I spent three weeks in Thailand last summer. Nice place, very moist...bring a raincoat.
A long-tail is a very slender boat designed to maneuver through the narrow canals of the Thai countryside. Most farmers and many rural dwellers use longtails for trucks and taxis, with whole markets made up for a few hours in basins by lashing them cheek by jowl. Most longtails are driven by a 5hp Chinese diesel engine driving a long shaft and prop at crankshaft speed, or with a chain reduction. Larger longtails use bigger engines, from turbo-diesel Isuzu's (very common) right up to blown (supercharged) V-8's. One thing they all have in common is NO MUFFLER. It helps out on an ancient diesel taxi, everyone can hear it coming for 1/2 an hour. But those Isuzu's...chaba. The drivers went deaf 20 years ago, and the passengers just tough it out. Maybe a little local flavor, but a hotel with a dock makes it tough to stay nice.
I spoke with plenty of folks about going electric. Clearly the tourist boats would benefit the most. From an economic standpoint, an old diesel will come out as a clear choice for the vast majority. Batteries would be key to success, as in most applications. Because smaller vessels have less freeboard, loading them with storage batteries would be unsafe. Many boats get swamped. A diesel boat will always have the bow up, and the engine can be swabbed out for recovery. It'd be tougher on an electric, no-doubt. Add the economic commitment required to go electric, and the customer base narrows considerably.
But new technology always has early adapters. There is at least one electric tour boat company in Thailand, with several offering the choice as well. The difference for the tourist often comes down to seeing ten sites on a fast diesel, or three to five stops, and hold on to your drinks when the fast boats rip on by.
James Bond commandeered a longtail in "The Man with the Golden Gun". Like many fast boats of today, it sported a V-8 and straight pipes, goes 60 easy, and can be spun on its center in tight quarters. It'd be tough to get an electric to do the same for more than an hour between charges, and these guys will move goods and people 24/7.
Be Well,
Arby
Advanced Marine Electric Propulsion
From: Ned Farinholt <nedfarinholt@comcast.net>
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, September 9, 2012 10:03 AM
Subject: Re: [Electric Boats] Electric Long Tail?
Perhaps he means a long shaft protruding more horizontally over the stern or side of the boat. For example see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE4JSSU83LI
The English have a competition based on battery powered tools, often driving model airplane propellers in the water, on canoes and kayaks.
Ned
On Sep 7, 2012, at 5:34 PM, Mark F wrote:
Do you mean a long shaft outboard motor?
From: rube2112us <no_reply@yahoogroups.com>
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, September 6, 2012 8:54:46 PM
Subject: [Electric Boats] Electric Long Tail?
Hi, has anyone built an electric long tail type of motor? Seems to be a good alternative for a small boat setup. I'd love to see pictures if someone has done this.......Robb
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