How would I convert to electric power

[vin man]

My ultimate goal is to have a boat like this one:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/boa/2557796199.html

15' Steury tri-hull electric boat. Seats 6. Two 12 volt motors. 4 new marine batteries. New boat cover. Detachable bimini top. In-line charger. Life jackets. Fishing equip.
Spare marine battery and power inverter to run lights in Christmas Boat Parade

Obviously this owner used his boat on the lake in his community. I would like to do the same. I just purchased the 15 foot tri-hull, but it currently has a 50hp outboard motor on it. Any direction on what I need to purchase in order to do this conversion? While it is obvious I need the trolling motors and batteries, what is not obvious is how to connect steering or throttle control.

Thanks.

-Vinny

 

[dwco5051]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

The steering part should not be to hard to rig up linkage between the two motors and then use your existing steering cable. Depending on what motors you plan on using the throttle will take a little more thought. There are newer motors you can operate off a remote control.

The other option since you have three family members to crew is sit one in the back between the motors and bark orders to them from the helm

 

[vin man]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

Barking is an option but they don't listen to me know. Not sure how being on he boat would be different.

The steering part should not be to hard to rig up linkage between the two motors and then use your existing steering cable. Depending on what motors you plan on using the throttle will take a little more thought. There are newer motors you can operate off a remote control.

The other option since you have three family members to crew is sit one in the back between the motors and bark orders to them from the helm

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

Since you saw a picture and decided you need to do this, you also need to realize that 3 mph (yes -- three) will be top end on this boat after the conversion!! And since there are two trollers, they will need to be 50# thrust or more. That equates to 46 amps EACH or 92 amps total at full throttle. So you will need a minimum of two very large deep cycles (group 31's) and depending on how large the lake is, four of them. Then those batteries will need to be charged with a very large on-board or protable charger with about 20 amps for each output. Those are not cheap chargers. The total weight of this setup will be very close to what the outboard weighs and takes up a fair amount of space. If you are not in a hurry to get anywhere -- go for it. But I hope your passengers are very "understanding" when you get caught in the middle of the lake during a thundershower. Send us pictures and the total cost of this venture.

 

[vin man]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

Since you saw a picture and decided you need to do this, you also need to realize that 3 mph (yes -- three) will be top end on this boat after the conversion!! And since there are two trollers, they will need to be 50# thrust or more. That equates to 46 amps EACH or 92 amps total at full throttle. So you will need a minimum of two very large deep cycles (group 31's) and depending on how large the lake is, four of them. Then those batteries will need to be charged with a very large on-board or protable charger with about 20 amps for each output. Those are not cheap chargers. The total weight of this setup will be very close to what the outboard weighs and takes up a fair amount of space. If you are not in a hurry to get anywhere -- go for it. But I hope your passengers are very "understanding" when you get caught in the middle of the lake during a thundershower. Send us pictures and the total cost of this venture.

Great input Silvertip. Thanks. I have no idea what I am getting into. I do know that the 10hp outboard motor I have moves around fast enough. I just finished removing the 50hp off the boat. Tomorrow, I plan to put the 10hp on and we'll give it a go. I will plan to just sit in the back of the boat and control the outboard from there.

I really appreciate the input on the electric setup and the downfalls associated with it.

 

[vin man]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

The owner of the electric boat did respond to my request for pictures of his setup. I am attaching those pics here for reference:

 

[vin man]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

 

[nwcove]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

i have seen electric outboards on youtube.....do a search!

 

[dwco5051]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

The picture of the steering linkage is pretty straight forward. It appears that the parts used to construct it would be available at any commercial HVAC supply house as they are the same as are used to control dampers and valves. Without know exactly what motors he is using I am not sure how it is wired.

 

[5150abf]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

What you wnat is called a Torqeedo, it is an electric outboard made to use on a boat so there is no messing with steering and it should be alot more efficient than 2 trollers and they have them here at iboats http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Parts-Ac...4088--keywords.torqeedo--**********.687166005

 

[steelespike]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

While there are electric motors that will plane a boat typically max practical speed would be about 6 mph. While the trihull has lots of room in a relatively small hull its really a poor shape to try to push at displacement speeds.A sailboat hull like the 17' Thistle would move faster with less power. A canoe shape would work well too. maybe 2 18 ft canoes with a light deck.
If the lake is sheltered an 18 ft or more pontoon would push easily.
I would remove all the lounges and use plastic deck chairs and furniture.
Stick steering like that for an outboard or simple metal conduit pipe linkage with a stick you
push forward for port pull back for starboard.

 

[BonairII]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

Just curious....WHY do you want to use electric motors only?

 

[pootnic]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

I know theres a 13KW outboard made by aqua watt;say it equals around a 20hp.
Just under 10 grand,o yeah,you will need their battery also.
It is pretty nice though,theres a few videos on youtube.
They also make an inboard motor that equivalent to a 30hp.

 

[vin man]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

Thanks to everyone for the input on this. I took the boat out this weekend and used the 10hp Outboard we have and I was very pleased. I no longer believe I will be satisfied with the electric motor only boat and am cancelling this project.

I do appreciate the input and feedback to date. I won't close this thread yet, in case there are any last comments. Thanks again.

-Vinny

 

[vin man]

Re: How would I convert to electric power

Moderators,

As the author of the post, I thought I would have authority to close this thread. However, it looks like I cannot do so. Pls close at your leisure. Thank you.

 

[smasterson2]

My ultimate goal is to have a boat like this one:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/boa/2557796199.html

Obviously this owner used his boat on the lake in his community. I would like to do the same. I just purchased the 15 foot tri-hull, but it currently has a 50hp outboard motor on it. Any direction on what I need to purchase in order to do this conversion? While it is obvious I need the trolling motors and batteries, what is not obvious is how to connect steering or throttle control.

Thanks.

-Vinny

I don't know if you ever did a conversion, but things have changed in the last few years. Here's the one I did:

https://electrek.co/2016/08/11/enthusiast-builds-all-electric-speed-boat-tesla-battery-modules/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my0TX3INjSk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRqcp4Tzzrg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcIyKLs5VW0

 

[GA_Boater]

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