Why it's best in the long term
Low cost: - Electronics package to handle the whole solution - input from genset or shore, output to AC motor or batteries, AC motor direction, speed, torque, and regeneration. Hardware is about $250. We will have to pay the software developer for their work - $1,000. But this system will eliminate all other electrical power systems for charging, combining, etc, deduct $200. Cost estimate $1,050. - Marine AC motor of the right KW/HP. We would need around $1,000 for 10 HP for Lady Lillie. - More batteries and stowage I think $1,000 is high. - No installation - I'm assuming this power system is designed in. - Total is $3,050 to $4,000, or 60% of the comparable inboard diesel. Instant, easy starting. Quiet operation. A week-end with decent sailing winds would not need the genset. Motoring all day would mean that the genset would run into the evening if anchoring out, or on the mooring ball. Regeneration. On those great days when the wind is up, or we are not in a hurry, we can let the prop turn, and use the AC motor as a generator to replace house use, or motor use. Yeah, there is a little more drag, but we won't notice it when we are nearing hull speed. We will have to be able to turn it off for racing, formal or informal. No transmission. The electronics will make the motor do whatever you ask of it with your simple, forward/reverse/throttle lever. The hardware for this unit is all available today. All we are waiting for is someone to make the investment in system design, and software. I know guys who could do it, but none are so inclined (I asked before buying a like new diesel to repower.) It will probably be an automotive R&D engineer who loves to sail who will do the job. I have no idea when, because we are a small market for this technology. David Lady Lillie
