Sparky hi great project, I have a Prindle 16 and considered converting it.
What is all up weight like compared to the lead acids used initially.
I notivced you commented on the turning circle. The boat will be limited because the hulls are deeper in the water than with a sail boat.
However, the major issue should be that the steering acts at a point very close to the fore-a balance point, which is the axis about which the boat will turn. This positioning is like use a short lever to move a load; much more input is required to achieve the desired effect.
A larger skeg will increase steering moment but the drag will also increase.
A more efficient way may be to move the steering moment rearward to or beyond the hull transoms. By increaszing the length the "lever" the same steering input should see responsiveness restored and turning circle reduced. Getting rid of mass will assit this.
ALso I note you have made some calculations on battery use to near full discharge. The usual safe minimum charge for the entire battery at low C rates (discharge amps/AH capacity)is 85%.
In this setup in which there are many small cells making up the batteries the failure of one small cell is much more likely. Observerving the 80-85% limit will keep your voltage high, give long reliable battery life and keep the batteries well away from the part of the discharge in which cell discharge caharacterisitcs diverge and the likelihood of damage is increased
Finally you mention the speed whihc is good altho not at the speed you would like. Displacement and draught are key. However, you might enjoy looking at the Solar Splash site
http://www.solarsplash.com/index.php
these guys have low power electrics going quick using simple hydrofoils
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFnv7rPHhDY&feature=player_embedded
hydrofoils have been used on cats to lift the hull, reducing draught and thereby drag; and to improve stability.
looking forward to more pics !
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