electric boat drives

[daveyjones]

Any one out there with a yacht fitted with electric motor as the auxiliary, with or without diesel generator. I am looking at the possiblity of fitting an electric drive to a 40 ft Colin Archer, with diesel generator, battery bank and solar and wind charging. Any experienced/knowledgeable views greatly appreciated, especially if you have some idea of costs and best makes of equipment. Even better if you have actually fitted one - it would be good to know about potential problems and eventual performance.

 

[Talbot]

Seem to recall that there was a brief mention in PBO a couple of years ago.

There is a page on them at Sillette http://www.sillette.co.uk/elect_saildrives.pdf

The lagoon catamarans are now available with an optional electric drive.

Hope that helps

 

[Lakesailor]

Look at Coniston Launch.
They have converted their restored passenger launches to solar powered electric motors. Gordon Hall runs the business and is very keen on the environmental value of this change.

 

[pvb]

Fascinating subject...

I think electric propulsion is a fascinating subject, and as technology improves we're sure to hear more of it. Solomon Technologies market the "Electric Wheel" and seem to be one of the leading players (they supply the Lagoon cat system). In the UK, Lynch Motors in Devon are worth looking at, as are 4QD who make speed controllers. I'm sure you've investigated lots of sites - there are some useful links at Electric Boats & Outboards and Boat-Links. There's also an interesting article on SailNet. Let us know if you go ahead!

 

[daveyjones]

Re: Fascinating subject...

Thanks, I've looked at those sites and emailed a few enquiries. I'm attracted to the environmental benefits, but the initial costs are scary, 11000 US dollars for a motor, not to mention the batteries and diesel genny. Probably competitive with a new diesel setup, especially when you take running and maintenance into account, but you can't go to a scrapyard or buy a second-hand electric motor, like you can with a diesel, or can you? My big worry is , what happens if the boat floods and the motor gets wet? The batteries too, they would have to be in the bilge, given the weight. Do you have a waterproof container for them or what? Mind you, it would be the same if your diesel flooded I suppose.

 

[yachtbits]

have a look at the Hinckley DS42, 42' day sailer with electric auxilary.

beautiful bit of kit.

http://www.hinckleyyachts.com/

kev

 

[Talbot]

Re: Fascinating subject...

[ QUOTE ]
Do you have a waterproof container for them or what? Mind you, it would be the same if your diesel flooded I suppose.

[/ QUOTE ]

except if your batteries flood you get chlorine gas!

 

[reeac]

You won't get enough solar or wind power to power a decent electric drive so you'd have to go for diesel-electric which would add weight and power losses but give little advantage. The reason for diesel-electric is to give a means of starting heavy machinery or loads from stationary and then keep the diesel running at its most economic speed. With a boat you have a very good fluid coupling in the shape of the propellor in the water and this can take up the drive and get you moving. With correct choice of gearbox ratio and prop. you should also be able to run the engine in the economic speed range as well.