Would I have an electric motor?
The answer to that is highly probable. If I was ordering Whimbrel this year, and not forty years ago. Times were hugely different then. We were just getting away from the petrol or diesel fit, scenario.
My main use is for entering and leaving marinas, leaving my mooring and returning, making/completing a passage when the wind has expired and a number of incidental uses. Sails are Whimbrel’s main source of motive power.
I leave and return from my creek mooring as often as is possible. Any engine use is minimal. I have sailed into a marina, once, and sailed out of others on a number of occasions – usually early in the morning…
Now, for a new vessel, the most difficult question is, do I fit diesel or electric drive? The answer to that sits with what type of vessel, what is the main use and where – area being navigated.
So, to RS Electric Boats in Marine Industry News:
New sailing yachts will be powered in this way as a norm before too long.
The news item reminded me of a Finesse 21 based down in the west country which has been converted to electric drive. The conversion work took place during a major refit after the vessel was sunk during a flash flood – fresh water from heavy rain – at the boat’s tidal mooring.
The boat was originally powered by a Yanmar 1GM diesel unit. It had a stated torque of around 34 Nm and it was replaced with an electric motor of 32 Nm torque at 1550 rpm supplied from 2 x 24 volt batteries. These were charged from solar chargers fitted on the cabin top.
Courtesy: Joe Andrews.
The owner reported achieving 4.5 knots in slack water and against a gusty 20 knot head wind. Apparently, the 5kw unit and uses around 1.8 kw to achieve cruising speed.
Thanks to The Finesse Facebook Group for information.
So, that has been a successful conversion.
The duration is relatively low – reported to be around five hours. That would not suffice for east coast cruising, however, if one is able to sail up to a marina or whatever, requiring minimal use then, bingo. Slip in and plug in…
But, in the media there has been a growing number of all electric vessels coming onto the market. These, in the main, have been launches and ‘speed-boats’ with an occasional sailing yacht build being announced with electric drive.
The big problem with operation away from shore for long periods is the ability to recharge at a rate acceptable for use. When that happens, then we will be there…
There are, of course, weight considerations of the battery packs, but like their growing use in the automotive industry, these constraints are waning with technological progress.
Another news item caught my eye. This was about a maritime innovation hub which is returning to a spring boat show at MDL’s Ocean Village Marina in Southampton.
There is a host of interesting events and companies taking part.
Areas such as low carbon fuels – hydrogen and methanol, sustainable sails and sails acting as charging units. as well as ideas on protecting the marine environment.
All very interesting giving much food for thought in these ‘end days’ of winter!