Replacing IC engine with electric motor

[WilliamsRDan]

I haven't yet bought my boat, new to the world of sailing, But planning ahead. I'm looking at how to limit my carbon footprint. Has anyone replaced their gas or diesel motor with a 20-25hp electric motor?
Or any thoughts on doing so?
I found a few through google for around $2000.

Also, if you, or someone you know, have done this, how much was the install cost?

Thanks!

[wouldrathersail]

Annapolis hybrid Marine-Thoosa (sp) electric engines. I can highly recommend them. Talk to Sally there.

[night0wl]

youre not factoring in the cost of batteries and where to store them!

[CalebD]

Forget about carbon footprint for a moment. What about the chemical footprint?
Then there are the heavy metals and acids used in batteries (Ni, Ca, Be, Pb, etc) that would be just great for the environment if your boat sank somewhere. Now think about the mining that must go on for those same heavy metals and their eventual disposal.

How your batteries get charged up, especially if you use shore power to do so?

I'm not trying to rain on your parade as I am interested in alternative power sources too, but an electric propulsion system may ultimately have a worse pollution footprint on the planet then existing gasoline and diesel units.

[SimonV]

Originally Posted by CalebD

Forget about carbon footprint for a moment. What about the chemical footprint?
Then there are the heavy metals and acids used in batteries (Ni, Ca, Be, Pb, etc) that would be just great for the environment if your boat sank somewhere. Now think about the mining that must go on for those same heavy metals and their eventual disposal.

How your batteries get charged up, especially if you use shore power to do so?

I'm not trying to rain on your parade as I am interested in alternative power sources too, but an electric propulsion system may ultimately have a worse pollution footprint on the planet then existing gasoline and diesel units.

And what about the cost to the environment for the production of solar panels. They use more energy to produce than they can return in their usable life,but are getting better..

[CalebD]

Originally Posted by SimonV

And what about the cost to the environment for the production of solar panels. They use more energy to produce than they can return in their usable life,but are getting better..

Actually SimonV is absolutely right about this.
Why do you think all solar panels are now made in China? Perhaps it is because they don't have an 'EPA' or half the environmental regulations that exist in the US and elsewhere.
I read a more extensive piece about the solar panel industry in China that I can't find now but this one seems to make the point: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/20/wo...-protests.html

[Mark F]

Hi WilliamsRdan,

Check your private messages.

[WilliamsRDan]

Originally Posted by Mark F

Hi WilliamsRdan,

Check your private messages.

I haven't been a member long enough, can't access them. Kind of obnoxious.

[Mark F]

OK. Here is a link to my experience with EP on an Ericson 27. I haven't updated it in a while, there are four entries - you might have to dig around to see the other three. I'm not sure if you have to be a member to view.

Ep - Blogs - EY.o Information Exchange

Also there is a Yahoo group for electric boats;

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/electr...s/messages?o=1

[GufShoz]

Dan,
I had my Hunter 29.5 converted to electric propulsion last year. It could be a DYI project if you're very comfortable with wiring your boat. Looking at my costs, you're still looking at another $3-5k for batteries, controllers, and supplies; if you do your own work. A great place for more info is:
Electric Seas - A Resource For The Electric Boating Community. This site is dedicated to electronically propelled boats.
Terry