Sunday, February 1, 2026

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Where you will find your configuration wanting is scenarios where you need to stern to move port or starboard to get away from or come towards something like a dock.  You can drive both pods full speed in opposite directions and all that will do is torque the boat, pointing the front of the boat into or away from the dock.  So the only thing you really have that might work in that scenario to get the stern to swing in is that bow thruster opposing that torque which would have the net effect of pushing the stern in.  Without that bow thruster, may as well throw a line to someone on the dock.

So yes, that bow thruster is an essential part of your plan.

 

From: electricboats@groups.io <electricboats@groups.io> On Behalf Of maaseidvaag via groups.io
Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2026 12:40 PM
To: electricboats@groups.io
Subject: Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

 

Thanks all for all the feedback and insight.

 

The pods are completely independent of each other with their own controls, motor controller, etc., and can be run with differential thrust.  A failure of any component in one drive won't impact the other, so I should have get-home capabilities.  They will share three batteries that will typically run in parallel with each other but will be able to be isolated if needed.

 

As to low-speed maneuverability, I will have the differential thrust of the two pods and the front mounted Vetus bow thruster which I believe is rated at about 3000 watts.  It's the smallest they make.  Anything longer than a half second blip of the joystick sends the bow sideways in a hurry.

 

Currently, reverse rudder authority is basically zero, with a pronounced prop-walk of the stern to port.  With the new pods I'll should no longer have any prop-walk and can use either differential thrust or the bow thruster to get the boat pointing where I want it.

 

I don't think rudder authority going forward will be an issue either.  I've inserted a very rough image of the anticipated arrangement of the pods versus the existing prop indicated by the red lines.  I will fair the aft end of the full keel to both seal up the shaft log (that will remain embedded in the keel) and smooth the water flow off the trailing edge of the keel.  I'll mount the pods as tight as I can to the centerline, which should put their wash down each side of the existing rudder.  Currently thinking about 4" of clearance between the prop tip and the keel, which is the same as the minimum distance from the top of the prop to the bottom of the hull.

 

As always, all ideas and advice are greatly appreciated.

 

Lars

 

For reference, the current prop in red is 17"x12", and the pod props are 12.5" x 8.3"

 

Actual picture of existing prop and rudder are the second image

 

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Agree for large ships however these are 6kw not over 100kw. The boat is 10m or less not ten times thst.

I could see steering through differential thrust first off. Standard for catamarans. Spining the boat on its axis almost. At low speeds the rudders have low to no effect. If you want rudder effect from prop wash I assume the prop and rudder must be close to each other and indeed  that is what shown in ship design texts. Especially close with fishtail rudder types.

i am now starting to see the situation. Pods fixed underneath. No additional skeg to protect them and their props. Hmmm that sounds like a lot of care needs to happen to not hit one or more props. Even aluminium props get mangled blades.

I looked at pod drives but always had a method to lift them up. Indeed steer them. I sail shallow waters and my draft is 250mm which is a lot less than a pod.


Best regards
Lee Eldridge
0427874796

On 1 Feb 2026, at 21:52, Carsten via groups.io <Carstensemail=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:


Hi Lars,

Did you get the point, that fixed pod needs a separate rudder for each engine ?

I worked with big tankers for the Potomac River 24 years ago, in Hyundai Shipyard, Korea.

Dual engines, with 70 meters, hull 280 meters, fixed engines running both ways.
Rudders in the flow of the prop stream.
(Means two rudders).

Make your own design in a proper way.

Just an input...

Carsten




On Friday, 30 January 2026 at 22:25:47 CET, maaseidvaag via groups.io <maaseidvaag=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:


Hi Carsten & Paul,
 
Yes, fixed pods mounted so the props are in the same vertical plane as the current prop.  The side-mount controls just refer to the controls that came "free" with the purchase, as opposed to the top-mount dual control.  The dual control would be ideal I guess, but it does provide a single point of failure in a system that otherwise provides complete separation and redundancy.  The image below is near-enough to scale showing where the pods will hang on the hull.  My plan is to tuck them in as tight as reasonable against the full keel to 1) help protect them from striking anything, and 2) to keep the prop wash as close as possible to the single rudder that will remain.  I'm not worried about low-speed maneuverability as the boat does have a bow thruster.
 
Inside the hull above the pod mounting locations I will laminate in watertight bulkheads and covers to protect against flooding should I ever tear a pod clean off the hull.  Highly unlikely in the Great Lakes with a boat that draws 2.5', but easy enough to do and I'll be adding thickness on the inside of the hull where the pods mount, so a few more pieces while the epoxy is mixed won't be much trouble.
 
Lars
 
 
<mceclip0.png>

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Hi Lars,

Did you get the point, that fixed pod needs a separate rudder for each engine ?

I worked with big tankers for the Potomac River 24 years ago, in Hyundai Shipyard, Korea.

Dual engines, with 70 meters, hull 280 meters, fixed engines running both ways.
Rudders in the flow of the prop stream.
(Means two rudders).

Make your own design in a proper way.

Just an input...

