Eric,
These systems are likely not viable for our market. It would be a better fit for the powerboat market. If you are familiar with what Duffy has done with their power rudder, this would be an interesting marriage of technologies.
If I were a manufacturer of larger displacement boats and required high efficiency and lower costs of operations, I would be very much considered them. The company has a reputation for building remarkable products that serve their commercial markets well. Watching a small tugboat equipped with the Voith-Schneider drive maneuver a large displacement vessel is extraordinary. The boats have full power in all 360 degrees.
It appears to me that one of the benefits of electric propulsion is the ability to take advantage of more efficient propellers. Any advances in that area will make electric propulsion better. For sailing, I am more convinced than ever that low speed electric and motor sailing with electric boost is where electric propulsion provides the best experience compared to diesel propulsion. It is only when we need to get above about 70% of hull speed that diesel's advantage of greater stored energy is an advantage. Then the solution is hybrid.
I will be meeting with a retired blue water ship captain on Monday and will ask him about his thoughts. As a recreational sailor he wants to go electric on his sailboat. He strikes me as a colorful character and likely I will have to translate his thoughts for the community.
Mike Electric Yacht So Cal
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "Eric" <ewdysar@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Mike,
>
> So in your professional opinion, do you think that this specific technology will be better (more efficient) for our boats than conventional props? Are you going to think about suggesting this type of drive to one of your conversion clients instead of an Electric Yacht drive?
>
> Eric
>
> --- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Gunning" <mike@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > The Voith company has built traction systems for the tugboat industry for a long time. The systems are remarkable in their ability to place power within 360 degree. I have been on tugs and have gone from full power forward to reverse and to the side and it defies what I have seen on any other boat.
> > The inline thruster seems to be another innovative product from a well respected company. The engineering seems to be first rate and the manufacturing displayed in their past products is first class. I would not consider any product from them to be anything but commercial and viable.
> > Mike Electric Yachts So Cal
> >
> > --- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, Mark Lockley <lockleymark1@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Found this item on the internet but not any real information about do they last or are they just a gimmick still to be field proven.
> > >
> > > http://www.voithturbo.com/vt_en_pua_marine_vct_inline-thruster.htm
> > >
> > > Any ideas anyone ?
> > >
> >
>
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