Hi Scott,
I agree with Sally. I converted a couple of cars to electric in the 1990s, so I've got the right background. However, when I did all of my homework on converting my Bermuda 30 ketch, I decided that going with a "turn-key" system from a vendor would be worth the extra money. I chose Propulsion Marine in Santa Barbara and was very glad that I didn't have to worry about matching the various components or trace down the "extra" parts. My boat's electric performance exceeds my expectations, the boat is faster and more powerful under power than with the Yanmar SVE12. My range and "watts to knots" are better than I calculated ahead of time. And like all electric drives quieter, smoother, cleaner, etc. etc.
So I noticed that your numbers look like about $2500 to a mechanic to install a different engine. If so, I'm very impressed that you can find a new engine for only $4500. I was considering a Beta 16 for my boat and it was going to be $7500, sitting on a pallet, that I would have to install it myself. For me, the conversion cost about the same as a new diesel repower, and I knew this upfront. On the other hand, I've never thought that owning a boat is a good way to save money ;)
But for the way that I use my boat, electric has been a perfect fit. I haven't run into my known range limitations since I finished my conversion. Honestly, the boat sails better and the electric drive has benefits that I hadn't realized before the conversion. For me, the biggest benefit is "instant" power on tap, no starting or warm-up and no stalling at the worst time. If I blow a tack, a quick blast of electric power and I'm back on my intended course in just a few seconds. If I'm a little low to make it around a bouy, I can add power and luff up around it without any drama.
Putting together your own drive, like with the Thundersky kit, you may find that while you can get a usable drive for a little cheaper than a vendor supplied system, you will probably have some things to "do over" once you understand a marine drive better. That can often eat up any savings that you thought that you might have gained.
All of the regular vendors mentioned here are reputable, have great customer service reviews and supply effective, efficient and safe drive systems. You should really check them out.
Fair winds,
Eric
1964 Cheoy Lee Bermuda 30, 5.5kW Propulsion Marine drive, 8kWh Lithium batteries.
Marina del Rey, CA
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, Sally Reuther <smreuther@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Scott,
>
> There are many options available and it pays to do the research before
> jumping in to a repower. What is your time worth? It may be worth it to
> look at some of the systems available that have already done the engineering
> for you. Even in this area, there are options to look at. Besides Electric
> Yacht, you should look at AMeP, ELCO, Mastervolt and ASMO Marine. You will
> find that these companies, while not advertising on this list, will offer
> you a lot of information and insight in to finding the best solution for
> repowering your boat with electric propulsion.
>
> Sally Reuther
>
> On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 6:24 PM, Scott <scott_francis@...> wrote:
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > The Universal 5411 gave up the ghost and the iron genny was pulled and
> > retired today.
> >
> > I am seeking advice on how to fill this messy hole under the cockpit sole
> > (having first cleaned said hole). While I am an Electrical Engineer by
> > training and highly mechanical by nature, I have a pretty demanding job and
> > not a lot of time. I may also be putting the boat up for sale after
> > completion of this project, so am sensitive to prices as well. However, I
> > figure a green boat will command a bit of a premium -- or at least help it
> > sell. The boat in question is a 1983 Catalina 27, Hull #5425 that is in good
> > condition.
> >
> > Idea #1:
> > sail out from dock; drill approx 5" hole fwd of shaft; swim like hell for
> > the shore and file insurance claim.
> >
> > Idea #2:
> > find a used iron lung to keep puffing ($1500?) and pay master mechanic to
> > install -- total cost $4000?
> >
> > Idea #3:
> > pay said master mechanic to repower with a new smoke bomb -- $7000.
> >
> > Idea #4:
> > Repower with Electric
> >
> > 4a. Thunderstruck sells a Mars kit (
> > http://www.thunderstruck-ev.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=54)
> > for $1250. Add batteries ($1000?) and some creative install from the master.
> > Total project: $3000?
> >
> > 4b. other parts/vendors...
> >
> > Questions:
> > what about reduction gearing? Can/Should my Hurth gearbox be reused? What
> > about my 2-blade folding prop? How do I put the prop "in gear" when sailing?
> > Should I? What other components are important that don't usually get
> > mentioned? What are the gotchas? Should I even do this? Are my project costs
> > reasonable? Has anyone put together a project planner for this kind of
> > thing?
> >
> > Anyone wanna buy a boat without an engine?
> >
> > Thanks for your thoughts in advance.
> >
> > --Scott
> >
> >
> >
>
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