Electric outboards

[cacrosdale]

Hello fellow Ericson folks. Any suggestions of an electric outboard for an Ericson 29? Thinking about abandoning my gas powered Atomic 4 engine due to studs not coming out of cylinder head to replace gaskets, and possible fuel line issues. Basically, the engine may have run its course.
searching for a long term solution, and ecological efficiency, I’m leaning towards an electric outboard (opposed to an inboard electric motor).
Model names, pros and cons will be of great help. Thanks!

 

[Loren Beach]

If you do some searching on the site for info about outboard motor conversions, there is a lot of information.
I would not advise this for a boat that large that never had a transom engineered for the torque and weight of an aux engine, whether powered by petrol or electrons... but have seen it done on other similar size boats.
Hope you find a way to get out sailing!

 

[Mark F]

Hi cacrosdale, An outboard might be an easyish, quickish way to repower but you might not like the utility of it. If you are sailing in any kind of sea state (swell) the outboard may be a problem. Replacing the inboard is probably a better bet. That said, there are quite a few options for electric outboards/inboards these days

 

[jtsai]

While 30-foot sailboats with gas outboards mounted on the transom using lifting mechanisms are somewhat common, I have not encountered a similar setup using an electric outboard for a boat of that size.

My personal experience with an electric Torqeedo 1103 (equivalent to 3 hp) on a dinghy was mixed. At full throttle, it lasted 55 minutes with two people aboard a 9' inflatable moving close to 4 knots, though the duration significantly increased at half throttle. Consequently, I doubt an electric motor of this power would safely maneuver a heavier vessel, such as an E 29 with an 8,500 lb displacement, except in perfect, windless conditions. Furthermore, these units are a significant investment, with a new one costing over $2,000.

A major drawback of electric outboards is the lengthy charging time. The Torqeedo 1103 model, for instance, requires 6-8 hours to fully charge using a standard 120v household outlet. My initial plan to charge it using an off-grid setup (an Ecoflow battery pack with solar panels) proved impractical, as a full charge would have taken several days.

Is it possible? Yes. Is it practical? It will, eventually.

 

[Mark F]

I agree with Jeff, a 3hp motor would be under powered for your E29. You can google electric outboards and find lots of options for more appropriate outboard motors.

When I was at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Fest this year I spoke with Jack from https://www.powerflowmarine.com/.
They have inboard, saildrive and hybrid systems. I am really impressed with their product line and for bigger boats they should be considered by anyone looking into converting to EP.

 

[Kenneth K]

At full throttle, it lasted 55 minutes with two people aboard...

The fact that it's a silly idea won't prevent someone from making it, as long as people are willing to buy. This one's rated at 25 horsepower.


I bet for a few thousand extra they'll sell you a spare battery to get the runtime up to 2 hours!