Inspiration for an electric powered boat.

Artemis, has asked about the boat I used as a starting point for my e-boat. I first saw William and John Atkin’s Big Surprise in Boat Design Quarterly #22. Dispite the fact it had sails I like the lines. It is just one of many Sea Bright Skiff style boats that they drew. If you are interested in efficient hulls they are worth studying. I filed it away for the future because it is about as large a boat that can be built in an average garage. You can see the lines for its smaller version, Surprise, and many other Atkin boats at this site. http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/index.html I’ll use this thread to discuss the evolution of Big Surprise into an electric powered motor boat, one that has very little in common with the original. I only ask that you be constructive with your remarks, so that I can learn. Don’t worry you can’t hurt my feelings.

Gary

 

Bored Dumb...

Hello...

I also looked at this boat when I was doodling my 25 foot 'motor sailer'...

I rationalized and scaled the original net drawings here...

Perhaps they can be useful - go paper dolls with it...

Also http://www.gerrmarine.com/images/boat_images/power/gerr34seabright/gerr34seabrightC.GIF ...

There is a lot to be said for the Sea Bright - something that can be dumped onto a flat trailer - all appendages protected - good flow to a prop - and room for a center board if sail...

SH.

 

Big Surprise is powered by a fairly heavy motor, but for electric power I will need even heavier batteries. To help carry the extra weight and to get that weight below the water line I increased the depth of the box keel. This also allows me to swing a larger prop and still have it protected. The clean lines and the tumblehome are great for traditional construction but I want to use large panels of plywood. These are the lines as I now have them. The results are a hull that will no longer exceed hull-speed but should reach that speed with very little power.

 

I really like the Sea Bright hull design. I have been thinking about building a small, 14-16 foot electric for use in the river by my house. The river is 15 mph max, and my neighbors go berzerk if I make a big wake.

 

Sounds like fun. I like that powerboat. Looks nice for an electric boat that'd be ok for saltwater (if in fiberglass).

 

If you can find one near by, take a look at the electrics of a Duffy Electric boat. And there are others.

http://www.duffyboats.com/

They have built hundreds of these things and they work quite well. No sense re-inventing the wheel as far as an electrical installation.

 

BoatGuy,

I have visited the Duffy site several times and I think they have a great product. I’m with you about the wheel, but I like trying it on different buggies or using it in different ways. I’m certain that if they had the boat I wanted I could not afford it. To get the boat I want I’ll have to build it myself.

Gary

 

I was only refering to the electrical installation. Your boat looks great.

 

do you think to keep on deck any solar generator to keep battery charge?

 

Hi Ciccio,

I have thought about this but there just isn’t enough surface to make it worth the cost of a panel installation. To extend the range it would be much simpler to just bring a small portable generator. There is storage room enough behind the drive. I don’t see this boat doing any long distance touring. The battery bank will charge over night at the dock or on the trailer. Here is my current idea of how the cabin will look from the outside. It will have 72” height inside. I’m still playing around with it but I like this, so I’ll add some details and see if everything fits and how much they weigh.

Gary

 

Very pretty boat! Absolutely GORGEOUS. Even under diesel, that'd be great for coastal use.

 

mackid,

LOL! Gorgeous? It’s supposed to look TOUGH. Remember now this hull was designed for electric power. If you take the 500 lbs of batteries (ballast) out, she would be high in the water and very tender, it may even lay over on her side. Check the Atkin site above for motor boats of Sea Bright Skiff style. There are many to choose from and they will scoot right along with a small diesel.

Gary

 

Tough, pretty? Same thing! I'm the kind of person that thinks Nordhavns and American Tugs (trawlers) are beautiful... Tough, yeah, I like it alot! Give it a full keel and I'll be even happier!

 

really nice boat!!! ok is easier a portable generator.... i was thinking only to something (eolic or solar)to keep save so many batteries if you don't use it for long time

 

It would be nice...

Hello...

There is a lot to argue in favour of straight electrics with a backup generator - even with just my little 8 horse 4 stroke - I can't wait to start sailing so the noise and vibration is gone - everyone can speak without shouting and no stink...

Any way found this bit http://www.electric-boat-association.org.uk/ ...

Still have not 'come home' mentally from my vacation - going through all the ads in the back of UK magazines just now...

SH.