Electric outboards are particularly well suited to dinghies and tenders.
There's no gasoline to carry, operation is quiet, starting is simple, and the removable motor and battery make many electric systems easy to take off the boat for charging or storage.
But the Torqeedo Travel lineup now includes three different power options, so which one makes the most sense for your tender?
The answer depends on more than the length of your dinghy.
Why Choose an Electric Outboard for a Tender?
Tender trips are often relatively short.
You may be travelling between your anchored boat and the dock, heading ashore for supplies, moving around a marina, or exploring near your anchorage.
Those shorter trips are particularly well suited to electric propulsion.
Electric outboards also eliminate many of the inconveniences associated with small gasoline motors. There's no fuel tank to carry aboard, no pull-starting, and no gasoline to store alongside other equipment.
For cruising boaters, the ability to remove the battery and charge it separately can also be extremely convenient.
Torqeedo Travel XS: Best for Small, Lightweight Tenders
The Torqeedo Travel XS produces 700 W of input power with performance comparable to a 2 HP combustion outboard.
It's the model we'd look at first for a smaller, lightweight tender used primarily for short trips in relatively protected water.
Portability is one of its biggest advantages.
The motor weighs approximately 11.6 kg (25.6 lb) without the battery, while its recommended 648 Wh Travel Battery XS weighs approximately 6.8 kg (15 lb).
Because the battery is removable, you don't have to carry the complete system as one heavy unit.
Travel XS makes sense when:
- Your tender is small and lightweight
- Trips are relatively short
- You normally carry lighter loads
- You're primarily travelling in protected waters
- Portability is a major priority
If you're simply travelling from an anchored boat to shore and back, you may not need the additional output of a larger motor.
Torqeedo Travel: The All-Around Tender Motor
The standard Torqeedo Travel increases power to 1,100 W with performance comparable to a 3 HP combustion outboard.
Torqeedo recommends it for tenders, dinghies, and daysailers weighing up to approximately 1.5 tonnes.
For many tender owners, this will be the most versatile choice.
The extra power becomes useful when you're carrying another passenger, groceries, fishing equipment, or other supplies.
It also gives you additional capability if your tender is larger or you occasionally encounter wind and current.
Travel makes sense when:
- You have a typical recreational tender or dinghy
- You regularly carry passengers and supplies
- You want more power than the XS
- You use the tender for more than very short shore runs
- You want a balance of power and portability
For boaters who use their tender frequently and for a variety of jobs, the standard Travel offers a strong middle ground.
Torqeedo Travel XP: For Larger Tenders and Heavier Loads
The Torqeedo Travel XP increases output to 1,600 W with performance comparable to a 5 HP combustion outboard.
Torqeedo recommends it for tenders, dinghies, and daysailers weighing up to approximately 2 tonnes.
The XP is worth considering when your tender is larger, regularly carries several people and equipment, or operates in more demanding conditions.
This can be particularly relevant on the BC coast.
A tender carrying one person in a protected harbour doesn't require the same performance as a loaded inflatable travelling from an anchorage against current and wind.
The XP's additional power gives you more capability when those conditions become part of your normal boating.
Travel XP makes sense when:
- Your tender is larger or heavier
- You regularly carry several passengers
- You're transporting heavier supplies or equipment
- You operate in coastal conditions
- Wind and current are regular considerations
- You want additional power in reserve
Think About the Return Trip
When choosing a tender motor, don't base your decision solely on the trip away from your boat.
The return journey may be very different.
Maybe you've added groceries and supplies. Maybe another passenger is coming back with you. The tide may have changed, or the wind may have increased while you were ashore.
Your motor should be sized around how you actually use the tender throughout the day, rather than its lightest possible load.
Portability vs Power
This is where choosing between Travel models becomes a trade-off.
If you remove your motor and battery every time you return to the mothership, portability may be extremely important.
In that situation, a Travel XS could be more convenient than buying additional power you rarely use.
On the other hand, if your tender routinely carries multiple passengers or operates in more demanding water, the extra capability of the Travel or Travel XP may outweigh the benefits of choosing the smallest setup.
There isn't one Travel model that's automatically best for every tender.
Don't Forget About Range
Power is only one half of an electric tender setup.
You also need enough battery capacity to complete your trips with a reasonable reserve.
Running at high throttle consumes significantly more energy than travelling at a moderate cruising speed. Wind, current, boat weight, and passenger load can also affect your range.
If you're making multiple tender trips throughout the day, battery capacity may be just as important as motor output.
Read our Torqeedo Travel Battery Guide for a closer look at battery capacity, range, and charging.
Which Torqeedo Should You Choose for Your Tender?
For a small, lightweight tender making short trips in protected water, consider the Travel XS.
For a typical recreational tender carrying passengers and supplies, the Travel provides a versatile balance of power and portability.
For a larger tender, heavier loads, or regular coastal conditions, the additional output of the Travel XP may be worth stepping up to.
Ultimately, choose based on your loaded tender, typical trip, and normal conditions—not simply the length of your boat.
For a complete side-by-side comparison, see our Torqeedo Travel XS vs Travel vs Travel XP buying guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Torqeedo Travel good for a dinghy or tender?
Yes. The Travel family is designed for applications including tenders and dinghies, with different power levels available depending on boat size, load, and conditions.
Which Torqeedo Travel is best for a small inflatable tender?
For a lightweight inflatable used for short trips in protected water, the Travel XS may be sufficient. Larger inflatables or heavier loads may benefit from the Travel or Travel XP.
Can I remove the Torqeedo battery from my tender?
Yes. The removable battery design allows the battery to be separated from the motor for carrying, storage, and charging.
Should I get the Travel XP for coastal use?
Not necessarily. A small tender used in protected coastal waters may be well suited to the Travel XS or Travel. The XP becomes more attractive as boat weight, passenger load, wind, current, and exposure increase.
Can a Torqeedo Travel replace a small gas outboard on my tender?
Potentially, yes. Torqeedo rates the Travel XS, Travel, and Travel XP in approximately 2 HP, 3 HP, and 5 HP combustion-outboard performance classes respectively. The correct replacement depends on your boat and how you use it.
