Quote:
Originally Posted by sailingdog
Electric motors on small sailboats are a pretty stupid idea IMHO. The amount of weight in batteries you need to make them feasible is ludicrous. Also, the reliability of an electric motor-based propulsion system isn't very high on small sailboats, which tend to be pretty wet beasties. The ability to motor against heavy wind and seas is often the difference between living and dying...so don't discount a good reliable diesel inboard.
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I guess a lot depends on the purpose and size of the boat and the motor. If the motor will get infrequent use to get from the slip to the channel and back and most sailing will be pleasure boating where you can change your itenerary to better fit prevailing winds, an electric could be a good choice. You will have plenty of time to slowly charge the battery or batteries between uses.
Elco seems to think it is very workable, but then they sell motors and batteries:
Elco Inboard Electric Drives, clean, quiet, efficient, dependable
I just got rid of a stinking little outboard that I tinkered with a lot to keep running. I had an electric in my attic that I have not used in years that appears to work fine. However, if it fails I will not know how to tinker with it.