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Post by bargemast on Apr 25, 2019 12:37:49 GMT
Well back on my mooring, its been a trouble free trip apart from an annoying whine from either the motor or the controller, it starts after about 20 mins stops if I cut power and comes back on again after maybe 30 seconds. I have turned of the solar so that the batteries are sat at 60 odd% as I dont need them for a while, I will have to have a go at diagnosing the issue before the next run, as the warranty runs out on the controller in June. For me this project has been a success as it ticks all the boxes Well Peter, little by little you're convincing me, and I'm at a stage now that I will go electric too, after I've become rich (which isn't likely to happen in a hurry). If I don't become rich, I will go electric when I can afford it, which hopefully be a bit earlier, if I'm that lucky . Peter.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2019 13:16:56 GMT
Electric must be wicked on lock flights. Instant torque at low power consumption, when its off its off so no idling, silent, no smoke etc.
Not sure about long days cruising though.
I reckon the way ahead for a normal canal boat say a 50ft nb would be to have a replacement rudder fabricated with a 7kw pod motor in it. And keep the existing diesel.
That would be my "Rolls Royce" option but unfortunately pod motors even the small ones are silly money.
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Post by Jim on Apr 25, 2019 15:39:06 GMT
Electric must be wicked on lock flights. Instant torque at low power consumption, when its off its off so no idling, silent, no smoke etc. Not sure about long days cruising though. I reckon the way ahead for a normal canal boat say a 50ft nb would be to have a replacement rudder fabricated with a 7kw pod motor in it. And keep the existing diesel. That would be my "Rolls Royce" option but unfortunately pod motors even the small ones are silly money. That would be brilliant, the bonus being the steering capabilities of an outboard. Reversing and slow manoeuvring a doddle.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2019 16:39:21 GMT
The only thing which bothers me about it is the drag from the pod propeller when using the main engine and would it have a negative effect on the steering.
I suppose as the main engine would only be used at higher speeds the fine rudder control would be less critical and at low speeds you would have full directional control as you would be using the pod.
I'd love to try this on my boat but the pods really are too much money for what you get.
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Post by Jim on Apr 25, 2019 17:42:44 GMT
The only thing which bothers me about it is the drag from the pod propeller when using the main engine and would it have a negative effect on the steering. I suppose as the main engine would only be used at higher speeds the fine rudder control would be less critical and at low speeds you would have full directional control as you would be using the pod. I'd love to try this on my boat but the pods really are too much money for what you get. Might not be an utter waste, the spinning pod prop might charge your batteries.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2019 17:45:42 GMT
Yes its possible. That does seem to work with sailing boats.
Regen option would be nice. I think prop fouling would be a nuisance though in rubbish ridden canals and it would be quite tricky to get to the prop. May be worth carrying a special pole mounted tool to clear it from the canal bank.
Pair of secateurs on the end of a 10ft aluminium pole?
Or maybe even an averruncator
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Post by peterboat on Apr 25, 2019 21:52:25 GMT
I looked at going Hybrid first, however they have their own problems, higher fuel consumption when in diesel engine mode, a higher power electric motor needed because of gearbox being turned, and no reduction of license to CRT, and that without the complexity of it as well. People say to me it cant work but it does for me and thats because I dont really want to spend all day cruising anymore, for me and a lot of others 2-3 hours a day is enough sometimes its to much!! I will with luck post a video of the conversion and a bit of silent cruising as long as my film crew can do it
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2019 22:16:17 GMT
I think parallel hybrid ie electric drive to existing propshaft with diesel engine still useable is always going to be a nuisance thats why I would do the pod option plus it would mean directional thrust by rudder steering which while slightly odd would be quite handy specially around locks.
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Post by peterboat on Apr 26, 2019 0:00:38 GMT
I think parallel hybrid ie electric drive to existing propshaft with diesel engine still useable is always going to be a nuisance thats why I would do the pod option plus it would mean directional thrust by rudder steering which while slightly odd would be quite handy specially around locks. It does have the advantage of charging the drive batteries rapidly from the electric motor though, something that your pod idea has missing, however to be able to reverse in a straight line bliss
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