Hi all... been following the group for a couple of weeks now with interest and am putting together my plans for an electric catamaran around 50 feet in length, 17 foot beam and about 25000-30000 pounds total weight. Estimated draft is about 20 inches.
I am working on control systems and have heard of these "easy docking" systems that consist of an electric motor that can rotate in any direction and is guided using a joystick type "drive-by-wire" situation (no mechanical connection between steering control and the actual rotating rudder/propulsion mechanism).
What I am wanting to do is use this type of system with electric wire controls for long distances (hours at a time) *instead* of having a docking system and a main drive/rudder setup.
Ideally, when coming into dock, the same system can then be used to drive the boat sideways, forwards, backwards, whatever for easier docking. It could also be a great system for emergency maneuvers if ever necessary.
So for those with far more experience in these matters, I have a few questions.
1. Is it possible to put together one of these systems to power the boat full time... i.e. drive the boat in a mostly forward direction for hours at at time with no ill effect?
2. Can these motors be used effectively up to around 10 knots without excessive drag on the hull? Would the propeller size/style need to be changed? (Typical target cruise speed is going to be 4-6 knots).
3. Can anyone that is actually using a system or is intimately familiar with one in actual usage make a recommendation for a brand and type of these docking motors for a craft of this sort of size?
Thoughts and comments from experienced mariners is sincerely appreciated!
My Best,
Bill
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