Hello,
I am new to the list. My name is Matt and I own a Catalina 27 on the Chesapeake Bay. She's a new boat to my wife and I and we are in the process of planning our spring commissioning work. During our winterization, our mechanic has stated we should replace the outboard that came with the board. While I feel it is mechanically sound, additional examination will determine its future. We are expecting we may need to repower our boat for next season.
Alas, this is costly. A new four-stroke outboard to replace the two-stroke plus the necessary transom reinforcement for the heavier motor and mount will run the cost well north of $3000. During my research, I stumbled across electric power and was quite surprised at the possibilities. I came across the Thunderstruck EV sailboat kit and at $1450 for the kit with the regenerative charging, it looks very appealing.
I'm new to the prospect of electric power. I think it could be an economical replacement for gas propulsion. I'm not looking for cruising range but enough to get me in and out of dock and possibly a one-way trip home at just above half hull speed (say 4 knots) of no more than 30 miles or so. I like the idea of electric with the instant-on, fewer moving parts, no fuel costs and ability to recharge the batteries under sail. With that in mind, here are my questions:
1) Does anyone have experience with this conversion kit? (I assume so since this group is linked on their site).
2) The site recommends a 2:1 reduction gear. Where do I obtain such a gearbox?
3) I will need a prop, shaft and mounting hardware. Recommendations with this kit in mind?
4) How much battery capacity will I need? 27 foot sailboat (25' LWL) displacing 6700 pounds.
5) What kind of supplemental charging system will I need and what additional circuitry is needed? I was thinking a small wind generator in addition to my solar panels for my house batteries.
6) Anyone know of electricians/
My boat has never had inboard propulsion so my inboard engine space is completely open and I have the room. I'm amenable to doing installation myself but I lack the ability to fabricate stuff like frames and so on. So I would need assistance in that area. If I can do a basic conversion with at least sufficient capacity to get in and out of dock and motor a couple miles in and out of the Bay, that would be a good starting point depending on cost. Especially if I can make it come in at $3000 or less to get going. I figure if I am going to spend the money, I might as well get something worthwhile and I think an electric inboard would have market appeal in a few years when we look to upgrade to something bigger.
Any help appreciated! Thanks!
Matt
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