I have to disagree with you guys that this there is no money to be made on electric propulsion. As you said Eric that most medium boats don't leave the dock too often. I thik that it is much more difficult to maintain a diesel engine, fuel, and all the processes such as winterizing and oild changes than it is to put your batteries on a float charge to be ready when you are. I believe the key to success in this business will be to place the shop right on the water where people can see all the systems parts and boats. build it in busy bays such as San Francisco or San Diego or Baltimore and Miami. Make the system available and put the service shops where the boats are. There are thousands of boats that could benefit from this system that have failing diesel auxilaries but the owners don't know about electric because it located on an obscure sight on the internet. Not many people have electical engineering backgrounds to understand the simplest aspects of the system. Most people are afraid of electrical wires. Thats why they will never go on website to build their own system they want it ready made and working and SIMPLE. If you can't touch it and feel it you propably won't want to risk using it. Such a place should be full of options available today but not consolidated. Options such as gensets, solar, wind, lithium or just regular batteries. One stop shop. I think that expecially today where there is so much emphesis on green technology people are trying new concepts and more people will be willing to try the system. I say make it easy, simple and avialble and the costumers will show up.
Tom (Second Wind "electric")
All you need to succeed in life is confidence and ignorance"
Our success as human beings depends on being able to recognize and repeat patterns. Yet, once we become good at it we become enclosed in the "box".
--- In electricboats@
>
> Keith,
>
> I agree with your assessment about this industry. Lot of hype and few real successes. I built 3 successful electric car conversions and walked away from the industry 15 years ago because the cars just wouldn't deliver enough functionality to be practical transportation.
>
> EV proponents have verifiable statistics that over 90% of all passenger cars are driven less than 40 miles a day. Therefore an all electric car with a 50 mile range would be perfectly suited as a replacement, though in my opinion, it makes a better second car. Each of my conversions exceeded that design parameter, and even as second cars, I found them to be too much hassle to justify the expense.
>
> If we look at pleasure boating, we all know that somewhere around 75% of mid-size sailboats leave the dock less than three times a year. If the boats are being sailed, how much engine time do they rack up in a single day? I think that almost everyone here will agree that the "1 gallon" system meets the needs of more than 90% of active, mid-size (27'-32') boat sailors. However, I would also posit that over 90% of active, mid-size boat sailors would not accept a "1 gallon" limitation on their own boat, even though they may not actually need more.
>
> Given your position about the size of the potential market and the low profit margins, do you think that there is any hope for the industry? Do you think that electric drives are a viable alternative for mid-size sailboats or is this merely hobby for tinkerers? Do you think that anything can be done to improve the industry's chances for success?
>
> After considerable deliberations, I will be converting my Bermuda 30 to electric drive, partially due to complications involved with a proper diesel repower project and my overall commitment to sustainable solutions in my life. I will be posting considerable data after the conversion to help promote the concept of electric drives for pleasure sailboats.
>
> Fair winds,
> Eric
> Marina del Rey, CA
>
> --- In electricboats@
> >
> > The common element in these reports?
> >
> > Both outfits prone to quite a lot of hyperbole - just like the rest of the EV industry (eestor anyone?)
> >
> > Vendors need to stick with realistic options, backed by customer testimonials - not sticking 6HP motors and 4 batteries on 47 foot, 11-ton yachts and calling it electric propulsion (plenty of other recent examples in the 3HP range...) Might as well be using trolling motors for all the good those would be in a pinch.
> >
> > And don't get me started (again) on regen...
> >
> > The problem is this industry is a lot like selling antiques. The barrier to entry is low, the market is small and the buyers are cheap -- so no one makes any money.
> >
> > -Keith
> >
>
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