I thought it a good idea to make a separate topic while Rob and Ron are
discussing drive options.
I agree the electric drives "in general" offer freedom of installtion
location. Electric can use battery power that is stored energy for
some duration depending on size of battery bank and speed desired.
Battery provides an extra level of safety as reliability is very high
and can be abused in emergency if genset doesn't start. I have
personally on my own charter boat twice to lose all engine power.
Problem is fuel in the tropics. Source in carib. is questionable,
while biocides and such do not seem to keep the sludge under control.
Charter fleets are not going to manage quality of fuel as you or me
will do it. Nor do they take time to purge tanks and thoroughly
clean. So batteries provide a very handy energy backup to keep charter
sailors going. Nothing worse than coming into a slip or crowded
mooring field undersail alone. I've done it, but not fun.
Recharging as a charter boat in the carib has a lot of input from the
Lagoon 420 thread in cruiser's forum. Bottom line, don't sail long
enough from point to point to give a full recharge. Going upwind is
full motor in most all situations for charter goers. Too much hassle
and schedules to get to next locale and beat the rest of the charter
gangs is prime concern. You might say that sailing is faster,.... The
charter bunch are a point and shoot type. So while it takes 3 or more
time to recharge than use you can see it is highly more likely the
genset will be needed to top off.
Aside from weight, I don't see a huge advantage to go with hydraulic.
Why add complexity and a system when not needed. I do agree
engineering will be needed for cable type, and protection on any
submerged motor. The 48V re-e-power type need bigger cables and
protection than the higher voltage types like from African cats.
In any event thought I would add this topic separate for everyone's
input on options, mounting, control, size and type,...etc.
JT
Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional
Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe