I use what could be considered an electric 'powerboat'. (No sails)
But it's not what most people would consider a 'powerboat' as it's a
'old style' displacement launch. It was powered by a 5.5hp two stroke
engine before it was converted. That 5.5hp was more than enough, yet
people with years in the 'industry' were saying things like suggesting a
12hp diesel would be nice when I was looking for a new engine.
In practice, after conversion I found the boat cruised at near hull
speed with even less power. (2.4kw...)
However the range is about 30-40km and I can only run for about 4.5hrs
at full speed (or more accurately, just enough below 'hull speed' that I
get a good range/speed ratio).
Turns out this is plenty for a day trip out on calm inland waterways.
(Of which my home city of Sydney, Australia has plenty, the city being
surrounded by no less than 4 'flooded valley' river systems).
Many people who ask about my boat look on in amazement when I say I
have a propulsion system than can only propel the boat to 9km/hr (I can
ride my bicycle faster) and only runs for 4.5 hours. But for a day out
of the river, this works.
It wouldn't work if if wanted to go offshore fishing, or skiing , or
'hoon around at speed', or get to my favourite estuarine corner as
'fast as we possibly can', and then spend all with the air-conditioning
on and watching television on the 72" plasma screen...
However my boat does cost about $2 per day in electricity, and goes
about it's (slow) travel very quietly.
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