Carsten




On Friday, 30 January 2026 at 22:25:47 CET, maaseidvaag via groups.io <maaseidvaag=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:


Hi Carsten & Paul,
 
Yes, fixed pods mounted so the props are in the same vertical plane as the current prop.  The side-mount controls just refer to the controls that came "free" with the purchase, as opposed to the top-mount dual control.  The dual control would be ideal I guess, but it does provide a single point of failure in a system that otherwise provides complete separation and redundancy.  The image below is near-enough to scale showing where the pods will hang on the hull.  My plan is to tuck them in as tight as reasonable against the full keel to 1) help protect them from striking anything, and 2) to keep the prop wash as close as possible to the single rudder that will remain.  I'm not worried about low-speed maneuverability as the boat does have a bow thruster.
 
Inside the hull above the pod mounting locations I will laminate in watertight bulkheads and covers to protect against flooding should I ever tear a pod clean off the hull.  Highly unlikely in the Great Lakes with a boat that draws 2.5', but easy enough to do and I'll be adding thickness on the inside of the hull where the pods mount, so a few more pieces while the epoxy is mixed won't be much trouble.
 
Lars
 
 

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Again great feedback. 

Agree having rudder in prop wash is not beneficial for regular rudders (multiple references for this conclusion). However for fishtail type rudder used on really slow boats (barge and canal type boats), having prop wash adds a huge facility, reminiscent of bow thrusters.

In general it appears that props in "clean" water work better. Assume suitable depth and distance from hull.

I am now seeing 90 degree turns being possible in a sailing boat length. I have played with my rudder either going straight down and laying out aft. The latter provides huge steerage at low speeds - enough to highly stress the tiller when in reverse.


Best Regards

Lee@vombatus.com.au
0427874796



On 1 Feb 2026, at 7:27 am, maaseidvaag via groups.io <maaseidvaag=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

Hi Matt - I did test steerage this last season with having the boat at cruising speed, going into neutral, and then applying vary degrees of turn on the wheel.  I didn't perceive any dramatic loss of control and could still do a complete 360 degree circle while coasting in neutral, probably in about 3 boat lengths by the (very slow) end of the circle.  With power on I can do the circle inside 2 boat lengths.
 
One hypothesis that will remain just a hypothesis is that straight ahead cruising might slightly benefit from not having the rudder directly in the prop wash.  Probably not an experiment that has been run, but maybe?  
 
Thanks for the feedback,

Lars

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Thanks for the link.  I will configure them as outturning and call it good.
 
Tiny Boat Nation did confirm that I need to send my control and display back to be programmed for reverse rotation.  No charge other than shipping, and they have the LH prop in stock despite it being missing from the website.
 
Thanks - Lars
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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Hi Matt - I did test steerage this last season with having the boat at cruising speed, going into neutral, and then applying vary degrees of turn on the wheel.  I didn't perceive any dramatic loss of control and could still do a complete 360 degree circle while coasting in neutral, probably in about 3 boat lengths by the (very slow) end of the circle.  With power on I can do the circle inside 2 boat lengths.
 
One hypothesis that will remain just a hypothesis is that straight ahead cruising might slightly benefit from not having the rudder directly in the prop wash.  Probably not an experiment that has been run, but maybe?  
 
Thanks for the feedback,

Lars
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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Thanks all for all the feedback and insight.
 
The pods are completely independent of each other with their own controls, motor controller, etc., and can be run with differential thrust.  A failure of any component in one drive won't impact the other, so I should have get-home capabilities.  They will share three batteries that will typically run in parallel with each other but will be able to be isolated if needed.
 
As to low-speed maneuverability, I will have the differential thrust of the two pods and the front mounted Vetus bow thruster which I believe is rated at about 3000 watts.  It's the smallest they make.  Anything longer than a half second blip of the joystick sends the bow sideways in a hurry.
 
Currently, reverse rudder authority is basically zero, with a pronounced prop-walk of the stern to port.  With the new pods I'll should no longer have any prop-walk and can use either differential thrust or the bow thruster to get the boat pointing where I want it.
 
I don't think rudder authority going forward will be an issue either.  I've inserted a very rough image of the anticipated arrangement of the pods versus the existing prop indicated by the red lines.  I will fair the aft end of the full keel to both seal up the shaft log (that will remain embedded in the keel) and smooth the water flow off the trailing edge of the keel.  I'll mount the pods as tight as I can to the centerline, which should put their wash down each side of the existing rudder.  Currently thinking about 4" of clearance between the prop tip and the keel, which is the same as the minimum distance from the top of the prop to the bottom of the hull.
 
As always, all ideas and advice are greatly appreciated.
 
Lars
 
For reference, the current prop in red is 17"x12", and the pod props are 12.5" x 8.3"
 
Actual picture of existing prop and rudder are the second image
 

Friday, January 30, 2026

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Unconventional but I think it might be alright. Sailboats have steerage at basically any speed without prop wash. Albeit with a relatively very large rudder. I built a 20' wide trimaran last summer with rotating pods only about 3' apart. With the pods locked straight you can turn the boat just about on axis, which is much better than expected. 


Matt Foley 
Sunlight Conversions
Perpetual Energy, LLC
201-914-0466
ABYC Certified Marine 
Electrical Technician 

On Friday, January 30, 2026, 9:15 PM, Myles Twete via groups.io <matwete=comcast.net@groups.io> wrote:

Wow---this seems risky.

