@@sviriecat We are like you, sailing everywhere, motoring the last half-mile. We have one motor from Electric-Volt (approx. 20hp), connected to 4 X 200amp AGM batteries, running our 48v electric motor, charging with an external-gasoline generator or shore power. Right now we are marinating on a way to get rid of the generator.
Thanks for the update. So glad things are going well. I've been considering a similar project in two years. So, I'm doing my research and coming up with a plan (COA's)(Yes, I'm military :) ). Make was actually one of our first choices (I like the Duo layout). So a 36-40' sailing cat, remove the mast, fabricate a large roof to house solar and use a kite system for the sailing assist (more like e-sailing since I'm not quite sure how fast the kite alone would propel the vessel). Instead of pods/shaft drive (due to hauling for service, corrosion, hauling for maintenance & just the "hole in the hull"), was looking at the new ePropulsion X12 outboards. Now, I know putting outboards on the sugarscoops is not as effective as below the waterline (everything is a tradeoff), what's your thoughts on my initial thinking? The outboard steering is electric, no hydraulics and I've already emailed the company about SW addition to add joystick (docking) feature if incorporating two X12's. Thanks !
Going back to our video, I completely realize that everyone has their own approach to this. My personal approach is that I would not consider doing it without sails. So, I would not remove the mast and the sails, would use them. I don't know much about Kiting, but I feel that the sails would be more productive and versatile. I like the outboard idea though! My last thought is to make it as simple as possible. Things go wrong and when they do, the simpler the system the better. The best of luck to you and I'm happy to help where ever I can.
Thank you for update! Interesting info on batteries, side note I just found out Torqeedo batteries 48v are used in the latest Americas cup boats gorbthe electronic control of the complicated ( understatement) systems . I have a friend fitting 2 electric 12 Torqeedo outboards to a catamaran house boat and he is interested in if you have any performance figures. Do you have an estimate what range you have at say 4-5 knots infill batteries are at say 20%? Do you know what speed you can run at say 200amp max for a few minutes for say entering a narrow cut with tides against? Cheers Warren
Cool to hear about the Americas Cup boats! I ran these #'s Power Usage: tested on a day with 5-7 knots of wind 1 motor at 1kw = 3 knots; 2kw = 4.1 knots; 3kw = 4.7 knots 2 motors at 3.1kw = 6 knots I feel these #'s are quite specific to our boat which is light. My estimate would be 15-20 miles to answer your question. Wind and waves against you will diminish these numbers. Another estimate on your speed question would be 8k (max hull speed). We have come into cuts in the Exuma Cays fighting the current and were able to easily make way. It sounds like your friend has a fun project!
@@sviriecat that’s great, thank you so much! I’m trying to talk him into getting a better platform for his project , specifically a light wt sailing catamaran , removing worn out sailing rig and probably a single central engine they did on older models like Gemini etc . He doesn’t need a power cat hull as they are designed for more power, ‘too draggy’. If he can cruise at 4-6knts he will be happy, short distances is fine for him too. Cheers Warren
Thank you for the update. I have the Fountaine Pajot Athena 38ft. Basically the same boat as yours. I was going to install two Epropulsion 6kw motors. My style of sailing is similar to yours. Go when tides, weather and wind are favorable. My destination is Bahamas & FL Keys. Do you think 6kw motors would be sufficient? At one time you mentioned to me you rarely used more than 3kw of power. Thank you... Dave in TX.
I do think 6kw is enough. If I did it all over I would probably do 6kw. That being said, I feel our boat is very light and don't want to speak for the Athena. Are you close to installation?
@@sviriecat Yes I am close to buying the EPropulsion drives. I like the plug-and-play system. I have designed a way to lift the pods out of the water when at anchor or at the dock. Working on that now.
You asked a question that I had too. I am considering to put in 2 x 6 kW drives on my 38 foot cat, and at 6-7 tonnes weight I wonder if this is OK. Did you test the installation?
@@Lagoon380we have had our two 12kw motors for two seasons. We are happy with our setup but realize 6kw might be enough. Let me know if you have any other questions.
If the electric motors are this small and light wouldn't it be ideal to put them on some type of system that can lower and raise them out of the water? Less big holes in the hull, less corrosion, easier servicing. With a 500lb donk it's impossible but these electrics it's super easy. Then one centrally located 12k+ generator running diesel to charge battery and power motors as needed. So you can go silent or run Max with generator on powering the motors, galley, electrics, charge up etc. It just seems like we are throwing away the combustion engine too quick. And for what vain reason... Really wanna earn your burkenatocks and root juice shake? Run it on biodiesel.
This is the beauty of the project is that there are so many different directions you can go in. We had someone reach out who is working on creating a system where they can be lowered and raised. Which if it works is a good idea. As for us, the holes were there and we like spending our time in remote locations. Without access to diesel but with lots of sun, this project for us was a perfect solution.
Thanks for very interesting update! It is valuable to hear real-world experiences!
Thanks for reaching out!
Great video! We are an electric Bristol 35, having sailed 43 days from Brazil, currently anchored in Curacao.
How exciting! What type of setup do you have?
