Do I need a BSS for a single seat electric catamaran

[Smart51]

Hi Everyone, first time boat builder here. I've just started building a tiny, single seat catamaran that I intend to use on the canal in the UK. I know that I'll need a CRT licence, but I don't know if I'll need a Boat Safety Certificate. I'll build the boat and test it with a paddle first, then motorise it.

The ePropulsion eLite is a nice clean solution, but nearly £1000. As I understand it, a boat without battery or wiring doesn't need a BSS, so the eLite would work.

A cheap trolling motor needs a separate battery. Would having the battery sat on the deck count as being installed?

My preferred option would be to have a pair of underwater thrusters for differential steering, and also remote control to free me from a tiller. If that setup were demountable like an outboard, would that make me BSS free?

 

[BlueBell]

Hey Smart, welcome to the Forum.
This is the World Wide Web.
Check your local government regulations.

Any photos of your build?

 

[wet feet]

I would think the CRT would be the people to ask.I'm not far from the Norfolk Broads and while they require BSS for boats with accommodation,I haven't known of small open boats being subject to the scheme.From my somewhat limited knowledge of the scheme,it seems to be focused on gas installation standards,holding tanks and bilge pumps,none of which you are likely to have.A quick look at the CRT website brought up this:

Boats with no gas, electrical, heating or fuel systems are exempt.

Slightly more confusingly,there is also this: If your boat is an open craft, such as a canoe, rowing boat or dinghy, and has no engine, the BSS does not apply. Which may not take into account electric propulsion with a small outboard,so it could avoid future problems to ask them.If I were making the enquiry,I would emphasise the clean, quiet nature of the power unit,the lack of explosive vapours or noxious exhaust fumes.

It also mentions the RCD,which you won't have to comply with,but it also means that you are not allowed to sell a home built boat for five years,unless you put it through RCD yourself.

 

[Smart51]

Thank you. The grey area is if you have the battery fixed to the boat, say in a waterproof compartment in the hull. Does that count as having an installed electrical system? It's right on the edge of their published rules. I'm hoping that someone has already asked and knows the answer.

 

[Smart51]

Today was the second test sailing of my prototype catamaran and it went much better than the first test. It is a little bit tippy if moving from seated to kneeling, for example, but is stable enough when paddling. It tracks nicely but can be turned easily enough. The deck needs to be moved forwards a bit as I need to sit close to the centre, which leaves my feet hanging over the edge.

The current construction is 4 quarter hulls that are clamped to a deck which is a box. My intention is to make the finished boat in two halves rather than 4 quarters. It is 900mm wide so that it fits into the back of my car. It might be better being a bit wider for stability. That will be my next test.

Am I right in thinking that if the battery is fastened to the outboard, no BSS is needed because there's no wiring on the boat, but if the battery is installed in the hull, I would have to get one?

 

[SolGato]

Keep in mind if you do go dual independent thrust with one motor behind each hull for steering, that you may need a back up plan for being able to steer (oar, pivoting mounts, etc.) if one motor fails.

 

[Smart51]

Keep in mind if you do go dual independent thrust with one motor behind each hull for steering, that you may need a back up plan for being able to steer (oar, pivoting mounts, etc.) if one motor fails.

I've decided to go for a trolling motor. Simpler and cheaper. Remote control steering would be nice, but it's not really worth it.

 

[Smart51]

I've found a CRT document about the BSS. If a boat doesn't have an enclosed cabin (cuddy cabins with no door are permitted), does not have an installed fuel system, does not have an installed inboard engine (outboards are permitted), does not have an installed electrical system, does not have an installed electric propulsion motor and does not have an installed fuel burning appliance, no BSS is required. So if my battery is not installed, I don't need a BSS. Hurrah!

 

[HelmutSheina]

Maybe check if UK regs demand secured batteries, BMS for lithium etc, which may push you into the realm of an installed system. They don't offer many free lunches in Australia and I can't see it being much different for you folk.

 

[Smart51]

Maybe check if UK regs demand secured batteries, BMS for lithium etc, which may push you into the realm of an installed system. They don't offer many free lunches in Australia and I can't see it being much different for you folk.

If the battery is part of the outboard it isn't installed on the boat. It is the boat that needs the Boat Safety Certificate.

I plan to attach the battery box to the outboard shaft so it will be part of the motor. My battery has a BMS and the box has a resettable trip. I'm not trying to avoid safety; I want my boat to be compliant. But I don't want to pay for an inspection that isn't needed.

 

[HelmutSheina]

If the battery is part of the outboard it isn't installed on the boat. It is the boat that needs the Boat Safety Certificate.

I plan to attach the battery box to the outboard shaft so it will be part of the motor. My battery has a BMS and the box has a resettable trip. I'm not trying to avoid safety; I want my boat to be compliant. But I don't want to pay for an inspection that isn't needed.

I am not having a dig at what you're doing, just pointing out that there could be hidden traps.