I was reading the manual looking up some info for a fellow Nonsuch owner on about the Standard Horizon 180i GPS receiver we both have the other day. I'm not one who tries to use all the bells and whistles of a newly installed technology all at once or rely on it exclusively. Especially when it comes to navigation. I start with the basic use and expand from there as my curiosity increases. While looking up some information about routing I came across the function of the "trip log" that can be configured to be placed on the various data screens of the 180i. Hmmm, I thought since I installed the 180i GPS unit the same time I installed my electric propulsion system in 2008 and I have never reset it. I was curious how many miles BIANKA has traveled since I installed my electric propulsion system. Turns out it is 856 miles. I would have guessed less but, there it is. Certainly, I probably did more sailing than motoring during those miles but, still the Thoosa 9000 electric propulsion system has preformed flawlessly and with virtually $0 dollars in maintenance costs since the installation. I could not say the same if I still had the old diesel on board.
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I'm curious about the electric-drive. I'm in the market for a sailboat in the 20-30k range. I'd be able to get some very good boats at good prices if I'm wishing to repower. The prices would be very attractive if I am willing to repower with an electric drive.
My question: would an electric drive with solar panels & generator be suitable for long term sustainable (away from shore power) in your opinion? Also, compared to your old Westerbeke 27, what average cruising speeds are you getting and for how long?
Cameron:
The short answer is absolutely! The situation I have is almost exactly what you describe (though I do have a 48 volt wind generator in the mix too). BIANKA is usually either on a mooring or at anchor and not often at a dock. I can easily achieve the usual 5 knot speed I did with my old diesel. Though for not as long because of the current limitations of battery storage technology. That said I have not noticed these limitations as a problem. For example I recently motored over four hours under electric propulsion because of no wind. I used battery for the first hour doing four knots. I then fired up the generator and was moving along at four knots and also charging five amps back into the 48 volt battery bank and also charging my 12 volt battery bank at the same time. I only stopped because the wind picked up and I started sailing again. I am glad I made the switch to electric propulsion. With a properly sized system and battery bank you should have no problems either.
Thanks for the info! Very helpfull. I checked your blog archives and there doesn't seem to be any posts about the repowering (except removing the engine). I think I have an idea about how much it will be, but were there any pitfalls? I think I'll take your advice about mechanics, lol.
Cameron:
I have a 20 part post(search: "going electric")or here:
http://biankablog.blogspot.com/2008/05/going-electric.html
of what the install was like starting
I think you'll find most of your time will be spent removing things associated with having a diesel engine on board.
I had the extra issue of having a V drive transmission which did not leave a lot of room to align the motor to the shaft. I hired a local yacht fitter to extend the stringers. I would not call it a pitfall and in the end it worked out quite well. If you have an straightline engine installation it will be an easier install.
Wooo! My searching skills are just inept (I read that you did the repower in 2008 but either that was wrong or you posted on your blog after, so I only searched 2007-2008)
Thanks again!
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