 

You're saying that you are going to keep a single rudder arrangement but use 2 fixed pods.

As I see it, you'll have several situations where turning response will be pretty wanting.

I'd be concerned about rudder response in docking/undocking or generally anytime moving slowly and perhaps other scenarios, again, mostly at slow speeds.

 

I've never seen anyone do this before---when going twin prop, either you go with twin rudder or have the props steerable.  And the rudders ideally want to be configured as balanced as feasible (having some area in front of the axis of rotation so the torque stresses are minimized with prop thrust.  Even more ideally, flat rudders replaced with aerodynamic profiles are growing in popularity---Dan Pence did this a couple years ago with the rudder on his electric launch "Ginger", one of the first 2 or 3 electric boat conversions done in recent decades and appearing on www.evalbum.com .  The rudder efficiency was improved noticeably.

 

I helped build a 40ft steamboat cca 2000 that was twin-15hp steam engine powered.  Behind each prop we had a rudder.  Steering was mostly a breeze and on many trips I manned the engines and direction controls.  The ability to drive one prop FWD while reversing the other prop allowed really tight turning in docking.  This would have been seriously hampered if that boat had a single rudder---I actually can't even imagine it.

 

Anyone else with twin-screw experience want to add?

 

-MylesT

 

 

 

From: electricboats@groups.io <electricboats@groups.io> On Behalf Of maaseidvaag via groups.io
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2026 1:30 PM
To: electricboats@groups.io
Subject: Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

 

I should add, the rudder as pictured in my last post is as the boat was originally constructed.  It was enlarged by a previous owner and is about 50% larger with area added both on the leading edge and trailing edge.  I may be proven wrong, but I don't believe I'll have any problems with sufficient rudder authority after the prop wash is moved off the centerline and to the pods.   And, as mentioned, I have the cheat-code in the form of a bow thruster, which does seem like overkill on a 27' boat.

 

Lars

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Through this thread, I was assuming that there would be separate controls for each of the two pods.
You could almost make the argument that if you had differential thrust available through separate motor controls, you don't necessarily need the rudders.

I have experience with 3 different twin engine boats.  My current boat is a trawler with twin inboard engines.  There are twin rudders - each located behind the prop.  My previous boat had a similar setup.  The one before that was twin I/O's - so no rudders, but steerable engines.  The catch is that the I/O lower unit is located at the very back of the boat.   The other two boats had the props forward of the stern a little bit.  That made a HUGE difference.   While the I/O's were steerable, they were tied together (for steering).   I could use differential thrust - but that worked best when the wheel was centered and the I/O units were straight.  Trying to spin a boat when both of the props are at the back edge of the boat, and close together, is a challenge.   Modern I/O twin engine boats typically have separate steering, and fly-by-wire.  It's EXPENSIVE, but the software allows you to cant the engines in opposite directions to crab the boat sideways.  It's just plain cheating...  LOL!

On my current trawler - it is WONDERFUL to have twin engines!  This makes docking SOOO much easier than with a single engine and rudder!  However, my current marina has a narrow distance between my dock and the dock behind me (the fairway).  To back out of the slip, I use differential thrust only.   To get into the slip, between the competing forces of wind and current - I have found that I am most successful if I maintain a little headway, steer with the rudders, and only use differential thrust once I have crossed the entrance to the slip.   I initially tried pulling into the slip with only differential thrust.  But by the time I stopped the boat, and turned it, either the wind or the current (!! which is MUCH harder to see) would blow me off course.

On a couple of occasions, I have needed to limp back to the dock with only one running engine ("I only need one engine to get home - that's why I have two!").   In those cases I was very lucky to be able to steer into the slip with just the one engine, and no option of differential thrust.   This is the case where I would say you can "almost" make the argument that you don't need a rudder if you have differential thrust.
That having been said - I think I've seen at least one or two boats that had two props and no rudder(s) at all.

Good luck!!!
John

On Friday, January 30, 2026 at 08:15:29 PM CST, Myles Twete via groups.io <matwete=comcast.net@groups.io> wrote:


Wow---this seems risky.

 

You're saying that you are going to keep a single rudder arrangement but use 2 fixed pods.

As I see it, you'll have several situations where turning response will be pretty wanting.

I'd be concerned about rudder response in docking/undocking or generally anytime moving slowly and perhaps other scenarios, again, mostly at slow speeds.

 

I've never seen anyone do this before---when going twin prop, either you go with twin rudder or have the props steerable.  And the rudders ideally want to be configured as balanced as feasible (having some area in front of the axis of rotation so the torque stresses are minimized with prop thrust.  Even more ideally, flat rudders replaced with aerodynamic profiles are growing in popularity---Dan Pence did this a couple years ago with the rudder on his electric launch "Ginger", one of the first 2 or 3 electric boat conversions done in recent decades and appearing on www.evalbum.com .  The rudder efficiency was improved noticeably.

 

I helped build a 40ft steamboat cca 2000 that was twin-15hp steam engine powered.  Behind each prop we had a rudder.  Steering was mostly a breeze and on many trips I manned the engines and direction controls.  The ability to drive one prop FWD while reversing the other prop allowed really tight turning in docking.  This would have been seriously hampered if that boat had a single rudder---I actually can't even imagine it.

