[Public-List] More on move from Gray Marine gas to Yanmar

[Gordon Laco]

The rep for my winch supplier in Holland tells me that he has had an
electric aux in his boat for some years. The boat is a 32' Tumlare type;
very much like Adlard Coles' COHOE and of the same vintage.  The electric
system is about four years old.

He says that the electric drive is excellent with regard to the ability to
keep weight (predominantly the batteries) very low and amidships.  He likes
the instant on nature of the power and for maneauvring about docks it is
great.  There is ample thrust for shunting around in sheltered water; and
adequate thrust for 'motoring' short distances in moderate conditions.

It is not so great when powering into a headsea for any length of time; for
example there have been times when he could not exit or on other occasions
enter harbours against wind an chop were the channels were long and too
narrow to beat.  Higher power settings deplete the battery at an
exponentially faster rate than lower settings - so beware range claims.
4.5kts for a few hours in a dead calm uses a small fraction of the battery
life consumed by minutes at full power going to windward in a chop.

He said he likes the idea of the uniqueness and the cleanliness; but said he
would not recommend electric power for a cruising boat unless there was a
permanantly fitted diesel generator.

Gord 
#426 Surprise 



> Yo Dan,
> 
> I would still REALLY like to see a write-up with some pix on your electric
> installation!
> 
> Later,
> 
> J
> > 


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