T-Pain Is On A Boat: Re: [Electric Boats] Re: Electric boating association in the US?

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Re: [Electric Boats] Re: Electric boating association in the US?

Pete:

Thanks for the encouraging words to those of us who made the leap to EP. Yes, I agree you have to be ready to make the change. I know I thought about it for months before I decided to go electric. I went through a lot of "what if" scenerios before I bought a system. Happily, I have become very comfortable with the system and it's reliabilty with each passing season.

http://biankablog.blogspot.com/2010/12/end-of-season-thoughts-of-electric.html

I know what it can and can't do and plan my trips accordingly. BTW I do sail around New York Harbor at least once or twice a season. Lot's of big ships, speeding ferries and tug/barge traffic. I never for a moment thought my electric propulsion system could not get me out of the way any danger there.
I also found I can do things with my electric system that I would not do when I had my diesel. Plus it does it quietly and I don't hestitate to use it when needed. But, I agree you have to be ready to make the leap. But, I for one am so glad I did. I think when you are ready you'll be glad you did too.

Capt. Mike

http://biankablog.blogspot.com

--- On Sat, 2/5/11, Peter <petemalone@bellsouth.net> wrote:

From: Peter <petemalone@bellsouth.net>
Subject: [Electric Boats] Re: Electric boating association in the US?
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 5:03 PM

I've been on the list for awhile, trying to stay abreast, and realized Tom missed my (fourth) category, the folks who are interested in electric AND need little energy, but want high energy density, long storage time, long run time, hull speed, (all traffic avoidance driven concerns) and care about the environment (very much so, in a pragmatic way). But can't get all of the above with electric at a reasonable cost, so stick to diesel. No, not hybrid e-diesel, just straight oil burning.
If we had a cost effective way to recharge batteries without burning coal, I'd start calling electric a win.
But the important work of developing interest in the methods and materials, systems and grass roots efforts must continue so early adopters like yourselves open the way for improvements.
Thanks for all that you put into your projects and exploits with electric boating. The dedication you show is heart warming.
My next repower may put me at the cross-roads, but for now, i'm just another diesel auxiliary sailor, looking to survive in shipping traffic and occasional bad weather.
I enjoy reading the list, thank you for being here ~ pete

--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "Tom" <boat_works@...> wrote:
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>
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> It seems to me that boaters interested in electric propulsion fall into three camps:
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> There are boaters who are willing to accept the very limited range at high power levels (compared to ICEs) that is typical of electric boats, and they choose to operate their boats in manner that suits their available energy.
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> Then there are the folks who are considering converting less suitable hulls, or have unreasonable expectations of performance. Let's hope we can help them understand the inherent compromises before they make decisions they might regret.
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> And then there are those (who I expect are in the great majority at this time) who are intensive energy users, who wouldn't consider changing the way the use their boat, and realize that electric propulsion is not suited to their needs.
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> -Tom
>