Mark,
Great article. It's neat to see that an electric jet "pod" can generate 25% more thrust/hp than the conventional fueled equivalent. I think that this is still less efficient than prop drives and I would guess that higher vessel speeds keep pump working better. This technology may not translate to most of the projects dicussed here, but the progress is impressive.
I get the impression that the PWC with rider is targeted around 500 pounds, this shows how critical weight is when trying to gain efficiency. I believe that it is a factor in auxiliary sailboats too, though most people figure if the boat weighs 5 tons, what's a few hundred pounds, give or take. That's one reason that I went with LiFePO4 batteries, even my old ketch.
Fair winds,
Eric
Marina del Rey, CA
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "Angela" <mstafford@...> wrote:
>
> There are significant engineering challenges to water high speed electric propulsion: amassing enough electrons, cooling of motors & controllers & wires & batteries, corrosion, operator ignorance, etc...
>
> Here is one of the latest efforts: the Green Samba.
>
> http://www.gizmag.com/green-samba-first-viable-electric-pwc/15141/
>
> They are still prototyping, but are targeting 65mph, 3 hour, price competitive. Something's gotta give... I bet it's price.
>
> Notable in their efforts, highly refined twin jet drives, azipod style. Just because jet drives have historically been grossly inefficient, does not mean they will always be.
>
> Mark Stafford
> e-H55, e-GEO, e-scooter, bicycle
>
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