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Islander 36 electric inboard? diy

10K views 45 replies 11 participants last post by  christian.hess 
#1 ·
Hi guys,

I read a while ago that there was a member with an islander 36 that used a forklift motor and controller..and converted to electuc propulsion quite succesfully..

if that member or anybody else with an islander 36 or similar boat, displacement and specs has detailed info on install I would appreciate it.

I removed my dead palmer p60 engine...I have shaft and coupler still...

I am currently readiing through the yahoo electric boat group as well as other forums...

Im looking for specifics on performance pertaining to the islander 36 as its a bit bigger than most diy kits offer like the thunderstruck kit, ev conversion kits on ebay etc...

I will only be using for docking and anchoring...

thanks
 
#4 ·
sony forgive me what is a QD? the sheaves and or pulleys and chain I can get down here...I wish I knew more about other useful type motors from other equipment down here, most all motors sold are 3 phase 120volt... for pumps and stuff...I have tried to find info on how to regulate throttle on those or similar type motors and nobody seems to know ever down here...

Ill check out those links, thanks so much again

christian
 
#5 ·
Sorry, its QD bushing that goes on to the drive shaft. and bolts to the big pulley.
Check out EVDrives - Golf Cart Parts & EV Conversion Parts for ideas and the Cruisers Forum thread, Electric Propulsion.
Some people us AC motors but then you need an inverter. So I want to keep it simple.
I think the 7.2 kilowatt motor is 10 hp. Knowing the Palmer power curve, at 10 hp, that will give you the Knots your boat will do, as well as that rpm to be sought for, from the
electric motor down gearing.
In other words you may be trying to gear down to 3 to1 ending up with 1200 rpm on the prop.
 
#6 ·
like a thrust bearing plate? yup I would need that...that ev place is exactly where I wanted to buy my parts...its just that I have never heard of a real world report on usage of one of their systems on a boat similar to mine...

the palmer p60 was known for being weak but smooth running and you are right around 10hp at the prop, similar almost to the atomic 4 in that regard.

I would not need anything more than what came on the boat powerwise...

again you are right on the money about the gear down...most guys are using 2.5 or so to step down the rpms...

Im very familiar with rc electric stuff...so I would love to know more about certain types of motors "off the shelf " and how to regulate them

again thanks!
 
#7 ·
I have to install an Alltrax AXE4834 controller.
I won't be using the 1'' thrust bearing I have. The shipwright will put the motor on a large plate with slightly adjustable bolt holes for the motor.
In southern CA. there is a company that sells a bolt on package. Electricyachtsystems or similar.
Yes 36 feet is heavy, but 4 large deep cycle batteries should get you 4 hours at 2/3 hull speed.
Yes, you have to build your own or buy a system from one of the two suppliers.
You need a throttle and solenoid as well.
 
#10 ·
has anyone tried either:

electric motorport conversion kits or the thunderstruck kit the 10kw kit on an islander?

or any 12k displacement sloop? thanks
 
#12 ·
that is a top of the line australian I beleive direct drive hybrid system...that has about as much in common with a forklift motor or similar system as a swan to a macregor...

my issue has been so far determining what off the shelf components can I use to install in my boat. a golf cart system would be nice and dandy for me.

used even better!:)
 
#13 ·
Christian,

Electric drives are very doable, but a 10kw motor isn't likely to be big enough. A 35' boat is going to need a lot more HP than this in anything other than dead calm days, when going sailing seems pretty pointless. Figure you will need a 25hp minimum, and ideally 40.
 
#14 ·
the palmer p60 a great engine btw with one big drawback(exhaust manifold) is 22hp at the crank...10 or barely more at the prop, 2 blade...

stock...

I wish not to make this a motorsailor...I was trying to ask specific questions, hopefully from that member who did so on his islander 36...he did so using forklift motors or similar...

I have no need or want a 40hp diesel...I found my 2gm yanmar to be plenty enough power and TROUBLE on my old h28 that only wieghed a ton less or so than my current boat...

The issue I have is that the forums seem to have a lot of unfinished threads...leaving more questions than answers sometimes...

anybody done an install in a remote location...using a weird combo of motor and controller etc..?

thanks
 
#15 ·
there are some commercial solutions, like
Products | GreenStar Marine

Their largest engine has been used on boats up to 40 ft.

Major drawback of electrical engines is the difficulty and limitation of energy storage. This leads to a limited range, and to a somewhat lower power compared to diesels. In itself this is not any show stopper as long as one is aware of it - you state you only wnat to use the engine when mooring etc - should work fine then.

