UK Shore-Power Facilities Compendium

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martinwinlow

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I'm planning a rather long electric-powered motor-boat trip next year (originating in Sweden) around the south and west coasts of the UK and wondered if anyone knows of a list of available shore-power facilities at harbours/marinas in those regions of the UK. It is going to be quite a task contacting them all to ask (I'm at 50+ charging stops for the whole 2350 miles so far... What else would I be doing in my retirement? ).
 
By next year maybe there will be Power Buoys available for use.:)
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Offshore charger for electric boats completes sea trials off Scottish coast
 
martinwinlow said:
I'm planning a rather long electric-powered motor-boat trip next year (originating in Sweden) around the south and west coasts of the UK and wondered if anyone knows of a list of available shore-power facilities at harbours/marinas in those regions of the UK. It is going to be quite a task contacting them all to ask (I'm at 50+ charging stops for the whole 2350 miles so far... What else would I be doing in my retirement? ).
Click to expand...

50 recharges in 2,350 miles suggests a range of less than 50 miles - which clearly would give you a bit of a challenge crossing the North Sea to the UK, even if take a southern route. Though perhaps you are planning to coast hop to Calais and to cross there.
But there are a lot of legs along the South Coast and up the West Coast where there are few or no safe harbours within a 50 mile range. And that’s before you get to the NW of Scotland where distances can be very long between shore power supplies. And most of them will be scarcely 16A, at best.

Do you have a very long cable ;)

If a serious proposal I suggest you join the Cruising Association as they have a lot of information on harbours and facilities.
 
I'vew not seen a recent copy of Reeds but I'd hope this kind of information would be in there by now.
 
Thistle said:
I'vew not seen a recent copy of Reeds but I'd hope this kind of information would be in there by now.
Click to expand...
Ive just looked in the latest reeds channel almanac and it does mention electrical power but I suspect that it means a 16 amp marina supply or maybe 32amp for some berths. Reeds is printed in August so any changes since last summer should appear in updates. I don't think that many marinas have the electrical infrastructure for charging electric boats. I had read somewhere recently, that a marina had put a few in but I doubt whether they were for visitor berths.
 
Is it not possible to charge from a 16 Amp socket , given sufficient time is allowed?
 
Whilst it's admirable unless you already have the electric powered boat (or are being sponsored to undertake the challenge with such a boat or can increase the range significantly) I'd get one with diesel engine(s) if I were you. It'll be more enjoyable/less stressful...
 
MartynG said:
Is it not possible to charge from a 16 Amp socket , given sufficient time is allowed?
Click to expand...
It sounds as if the OP must be planning a pretty slow trip and a few days recharging won't be a problem. :D:D

I think a Tesla will get about 12 miles on a 1 hour charge from a 16A supply. Does that mean a boat will manage under 5nm? I assume OP will have accurate figures.

I wonder what cruising speed OPs boat manages? Tidal planning and weather are going to have a huge impact if isn't a fast planing hull.

I can't imagine any places on West coast will have dedicated boat charging points. Crossing the Bristol channel will involve a bit of a detour. Getting around NE coast of Ireland is easier, just time it correctly and virtually drift with a fair spring tide.
 
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The only help for the OP to gather info is that a number of south coast marinas eg Premier ,MDL and boatfolk might be able supply info on all their marinas in their group and I guess that with Yacht haven thrown in you might have a good idea of typical coverage?
 
Hi,

Gosh! Thanks for the interest.

I thought you'd all be petrol-heads (well, diesel ones at least - V1701!)!

The boat is an (as yet not built - first sea trials happening as I type) Candela C-8. It has a good 50Nm range at ~22kts (max 30kts + 4Nm reserve at 3kts). It will charge from any source of 230VAC mains electricity (including a generator so I might take a couple of these along for the trip which can be used in parallel giving about 4kW) from empty from about 6A up to 32A on single phase. That sort of speed would mostly eliminate the need to worry about the impact of tide on range for much of the trip at least.

A full charge from empty takes 13 hours at 16A (45kWh battery). So, the typical 16A 'shore-power' hookups would be fine.

