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Cadence · 28-09-2016, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeehag

this will be fun to watch.......

Agreed. If it were feasible a corp. would be doing it.

Pizzazz · 28-09-2016, 12:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cadence

Agreed. If it were feasible a corp. would be doing it.

This is not how innovation happens in the US or elsewhere. While I would not do it, I believe such ideas should be encouraged.

Cadence · 28-09-2016, 13:29

I guess you are correct. Today however isn't like years back. An innovative idea would probably work but not using some present or old technology without some type of innovative change.

mtn2top · 01-08-2021, 23:55

I have had thoughts about this subject as a sailor, Prius owner and tinkerer and will add comments to this topic some years later.

The Prius was a revolutionary hybrid vehicle. The ability to combine electrical and mechanical drive into a single compact transmission brought new efficiencies to propel a vehicle. Early models and parts are relatively inexpensive for the tinkerer. I believe it would be very applicable and useful for a sailboat. It's going to take some creative adaptation and fabrication to get the drive geared down for dual props.

The Prius system is built for front wheel drive with dual PTO output. That would make engineering a dual prop system (on each side of the stern) easier and add maneuverability for the boat. It also allows a clear flow across the props for regen. The regen is one of the main benefits of using the Prius system that must be exploited in any design.

That's where a sailboat platform adds the ability to extract energy from the wind to recharge the batteries through the props, just as a hill and wheels does for a car. There is no "downhill" for a power boat and another less practical power source such as solar panels would have to be used.

The beauty of a Prius based sailboat would be the integration of electrical, gas and wind power. The gas motor is able to direct power directly to the PTO or to recharge the batteries. The system can run completely on the gas motor, batteries or sails when the other sources are not available.

A Prius system is too big and heavy for a 17 foot hull. I would look at a 40+ foot boat to gain the sail power and raw energy input that would really make it worth the time and effort.

There's a great deal of complexity in the the sensor and safety systems in the Prius which would require a lot of adaptation and shade tree engineering to adapt in a boat-based system. I would add at least one or more Prius battery banks to the boat to increase storage and range. These early model 240v battery banks are available reconditioned and fully operational for about $700! The nickel hydride batteries are lighter than lead acid and AGM.

Fore and Aft · 02-08-2021, 01:24

That regen braking sounds interesting. Could you keep the trailer attached to the boat and install a trailer handbrake in the cockpit? The trailer wheels would surely be spinning by 6 knots?
Cheers