Are Electric Outboards Any Good ?

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

Great post! It's amazing how many people just don't seem to understand this. Or they think that somehow one electric horsepower is worth 3 (or more) diesel/petrol horsepower.

If you don't want to go far or fast, electric outboards should be fine.

Don't you know that you're not allowed to impose facts (at least negative ones) into a discussion about electric power. Just proves you are a closed minded, backwards thinking, Luddite.

[Capt Rottnest]

Electric motor with its batteries in a dinghy does seem like a lot fuss to just get ashore. But with 'em going flat on you, you'd soon get used to rowing. So in a round about way they might be good for yous.

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Don't you know that you're not allowed to impose facts (at least negative ones) into a discussion about electric power. Just proves you are a closed minded, backwards thinking, Luddite.

Damn! I thought I was an open minded, forwards thinking Luddite.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

Damn! I thought I was an open minded, forwards thinking Luddite.

Luddites of the world unite!

[Vino the Dog]

boat_alexandra,

Please tell me exactly how you are going to ",,,optimize it for regeneration...?

What kind of motor are you going to use that will provide regeneration on an electric outboard? What kind of speed controller? How are you going to set up your circuitry to provide regeneration? What kind of motive force will provide the power for regen and how long will your dinghy have to remain under those conditions to get even a 2% return? How are you going to calculate the amount of power your regeneration system will provide; instantaneously, over time, and how much time required to move the boat 100 yards?

I would really like to know how you are going to achieve this.

[Vino the Dog]

As for the speed question, I opted for a 10hp motor on inflatable because;

1. I want to be able to move along quickly if there is need to do so (such as a emergency).
2. To move quickly if I feel a desire for the cheap thrill.
3. To surf launch reasonably easily with the whole crew, dog, and supplies.
4. To carry some big, heavy metal object out to Zeehag if necessary, before her arms wear out.
5. To be able to tow my 41' ketch through a very narrow slot or to a safe anchoring place in the unlikely situation that it may be necessary (oh, that is not so unlikely since I have a 20' slot at high river level, just to get out from current moorage into the navigable part of the Columbia River).
6. AND... get this amazing thing - the dinghy came with OARS, so I can row it tooo. Don't even have to put the motor on to row it!

It is all about options, not necessarily going fast, which appears to be forbidden to think about for some sailors.

I am a real fan of electric cars too (real ones, not these hybrids that don't get any better gas mileage than a 1972 Honda Civic), but drive an Alfa Romeo Spyder because it is a hell of a lot more fun... and in fact, more practical in my situation.

As for the idea of having a car at the dock. Great idea! Exactly what I will keep doing right up to the time we start a voyage with no plan to come back to the same dock. Anyone in the Portland, Oregon area interested in a good running, restorable Alpha?