Starside
Senior Member
Thanks for all of this information and for such a good discussion!
I wanted to address some of the questions, just for clarification.
FYI, the motor I'm installing is the Elco EP-1200 (12 h.p., up to 7 hours range, 33 nm, 106 amps) - and I already mentioned I'm installing 6 batteries, which Elco and my yard agree will give me ample range and power. (My boat's 27' and this motor has specs to 35'). For more info, check out Elco's website (search "Elco electric motor" and you'll get their site & technical specs).
That said, solar panels are NOT recommended because it won't be able to charge sufficiently if I do get into trouble.
My yard is recommending going with the gas generator, and I think I'll take that advice for now. I like the idea of an electric generator, but I think after reading everyone's comments here, the gas generator would be the most reliable.
Regarding adding more batteries, it's being discussed. My funds are tight with the conversion, so if I go with more batteries, it will have to be done later. My fuel tank would need to be removed to accomodate the extra batteries, and that's a big cost...
A large part of this will be trial and error. I will have a panel that will keep me informed of my range, but I was really just concerned about choppy seas and getting stuck in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay without a marina around. The good news is that I am a small picnic boat and will mostly hug the shoreline, so I don't expect to run into problems -- but we all know that things happen out there, so the gas generator is probably the best back-up.
Next season, I'll be able to test the performance of this motor. That's the real issue -- no one knows, but next summer, I suspect I'll know what there is to know about the conversion and can then adjust my power needs after I've gained the experience.
Meanwhile, thanks for this discussion! I learned a lot and just by reading everyone's comments and concerns, it seems like the gas generator is the best choice. Next season, though, I should be an expert on this...
I wanted to address some of the questions, just for clarification.
FYI, the motor I'm installing is the Elco EP-1200 (12 h.p., up to 7 hours range, 33 nm, 106 amps) - and I already mentioned I'm installing 6 batteries, which Elco and my yard agree will give me ample range and power. (My boat's 27' and this motor has specs to 35'). For more info, check out Elco's website (search "Elco electric motor" and you'll get their site & technical specs).
That said, solar panels are NOT recommended because it won't be able to charge sufficiently if I do get into trouble.
My yard is recommending going with the gas generator, and I think I'll take that advice for now. I like the idea of an electric generator, but I think after reading everyone's comments here, the gas generator would be the most reliable.
Regarding adding more batteries, it's being discussed. My funds are tight with the conversion, so if I go with more batteries, it will have to be done later. My fuel tank would need to be removed to accomodate the extra batteries, and that's a big cost...
A large part of this will be trial and error. I will have a panel that will keep me informed of my range, but I was really just concerned about choppy seas and getting stuck in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay without a marina around. The good news is that I am a small picnic boat and will mostly hug the shoreline, so I don't expect to run into problems -- but we all know that things happen out there, so the gas generator is probably the best back-up.
Next season, I'll be able to test the performance of this motor. That's the real issue -- no one knows, but next summer, I suspect I'll know what there is to know about the conversion and can then adjust my power needs after I've gained the experience.
Meanwhile, thanks for this discussion! I learned a lot and just by reading everyone's comments and concerns, it seems like the gas generator is the best choice. Next season, though, I should be an expert on this...