Experienced Boaters with electric engines share your stats

[MrMagoo2]

Hi,

I have been researching electric engine information I find hard to acquire stats on the outcome of the projects from those who have gone before and would much appreciate it if you have the information and experience.

I am not interested in the good the bad and the garbage emotionally charged passions about is it good is it bad ect - find another thread for that - god know how many of them are around!.

Can anyone who HAS AN ELECTRIC POWERED SAIL BOAT - home made or through a commercial company share truthful information to help me understand the potential for my boat.

1 - Power of your motor in Kw and type of motor

2 - Type of boat - size, keel configuration and weight would be a bonus

3 - Voltage of battery bank and the amps drawn for a range of speeds whilst motoring is calm conditions

4 - the effect adverse conditions have on power consumption


Thanking anyone in advance that can contribute to this information honestly, directly and openly.

[nwdiver]

Check out the utube channel “sailing Uma” years of vlogging while travelling on their electric sailboat

[oelerich]

1981 Cape Dory 22 “Hideous Experiment” x-outboard
Full keel 3400lbs displacement.
Equipped with a 5kW Thunderstruck Motors system with a Sevcon series 4 controller. 4x12v crappy sealed lead acid batteries. Sevcon clearview display. Custom installation with the drive shaft running out to starboard with a 12x10 2 blade Martec folding prop.
The system works great and I can motor at over 6kts easily but very little range. Unfortunately I cannot see the consumption due to the location of the Clearview display: it’s right behind the tiller post at about my knees; along with the throttle and key switch.
Things I’d like to do:
1. Fit the biggest LiFePO4 batteries that will fit in my rather small boat.
2. Move the Clearview Controller to the aft of the cabin, where instruments belong.
3. Fit a 3 blade 13x10 prop, the motor overpowers the prop and sucks in reverse.
Generally very happy with the system, I just want more range so I can motor out of the Oakland Estuary into the San Francisco Bay.

[MrMagoo2]

Thats tops thanks for the time and info,
this is the info I am seeking. I am trying to engineer a 3kw very high torque motor geared 3:1 to run the prop at 1800 rpm (motor at 600 rpm) and am keen to compare versatility and power usage it is in a 26 ft big volume trailer yacht.

I have found out about a new-ish lead carbon battery here in aus that sounds promising and not anywhere near as expensive and more stable than lithium - could be a good option.

[Adelie]

Cal 20
1 12v Trojan T-1275 (160Ahr @20hr rate)
MinnKota 33lb thrust trolling motor with a Kipawa propellor.
Mounted in the motor well with a plug around it.
Wiring left a fair bit to be desired at the time.
WOT-2.4kt averaged for runs in opposing directions.
I didn't have the amp meter installed and still don't.

Currently the boat has 2 batteries and permanent wiring has been installed.
Will rerun the speed tests in couple weeks when I have a day off during the week.