/J
 
#35 ·
Hi, My name is Oscar Théen and I work at GreenStar Marine. I found our company name on this forum and I thought that a short comment would be in place.

When you come to choosing between a traditional diesel solution and an electric solution you must ask yourself what you actually want of your motor/engine. A diesel solution is for some the best choice and the electric one is better for others.

The electric solution is best for those who prioritize high torque, maneuverability, availability, low maintenance, simplicity, quietness etc. The diesel is best for those who prioritize long transportations at high speed.

Pure plugin boats with our systems usually have a calm weather range at 4 knots of around 30 NM. Full speed is usually around 6 knots. Range at full speed and AGM lead batteries is usually around 6 NM.

We have never installed a system in an Islander 36 but we have installed systems in several boats of similar size and weight. For an Islander 36 I would recommend something like:
Greenstar system: GS18
Battery bank: 8 * GS12-100 Deep Cycle AGM lead batteries
Estimated economy speed: 3 ½ knots in 9 ¾ hours
Estimated full speed: 6 knots in 80 minutes

Note 1. Economy speed for the Islander 36 is probably a bit lower than for the average boat. Economy speed can be increased by changing propeller but that will cost thrust. If a bigger propeller, both in terms of pitch and diameter were to be used there is a risk of overheating the motor at full speed.

Note 2. Runtimes in the Islander example are with batteries that are run absolutely flat which is not recommended. This can be done in case of "emergency" but usually you should not use more than 50 % of this.
 
#16 ·
the motor is only one part of a complex system of very large cables. (talking 400 amps and more) power source, batteries alone would sink the boat, unless you could source the new type, how to recharge (generator) , a controller. and more.

I realize this is an outboard but Myth busters Jamie is spot on what your talking about.

 
#20 ·
I meant second to last

I have seen those vids before...except for the forklift one...

I guess Im not asking wether its feasible...Im a fan and have done a lot of research...I guess I would lke to know specifics...

any islander 36 owners with electric propulsion...?
 
#22 ·
I would like to have regen but most kits are far more expensive cause the controller is more expensive as is the motor...

Im on a budget...and to change to a high thrust 3 or 4 blade is not in the books for me

ideally I would love a direct drive, thrust bearings dc motor package with 4 deep cycle batteries...

I would love to go even simpler than having a controller...

I have sprockets and chains galore(motorcycle projects)

charging wil be from a generator, portable.

I only need 2-3 hours runtime in reality...really basic.:)
 
#23 ·
Christian,

To pull 10kw at 12v, you need 620amps an hour. Assuming you want to use batteries for 2 hours, with lead acid batteries you would need 2400 amp hours of batteries (50% usable capacity), or roughly 24 normal sized deep cycle batteries at a cost or around $2,000 and a weight of about 1,440lbs. This is why battery powered propulsion engines are so rare.

It is doable if you are ok with very minimal run times, but 2-3 hours is of the far end of realistic. You also need to look at charging times. I haven't run the numbers, but my WAG would be 2-3 weeks with a 30amp charger.
 
#24 · (Edited)
We are honored by Denise's participation.

Denise and Greg, its best to use a 48 volt system, then the cable size drops dramatically. I think that when the electric motors go over 10 hp, (7 kilowatt) then the demand on batteries gets into double banks of 4 batteries each bank.

In a situation of regeneration from a non shore supply, is difficult. Wind and a Honda generator are the most powerful, with wind being the most hands off 24/7.

Christian, you will be the first, to have done it in a remote area. Sprockets and chains are good. Small props are OK since it is the wattage used to drive the boat, that is important. Sailing with the genoa out and a 1/2 speed from the motor would last a long time.
I understand that the Honda running while motoring, would stretch the cruise time by 50%.

I have passed the point of no return on my conversion. Hopefully it will be ready next Spring.
 
#25 ·
Christian finding another Islander 36 with electric would be nice. But I of any kind of re-power is possible without too much worry of what make the boats are.

Now my idea for Batteries built as keels was a strange idea I know...... terminals as keel bolts was just a silly idea too! LOL
 
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#29 ·
that is exactly what I mean...the forklift scenario is dubious too because finding the scraps is impossible because we are like vultures here, so you have to know someone who has a forklift about to crap out and then pounce on it.

regarding the golf cart I was returning from a day of working on the boat(new bulkheads, chainplates, deck gel coat) on the coast and I saw a golf cart for sale on the road! I was so excited I almost peed myself, when I started asking questions about the motor the guys looked at me strange...

basically it has a small aircooled motor...must of been an old cart but the piston size was about 60mm...

I havent found an abandoned golf cart since...:(

well see what I can scrounge up
 
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