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Electric Boat Conversion - Is Going Hybrid The Right Choice?

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Miles
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Electric Boat Conversion - Is Going Hybrid The Right Choice?

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Boating enthusiasts are beginning to explore the option of electric boat conversions. This is mainly because the cost of fuel is increasing and many areas have banned red diesel. An electric boat conversion could save boaters money and be environmentally friendly. In this article, we will explore the various options for an electric boat conversion and highlight some of the challenges.


Options for Electric Conversion


There are a few options available when it comes to electric conversion. Air-cooled, liquid-cooled, brushless, or with brushes. Of these options, a brushless liquid-cooled motor is the best choice. However, the cost is a significant issue. For instance, a Lynch motor pancake model costs between £4,000 to £5,000, while a commercial liquid-cooled motor from Fischer Panda can cost up to £25,000.


The Lynch pancake motor is narrow and can be easily fitted into an existing engine system to form a hybrid. However, the brushes need replacing, and they are air-cooled, they are also a bit overpriced. On the other hand, brushless motors are far superior and usually found in old forklift drive motors. They are torquey and strong, making them a better option than something less powerful.



The Crown motor is a common forklift drive motor in the US, making it the best option for an air-cooled motor. In Asia, brushless DC motors are now cheaper than conventional motors produced elsewhere. However, their quality doesn't quite fit the bill, and the products are mainly just copies of other brands. Hence, research and looking around are essential before purchasing a motor.


Battery Challenges


Batteries are the main challenge when it comes to electric boat conversion. Leisure batteries commonly used on boats and caravans are not good enough to power an electric boat. They are only suitable for running a fridge or lights and don't last very long. This is a significant problem since electric boats require a lot of power to run.


Solar panels are an excellent way to top up batteries and keep the bilge pump working or to keep the fridge going. However, they're not enough to charge the batteries fully. It would take four or five sunny days to charge a single flat battery with a solar panel. Hence, having 20-30 batteries on a boat to power it is impractical since they could weigh up to half a ton. Lithium batteries or AGM are the best options, but they're expensive. Furthermore, many boaters opt for six-volt batteries with thick metal plates that can handle deep discharge more effectively. The only drawback is that they cost £300 each.


Keeping Batteries Charged


Keeping the batteries charged is a significant challenge with electric boats. No matter how many solar panels or wind turbines are available, the batteries will always need charging. This is a constant issue since boaters can't have an infinite number of batteries on a boat. Even with access to electricity, charging batteries can be a pain.

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