Electric Cat

[Wavewacker]

Just finsihed several pages in a cat vs. mono thread and the subject of electric power onboard for power. For a small cat, say 18 to 24 foot, would it be worth the effort and expense of having a gen set operating an electric motor? What about 12v motors, like 50 lb thrust trolling motors on each hull. A small battery bank and charge the batteries from the gen. On such a small boat, I'm thinking a gas genset.

The hull would be a sharpie/dory style, a little more in heighth to the hulls than a Slider or Skoota cat.

Running a genset spoils the benefits of electric I know, but running off batteries as long as possible, then generate for running and recharging.

And, could an electric run a jet drive? I have one from a SeaRayder (90 hp) Merc, or could a smaller air cooled engine, like a 12 hp run it?

LOL, primary question is the electric, if that's blown out of the water, any comment on the small Kohler air cooled rig. Thanks

[Deering]

I don't see an efficiency advantage. Generator probably isn't much more efficient than an outboard, and then the losses in battery charging and discharging...I don't think you'll come out ahead in that deal, though maybe you'll come close if it's a diesel genset. And you'll have more moving gizmos to fail.

If the periodic quiet running is the goal, how about one gas outboard with a big alternator, and one electric trolling motor. Run the outboard, and it can charge your troller battery in the process, then shut off the outboard and...

[Wavewacker]

Thanks, I didn't think so, but had to ask. So off to plan B.

Anyone use an air cooled 12 horse, lower rpm and gears or belt drive....to a jet drive? An I/O?