Keith,
I agree with your assessment about this industry. Lot of hype and few real successes. I built 3 successful electric car conversions and walked away from the industry 15 years ago because the cars just wouldn't deliver enough functionality to be practical transportation.
EV proponents have verifiable statistics that over 90% of all passenger cars are driven less than 40 miles a day. Therefore an all electric car with a 50 mile range would be perfectly suited as a replacement, though in my opinion, it makes a better second car. Each of my conversions exceeded that design parameter, and even as second cars, I found them to be too much hassle to justify the expense.
If we look at pleasure boating, we all know that somewhere around 75% of mid-size sailboats leave the dock less than three times a year. If the boats are being sailed, how much engine time do they rack up in a single day? I think that almost everyone here will agree that the "1 gallon" system meets the needs of more than 90% of active, mid-size (27'-32') boat sailors. However, I would also posit that over 90% of active, mid-size boat sailors would not accept a "1 gallon" limitation on their own boat, even though they may not actually need more.
Given your position about the size of the potential market and the low profit margins, do you think that there is any hope for the industry? Do you think that electric drives are a viable alternative for mid-size sailboats or is this merely hobby for tinkerers? Do you think that anything can be done to improve the industry's chances for success?
After considerable deliberations, I will be converting my Bermuda 30 to electric drive, partially due to complications involved with a proper diesel repower project and my overall commitment to sustainable solutions in my life. I will be posting considerable data after the conversion to help promote the concept of electric drives for pleasure sailboats.
Fair winds,
Eric
Marina del Rey, CA
--- In electricboats@
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> The common element in these reports?
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> Both outfits prone to quite a lot of hyperbole - just like the rest of the EV industry (eestor anyone?)
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> Vendors need to stick with realistic options, backed by customer testimonials - not sticking 6HP motors and 4 batteries on 47 foot, 11-ton yachts and calling it electric propulsion (plenty of other recent examples in the 3HP range...) Might as well be using trolling motors for all the good those would be in a pinch.
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> And don't get me started (again) on regen...
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> The problem is this industry is a lot like selling antiques. The barrier to entry is low, the market is small and the buyers are cheap -- so no one makes any money.
>
> -Keith
>
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