Even with an ICE you're only going to do 1 or 2 knots against that current. So when would it be worth it?
We have similar tides here in San Francisco - 4-6kts depending on where you are. You just learn to never (ever!) fight the tide, since you will lose (at least with battery-only such as mine).
Minor changes to your boating habits can accommodate electric, and if you have deck-space for a generator, there's really no difference to an ICE if you have enough charging capacity.
The peaceful nature of an electric drive - even if you can't always use it exclusively - is really a game-changer. Suddenly music, conversation, the sounds of nature - are all accessible.
You will have a challenge carrying enough battery unless you go to lithium or carry a generator - 6 hours is going to consume a rough guess of 6KWh (assuming 50% duty cycle of 40amp draw) - so that's about 24 12v conventional deep cycle (115AH 12v) - maybe 700kilos in lead-acid but only about 300 in lithium (but that's ~$3000US...). If you carry a generator this is a non-issue and you can get by with 1/2 (or less) that.
HTH,
-Keith
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "Michael" <barrowbyuk@...> wrote:
>
> Manyn thanks, I will make contact.
>
> I fear that the tide around here may be the factor against such a conversion.
>
> Michael
>
> --- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, James Sizemore <james@> wrote:
> >
> > You have a local electric boat club you should join, they have a new letter that is fantastic resource.
> >
> > http://www.electric-boats.org.uk/
> >
> >
> >
> > On Jan 27, 2012, at 4:18 AM, "Michael" <barrowbyuk@> wrote:
> >
> > > Apologies for another 'I'm thinking about converting...' post.
> > >
> > > I have what is known as a Sussex Beach boat, a short, broad, shallow, fairly heavy open boat of around 16ft, currently powered by a 15hp air cooled diesel which is very noisy. I need to change either to a newer diesel or be brave and go electric.
> > >
> > > The boat lives in Chichester Marina (UK). Re-charging would be easy. I rarely go out for more than 6 hours. Most of this is spent in the harbour where the speed limit is 8 knots (can't reach that anyway). Tidal streams and wind can be quite strong ( tide 5-6 knots at times).
> > >
> > > The boat has quite a lot of ballast in it so changing this for a good sized array of batteries would not be a problem. There is plenty of room. Prop is three bladed, turning at 1500 rpm. Not sure of size or pitch. I could even have room to accomodate some sort of generator set as a 'get you home' if needed.
> > >
> > > I have two questions to start with:
> > >
> > > Is electric power viable for such an application bearing in mind the need to push against the tide?
> > >
> > > Is there anyone around my area who has done such a conversion?
> > >
> > > Many thanks in advance
> > >
> > > Michael
> > > (Bobolink)
> > >
> > >
> >
>
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