Coping with red diesel

[binch]

I have been looking at electric propulsion, and it has occured to me that, as one may use red diesel in generators that do not directly drive the vessel, one could have a diesel generator legitimately using red diesel and charging a battery.
The battery could drive the boat via a dc electric motor.
Tell me what is wrong with this for a smallish yacht.

 

[sailorman]

It has been done. Mainly inland.
There was a motor launch also on Holland

 

[prv]

one could have a diesel generator legitimately using red diesel and charging a battery.
The battery could drive the boat via a dc electric motor.
Tell me what is wrong with this for a smallish yacht.

The rules are about diesel used for propulsion. Diesel-electric propulsion is still propulsion.

Pete

 

[Searush]

The rules are about diesel used for propulsion. Diesel-electric propulsion is still propulsion.

Pete

But if the genny is only used when moored to re-charge the batteries, which may also provide light etc . . . .

I think you are thining "big-ships" when you say diesel electric. But it's an expensive solution anyway.

 

[jamesjermain]

But if the genny is only used when moored to re-charge the batteries, which may also provide light etc . . . .

I think you are thining "big-ships" when you say diesel electric. But it's an expensive solution anyway.

Even if only used to recharge batteries its still propulsion. Only diesel for heating (and cooking?) is exempt.

 

[TrueBlue]

I have been looking at electric propulsion, and it has occured to me that, as one may use red diesel in generators that do not directly drive the vessel, one could have a diesel generator legitimately using red diesel and charging a battery.
The battery could drive the boat via a dc electric motor.
Tell me what is wrong with this for a smallish yacht.

As a tax avoidance measure - forget it as others have said.

As a method of propulsion it's inefficient per se; another loop in the chain, each link with its losses.

As a method where the engine has to / could be located remotely from the propellor area it could be justified.

Beta Marine in conjunction with ano have developed such a device, but it's quite expensive.

The same sort of argument could be applied to hydraulic drive, but their are very few actual installations in provatye boats.

 

[sailorman]

Even if only used to recharge batteries its still propulsion. Only diesel for heating (and cooking?) is exempt.

we were led to believe that battery charging was allowed

 

[Fourbees]

we were led to believe that battery charging was allowed

That's what I thought - otherwise any boat with a gas cooker and no central heating shouldn't be claiming the agreed split, and I'm sure that they do…