 

Anyone else with twin-screw experience want to add?

 

-MylesT

 

 

 

From: electricboats@groups.io <electricboats@groups.io> On Behalf Of maaseidvaag via groups.io
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2026 1:30 PM
To: electricboats@groups.io
Subject: Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

 

I should add, the rudder as pictured in my last post is as the boat was originally constructed.  It was enlarged by a previous owner and is about 50% larger with area added both on the leading edge and trailing edge.  I may be proven wrong, but I don't believe I'll have any problems with sufficient rudder authority after the prop wash is moved off the centerline and to the pods.   And, as mentioned, I have the cheat-code in the form of a bow thruster, which does seem like overkill on a 27' boat.

 

Lars

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Lars, with the bigger rudder I think you will be fine, especially if you have given them NACA profile.

--
Regards,

Paul J. Thompson
IT Manager - Bathroom Direct
(W)09 913 3110 (Mob)021 275 5001 (txt only please)

On Sat, 31 Jan 2026, 15:15 Myles Twete via groups.io, <matwete=comcast.net@groups.io> wrote:

Wow---this seems risky.

 

You're saying that you are going to keep a single rudder arrangement but use 2 fixed pods.

As I see it, you'll have several situations where turning response will be pretty wanting.

I'd be concerned about rudder response in docking/undocking or generally anytime moving slowly and perhaps other scenarios, again, mostly at slow speeds.

 

I've never seen anyone do this before---when going twin prop, either you go with twin rudder or have the props steerable.  And the rudders ideally want to be configured as balanced as feasible (having some area in front of the axis of rotation so the torque stresses are minimized with prop thrust.  Even more ideally, flat rudders replaced with aerodynamic profiles are growing in popularity---Dan Pence did this a couple years ago with the rudder on his electric launch "Ginger", one of the first 2 or 3 electric boat conversions done in recent decades and appearing on www.evalbum.com .  The rudder efficiency was improved noticeably.

 

I helped build a 40ft steamboat cca 2000 that was twin-15hp steam engine powered.  Behind each prop we had a rudder.  Steering was mostly a breeze and on many trips I manned the engines and direction controls.  The ability to drive one prop FWD while reversing the other prop allowed really tight turning in docking.  This would have been seriously hampered if that boat had a single rudder---I actually can't even imagine it.

 

Anyone else with twin-screw experience want to add?

 

-MylesT

 

 

 

From: electricboats@groups.io <electricboats@groups.io> On Behalf Of maaseidvaag via groups.io
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2026 1:30 PM
To: electricboats@groups.io
Subject: Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

 

I should add, the rudder as pictured in my last post is as the boat was originally constructed.  It was enlarged by a previous owner and is about 50% larger with area added both on the leading edge and trailing edge.  I may be proven wrong, but I don't believe I'll have any problems with sufficient rudder authority after the prop wash is moved off the centerline and to the pods.   And, as mentioned, I have the cheat-code in the form of a bow thruster, which does seem like overkill on a 27' boat.

 

Lars

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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Wow---this seems risky.

 

You're saying that you are going to keep a single rudder arrangement but use 2 fixed pods.

As I see it, you'll have several situations where turning response will be pretty wanting.

I'd be concerned about rudder response in docking/undocking or generally anytime moving slowly and perhaps other scenarios, again, mostly at slow speeds.

 

I've never seen anyone do this before---when going twin prop, either you go with twin rudder or have the props steerable.  And the rudders ideally want to be configured as balanced as feasible (having some area in front of the axis of rotation so the torque stresses are minimized with prop thrust.  Even more ideally, flat rudders replaced with aerodynamic profiles are growing in popularity---Dan Pence did this a couple years ago with the rudder on his electric launch "Ginger", one of the first 2 or 3 electric boat conversions done in recent decades and appearing on www.evalbum.com .  The rudder efficiency was improved noticeably.

 

I helped build a 40ft steamboat cca 2000 that was twin-15hp steam engine powered.  Behind each prop we had a rudder.  Steering was mostly a breeze and on many trips I manned the engines and direction controls.  The ability to drive one prop FWD while reversing the other prop allowed really tight turning in docking.  This would have been seriously hampered if that boat had a single rudder---I actually can't even imagine it.

 

Anyone else with twin-screw experience want to add?

 

-MylesT

 

 

 

From: electricboats@groups.io <electricboats@groups.io> On Behalf Of maaseidvaag via groups.io
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2026 1:30 PM
To: electricboats@groups.io
Subject: Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

 

I should add, the rudder as pictured in my last post is as the boat was originally constructed.  It was enlarged by a previous owner and is about 50% larger with area added both on the leading edge and trailing edge.  I may be proven wrong, but I don't believe I'll have any problems with sufficient rudder authority after the prop wash is moved off the centerline and to the pods.   And, as mentioned, I have the cheat-code in the form of a bow thruster, which does seem like overkill on a 27' boat.

 

Lars

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

No the ePropulsion PODs are fixed. If you want lifting or rotation then there are the  "Navy" series which are outboard type legs. 