@@sviriecat We are like you, sailing everywhere, motoring the last half-mile. We have one motor from Electric-Volt (approx. 20hp), connected to 4 X 200amp AGM batteries, running our 48v electric motor, charging with an external-gasoline generator or shore power. Right now we are marinating on a way to get rid of the generator.
@@rainfingernice to hear about your setup. You will eventually find a way to remove the generator. Safe sailing!
Thanks for the update. So glad things are going well. I've been considering a similar project in two years. So, I'm doing my research and coming up with a plan (COA's)(Yes, I'm military :) ). Make was actually one of our first choices (I like the Duo layout). So a 36-40' sailing cat, remove the mast, fabricate a large roof to house solar and use a kite system for the sailing assist (more like e-sailing since I'm not quite sure how fast the kite alone would propel the vessel). Instead of pods/shaft drive (due to hauling for service, corrosion, hauling for maintenance & just the "hole in the hull"), was looking at the new ePropulsion X12 outboards. Now, I know putting outboards on the sugarscoops is not as effective as below the waterline (everything is a tradeoff), what's your thoughts on my initial thinking? The outboard steering is electric, no hydraulics and I've already emailed the company about SW addition to add joystick (docking) feature if incorporating two X12's.
Thanks !
Going back to our video, I completely realize that everyone has their own approach to this. My personal approach is that I would not consider doing it without sails. So, I would not remove the mast and the sails, would use them. I don't know much about Kiting, but I feel that the sails would be more productive and versatile. I like the outboard idea though! My last thought is to make it as simple as possible. Things go wrong and when they do, the simpler the system the better. The best of luck to you and I'm happy to help where ever I can.
Thank you for update! Interesting info on batteries, side note I just found out Torqeedo batteries 48v are used in the latest Americas cup boats gorbthe electronic control of the complicated ( understatement) systems .
I have a friend fitting 2 electric 12 Torqeedo outboards to a catamaran house boat and he is interested in if you have any performance figures.
Do you have an estimate what range you have at say 4-5 knots infill batteries are at say 20%?
Do you know what speed you can run at say 200amp max for a few minutes for say entering a narrow cut with tides against?
Cheers Warren
Cool to hear about the Americas Cup boats! I ran these #'s Power Usage: tested on a day with 5-7 knots of wind
1 motor at 1kw = 3 knots; 2kw = 4.1 knots; 3kw = 4.7 knots
2 motors at 3.1kw = 6 knots
I feel these #'s are quite specific to our boat which is light. My estimate would be 15-20 miles to answer your question. Wind and waves against you will diminish these numbers. Another estimate on your speed question would be 8k (max hull speed). We have come into cuts in the Exuma Cays fighting the current and were able to easily make way. It sounds like your friend has a fun project!
@@sviriecat that’s great, thank you so much!
I’m trying to talk him into getting a better platform for his project , specifically a light wt sailing catamaran , removing worn out sailing rig and probably a single central engine they did on older models like Gemini etc .
He doesn’t need a power cat hull as they are designed for more power, ‘too draggy’. If he can cruise at 4-6knts he will be happy, short distances is fine for him too.
Cheers Warren
@@Cheers_Warren Yes, sounds good!
Thank you for the update. I have the Fountaine Pajot Athena 38ft. Basically the same boat as yours. I was going to install two Epropulsion 6kw motors. My style of sailing is similar to yours. Go when tides, weather and wind are favorable. My destination is Bahamas & FL Keys. Do you think 6kw motors would be sufficient? At one time you mentioned to me you rarely used more than 3kw of power. Thank you... Dave in TX.
I do think 6kw is enough. If I did it all over I would probably do 6kw. That being said, I feel our boat is very light and don't want to speak for the Athena. Are you close to installation?
@@sviriecat Yes I am close to buying the EPropulsion drives. I like the plug-and-play system. I have designed a way to lift the pods out of the water when at anchor or at the dock. Working on that now.
@@DavidMozingoREALTORwe look forward to hearing about it!
You asked a question that I had too. I am considering to put in 2 x 6 kW drives on my 38 foot cat, and at 6-7 tonnes weight I wonder if this is OK. Did you test the installation?
@@Lagoon380we have had our two 12kw motors for two seasons. We are happy with our setup but realize 6kw might be enough. Let me know if you have any other questions.
If the electric motors are this small and light wouldn't it be ideal to put them on some type of system that can lower and raise them out of the water? Less big holes in the hull, less corrosion, easier servicing.
With a 500lb donk it's impossible but these electrics it's super easy. Then one centrally located 12k+ generator running diesel to charge battery and power motors as needed. So you can go silent or run Max with generator on powering the motors, galley, electrics, charge up etc.
It just seems like we are throwing away the combustion engine too quick. And for what vain reason... Really wanna earn your burkenatocks and root juice shake? Run it on biodiesel.
This is the beauty of the project is that there are so many different directions you can go in. We had someone reach out who is working on creating a system where they can be lowered and raised. Which if it works is a good idea. As for us, the holes were there and we like spending our time in remote locations. Without access to diesel but with lots of sun, this project for us was a perfect solution.