Converting my Catalac 9M to electric outboards

[Reini]

Why epropulsion outboards and not torqeedo?

 

[patrickza]

Why epropulsion outboards and not torqeedo?

I've heard better things about ePropulsion than I have about Torqeedo. That said, I'm now actually leaning more towards inboards, as one of the EV companies I've worked with previously has started to develop high torque, low weight inboard motors that look fantastic. They're also brilliant with their after sale service, so provided their product is ready in time, that could be the route I follow.

 

[Reini]

I would like to have rotating motors to be able to steer the boat in all directions when stationary. Together with good control electronics, this would make every berthing and unberthing a breeze. Also an electronic anchor for simple short swim stops would be possible. The boat would be electronically stabilized and controllable like modern drones can.

 

[dunedin]

I would like to have rotating motors to be able to steer the boat in all directions when stationary. Together with good control electronics, this would make every berthing and unberthing a breeze. Also an electronic anchor for simple short swim stops would be possible. The boat would be electronically stabilized and controllable like modern drones can.

Using electric drives to provide a geostationary position for swimming, instead of an anchor, sounds like a good candidate for a Darwin Award
But of couese rotating drive pods are used on masses of ferries etc (with no swimming allowed) - and also diesel versions of rotating drives have been available for yachts, sailing and power, for a decade or so

 

[dunedin]

I've heard better things about ePropulsion than I have about Torqeedo. That said, I'm now actually leaning more towards inboards, as one of the EV companies I've worked with previously has started to develop high torque, low weight inboard motors that look fantastic. They're also brilliant with their after sale service, so provided their product is ready in time, that could be the route I follow.

Sounds like a better solution, if available in time. There are lots of electric shaft drive options available already of course.

 

[Reini]

Using electric drives to provide a geostationary position for swimming, instead of an anchor, sounds like a good candidate for a Darwin Award
But of couese rotating drive pods are used on masses of ferries etc (with no swimming allowed) - and also diesel versions of rotating drives have been available for yachts, sailing and power, for a decade or so

The propellers should already understand with a protection, but this is only a small part of the task

 

[Stemar]

I would like to have rotating motors to be able to steer the boat in all directions when stationary. Together with good control electronics, this would make every berthing and unberthing a breeze. Also an electronic anchor for simple short swim stops would be possible. The boat would be electronically stabilized and controllable like modern drones can.

With only one motor, that would be useful, but less so on a twin engined cat.

Using electric drives to provide a geostationary position for swimming, instead of an anchor, sounds like a good candidate for a Darwin Award

I think that swimming from any boat that isn't firmly attached to solid ground is a definite Darwin award application, unless there's a competent helm on board keeping a watch.

I'm reminded of a boat that was becalmed in the Med. Hot day, warm, flat sea, etc. Everyone was splashing around having great fun until the wind sprang up. All of a sudden it wasn't fun any more as they watched the boat sail off, going faster than they could swim, even under bare poles

 

[dunedin]

I think that swimming from any boat that isn't firmly attached to solid ground is a definite Darwin award application, unless there's a competent helm on board keeping a watch.

MUCH MUCH more so if being kept in position by computer stabilised electric drive propellers - which may change direction very suddenly, and create a strong pull in the water straight into the drive propellor

 

[patrickza]

It works!!!

Still a few more things to work on, including making it sail, but at least the electrical and propulsion systems work!

 

[justanothersailboat]

Well done! I bet that was a big job.

Don't let the naysayers get you down - you may find a pattern of usage with it that works really well. I considered the same sort of plan, but I can't charge up enough in my circumstances. You don't have this problem so will probably be fine.

 

[penfold]

With only one motor, that would be useful, but less so on a twin engined cat.

I think that swimming from any boat that isn't firmly attached to solid ground is a definite Darwin award application, unless there's a competent helm on board keeping a watch.

I'm reminded of a boat that was becalmed in the Med. Hot day, warm, flat sea, etc. Everyone was splashing around having great fun until the wind sprang up. All of a sudden it wasn't fun any more as they watched the boat sail off, going faster than they could swim, even under bare poles

Have done that mid-delivery, flat calm half way between Spain and Malta we stopped for a dip; one on board at all times though for the reason you outline. Quite an odd psychological sensation, swimming in water thousands of feet deep.

 

[Neeves]

Have done that mid-delivery, flat calm half way between Spain and Malta we stopped for a dip; one on board at all times though for the reason you outline. Quite an odd psychological sensation, swimming in water thousands of feet deep.

We did this coming back from a HK to Manila race. Its the thing I remember - swimming in water 10,000' deep.......??

Jonathan

 

[Marceline]

It works!!!

Still a few more things to work on, including making it sail, but at least the electrical and propulsion systems work!

thats amazing and well done

 

[Neeves]

Patrick,

You have done well.

Maybe you will find the batteries come into their own when its dark and gloomy and you need to head to windward into a building sea.

In the meantime enjoy - impressive.

Jonathan (Lightwave 38' cat, 2 x 20hp diesel auxiliaries)

 

[Boathook]

Will be interesting as to how well it motors into a lumpy and or short sea. I've a 30hp on my 9m and on a smooth sea, etc can be doing over 5 knots. As soon as the sea gets lumpy a good knot disappears unless I increase power.

 

[patrickza]

Well done! I bet that was a big job.

Don't let the naysayers get you down - you may find a pattern of usage with it that works really well. I considered the same sort of plan, but I can't charge up enough in my circumstances. You don't have this problem so will probably be fine.

Huge, 4 months to pull the old motors, wiring and rotten wood out, and another 8 to get new systems in place.

thats amazing and well done

Thanks!

Patrick,

You have done well.

Maybe you will find the batteries come into their own when its dark and gloomy and you need to head to windward into a building sea.

In the meantime enjoy - impressive.

Jonathan (Lightwave 38' cat, 2 x 20hp diesel auxiliaries)

I suspect so. It looks like I can rely on batteries for full speed at one hour, 4.5 knots for 6 hours, or 2.5 knots for 20 hours. but if the see if building and heading into wind the numbers might be lower, and I'll need to make another plan.

Will be interesting as to how well it motors into a lumpy and or short sea. I've a 30hp on my 9m and on a smooth sea, etc can be doing over 5 knots. As soon as the sea gets lumpy a good knot disappears unless I increase power.

I suspect not nearly as well, but I'll let you know.