I have been sailing for many years and have been watching the development of electric powered boats with interest. It was easy to see on-board electric requirements increasing due to the additional electronic tools as well as hard-to-resist creature comforts. Through all this the smelly beast remained aloof and uninterested beyond grudgingly topping off the batteries when it was convenient.
I recently purchased a 1966 Bristol 27. The boat essentially has nothing, no engine and no functioning electric circuits. Over the next few months and years I expect to add some form of auxiliary power, electronics and maybe a lamp or two. The standard configuration recommends a battery operated propulsion motor, a battery array and a source of electricity such as generator, wind or solar.
The restoration will be an evolution with budget constraints. The boat is designed for an outboard mounted in a well under the stern counter and I expect to stay with an outboard in the 3 hp range with batteries to support a 2 hour run for port. I sail in the Chesapeake so distances are relatively short. The batteries will start out with a solar source for recharging. If that is not sufficient, then I will consider a small generator or shorter distance requirement.
I will post progress and look forward to advice and comments from the group.
Joe
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