--
Regards,

Paul J. Thompson
IT Manager - Bathroom Direct
(W)09 913 3110 (Mob)21 275 5001 (txt only please)

On Sat, 31 Jan 2026, 12:51 Dan Pfeiffer via groups.io, <dan=pfeiffer.net@groups.io> wrote:

Can the pods rotate?  That would be handy.

Dan Pfeiffer


On 2026-01-30 4:29 pm, maaseidvaag via groups.io wrote:

I should add, the rudder as pictured in my last post is as the boat was originally constructed.  It was enlarged by a previous owner and is about 50% larger with area added both on the leading edge and trailing edge.  I may be proven wrong, but I don't believe I'll have any problems with sufficient rudder authority after the prop wash is moved off the centerline and to the pods.   And, as mentioned, I have the cheat-code in the form of a bow thruster, which does seem like overkill on a 27' boat.
 
Lars

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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Can the pods rotate?  That would be handy.

Dan Pfeiffer


On 2026-01-30 4:29 pm, maaseidvaag via groups.io wrote:

I should add, the rudder as pictured in my last post is as the boat was originally constructed.  It was enlarged by a previous owner and is about 50% larger with area added both on the leading edge and trailing edge.  I may be proven wrong, but I don't believe I'll have any problems with sufficient rudder authority after the prop wash is moved off the centerline and to the pods.   And, as mentioned, I have the cheat-code in the form of a bow thruster, which does seem like overkill on a 27' boat.
 
Lars

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

I should add, the rudder as pictured in my last post is as the boat was originally constructed.  It was enlarged by a previous owner and is about 50% larger with area added both on the leading edge and trailing edge.  I may be proven wrong, but I don't believe I'll have any problems with sufficient rudder authority after the prop wash is moved off the centerline and to the pods.   And, as mentioned, I have the cheat-code in the form of a bow thruster, which does seem like overkill on a 27' boat.
 
Lars
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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Hi Carsten & Paul,
 
Yes, fixed pods mounted so the props are in the same vertical plane as the current prop.  The side-mount controls just refer to the controls that came "free" with the purchase, as opposed to the top-mount dual control.  The dual control would be ideal I guess, but it does provide a single point of failure in a system that otherwise provides complete separation and redundancy.  The image below is near-enough to scale showing where the pods will hang on the hull.  My plan is to tuck them in as tight as reasonable against the full keel to 1) help protect them from striking anything, and 2) to keep the prop wash as close as possible to the single rudder that will remain.  I'm not worried about low-speed maneuverability as the boat does have a bow thruster.
 
Inside the hull above the pod mounting locations I will laminate in watertight bulkheads and covers to protect against flooding should I ever tear a pod clean off the hull.  Highly unlikely in the Great Lakes with a boat that draws 2.5', but easy enough to do and I'll be adding thickness on the inside of the hull where the pods mount, so a few more pieces while the epoxy is mixed won't be much trouble.
 
Lars
 
 

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Sorry Paul, but your not Lars...


On Friday, 30 January 2026 at 22:15:53 CET, Paul J. Thompson via groups.io <bathroomdirectit=gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:


PODs will be fixed....

--
Regards,

Paul J. Thompson
IT Manager - Bathroom Direct
(W)09 913 3110 (Mob)021 275 5001 (txt only please)

On Sat, 31 Jan 2026, 10:10 Carsten via groups.io, <Carstensemail=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
Well, Lars, let's get back to original emails.
I wanted to know if your pods will be mounted fixed in the hull bottom, or retracable.
You said that they would provide you some special things...

BR
Carsten

On Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 21:18:05 CET, maaseidvaag via groups.io <maaseidvaag=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:


Hi Carsten,
 
Scroll up one post and you'll see a photo of the boat and the original drawing of the layout.  It's a Ted Brewer design called Blue Hill.  27 feet long, 9 foot beam, 6000 lbs displacement.  It's currently way overpowered with a Yanmar 4JH3E, 54hp.  I reach max reasonable cruising speed (about 80% of hull speed) at 1800 rpm, and even with 2" sound insulation from SoundDown, it's still unpleasantly loud on the boat while cruising.
 
The electric conversion will solve the sound problem and should give me plenty of range for my cruising on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
 
Lars

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

PODs will be fixed....

--
Regards,

Paul J. Thompson
IT Manager - Bathroom Direct
(W)09 913 3110 (Mob)021 275 5001 (txt only please)

On Sat, 31 Jan 2026, 10:10 Carsten via groups.io, <Carstensemail=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
Well, Lars, let's get back to original emails.
I wanted to know if your pods will be mounted fixed in the hull bottom, or retracable.
You said that they would provide you some special things...

BR
Carsten

On Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 21:18:05 CET, maaseidvaag via groups.io <maaseidvaag=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:


Hi Carsten,
 
Scroll up one post and you'll see a photo of the boat and the original drawing of the layout.  It's a Ted Brewer design called Blue Hill.  27 feet long, 9 foot beam, 6000 lbs displacement.  It's currently way overpowered with a Yanmar 4JH3E, 54hp.  I reach max reasonable cruising speed (about 80% of hull speed) at 1800 rpm, and even with 2" sound insulation from SoundDown, it's still unpleasantly loud on the boat while cruising.
 
