Wednesday, July 15, 2009

[Electric Boats] The missing link in "affordable" diesel electric



We have a 32¹ Westerly Fulmar. It weighs perhaps 12,000 lbs, with a 26¹
waterline, and is currently powered by a Volvo 18hp engine.

It seems to be that both motor and battery technology has finally come to a
place that can support owner installed electric boats that need to be able
to have a longer range. The missing piece is a small, light diesel dc
generator that can put out between 40-100a @ 48v. Something like this, but
marinized:

http://www.polarpowerinc.com/products/generators/1-3,5kw_Lambardini.htm

Is anyone else thinking about this the same way as I am? Our future plans
may include a few years of full -time cruising, so we won¹t be able to
recharge at the dock, and extended motoring time for safely is a necessity.

Put a 400ah 24v bank, or a 200ah 48v bank of LIFEPO4 batteries, weighing at
~100 lbs. Add a 12v converter, say 10 lbs. DC motor and assembly, 50-100
lbs. DC Generator, 150lbs (made up number) Total system weight = <360 lbs

Remove: 305lbs engine and transmission. 160lbs of lead acid batteries. Extra
diesel tankage already on boat (keep 20 gallon tank only) 50lbs. Total
removal: 515lbs.

The only component that is missing is that generator. Gas is not an option
for safety reasons. While the little Hondas are great generators, I would
not want to rely on keeping one running during a storm.

Thoughts?

Chris

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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