Electric Motor for Engineless 40'

[Ben M-P]

We are looking at a 40' Mariner that is engineless at the moment and I was wondering if it would be possible to use an electric trolling motor for maneuvering up to moorings and into slips?
I know that several well know cruisers don't like to have engines aboard and thought that it might be a step up from kedging.

The thing I am worried about is how big of an engine would it take (I'm not talking about going to windward in a gale just very slow work in and out of berths) ?

The boat is designed for a Perkins 85hp. Eventually I'd like to either re-install a diesel or convert to a large electric motor/generator.

[Ben M-P]

This probably should have been in the engine forum, How does one move a thread?

[rowingdude]

You wait for a moderator to move it.

In regards to your question - I think it'd be more trouble than it's worth. Electric components + salt water = premature failure. Just my $0.02, but save up for that diesel.

[delmarrey]

Even with an electric motor one still needs a diesel for the generator hybred.

Solomon Technologies

[Ben M-P]

I was really more thinking of how big of a trolling motor ($200)would you need to maneuvering up to a dock, mooring, or slip, until one could afford the price of a engine ($3500)

[SimonV]

I wouldnt like your chances even with a little cross wind. I for one have come unstuck even with a 50hp diesel.

[Philsboat]

Originally Posted by Ben M-P

We are looking at a 40' Mariner that is engineless at the moment and I was wondering if it would be possible to use an electric trolling motor for maneuvering up to moorings and into slips?
I know that several well know cruisers don't like to have engines aboard and thought that it might be a step up from kedging.

The thing I am worried about is how big of an engine would it take (I'm not talking about going to windward in a gale just very slow work in and out of berths) ?

The boat is designed for a Perkins 85hp. Eventually I'd like to either re-install a diesel or convert to a large electric motor/generator.

A friend of mine with a Hughes 26 is using a DC motor he salvaged from an electric fork lift truck(the one that ran the hydraulic pump) to power his old saildrive.The hardest part is making a coupling between the motor and shaft.
He is using a DC controller he bought on the internet(Google "Electric vehicle parts").
This isn't for everybody but if you like to tinker it could be a fun project.

Phil

[GordMay]

Don't waste the $200 (and more).

[Chief Engineer]

GWG Go with Gord

[skipmac]

In anything but a dead calm and zero current you will not be able to control a 40' boat with a trolling motor. Look at the HP rating. It doesn't add up.

[ozskipper]

You may be better to use a 9hp outboard. A bit more power , plus you can then use that on your tender later.

As for "would it move the boat".. Most likely, in the calmest of conditions, it would. Although very slowly, which would also mean a less responsive rudder.

Good luck either way,

[Juniper]

You could try one or two of these


Cruise 4.0R (Remotely Steered) Outboard, 48V, 4,000 Watts, 215lb. Thrust, 39.7lb. Weight 10079028 1211In Stock$3,799.00
Cruise 4.0
They go about $3800

Electic inboard replacement on the other hand, if you are expecting to use it just to get in and out of you slip or what not could be put together for a lot less,
Cruise 4.0R (Remotely Steered) Outboard, 48V, 4,000 Watts, 215lb. Thrust, 39.7lb. Weight 10079028 1211In Stock$3,799.00
Cruise 4.0R (Remotely Steered) Outboard, 48V, 4,000 Watts, 215lb. Thrust, 39.7lb. Weight 10079028 1211In Stock$3,799.00
Cruise 4.0R (Remotely Steered) Outboard, 48V, 4,000 Watts, 215lb. Thrust, 39.7lb. Weight 10079028 1211In Stock$3,799.00

[DeepFrz]

$3500 for a diesel? Is that installed? Where did you get that figure?

[perchance]

A trolling motor would probably move the boat. Eventually. The response would be so slow as to be not worth the investment and frustration. Kind of like stopping a super tanker from full ahead to full reverse.

[Ben M-P]

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

$3500 for a diesel? Is that installed? Where did you get that figure?

There is one (perkins 4-107 i think)for sale in the local CL with all the controls and stuff.
The owner of the boat also has one (Perkins 2-236) (again with all the controls/tanks/etc) for 6500, There is also one (Perkins 4-236) on the other side of the continent for 1000 but I'm waiting to see what the damage for shipping is on that one.

The boat had a 4-236 in it.
Any one in California looking to sell running Perkins inexpensively?