The electric conversion will solve the sound problem and should give me plenty of range for my cruising on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
 
Lars

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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Well, Lars, let's get back to original emails.
I wanted to know if your pods will be mounted fixed in the hull bottom, or retracable.
You said that they would provide you some special things...

BR
Carsten

On Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 21:18:05 CET, maaseidvaag via groups.io <maaseidvaag=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:


Hi Carsten,
 
Scroll up one post and you'll see a photo of the boat and the original drawing of the layout.  It's a Ted Brewer design called Blue Hill.  27 feet long, 9 foot beam, 6000 lbs displacement.  It's currently way overpowered with a Yanmar 4JH3E, 54hp.  I reach max reasonable cruising speed (about 80% of hull speed) at 1800 rpm, and even with 2" sound insulation from SoundDown, it's still unpleasantly loud on the boat while cruising.
 
The electric conversion will solve the sound problem and should give me plenty of range for my cruising on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
 
Lars

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

I'm pretty sure the 50% limit in reverse is on power (watts).  So 3kW for the Pod 6.0.  RPM limit is probably still 1,500.
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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Checking other eoutboards, I see a consistent pattern of reduced output in reverse. 

This coukd be a problem when needing a better than good pull to get in or out of places. Hopefully the limit is on speed, never torque.

Best regards
Lee Eldridge
0427874796

On 30 Jan 2026, at 05:59, Paul J. Thompson via groups.io <bathroomdirectit=gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:


Be aware that ePropulsion limit the power output of the 6Kw Pod to 50% in "reverse" . There does not seem anyway to change this. If anyone does know how, please share the knowledge.

--
Regards,

Paul J. Thompson
IT Manager - Bathroom Direct
(W)09 913 3110 (Mob)021 275 5001 (txt only please)

On Fri, 30 Jan 2026, 07:11 bobkart via groups.io, <couch45=msn.com@groups.io> wrote:
When I briefly checked on how to configure the Pod 6.0 to LH rotation, it came back as a setting on the controllers.
 
Most twin-screw configurations use the so-called "outturning" arrangement (LH prop on port side):
 

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Yes, high torque low speed motors are best done in the Outrunner configuration. This means mounting is on the end opposite the output shaft


Best regards
Lee Eldridge
0427874796

On 30 Jan 2026, at 04:41, bobkart via groups.io <couch45=msn.com@groups.io> wrote:


When I briefly checked on how to configure the Pod 6.0 to LH rotation, it came back as a setting on the controllers.
 
Most twin-screw configurations use the so-called "outturning" arrangement (LH prop on port side):
 
https://iask.ai/q/twin-engine-boat-counter-rotating-propeller-LH-side-ko4jv5g

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Yes, I saw that in the documentation.  I suspected that was to prevent overpowering the prop and creating excessive cavitation, but that's just a guess.  The forward limit can be reduced from 100% in the throttle configuration.  Probably no need to do that since it will only ever be my hand on the throttle and you never know when you might just need all of it in an emergency.
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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Be aware that ePropulsion limit the power output of the 6Kw Pod to 50% in "reverse" . There does not seem anyway to change this. If anyone does know how, please share the knowledge.

--
Regards,

Paul J. Thompson
IT Manager - Bathroom Direct
(W)09 913 3110 (Mob)021 275 5001 (txt only please)

On Fri, 30 Jan 2026, 07:11 bobkart via groups.io, <couch45=msn.com@groups.io> wrote:
When I briefly checked on how to configure the Pod 6.0 to LH rotation, it came back as a setting on the controllers.
 
Most twin-screw configurations use the so-called "outturning" arrangement (LH prop on port side):
 

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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

When I briefly checked on how to configure the Pod 6.0 to LH rotation, it came back as a setting on the controllers.
 
Most twin-screw configurations use the so-called "outturning" arrangement (LH prop on port side):
 
https://iask.ai/q/twin-engine-boat-counter-rotating-propeller-LH-side-ko4jv5g
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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Absolutely love the lines of the Redwing Glenn, and those twin electric drives look great.  Hopefully I'll be able to get the LH prop ordered.  There aren't many around to find.
 
Thanks for sharing the videos.

Lars
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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Hi Dan,
 
I have a message into the TinyBoatNation tech to learn what I need to setup for reverse rotation.  I'll give the Canadian firm a call to see what my delivered price will be for the LH prop.
 
Your conversion looks great, and your power consumption is encouraging.  My shorter waterline is a concern for my speed v power curve, but I do have an idea brewing on that as well.  I would like to add a swim platform to my boat, both for getting in and out as well as stowing a small dinghy vertically for longer runs.  Rather than just suspending the platform I could extend the hull, making the stern more of a double-ender than the fantail it is now.  A little more displacement and perhaps 2' more waterline.  But that's just a potential project for later in life.  We'll see how the actual numbers come out this season.
 
