Most of the systems in use are in fact derived from golf-cart parts. But we typically use more efficient PM (permanent magnet) motors instead of the older series wound motors common in the used market. So it definitely can be done and I think a few on this board have examples. The drive and controller are only about 1/4 the total cost of a system so it's not really a great place to skimp.
As for regeneration - it's one of those things that sounds great in theory but isn't really practical. Consider that all 4 tires on a golf cart are gripping the road with several thousand pounds of stopping friction - vs all that water easily slipping by a very small prop.
So golf-carts get great braking, and a few watts of power - on a boat you just get more expensive electronics. I have a system that can regen and I get less than 100watts sailing at 6knots and then only when I carefully feather the controller (though I think the controller can be programmed to do this better). It's not impossible to boost this, but it's a science experiment, not a proven tech.
Regards,
-Keith
--- In electricboats@
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> We want to replace the 11 hp diesel in our 27' sailboat with an electric drive and want to use the motor as a generator driven by the propeller rotating while under sail.
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> The commercial vendors seem to charge thousands of dollars. I'm wondering why an electric golf cart motor and controller wouldn't do the job? Supposedly a 6 hp motor will drive her at hull speed. But we think 3.5 to 5 hp is all we need as we only use the engine leaving and returning to the dock.
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> Some golf cart motors are wired to use energy from braking to regenerate electrical power. I also have the idea that any motor can be used as a generator, but am ignorant about the circuitry requirements, probably some kind of diode in the field circuit, but maybe you need some kind of sophisticated controller?
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> We'd be grateful for any guidance.
>
> Many thanks!
>
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