There's a 32A 3 phase option for the boat but it is very expensive and probably not much use in the UK - I'm based in the South Hebrides as will the boat be. 'Rapid' DC charging may be available as an option (no doubt even more expensive than 3P) by the time the boat is ready (18 months, currently) but, again, infrastructure is dire, currently (but coming, as some mentioned above... Aqua electric boat superchargers coming to 5 UK marinas with 1700 berths - Plugboats). If it's anything like 'e-cars' I won't be holding my breath.

List of the stops I have planned thus far is attached and I will be very much hopping down the east coast of Sweden, across to Kiel and down the canal, along the top of Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and France to Calais, over to Rye and then all along the south coast of England, around the Lizard and all the way up the west coast of England and Scotland to home (Colonsay).

I anticipate the trip taking a good 6 to 8 weeks, less if I decide to get the 3 phase charging option where I might be able to do 2 hops a day.

SaltIre: The offshore charging buoys are very interesting idea and new to me - but not necessarily altogether practical for a small vessel if in unprotected waters. If they were DC then mooring up for 20 minutes or so, only, might make them much more so. Makes sense with all the offshore wind there is here (and the *shed-loads* more coming).

Boathook: I'll have a look at Reeds - sounds just like what I need. A sea-based version of (aviation's) Pooleys Flight Guide, I guess.

dunedin: Joining the Cruising Association sounds like a very good idea. And, yes, I will be taking a very long extension cable (probably at least 25m x 4, 2.5mm2 ones which are manageable, weight-wise).

Thanks to everyone for all the input. I'll maintain a watch on this thread and perhaps post some updates in due course (if it all actually happens!).

Regards, Martin Winlow
Isle of Colonsay
Argyll
 

Attachments

All sounds interesting if not challenging! Are you going to keep the boat in Oban/Kerrera or somewhere "on" Colonsay? I know there's a rapid charger and power on the pierhead at Scalasaig. Presumably you are hoping to somehow charge at Scalasaig?
You'll know it is ~35-40 miles between Oban & Scalasaig but Crinan (Canal) is only ~25miles via the whirlpool! Port Askaig is nearer than both.
A range of 50 miles, 25miles to somewhere and back, albeit with a generator...:eek:
1643631490577.png
 
martinwinlow said:
Hi,

Gosh! Thanks for the interest.

I thought you'd all be petrol-heads (well, diesel ones at least - V1701!)!

The boat is an (as yet not built - first sea trials happening as I type) Candela C-8. It has a good 50Nm range at ~22kts (max 30kts + 4Nm reserve at 3kts). It will charge from any source of 230VAC mains electricity (including a generator so I might take a couple of these along for the trip which can be used in parallel giving about 4kW) from empty from about 6A up to 32A on single phase. That sort of speed would mostly eliminate the need to worry about the impact of tide on range for much of the trip at least.

A full charge from empty takes 13 hours at 16A (45kWh battery). So, the typical 16A 'shore-power' hookups would be fine.

There's a 32A 3 phase option for the boat but it is very expensive and probably not much use in the UK - I'm based in the South Hebrides as will the boat be. 'Rapid' DC charging may be available as an option (no doubt even more expensive than 3P) by the time the boat is ready (18 months, currently) but, again, infrastructure is dire, currently (but coming, as some mentioned above... Aqua electric boat superchargers coming to 5 UK marinas with 1700 berths - Plugboats). If it's anything like 'e-cars' I won't be holding my breath.

List of the stops I have planned thus far is attached and I will be very much hopping down the east coast of Sweden, across to Kiel and down the canal, along the top of Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and France to Calais, over to Rye and then all along the south coast of England, around the Lizard and all the way up the west coast of England and Scotland to home (Colonsay).

I anticipate the trip taking a good 6 to 8 weeks, less if I decide to get the 3 phase charging option where I might be able to do 2 hops a day.

SaltIre: The offshore charging buoys are very interesting idea and new to me - but not necessarily altogether practical for a small vessel if in unprotected waters. If they were DC then mooring up for 20 minutes or so, only, might make them much more so. Makes sense with all the offshore wind there is here (and the *shed-loads* more coming).

