Electric Update

[kloudie1]

For folks who are thinking about electric propulsion, check out the new Practical Sailor for a pretty good article.. The guys at http://www.propulsionmarine.com/
probably are the most advanced today in terms of a good system approach.. Still some big kinks to work out, and very expensive.. but useful for folks who use their boats consistent with this limiting aux power option..
They note a 29 mile range at 5 kts. (6 hours) on the Catalina 30 .. at 80% discharge on AGMs.. now comes the downside.. about 370 ampere hours at 48 volts (about 18 kilowatt hours) has to be replaced which would require a dedicated 10-12 hp generator to run 6-8 hours. Seems like you could drive the boat at 5 knots with that same diesel for those same 6 hours..?? Unless you can plug into a shore power outlet that can provide some pretty good current levels and don't mind sitting and charging, it doesn't seem to make sense..for anything except mild use daysailing..

 

[djplatt@cogeco.ca]

I use my engine for getting into and out of the harbour. It would work fine for me.

 

[Bill Roosa]

From the crusier viewpoint it makes sense only if you can generate that kind of recharge while underway. Solar+wind+water generation will not come even close on a smaller boat. course if you had really good sail handling skills and a boat that points well and only used it in a "docking assist" mode you could reduce the AH needed substantially. course you would not be able to "get home fast on Sunday against a contrary current/wind" which is the driving schedual for most of us. that scenario alone drives the diesel solution over the electric one.