Re: [Electric Boats] Re: house boat + hybrid

A direct-drive diesel is efficient, but it wants a lot in terms of maneuverability, and I don't think it would be all that suitable for a houseboat that probably is only used for relatively short trips and does a fair amount of maneuvering.   On the other hand a single diesel-generator driving two props through electric motors would be very maneuverable though at the expense of some efficiency.  Your call. Personally I don't think a battery-electric drive would work that well on a houseboat.  Unlike sailboats, houseboat hulls aren't that efficient to begin with and it would take a lot of expensive, heavy batteries to push one very far.  --- On Tue, 11/2/10, Bill Spires <spiresac@yahoo.com> wrote: From: Bill Spires <spiresac@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [Electric Boats] Re: house boat + hybrid To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 11:14 PM There is little doubt that a diesel driving a prop mechanically is very efficient.   There will be a loss of efficiency when you add more components or convert to a generator /motor approach.  I would ask what the purpose is of some of the projects I see posted on here.  Electric makes sense for certain reasons.  My boat make sense to me because I can charge it from shorepower (very cheap) and a small getset can supplement the power when needed and supply house power for Margaritas.  I am planning to install a solar panel with a diode just to keep the batts topped off. Why am I converting.    1 Electric more reliable 2 lower cost to cruise.  Charging from shore power is very cheap 3 I can get a huge payback from a small gas genset to extend range, run AC and blender. Benefits. boat will be very green.  far less emissions.  most power from shorecharged batteries. Boat very reliable compared to diesel. cheaper to build set up. Oh yeah,,,,and it is fun!  From: Steamboat Willie <stmbtwle@yahoo.com> To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tue, November 2, 2010 5:31:42 PM Subject: RE: [Electric Boats] Re: house boat + hybrid There are just as many moving parts in a hybrid as in a conventional installation, bear in mind you have a regular engine (with all it's parts) AND the hybrid equipment as well. Bear in mind that a regular automotive hybrid battery is good for about ONE MINUTE (or less), before the gas engine kicks in and takes over.  I don't think it would be of much use pushing a big heavy houseboat. Also bear in mind that an automotive hybrid system runs at 300+ volts... It's gonna be a real challenge charging that critter from solar panels. Not saying it couldn't be made to work, and I think a gas/electric drivetrain would have some advantages.  But it certainly won't be a "plug and play" installation. Willie   (2007 Ford Escape Hybrid) --- On Tue, 11/2/10, Aaron Costic <aaron@elegantice.com> wrote: From: Aaron Costic <aaron@elegantice.com> Subject: RE: [Electric Boats] Re: house boat + hybrid To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 10:51 AM   Wouldn't there be a few advantages?  Less moving parts, so less maintenance.   Solar bank could charge the battery bank.  It is quieter.  More Torque at low RPM's.  No Diesel smell.    Stay Cool   Aaron Costic Elegant Ice Creations www.ElegantIce.com www.IceSculptingTools.com 440-717-1940           fax- 440-746-1140 4001 Towpath Unit C     Broadview Hts OH 44147   From: electricboats@yahoogroups.com [mailto:electricboats@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of danbollinger Sent: Tuesday, November 02, 2010 10:04 AM To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Electric Boats] Re: house boat + hybrid     To me, a houseboat would be a poor application for hybrid technology. Since the ICE would typically be run at one speed, you don't need the batteries for acceleration or range, so therefore, they have no purpose. A hybrid planing craft on the other hand would be a good application since the batteries (even better capacitors) would provide the energy for the hole shot. All houseboats need gensets, and it could operate electric propulsion motors in the hull, too. But putting in batteries, too doesn't give you any advantage unless you need to motor around the harbor in stealth mode. --- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "cgirsch01" <charlie@...> wrote: > > I've been a fly on the wall for the past month or so, taking in all your wisdom/experience. > > I see that much of the conversation is about sail boat conversions. My interest is to build out a 40 - 50 foot floating cabin on the Mississippi. I lean toward a three tube pontoon configuration and the possibility of grabbing some junked Honda, Ford, or Toyota hybrid set ups (possibly including CVT transmission) to move it about. > > My question - anybody out there playing with this size effort? > > Charlie >