Yes, a prop drive like an outboard will be more efficient than the jet drives that you have today. My estimates for power consumption were already assuming that you would match the motors to the jet drives with the appropriate gearing/pulleys.
If you're condisidering an outboard conversion, then I would suggest borrowing a working 10 or 15 hp outboard and see how you like it before you start committing your money and time towards an electric conversion.
If that kind of power reduction seems to fit with how you use the boat, one of the easiest ways to convert is a Toqeedo Cruise 4 (equivalent power to a 10hp gas outboard) It is my understanding that Torqeedo motors are more efficient than the regular outborad drive legs with electric motors on top like the Parsun or DIY rigs.
But you'll find that even a simple DIY solution like using a Thunderstruck kit and on old outboard will cost you about $2000 in parts. Then you have to buy the batteries, the charger(s), fabricate the coupling with the right gear ratio, etc. The extra efficiency of a Torqeedo may allow for a somewhat smaller, cheaper, lighter battery pack than the converted outboard. With either of these solutions, you'll be able to run much smaller batteries than the ones that I spec'd for the jet drives.
Personally, I would probably look for a used outboard, maybe 20-40hp and call it done. More power, more range, lighter weight, much easier conversion and way, way cheaper. Not pretty, but it looks like these boats are only worth about $5000 US when they are in really good shape. A cheap electric conversion can cost close to that by the time you get it sorted out.
Good luck,
Eric
Marina del Rey, CA
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, aberdeino <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, thanks for your replies. Not exactly what I was hoping to hear!! Could some sort of gearing/pulleys not reduce the load on the motors while increasing the jet drive speed? Alternatively if I replaced the head of say a 15hp outboard with an electric motor and used that instead of the jet drives what would the difference in efficiency be?
>
> Plan C sell it for scrap value...
>
> Cheers
>
>
> Alan
>
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