I know you've said you don't want an inboard, but is the reason just to make changing the motor easy in the (very, very unlikely) event of a motor failure?
If so, then it's worth noting that motors are incredibly reliable, it's the other stuff that generally causes any problems. Even then, 99% of failures are down to poor installation, in my view.
There's a 2 berth charter boat on the Broads, the 'George Thetford' that has been running very reliably for many years now with a Lynch motor inboard. I've chartered her and she has a very good range and is absolutely idiot proof to run (a very good attribute in a charter boat!).
Most electric outboards I've seen are fairly delicate bits of kit, complicated by the need for detachable wiring looms etc. Add in the fact that an outboard is more vulnerable to damage (especially in canal locks) and personally I'd be very inclined to look again at a decent inboard. The chances are that a good inboard system will be cheaper than an outboard, too.
You could do worse than have a chat with the owners of the 'George Thetford' and pick their brains. They are nice folk who are committed to pollution-free inland waterways boating.
Jeremy
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "incunabulaonline" <tomfindlay@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Electric Group,
>
> I'm building a Redwing 21 as a two berth charter boat exclusively for a small 30 mile canal situated here in Edinburgh Scotland. Hirers would charter for a two day, one way cruise including one overnight stop halfway along.
>
> The batteries could be charged if required, at a marina halfway along the 30 mile route.
>
> I dont want an inboard electric engine and would prefer outboard(s) for practical reasons if a breakdown occured. (easy to swop engines)
>
> What are my options, remembering it's only for a 30 mile journey with an overnight break halfway along. The speed limit on the canal is 4mph
>
> I think electric is an ideal solution in this instance, but what kind of outboard(s) and what kind of batteries and all the gubbins that goes with it, like an onboard charger that can simply be plugged in on the marina?
>
> Tom
> Edinburgh
>
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