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Electric Motoring - Forum

Posted June 13th, 2008 by timminocky

Forum Topic

Has anyone had any experience of using an electric motor as an auxiliary on a sailboat?

Will the process of charging the batteries outweigh any advantages?

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electric conversions

On July 23rd, 2008 Sailor (anonymous) says:

it's gaining popularity with a number of systems, especially for smaller monohulls (up to 35) and larger cats. Most systems allow the prop to recharge the batteries while under sail...

if you google boat electric propulsion, you'll come up with a lot on info..

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I have already seen the adverts and listened to the salesmen, what I really wanted, is to hear from someone who has been using electric propulsion on their own boat, preferably someone with no vested interests.

My main worry is that the batteries, by virtue of their weight, need to be down low in the bilges, making them susceptible to swamping. The last thing one wants at the end of a wet passage is not having the power to get into a safe haven.

Then there is the problem of recharging. I’m not sure I like the idea of having to find a marina with shore power every evening.

The more I think about it the less viable it seems.

Mike