John:
I'll try and tackle some of your questions. But, some of your questions can not be answered without more information. You've got a 26 foot sailboat. OK what's it weigh? Where are you planning to sail? A lake? San Francisco Bay etc...The waters you plan to sail will make a difference in what you can get away with in term of electric propulsion.
You could operate a motor with just an on off switch but, I would not recommend it. Would you drive a car with such a system. Think about it you are attempting to go from 0 to max power.by doing that. Not safe for you or other boaters. Especially when docking. The beauty of an electric propulsion system. Is the ability to have fine control of propeller RPM.
As for solar panels you probably could get away without a controller for a 5 watt panel. Anything bigger I would use a controller. I would alsos get the biggest panel you can afford/fit on board. But, I would also never rely on just one form of charging your bank either. Maybe others can answer some of your other questions.
Capt. Mike
Sent from on board BIANKA
http://biankablog.
Hi, I have been a member of this group for a few weeks now, but am not getting the level of info I need. Does anyone know where I can get less technical info than discussions of the merits of different battery types, and amps drawn and similar?
The type of info I want is answers to simpler questions such as the following:
1 Can I manage without a controller, and just switch a motor on or off the same as a vacuum cleaner or blender, maybe have a 6 volt supply available to give it a slower speed if needed?
2 If I use a solar panel to charge a 12volt battery, how do I prevent overcharging, or does it automatically never overcharge?
3 How do I set up a thrust bearing on the prop shaft?
4 Can I use multiple lower powered motors for inboard use, such as those used on electric bicycles?
5 What is the equivalent rate for HP of a gas outboard versus electric inboard - can I figure that I need 750 watts per HP, or does it not work like that, bearing in mind electric can be run overloaded?
6 Can I use, say, 3 Minn-kota type trolling motors of about 30 lb thrust to power a 26 foot sailboat, if so, how many minutes of running will I get assuming I have 3 separate 12 volt deep cycle batteries?
I hope that there is somewhere where the simpler things can be discussed of where there is an FAQ that I can use.
I have a 26 foot sailboat with a very old gas engine that I would like to dump rather than spend money on - I would prefer to spend it on a generator to charge the batteries. I have the sails for main power. But I don't know how to sail yet, and figure it will be safer with 'plan B' power available, such as gas or electric.
Any help appreciated,
Thanks,
John
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