Electric outboard update

[Peter A. Valentino]

First, I would like to thank everyone for their replies. I sail on Lake Lanier and use my engine to get from dock to open water. My research started with The Electric Launch Company at mhv.net/~elco. Since I wasn't thrilled about putting a new hole in my boat, I asked about electric outboards. They sent me to Ray Electric Outboards, Inc. at www.rayeo.com. Their system 300 seems to be comparable to my Johnson 6 hp. and enough to get me to hull speed. Again, thanks for your input and info. to continue my research.Peter

 

[William Davis]

RE Electric Outboard

Your electric setup sounds great, but how much do you want for that Johnson 6hp outboard??? I am looking for one to go on my Hunter 23. Can E-mail me at "Daviss@Vnet.net"Thanks

 

[Alan Long]

Batteries?

Hi PeterI like your idea of the electric outboard a lot.  I went to the Ray web site and notice that they recomment 6 to 8 6 volt golf cart type batteries at about 65 pounds apiece. Have you figured out how to deal with the weight, space and ventilation issues of that many batteries?The silence and lack of pollution would be great.Alan LongS/V Random Access

 

[Jon Bastien]

Hmmmm...

I also like the idea of electric motoring, but I'm not so sure the Ray Electric motor will meet the needs for a boat as large as a 22 or 23- The specifications listed on their web site say that the system 300 (the larger of the two they quote specs for) needs 48 Volts, and only produces about 3.5 horsepower at full "throttle"... This seems a little underpowered for a 3000+ pound boat. Of course, I was once told that it takes 15 lbs of thrust to equal 1 horsepower; the spec sheet for the system 300 quotes 195 lbs of thrust at full "throttle"- That equates to 13 horsepower from an electric motor. Seems a little high to me. To answer Alan's questions, I know what I would do to an H23 to accomodate the batteries - There's a TON of room in the cockpit locker, especially near the bulkhead at the forward end of the locker. I'd place the batteries 2 abreast and 4 deep along the centerline (they would make nice ballast, I think). I'd add the vents through the transom...

 

[Kevin Hall]

Hey fellow Hunter 22 owner

I purchased my 1983 22 from Lake Lanier and sailed it one season there before moving to St. Pete. How do you like your 22? How long have you had it? Do you have full keel or swing? Do you have a trailer? I was at Aqualand where are you?E-mail khall@sensidyne.com

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

Electric motors ok

Peter, I have a good friend who sails a Schock 23C, using an electric outboard as his auxiliary power. A couple of things to note. Make sure your motor produces enough thrust. I've been with him trying to get into the docks when the electric motor was barely sufficient to keep the boat under control against the wind. Its scary. Make sure you will always have sufficient amperage to produce your maximum rated thrust. My friend installed a battery dedicted the electric motor, with a charrge indicator and a master switch that allowed him to also tap the 'household' battery for additional juice. Finially, he has an 18w solar panel to try and keep his batteries topped off. In use, its quite and easy to work with. Easy to move around and mount/dismont on the transom motor mount. He also has an 8hp gas outboard for the heavy going. I think that sums it up. The electric is nice, but I have never felt it was quite as effective as his, or my gas motors.Jim Kolstoeh23 Kara's Boo