T-Pain Is On A Boat: [Electric Boats] Outboard Conversion reply ---- Cal

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

[Electric Boats] Outboard Conversion reply ---- Cal

We are just starting another conversion now, for a 6 hp outboard that blew up. I am using the same EV motor as the big one, but experimenting with radical props on this next one in the shop. We might be way over powered, but I had one in stock, so I'm not waiting -- as I can just stop the power at a safe point for now. Maybe we can do a blow up test at some point, and find out what will not work. Shaft sizes look like 7/8 in mating to a 3/8 shaft, but the water acts like a slip clutch, I would guess. Yep, water cooled, the water is pumped through a jacket is built in the motor housing. I have a guy who has the dies to change props, so I can experiment a bit with that later.

What I did was the same as you mentioned, I used the whole outboard, just removed the motor block, left it in forward gear, and installed the electric, with the water cooling unit on this one. The Evinrude I have on board now shows good promise, I had it at the Coots Depoe Bay show, and it was very quiet – Except for a lower unit howl – that part is in the shop for now. When returned I look forward to a great time with it. Wish I had a date for that, but my OB shop is doing this in spare time for me so there is no scheduled date except "as I can get to it", so be it.

When it did run, you have to remember that the lower unit is a big 2:1 reduction type gear, so at say 1200 rpm, the prop does 600 or so. That then means a different prop pitch and diameter, as fits the motor. I do not think it will water ski at those figures, but the prop determines the push and amp drain you need for the boat weight, no secret there. Motor size and shafts, may need engineering, as it takes a pretty big drive shaft, or the lower unit gears will be pretty shaky at warp speed, in my opinion.

I run a 12" X 12" prop, on the cabin cruiser, and that works for hull speed -- as expected -- at about a third to half throttle with a foot pedal. Cruise control to be added as I get electronic stuff details done. All this is dictated by water line length as a function of power VS. water resistance, so too much power is only a handicap after a point of need for wind, waves, etc..

I'm happy to respond as possible on this. The July 4 th. show here in Creswell might be good, as we have ( 3 to 4 ? ) several EV people, with their cars, bikes, and my boat that will be here at the shop for it. I will be at our open house for that event, should be fun.

Thanks again, Cal

From: mailto:electricboats@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2014 8:44 PM

To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [Electric Boats] New EV Guy -- First Post -- introduction stuff

Cal,

You mentioned that you do conversions of old outboard motors to electric, and mentioned using an Evinrude 50hp as the "host".

I'd be very interested in hearing about what you've learned in doing this.

Do you use JUST the lower unit, and fabricate everything else? Other conversions I've heard of remove the power head, but keep the rest of the engine for the shell to put stuff in. I could see that it might be easier to adapt stuff if you start with just the lower unit - is that why you went that route?

What motor and what controller are you using? Air cooled, or are you pumping water through tubing around the controller?

Where are you getting the prop? (looking at props for Evinrude 50, it looks like it can handle a 12" prop??)

Feel free to answer me off-list if you like, but others on the list might enjoy hearing about your experiences here as well.

Thanks!

John

From: "h20dragon@centurytel.net [electricboats]" <electricboats@yahoogroups.com>
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, May 9, 2014 1:40 PM
Subject: [Electric Boats] New EV Guy -- First Post -- introduction stuff

Hello out there in electric land. Just as an introduction, I also belong to the Coots group, and we build wood boats of all kinds to show and "messabout" with. I have been interested in Electric propulsion for about 20 years, and held the first Astro Flight ( E-motors ) model electric fly in -- in California way back then. I am a retired gemologist and master goldsmith, jeweler.

Now, I do wood boats, and electric powered ones exclusively. I have a 17 ft. cabin cruiser, and 14 ft. lapstrake with outboards being converted from gas outboards to 48 volt electric power. Some of this is under construction at the shop in Creswell, below Eugene, or in storage at my home.

The shop and I injstall high power electric kits and convert gas outboards to electric use. The ones we install are usually 48 volt, and have about the same torque as a small car. I swing a 12 X 12 prop, and use a Evinrude 50 hp lower unit. Foot throttle, electric fwd, rev. and more. The next electric motor is for a Yamaha 6 hp with a blown head, we can fix that to run again.

We do bicycle conversions too, various power systems, and using Lithium batteries, we have full licensed auto, bike, and boat repairs or painting in an insurance certified body shop. We create all types of electric power ideas, or help others do it.

i am the factory rep for DEKA batteries, ordered fresh from the warehouse, since those are needed for good power systems and those are certainly discount priced, plus being shipped direct from our Portland facility.

Since we have a big 3 phase motor and control variety to use and choose, plus a well known battery to match I figured that a whole system approach is a good idea. Recently I had a new series of battery chargers for EV use built, to make it easier to recharge and long term store the systems we help create. Charge big systems from ordinary house plugs.

If you have questions. just call "The Wright Shop" for Mike, our shop manager at 541-895-2606 here in Creswell, and he can give you basic information. I do package and special club discount prices, as well as help in the product selections.

The city of Creswell, and The Wright shop will have a July 4th street parade, with bands, food, and our own open house for electric vehicles and boats. If you are interested in a free EV vehicle display spot -- call Mike at our shop. This is a continuing annual E-Vehicles, custom cars, boats, and more, show, your'e welcome !!

Thanks, I look forward to seeing what you folks have created. ------ Cal Drake