Rant

Or maybe even better would be a standard engine install say a Bukh for the sake of argument.

Then belt a decent brushless motor onto it alienpowersystem.com/shop/brushless-motors/120100-w-outrunner-brushless-motor-50kv-25000w-water-cooled/ behind the gearbox, use belt drive to get the right reduction then fit a 240v silent diesel generator in the front of the boat running a 48v charger for the batteries in the back.

That way you get two diesels, electric parallel drive and diesel direct drive. So for locks just use electric, for long cruises use the little generator which removes the noise problem as it is up for'rd or even amidships would be feasible if it was integrated into the build. and for hammering it on Tideways etc just use the main engine as normal.

Brush less motor to be on a magnetic clutch pulley so its not possible to run main engine with electric motor engaged. Forget regen that's what the generator is for.

That would be my dream power setup for an off grid canal boat. Maybe a bit of solar as well but not too much. Diesel is still the king and will be for a while. It gives you range and flexibility.


You wouldn't need much battery as the electric-only option would mostly be for close quarters maneuvering.