Electric Re-power

[WestIslandJohnny]

Wondering if anyone out there has done an engine re-power from OMC Saildrive to electric (Electric Yacht, specifically) on a similar O'Day to my 27. I've weighed the options and I think my situation is a great candidate for an electric re-power. I don't really want to spend any more time trying to get the old saildrive running (two attempts thus far pulling the motor completely out), and I'm not a huge fan of diesel fumes. I will mostly be sailing Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound and maybe Narragansett Bay occaisionally. Bottom line is that battery capacity and solar charging technology have made it seem more of a viable option now. Anybody having experience with electrics, conversion to electric, or just general comments on the technology would be welcome. I'm really just trying to see if there are any major "gotchas" involved with the conversion process. Thanks in advance!

 

[caguy]

Wondering if anyone out there has done an engine re-power from OMC Saildrive to electric (Electric Yacht, specifically) on a similar O'Day to my 27. I've weighed the options and I think my situation is a great candidate for an electric re-power. I don't really want to spend any more time trying to get the old saildrive running (two attempts thus far pulling the motor completely out), and I'm not a huge fan of diesel fumes. I will mostly be sailing Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound and maybe Narragansett Bay occaisionally. Bottom line is that battery capacity and solar charging technology have made it seem more of a viable option now. Anybody having experience with electrics, conversion to electric, or just general comments on the technology would be welcome. I'm really just trying to see if there are any major "gotchas" involved with the conversion process. Thanks in advance!

You're OMC saildrive came with a Diesel? My C-27 had a Zypher 2 cycle 15hp attached to an OMC saildrive. I'm looking for a replacement. What kind of motor is it?
Considered electric motor but went with Tohatsu 18 hp OB instead
If you search YouTube you will find a number of completed conversions.

 

[25yearslater]

Hey Johnny. There is quite the debate about this going on at the ask all sailors forum.
http://forums.oday.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=165653 I looked at it as an option but decided to keep the A4 a while longer. I believe Volvo Penta makes a saildrive unit that your boat might be a good candidate for. The tides and currents in your area might be asking a bit much from an electric.

 

[AWalker]

A nice 15hp Mars brushed motor would work nicely. I bought one for my conversion, then ended up with a nearly outboard, so I never finished it. Let me know if you are interested.

 

[jepomer]

Physically, the conversion can be made. If you use your motor as a true auxiliary to maneuver in/out of mooring fields, occasional extra power for emergencies, then it can work for you.

People who feel they need to motor for long periods of time will not be happy since battery charge is limited. The battery energy can go out quickly like a firehose, but it refills slowly like through a straw.

I have been using a Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 on my Capri-22 for the past four seasons. The last three seasons have been on a mooring with no shore power. The batteries were recharged with solar panels originally off the stern, but now mounted on the foredeck (flexible, walk on-able panels).

Since I am a day sailor who goes out once or twice a week, the batteries always fully recharge even when I draw them down past the 50% level.

The debate on http://forums.oday.sailboatowners.co...d.php?t=165653 does bring out many of the limitations. The nay-sayers are voicing their opinion strongly.

Mostly, you have to determine how you want to use the motor. The less you use it, the more sense it makes to do the conversion with today's technology. If you need to motor longer distances, then it makes more sense to stick with a gas or diesel engine.

I have been very happy with my setup. It meets my needs and desires to use only wind and solar power for my recreational sailing.