Thanks - Lars
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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Lars.  A few years ago I built a twin EL rig.  It was a 19' Redwing outboard Launch.  Had 2) 36V, 109lb. MotorGuide motors.  Used 12" Torqeedo 3 blade props.  Bottom line was YES,  one of those motors needed to be in reverse.  I did testing and the turn radei wern't even close.  Printed a left hand prop and we were good to go.  I'll try to attach a photo.
Good luck,  Glenn H,/ NC/USA





From: electricboats@groups.io <electricboats@groups.io> on behalf of maaseidvaag via groups.io <maaseidvaag=yahoo.com@groups.io>
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 9:49 AM
To: electricboats@groups.io <electricboats@groups.io>
Subject: Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification
 
That's interesting that the control software monitors wattage.  I doubt I'll ever see 6000 watts, and after testing may even use the option in the software to set the maximum output to a lower wattage under the assumption that that will give me finer control at the lever if the full range no longer represents 6000 watts.  We'll see once I'm on the water.
 
I'll give the folks in Canada a call on that LH prop.  I was planning on carrying a spare prop, so I guess I might as well try the LH prop, subject to finding out what the price becomes after whatever tariffs are applied.  My understanding is the rotation direction is reversed by swapping the outside two phase wires on the controller.
 
If I do manage to get my hands on the LH prop, then the next decision is which way to rotate them.  They will be fairly closely spaced on either side of where the existing prop sits now, so I expect there will be some interaction of tip vortices (if that's the right term?).  So, do I have the props spinning downward on the inside edge of their circle, presumably drawing water downward at the centerline of the hull and creating a lower pressure zone between the props and the hull (this feels right) or the opposite, having the tips spinning upward at the middle.  I'd love any thoughts/experience others have on the topic.
 
Thanks - Lars

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

I would double check on reversing motor direction by swapping phase wires. I don't think you can do that with these motors/controllers.   I think you need to do that in the controller.  I did it by swapping two wires on my throttle at the advice from Thunderstruck Motors where I got my kit (Sevcon controller and Motenergy ME1616 motor). 

As for power expectations, I have a 6 ton monohull with 28.3 ft of waterline,  At 5 kts I am using about 2,200 watts.   You have less displacement but less waterline.   5 kts is 0.7 of hull speed for me.  That's a better way to look at it?  I get to 0.7 at 2,200 watts. 

I swapped props last season from 3-blade feathering 14" pitch, to 2-blade folding 12" pitch.  I get about the same power consumption at the same speeds but at higher RPM now with lower pitched 2-blade.  Can't get to hull speed at max RPM anymore.  I will re-gear my reduction drive to compensate ($50 belt + pulley swap).  Seems though that while there are some efficiency differences ( The 2-blade has better blade shape, the 3-blade has a lot more area), it takes a certain amount of watts to go a certain speed whether that's from motor or sails or whatever.  And to get the same watts delivered to the water by my 2-blade prop takes more RPM.  But the load on the motor is about the same? 

On the props, you can swap LH and RH any time you want to evaluate relative performance in real application. 

My installation:
http://dan.pfeiffer.net/10m/electric_drive.htm

I need to update with the 2-blade performance data....

Your boat looks like a great choice for the Trent Severn. 

Dan Pfeiffer



On 2026-01-29 9:49 am, maaseidvaag via groups.io wrote:

That's interesting that the control software monitors wattage.  I doubt I'll ever see 6000 watts, and after testing may even use the option in the software to set the maximum output to a lower wattage under the assumption that that will give me finer control at the lever if the full range no longer represents 6000 watts.  We'll see once I'm on the water.
 
I'll give the folks in Canada a call on that LH prop.  I was planning on carrying a spare prop, so I guess I might as well try the LH prop, subject to finding out what the price becomes after whatever tariffs are applied.  My understanding is the rotation direction is reversed by swapping the outside two phase wires on the controller.
 
If I do manage to get my hands on the LH prop, then the next decision is which way to rotate them.  They will be fairly closely spaced on either side of where the existing prop sits now, so I expect there will be some interaction of tip vortices (if that's the right term?).  So, do I have the props spinning downward on the inside edge of their circle, presumably drawing water downward at the centerline of the hull and creating a lower pressure zone between the props and the hull (this feels right) or the opposite, having the tips spinning upward at the middle.  I'd love any thoughts/experience others have on the topic.
 
Thanks - Lars

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Hi Lee,
 
It does seem like the options for marine electric drives are growing every day.  So many options to choose from.  In my case, the ePropulsion PODs were in the final list, and when I was able to get about 15% off and free controls that made it too hard to pass up.  I'm looking forward to some experimentation this summer during no-wind, inland lake conditions to plot my speed vs watts consumed.
 
My ultimate goal is the Trent-Severn waterway in Canada and the North Channel of Lake Huron.  Short daily distances for the most part with plenty of time for Solar to catch up with my consumption.  I can either trailer there and launch locally, or take the long way from Pentwater, Michigan around the top and over to the North Channel.  Just have to get rid of this pesky working-for-a-living condition that interferes with boating and fun.
 
Lars
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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

That's interesting that the control software monitors wattage.  I doubt I'll ever see 6000 watts, and after testing may even use the option in the software to set the maximum output to a lower wattage under the assumption that that will give me finer control at the lever if the full range no longer represents 6000 watts.  We'll see once I'm on the water.
 
I'll give the folks in Canada a call on that LH prop.  I was planning on carrying a spare prop, so I guess I might as well try the LH prop, subject to finding out what the price becomes after whatever tariffs are applied.  My understanding is the rotation direction is reversed by swapping the outside two phase wires on the controller.
 
