Ray Electric Outboard Motor

[dmac37]

I'm moving on a small lake that is electric motor only so my choices are limited. I found a used 20ft 1995 Sweetwater pontoon that has an Ray electric motor on it. Ray claims that 99% of their motors are still in use, they first came out back in 1974.

Does anyone have any experience or advice in regards to Ray vs other electric motor brands? When they need repair how costly are the repairs? The boat comes with 8 batteries, how long do batteries typically last? Do they all need to be replaced at the same time?

I really like the idea of this type of motor steering from the console vs a front mount weaker trolling motor. I'm a total boating newbie, never owned any boat let alone an electric motor pontoon.

Any advice on what to look for when I see this pontoon for sale?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Ray Electric Outboard Motor

What voltage is this motor? 24, 48, what? With eight batteries is could be wired in a number of configurations. Just one of those would be two sets of four batteries in series then paralleled to provide a two bank 48 volt system. The same scenario could be four sets of two batteries each wired in series and then each of those four sets paralleled to provide a 24 volt system. How are the batteries charged? Eight batteries would require a hefty charger. In an electrical system requiring eight batteries ideally they should all be the same chemestry, same size (capacity) and preferably the same age. While you might not need to replace all eight, you would have all of them load tested and match the good ones in one set and replace the bad ones in full sets. As for maintenance there shouldn't be any until the motor dies. Then any electric shop in town should be able to rebuild the motor if necessary. If the boat doesn't come with the charger be prepared to spend a ton on a suitable charger. Don't even think about a solar panel.

 

[treker]

Re: Ray Electric Outboard Motor

+1 on the charger cost if it is not included with the boat

 

[dmac37]

Re: Ray Electric Outboard Motor

Ok thanks for the input guys, I ended up buying the boat and it did come with a Lester charger. Everything looks solid on the boat and I paid for the whole boat about what a Ray motor alone costs.

One issue, the seats have no rips and the threads are all intact but there is some mold and they are a little dirty/dark in areas from age. What is the best way/chemical to remove the mold and bring more of a shine back to pontoon seats?

 

[treker]

Re: Ray Electric Outboard Motor

Where my seat folded down and touched (bottoms to the backs) there were stains from various things that none of the cleaners would remove. Finally said the hell with it and cut LA Awsome to 7-1, soft brush and 95 percent are gone. Wiped down repeatly with water afterwards, kept away from threads and treated twice with Mothers Marine, or use 303

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Ray Electric Outboard Motor

...hey treker....did you mean to post this in the next thread entitled "Removing Leaf Stains"...?

 

[Brian13579]

Re: Ray Electric Outboard Motor

Ok thanks for the input guys, I ended up buying the boat and it did come with a Lester charger. Everything looks solid on the boat and I paid for the whole boat about what a Ray motor alone costs.

One issue, the seats have no rips and the threads are all intact but there is some mold and they are a little dirty/dark in areas from age. What is the best way/chemical to remove the mold and bring more of a shine back to pontoon seats?

I am also looking to buy a used boat - 2001 18 foot Sweetwater 160 ES with the original Ray motor (I do not know the voltage but there are at least 4 batteries). Any suggestions on a fair purchase price (even a range would be helpful). The boat is in very good condition and has covers and a bimini. It doesn't come with a trailer but that is OK for my purposes.

 

[dmac37]

Re: Ray Electric Outboard Motor

I am also looking to buy a used boat - 2001 18 foot Sweetwater 160 ES with the original Ray motor (I do not know the voltage but there are at least 4 batteries). Any suggestions on a fair purchase price (even a range would be helpful). The boat is in very good condition and has covers and a bimini. It doesn't come with a trailer but that is OK for my purposes.

The Rayco motor seems to carry alot of value and is one of the main reasons I purchased my boat. For reference I paid $3,900 for my boat that also has a bimini and cover but no trailer. IMO the motor makes it worth it as they claim 98% of their motors are still in use going back to the 70's.