necessary to take an e-motor with more than 11 kW. Here we would therefore advise in any case to the Torqeedo 12.0 R or 2x ePropulsion Navy 6.0 EVO.
A big disadvantage with Propel is currently the availability. Contrary to expectations, development and configuration has dragged on considerably. Actually, the engine should have been delivered already at the beginning of 2022 year. The next delivery date is April 2023 - we are curious to see if Propel can keep this date. In any case, we have already received some pre-orders and recommend contacting us as early as possible for our advice. Even now after our tests, we are sure: the S1 outboards will go like hot cakes.
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