Boathook: I'll have a look at Reeds - sounds just like what I need. A sea-based version of (aviation's) Pooleys Flight Guide, I guess.

dunedin: Joining the Cruising Association sounds like a very good idea. And, yes, I will be taking a very long extension cable (probably at least 25m x 4, 2.5mm2 ones which are manageable, weight-wise).

Thanks to everyone for all the input. I'll maintain a watch on this thread and perhaps post some updates in due course (if it all actually happens!).

Regards, Martin Winlow
Isle of Colonsay
Argyll
Click to expand...
I cannot get the link to your generators to work, However, how do you intend synchronising two ac generators. I presume that is what they are.
 
I hope you can keep us updated as it sounds very interesting.
What is the range when fully loaded with cruising, navigation and safety equipment and sea conditions prevent foiling mode? I would guess that you can halve the range.
I don't suppose you have any cooking facilities as you will only be travelling for 2 hours @ 22knots before making the next port.
 
andsarkit said:
I hope you can keep us updated as it sounds very interesting.
What is the range when fully loaded with cruising, navigation and safety equipment and sea conditions prevent foiling mode? I would guess that you can halve the range.
I don't suppose you have any cooking facilities as you will only be travelling for 2 hours @ 22knots before making the next port.
Click to expand...
Here's a link to info about the Candela C-8:
Candela C-8
A helpful image shows one can motor 50 miles away from San Fransisco.(y) Does one then row back in or get a tow?:unsure:
50-miles.jpg
 
SaltIre said:
Here's a link to info about the Candela C-8:
Candela C-8
A helpful image shows one can motor 50 miles away from San Fransisco.(y) Does one then row back in or get a tow?:unsure:
VlgSHnC.jpg
Click to expand...
I must say I rather admire the vessel - it is not within my present budget, but makes me excited for the possibilities of retirement.

Perhaps the below view of the San Francisco Bay will be more useful - it shows a 50nm distance from Benicia Marina in the north, all the way down to the Don Edwards park in the south. I note that Mountain View is nearby - perhaps Tim Apple might purchase a Candela for commuting.

I agree this is not a long range for "serious" cruising, but I think it's an adequate range for a day or weekend boat, and it should be a memorable delivery trip.

BlRnOt8.jpg
 
SaltIre said:
All sounds interesting if not challenging! Are you going to keep the boat in Oban/Kerrera or somewhere "on" Colonsay? I know there's a rapid charger and power on the pierhead at Scalasaig. Presumably you are hoping to somehow charge at Scalasaig?
You'll know it is ~35-40 miles between Oban & Scalasaig but Crinan (Canal) is only ~25miles via the whirlpool! Port Askaig is nearer than both.
A range of 50 miles, 25miles to somewhere and back, albeit with a generator...:eek:
Click to expand...

(Do I gather you are familiar with the island?) Yes, the estate has recently provided the wee boathouse with mains power (we just need to install a new quay on the south side of the harbour, next!). Failing that/in the meantime, it'll probably have to come out of the water each time I use it.
I expect the Port Askaig route would be quicker (assuming I can find somewhere to stop for an overnight charge between Maidens and Port Askaig) but I rather fancy trying the Crinan Canal not having done it before but having seen it often enough out of the car window...
I suppose (tho hate the idea) that some sort of hybrid would make sense but there is the weight issue to contend with... Gas turbine...?(Not like the tning isn't expensive enough, already!).
 
andsarkit said:
I hope you can keep us updated as it sounds very interesting.
What is the range when fully loaded with cruising, navigation and safety equipment and sea conditions prevent foiling mode? I would guess that you can halve the range.
I don't suppose you have any cooking facilities as you will only be travelling for 2 hours @ 22knots before making the next port.
Click to expand...

As the C-8 has only just (last week) enetered the water for the first time, it's a bit early to tell. I can't get a straight answer out of them about *maximum* range but, given the nature of the effect of hydrofoils on drag, maybe 50Nm at 22kts *is* the optimum conditions for range (but not possible with waves higher than about a metre, I gather).

Yes, sandwiches only, I fear - It does have options for a wee fridge, a marine toilet (with tank) and hot shower ( Candela C-8).
 
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