Good First Start

I have had this "Spirit 1.0 Evo Longshaft Tiller" on my 2000 Hunter 240 sailboat for a little over a year now, more than 20 outings, including some longer multi-day trips. Boat is 24' long, 3600 lbs sailing displacement. TLDR: quiet and lightweight, though probably best for boats UNDER ~2000 lbs and 18'-20'. Also slower than expected throttle response. Maybe 3.5 stars. RJ Nautical was good to work with while ordering and called to talk through some of the options and get to know my use case before processing the online order, so thank you for the extra effort there.

Positives: The motor is quiet, so much so that many people on our boat but also adjacent boats and docks comment on it. The motor and battery are light weight; combined less than half the weight of the 9.9 4-stroke Yamaha it replaced (not even counting the fuel tank). Pretty good carry bags for motor and battery, along with the light weight, make it easy to store and transport them out of the elements. Simple to use, with very basic install and setup, and one control (throttle).

Negatives: Slow to start spinning and generate thrust; I was really hoping an electric motor would give more instant response/thrust and this just doesn't. 3hp is the low end of recommendation for my boat, but 3hp gas feels sufficient, while this electric doesn't (again, this seems related to the slow response to throttle inputs). VERY slow to charge with the solar controller. Differential yellowing of the plastics on the tiller and battery even though the motor and battery are store indoors in their bags and are only on the boat while in use.