If I do manage to get my hands on the LH prop, then the next decision is which way to rotate them.  They will be fairly closely spaced on either side of where the existing prop sits now, so I expect there will be some interaction of tip vortices (if that's the right term?).  So, do I have the props spinning downward on the inside edge of their circle, presumably drawing water downward at the centerline of the hull and creating a lower pressure zone between the props and the hull (this feels right) or the opposite, having the tips spinning upward at the middle.  I'd love any thoughts/experience others have on the topic.
 
Thanks - Lars
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Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Thinking you can try it with two RH props before deciding on a LH prop.  I see them for $260 here:
 
 
On max-power regulation, it's clear from watching the motor control display that it's feeding back on watts.
You can see the readout drift slightly over 6,000 watts, then correct back, the perhaps slightly under 6,000 watts,
then correct back again.  Like current to the motor is being controlled to maintain wattage regardless of voltage.
 
 
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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Hi Bobkart,
 
Thanks for your report with actual use on the outboard version.  Given that ePropulsion sells a 48v nominal battery for the outboard I have no worries that it's designed to operate at spec at that voltage. 
 
With two pods, both the math and anecdotal experience from a few catamarans that have used two of the Navy 6.0s like yours, I have no worries about available power.  Hopefully I'll a similar experience of one of the 31', 10,000lb catamarans that is able to reach 6 knots with 3500 watts total across the two pods.  I'm a monohull, 26' waterline, 6000 lbs displacement, so expecting I'll be able to make 5 knots with relatively low power, hopefully around 3500 watts total.
 
I am using the aluminum 12.6" x 8.7" props that came with the pods.  I'm back and forth on whether to spend another $400 to get the left hand, reverse rotation prop to run one of the pods with opposite rotation.  
 
Thanks - Lars
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Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

Great news on power output. I had assumed that the design was limited but hearing about lots of headroom is good. Running the smaller prop reduces thrust and thus current draw. Posdibly using the largest prop will require the higher voltage? Also was not aware of different props for these. Thank you.

I am now seeing very creditable competition coming out of PRC. Fuber make all sorts of drives going to above 100kw. They also produce 1.5, 3, 6 kw drives including pods.

I dont need power like this for my 8m sailing boat and am buying a Haswings 2500w drive that is very happy with a 24v supply.

Best regards
Lee Eldridge
0427874796

On 29 Jan 2026, at 07:52, bobkart via groups.io <couch45=msn.com@groups.io> wrote:


I have the outboard version of the Pod 6.0 Evo under discussion.
 
The motor controller will indeed supply the full 6kW to the motor regardless of battery voltage.  According to specs, at 42V it will step down to only allowing half power.  I've only been there once (intentionally running it out near shore as an experiment) and it quickly went from there to not allowing any power, so I can't attest to the specified behavior.
 
Maximum prop RPM is 1,500.  Available prop pitches are 8.5", 8.7", and 10.8".  The 8.7" prop is aluminum, the others are polymer.  I use the 10.8" prop and get 10+ knots with two passengers.  More like 7+ knots with four passengers.
 
I've had no issues running at full power for over an hour straight.

Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

You will need max spec voltage to get max soec power.

You are limited ultimately by hull speed. A change in power may have little effect when getting closer to hull speed.

If much less than hull speed ( my guess is under half) then you will see a difference. Assuming of course that prop slip stays stable.


Best regards
Lee Eldridge
0427874796

On 29 Jan 2026, at 07:25, Myles Twete via groups.io <matwete=comcast.net@groups.io> wrote:



I've looked everywhere but can't find detail specs on those pod units.

This is about as close as I get: ePropulsion Pod Drive 6.0 Evo - 9.9HP 6kW Electric Motor for Sailboats

And that vaguely indicates it's a 6kw motor operating from 39-60v Input Voltage.

Well, devil's in the details…it may well be that, yes, at 60v drive voltage you can get 6kw out of the motor continuous (or not?), but in your case your max pack voltage fully charged will be about 51v (assuming 16S config).  Lacking details on the motor, I'd guess top speed would be 5/6 the rated top speed for the motor and that power also would be about 5kw (assuming same load torque or current).  At the bottom end of your pack voltage, of course the power and speed available would be less.

Now maybe these are conservatively rated and that even at 39v the motor can deliver full rated speed, torque and power.  I wouldn't leave this up to chance or wishes though.

 

Best of luck-

 

Myles Twete, Portland, Or

26The Reach Of Tide, converted to electric in 2003

www.evalbum.com/492

 

From: electricboats@groups.io <electricboats@groups.io> On Behalf Of maaseidvaag via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 12:18 PM
To: electricboats@groups.io
Subject: Re: [electricboats] Pocket Trawler Electrification

 

Hi Carsten,

 

Scroll up one post and you'll see a photo of the boat and the original drawing of the layout.  It's a Ted Brewer design called Blue Hill.  27 feet long, 9 foot beam, 6000 lbs displacement.  It's currently way overpowered with a Yanmar 4JH3E, 54hp.  I reach max reasonable cruising speed (about 80% of hull speed) at 1800 rpm, and even with 2" sound insulation from SoundDown, it's still unpleasantly loud on the boat while cruising.

 

The electric conversion will solve the sound problem and should give me plenty of range for my cruising on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

 

Lars