Reading the "conversion" stories at Electric Yacht are intriguing.
A common thread in the stories is, "we just need the motor to get into and out of the marina." If day sailing and/or adequate winds in reasonable calm waters is the normal outing then the electric motor drive appears to be an interesting addition to the options for auxiliary sail boat power needs.
The discussed costs strike me as bit nebulous. It appears that the systems are all specific designs. Ford innovated the car production business by standardizing the models being produced. When you are building systems to fit each project, you get innovative at finding solutions but there is a lack of standardization. Costs for unique fits increase or compromises are made. These became evident in the conversion stories.
The folks who have chosen the path of electric power all enjoy the "cheap" power access to shore charge ups. The option for a diesel/gas on boat generator is suggested as a "Hybrid" build.
With the enthusiasm of "Go Green" waving flags, silent power, and no diesel smelly boating it is a powerful aphrodisiac drawing boaters into uncharted waters like a sirens song.
If you hear the song and are lured that way, a careful evaluation of past and future boating activities should be considered.
Being electric powered, silently moving against a strong current pushing you shoreward is not a fun place to find yourself.
