T-Pain Is On A Boat: Re: [Electric Boats] Weight loss

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Re: [Electric Boats] Weight loss

I have a similar issue with my Pearson 35 ElectricYacht conversion. The stern sits a lot higher than it did before, so the deck scuppers don't drain like they did.

The total weight of things removed is a lot more than the weight of the engine. There's the fuel tank and fuel, hoses, exhaust system, raw water strainer, spare parts etc. that I am happy to have off the boat.

When I have the time and inclination I will move the batteries farther aft, and possibly add more batteries (currently using 8 Trojan T105's for 48V). I am happy with the boat's performance so it's not a priority. I agree that adding dead ballast would not be ideal.

On the other hand, if it's a cruising boat, and you would rather not add more batteries, you could think about carrying more cruising comforts in aft compartments- additional fresh water perhaps. Overall, trying to find things to add or move to the stern is not a bad problem to have.

From: Eric <ewdysar@yahoo.com>
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, June 14, 2011 8:38:34 AM
Subject: Re: [Electric Boats] Weight loss

As I read this thread, I noticed that I spend a lot of time and money getting weight out of my boats. I can't imagine adding dead weight.

You can move your batteries closer to where the engine was or you can move other stuff in your boat to get her back on her lines. If your boat is riding a little higher in back after the conversion, you can also see if there is any weight forward that you can take off the boat altogether. A lighter boat sails better and you'll need the electric drive even less. It's another step towards increasing the overall efficiency of your boat.

Fair winds,
Eric
Marina del Rey, CA

--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, GeoMar Logistics <geomarlogistics@...> wrote:
>
> *Move the batteries or add secured ballast for proper trim. Lead shot in
> bags (high strength) and boxed in. Same with lead ingots. Works very well
> *
> On Tue, Jun 14, 2011 at 8:12 PM, <amracel@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > I finally have my Electric Yacht 180ibl installed. I'll be taking it
> > on my first 'long' voyages (well, a couple of 5 hour days) which,
> > hopefully will be mostly sailing. But what numbers I do get when I run
> > the engine, I'll be happy to share with you all.
> >
> > My question though is the weight loss that I'm finding interesting.
> > The batteries and engine should be about the same weight as the
> > Westebeke I pulled out last year. But the water on the siderails is
> > draining upward now instead of downward. I'm guessing it's placement
> > rather than weight. But I'm wondering if anyone has added ballast to
> > adjust for the difference in weight/distribution with the 'lighter'
> > propulsion mode. Or, with a 4 ton boat is it really not a concern?
> >
> > Anne Racel
> > 4 Degrees
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> *No trees were harmed in the creation of this message, though a significant
> number of electrons may have been inconvenienced.
> **
> George Johnson
> GeoMar Logistics
> Jomtien, Chonburi
> Thailand*
>