Rick,
Just got back from Strictly Sailing where we were showing a motor that would propel boats larger than your 14000# displacement. There were as many electric motor systems manufacturers as diesel manufactures at the show. I do not know of other O'Day 37s that have been converted, but it seems like a good fit with the size and keel arrangement you have. I would think that electric would be a real benefit in the livability with your aft stateroom. The issue will be the amount of battery storage, cost for that storage, and what type of sailing you typically do.
I have a Newport 30, smaller than your boat, that I use to demonstrate electric propulsion. You are welcome to check out the company websites and the other manufacturers out there and drop by for a demonstration ride (this is where you really find out if you like the idea of electric rather than diesel).
Regards, Mike
Electric Yachts of Southern California
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, Sally Reuther <smreuther@...> wrote:
>
> Rick,
>
> Your O'Day should be able to handle the weight of the batteries. There are
> systems out there at 48 volts to 72 volts that will work for your boat.
> That relates to 512 to 768 lbs of AGM battery weight. That weight can be
> carried low and centered which is a plus when converting to electric
> propulsion - it gives you the flexibility of positioning the batteries where
> the weight is best positioned. Lithium batteries are great for weight, but
> pricey still. I've been hearing though that we can begin to see prices on
> these batteries coming down in the next few years which is fantastic news
> for all of us wanting to convert to electric and save weight! We have a
> Moody 376 that we will be converting and we are looking forward to being
> able to use Lithium, but will probably start out with AGM's. Also, since we
> will be cruising we are adding a genset along with our system.
>
> There is a lot of information on this forum, and also a number of companies
> offering good drop in systems. Take the time to compare and ask a lot of
> questions. Good luck and have fun! You're one of the pioneers!
>
> Sally
>
>
>
> On Wed, Apr 13, 2011 at 4:56 PM, aweekdaysailor <aweekdaysailor@...>wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Hi Rick,
> >
> > See if this helps:
> >
> > https://sites.google.com/site/electricboating/Home
> >
> > Much depends on where and how you sail - read that section twice! :)
> >
> > Your boat is a little outside the "sweet spot" for a conversion using
> > lead-acid batteries. The battery weight needed to run the motor you need
> > (larger than my 6HP) will likely be too much to balance the weight coming
> > out (your diesel/tank/hoses/etc). But, it's a great candidate for
> > lithium-ion conversion (which is more expensive at first, but over time is
> > actually about the same or a little less than lead-acid due to higher cycle
> > life)
> >
> > -Keith
> >
> >
> > --- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "SailorRick" <dickybrewer5@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi everyone, I'm just curious if any of you can give me any tips on
> > replacing my diesel motor with an electric, I'm wondering how
> > feasible/affordable this is. I have a 37 foot O'day center cockpit sloop
> > that needs a re-power. The 32 HP Universal Atomic Diesel motor is seized and
> > I'm wondering if it would be possible to install an electric motor, where I
> > would begin to look for such a motor, what size and weight I would be
> > looking at etc... Any info would be helpful. I can rebuild or replace the
> > diesel, but electric is appealing to me and I already have an 800 amp hour
> > battery bank recharged by a kyocera solar panel with inline voltage
> > regulator. I would probably have to add a diesel generator to accompany this
> > set up. I've been looking and am trying to find good info on what the
> > possiblities/limitations might be. I need to find out if it's possible to
> > replace my current diesel motor with an electric - the motor I am thinking
> > about replacing is a Universal Atomic 32 HP, four cylinder diesel, weighs
> > about 400 pounds. Thanks and happy sailing! Ric
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
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