Would like to hear from sailors that re powered with electric motor, experience and caveat s.
As I'm thinking of going this route.
As I'm thinking of going this route.
Electric repower
- Thread starter Guan
- Start date
That subject came up on these SBO threads:
Might consider an inboard Torqeedo: Inboards - Electric motors from Torqeedo
Repowering with and electric engine?
Anyone considering or already gone electric? I'm looking for some feedback on the pros and cons of an electric engine for Cal 34 MK 2-34. The main issues I believe are amp hours and recharge time.
forums.sailboatowners.com
Converting from diesel engine to electric motor
Has anyone converted from diesel engine to an electric motor? If so, what are your thoughts on the conversion?
forums.sailboatowners.com
Might consider an inboard Torqeedo: Inboards - Electric motors from Torqeedo
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,846
It is not about the costs or the install, or the improvements in less boat weight, or even more speed, it really is the how you, and where you plan to cruise that helps to determine the impact it will have on your boat usage.
Say you plan to cruise south along the coast line to Central America. You will be sailing into the sun. You will have some hurricane season limits, but the rest of the time glorious sunshine. Charge your batteries sunshine. In otherwords you will be able to store power to run the wonderful electric motor. Sailing (using non-petro power) is great as long as their is wind. If you are ok with "only moving" when there is wind, then you do not need an "auxiliary" source of power, whether it be electric or something else.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, is the PacificNW. Our sun season can be wonderful and fleeting. If you plan to only use the sun's power to move your boat, then you need to be able to stay put when the winds is not available, or the stored battery power is not sufficiently charged. Being without a schedule this is functional. If you have a schedule then you need stored power on demand. In our PacficNW waters this really should be identified as reliable and adequate stores of power when needed. The battery systems are still evolving to fit that parameter. As yet the most compact and reliable source of power per pound is diesel for a sailboat.
At least in my examination of this auxiliary motor concept for a sail boat.
Great summary by John. My take is pretty much in-line with that.
I'll add in, I'm planning on doing some long distance cruising and wish to have the ability to store enough power to run my engine for potentially several days at a time. Looking at the electric option, from this perspective it's not up to the same auxiliary motor support that I'll want. But there are those that are doing exactly this - just relying on the auxiliary engine to get into and out of ports (see Sailing Uma for example). What I have seen is sometimes these folk run a bit close to making port when running up long rivers, for example, to arrive at the final port.
I love the concept - have a completely free of any dino-fuel, completely self-sufficient system, has a strong attraction. But I don't see it fitting my sailing style, yet.
You need to evaluate your specific needs and concerns while sailing.
dj
I'll add in, I'm planning on doing some long distance cruising and wish to have the ability to store enough power to run my engine for potentially several days at a time. Looking at the electric option, from this perspective it's not up to the same auxiliary motor support that I'll want. But there are those that are doing exactly this - just relying on the auxiliary engine to get into and out of ports (see Sailing Uma for example). What I have seen is sometimes these folk run a bit close to making port when running up long rivers, for example, to arrive at the final port.
I love the concept - have a completely free of any dino-fuel, completely self-sufficient system, has a strong attraction. But I don't see it fitting my sailing style, yet.
You need to evaluate your specific needs and concerns while sailing.
dj
