Rob,
You already have the same situation today with everyday rabble running "installed" portable generators to power their microwaves and blenders. Electric boats aren't going to make people less responsible. If anything, a drive system that takes consideration and energy management should raise the awareness of the consequences of not paying attention.
I still understand your position, but I believe that most of the boats that you've heard with burning outboards are considered to be the operator's fault through operator errors, negligence, or poor maintenance. The fact that the boat originally complied with USCG regulations and ABYC standards didn't prevent the accident. That's why my BoatUS magazine constantly states that more than 90% of mechanical failures including onboard fires could be prevented with attention and maintenance.
I looked up the 2009 USCG accident statistics and of the 197 fires/explosions related to fuel, 96 were open motorboats, 64 were cabin motorboats and 20 were personal watercraft. 11 more were on houseboats. Only 2 auxiliary sailboats caught fire or exploded during 2009, including boats that were anchored, moored or docked. Are auxiliary sailboats inherently safer than other powered vessels (I don't think so) or are the operators more attentive?
I understand your concern, but perhaps we're trying to mitigate a problem that doesn't actually exist.
At this time, I am not aware of any statutes prohibiting the use of portable generators on-board, nor does my insurance take a documented position for or against them. If you are aware of a USCG regulation concerning portable generators, please let us know. It is my impression that we are a generally law abiding group.
Eric
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, Rob Johnson <dopeydriver@...> wrote:
>
> Mike , Eric , what is the USA Coast Guard position on this type of portable
> generator being used to power a boat ?.
> What is your insurers position ?.
> The difficulty is , I believe , while you might have people like yourself , who
> take electric power very seriously taking all due care , what if the everyday
> rabble decided to take on electric power from a portable generator, with the
> same nonchalance and lack of due care that they due with the outboard . The
> outboard at least is designed for marine service , the Honda generator is not .
> And like I have said before , there is nothing more sobering than talking on the
> radio to someone 40NM out to sea , who has just had his outboard burst in to
> flames.
> Or to see a boat blow sky high , from petrol fumes.
> I'd like to know what your insurers , and your Coast Guard think of them.
> I'm not passing judgement on you good people , but where does the industry go
> from here ?.
> Regards Rob J.
>
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