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Navigating the Waters of Electric Boat Conversions: A Comprehensive Guide

Vlog series on Youtube
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Miles
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Navigating the Waters of Electric Boat Conversions: A Comprehensive Guide

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Navigating the Waters of Electric Boat Conversions: A Comprehensive Guide

As the summer heat of June 2022 blankets the Norfolk Broads, a significant shift is underway in the world of boating. The aftermath of the COVID era has seen the prohibition of red diesel on pleasure boats, prompting enthusiasts to explore alternative options. Amidst the chaos of soaring fuel prices, the question arises — could there be a more opportune moment to embrace a full electric conversion for your boat?

Exploring the Options

In this article, we delve into the realm of electric boat conversions, dissecting the available choices for a seamless transition to a greener, more sustainable future. Miles, the host of the Broadly Boating YouTube channel, navigates us through the possibilities, particularly focusing on his sailboat conversion.

Without drowning in technicalities, Miles emphasises the critical decision between air-cooled and liquid-cooled electric motors, with or without brushes. Brushless, liquid-cooled motors are hailed as the optimum choice, but the real hurdle is the cost. Miles provides insights into various options, ranging from air-cooled pancake motors to professional-grade liquid-cooled motors, discussing their pros and cons.

The Motor Conundrum

As we tread the waters of electric boat conversions, the motor selection emerges as a pivotal decision. Miles advocates for brushless motors, citing the example of repurposing old forklift drive motors, especially those from the renowned Crown brand. The Asian market offers cost-effective alternatives, but Miles raises concerns about their quality, urging prospective converters to tread carefully in the world of imitations.

Battling the Battery Blues

While acquiring a suitable motor may seem like the easier part of the conversion journey, the real challenge surfaces when addressing the Achilles' heel of electric boating — the batteries. Miles candidly discusses the limitations of traditional leisure batteries, deeming them unfit for the demands of an electric boat. He highlights the positive impact of solar panels in topping up batteries but emphasises the impracticality of relying solely on them for deep cycle charging.

In a pragmatic turn, Miles proposes a solution adopted by many in the boating community — using six-volt batteries with robust metal plates designed to handle deep discharges more effectively. However, this remedy comes at a price, both literally and figuratively, as each battery costs a hefty £300. The struggle to balance cost and efficiency becomes evident in this intricate dance of power and affordability.

The Hybrid Solution

In the face of these challenges, Miles advocates for a pragmatic approach — hybridization. The crux of the matter, according to him, is incorporating a small diesel engine that can double as a generator alongside the electric motor. This dual functionality becomes essential for overcoming the perpetual challenge of keeping the batteries charged on an electric boat.

Miles acknowledges the complexity of this endeavour but deems it a necessary compromise in the current landscape. Whether cruising inland waters or coastal expanses, the hybrid solution seems to be the only viable path forward, especially considering the unpredictable nature of battery-powered boats.

Conclusion and Community Engagement

As Miles concludes his insights, he invites fellow boat enthusiasts to share their suggestions and experiences in the comments section. The evolving landscape of electric boat conversions demands a collaborative effort, and Miles commits to updating viewers on this captivating subject. In an era where fuel prices are skyrocketing, the quest for sustainable boating solutions becomes not just a personal journey but a shared endeavour for the entire boating community.

In the midst of this sea of change, one thing remains certain — the waves of electric boat conversions are undeniably making a splash, and navigating these waters requires a blend of innovation, pragmatism, and a community united by a common passion for the open seas.
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