there is a gentle mist in the air and i’m warm and cozy. so good time to dream about… boats of course!
there are some emerging companies and websites and groups dedicated to repowering boats with electric motors. there are electric trolling motors and new advances with electric outboards. and there are a few and growing group of people who have repowered the “inboard” engines in sailboats which are typically diesel engines.
Yahoo Group Electric Boats
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/electricboats/
Very lively, helpful and active group! Extensive links section to Eboat Mfrs - sources for complete electric boats and parts, Electric boat books, Electric Motors, Controllers, Components, Electric and Boating Organizations, Powermanagement, Batteries, chargers, solar/wind/water-power, meters, and Propulsion efficiency.
And a Files section !!
just to be a total electric geek here is the parallel-series1.JPG
parallel series bb
click to revel in full size
and here is a electric boat web site from Keith Redfield, one of the contributors to the electric boat group
he converted a 30′ Hunter Sailboat and has an extensive introduction and support materials for repowering with an electric motor.
http://sites.google.com/site/electricboating/
he’s got a great electric boat links resource section with good previews
http://sites.google.com/site/electricboating/Home/Resources
the mist is still falling so i’ll dream some more - imagine being able to cruise in your sailboat; silently, simply, and cleanly. all the attention on green tech, long life batteries, efficient electric motors, and alternative energy is going to have great benefits for sailors in the coming years.
