Inboard electric drive

Discussion in 'Inboards' started by Kaptin-Jer, Oct 8, 2011.

  1. Kaptin-Jer
    Joined: Mar 2004
    Posts: 570
    Likes: 18, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 206
    Location: South Florida

    Kaptin-Jer Semi-Pro

    I just finished the hull of a 17' lapstrake sailboat. I am thinking seriously about adding a small electric motor and this would be the right time to do an installation, but I know nothing about them. Can someone recommend and direct me to links of suppliers. I would be looking a full package from the motor to the propeller.
    Thanks
    Kap
     
  2. keysdisease
    Joined: Mar 2006
    Posts: 794
    Likes: 43, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 324
    Location: South Florida USA

    keysdisease Senior Member

    An electric trolling motor will get you in and out of port, there are several designed for salt water use so you don't have to depend on a bass boat motor. Very light and easy to mount and dismount to keep a "clean" look.

    For better performance a torquedo outboard provides great power for a small sailboat at a premium price, but the good stuff: http://www.torqeedo.com/us/hn/home.html

    There are small "pod drive" electric motors kind of like a trolling motor sticking out the bottom:
    http://www.mastervolt.com/marine/products/podmaster/podmaster-10/

    If you want a traditional shaft and prop drive I'm not sure there are any available off the shelf and appropriate for a boat as small as a 17' sailboat

    Steve
     
  3. Kaptin-Jer
    Joined: Mar 2004
    Posts: 570
    Likes: 18, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 206
    Location: South Florida

    Kaptin-Jer Semi-Pro

    I went to both sites. The pods are very cool, but I would have to scratch any kind of beach landings. The torqeedo are state of the art, and if I end up hanging a kicker that is the way to go, but I'm going to keep looking for an inboard system. the boat is very traditional and if I can hide a propulstion system I would like to do so.
     
  4. keysdisease
    Joined: Mar 2006
    Posts: 794
    Likes: 43, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 324
    Location: South Florida USA

    keysdisease Senior Member

    Whatever you do with a traditional prop / shaft drive will create drag, and I don't think there any folding props small enough for a 17' boat.

    Depending on your boats configuration, you might be able to mount an electric trolling motor in a well and use a well plug for a smooth bottom.

    Clean look, clean bottom.:cool:

    Steve
     
  5. Kaptin-Jer
    Joined: Mar 2004
    Posts: 570
    Likes: 18, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 206
    Location: South Florida

    Kaptin-Jer Semi-Pro

    Drag is noted, but I'll take a little drag over rowing ;(. The well mount is a
    good option to conceder. A Torqueedo in a well?? Maybe.
     
  6. keysdisease
    Joined: Mar 2006
    Posts: 794
    Likes: 43, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 324
    Location: South Florida USA

    keysdisease Senior Member

    Personally, I good salt water trolling motor would be my choice. It would be much easier to modify (shorten) for how I perceive it would be mounted. Most trolling motors (and the torquedo) are pretty tall to fit vertically under the aft deck of a 17ft sailboat.

    I would rather modify a trolling motor that cost a few hundred dollars than a torquedo that cost, well, a lot more.

    Electric motors are well suitred to well mounts. It is easy to fit a well plug around an tube, there are no air or exhaust issues, and they are light enough to make switching out from motor to flush w bottom plug easy.

    While the conventional well mount would be aft between the board and rudder, forward of the board / keel should not be overlooked. Engine forward mounts work just fine and maybe slightly better from being in cleaner water.

    These "mullet skiffs" run just fine on plane with motor in well forward, for a displacement hull should be no problem.

    Steve


     

    Attached Files:

  7. Kaptin-Jer
    Joined: Mar 2004
    Posts: 570
    Likes: 18, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 206
    Location: South Florida

    Kaptin-Jer Semi-Pro

    That is a solution, but not what I would utltimatly want. If I can't hide the motor in the aft compartment and run a shaft out the back the way my 38' Benni was set up (only that was a 50 horse Deisel) then I'll use a kicker. Don't forget that a sailboat hull is only designed to about 7 knots so we dont need to worry about getting her up to plane. We are just looking to take her from the dock to open water. I attached a photo of the hull so you have a better idea. I still have to belive that their is a manufacture that makes small electric engines (like a golf card engine) that would power this light wooden boat
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Injuneer
    Joined: Sep 2011
    Posts: 20
    Likes: 1, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 22
    Location: USA

    Injuneer Junior Member

    Look up the Thoosa systems by ASMO Marine. The US rep is Annapolis Hybrid Marine. The smallest system they have is the Thoosa5000 for boats from 15 ft and up. The 5 kW motor sits inboard and is geared to the shaft with a toothed belt.
     
  9. Kaptin-Jer
    Joined: Mar 2004
    Posts: 570
    Likes: 18, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 206
    Location: South Florida

    Kaptin-Jer Semi-Pro

    Now thats getting close to what I had in mind. Might be a little big, but we'll see. Have to start some communication with them.
    Thanks,
    Kap
     
  10. Frog4
    Joined: Oct 2011
    Posts: 150
    Likes: 2, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 12
    Location: Arizona desert

    Frog4 Proletariat

  11. Kaptin-Jer
    Joined: Mar 2004
    Posts: 570
    Likes: 18, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 206
    Location: South Florida

    Kaptin-Jer Semi-Pro

    Great site for information
    Thanks frog
     
  12. Frog4
    Joined: Oct 2011
    Posts: 150
    Likes: 2, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 12
    Location: Arizona desert

    Frog4 Proletariat

    you are welcome, I am on the same quest for electric power on a mini tug ...
     
  13. pistnbroke
    Joined: Jan 2009
    Posts: 1,405
    Likes: 34, Points: 48, Legacy Rep: 404
    Location: Noosa.Australia where god kissed the earth.

    pistnbroke I try

    Dont want drag ...small petrolor electric jet .nothing sticks out .the guy doing the research on the model boat for his degree is using one ....
     
  14. Kaptin-Jer
    Joined: Mar 2004
    Posts: 570
    Likes: 18, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 206
    Location: South Florida

    Kaptin-Jer Semi-Pro

    Frog
    From the info that I have started to read I think it will be easier for you to power your heavier boat then my light sailboat. I haven't found any small electric inboards. The best solution so far is to hang an electric kicker, but that will really mess up the Traditional look I have going so far (and I really don't need the rowing exercise)

    Pistnbroke
    Can you send a link to his (Petroler) postings?

    Thanks
    Kap
     

  15. Frog4
    Joined: Oct 2011
    Posts: 150
    Likes: 2, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 12
    Location: Arizona desert

    Frog4 Proletariat

    ... have you checked out the Glen-L designs?

    https://www.boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=474

    https://www.boatdesigns.com/ETM-Mount-Bracket/products/473/
     
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.