Electric Motor Options

The following is a comparison of three different electric drives for the sailboat.

1. If you have the time and skills, I suggest the conversion of an old, gas powered Yamaha as one of the best options available. First, you would be redirecting what was a dead outboard motor destined for the dump back into active use. Second, it can be powered from renewable energy sources such as solar or fuel cells. All the parts are reliable, readily available off the shelf, and easily installed. The basic system would cost approximately $1,500 for a 2 horsepower solar-based system. It would also give you the option of speeds well beyond that available from an electric trolling motor system.

2. I recommend the Minn Kota salt-water Riptide trolling motor system RT202EM. Price is around $1,500 US. This unit is very flexible and at approximately 4 horsepower, it can be scaled back to a single 2 horsepower motor arrangement and operate from a wide range of voltages. This flexibility makes it very compatible for use with the PC5 fuel cell, requiring a minimum of peripheral electrical conditioning equipment. Its mounting method lends it perfectly to hybrid operation permitting greater safety in situations requiring greater thrust than the electric drive can normally supply. However, as there is only one available propeller with a 4-inch pitch, the top speed of the boat is limited to approximately 4 miles per hour. Our boat reached this maximum speed using between 550 and 600 watts, less than 1 horsepower. This does leave room to reach greater speeds, if a propeller with more pitch were found or made. I also suggest that a Kort nozzle be added to the system to improve the overall efficiency of the system, thereby requiring even less power to reach the same results.
Hybrid system - Minn Kota mounted on gas outboard
3. Designed to be quiet for environmentally sensitive waters, this 4 horsepower Electric Outboard provides plenty of power for trolling and primary propulsion. Please refer to the data sheet.
4. The Whisper XT has outstanding specifications and it would appear to be an excellent choice. Please see the data sheet. It has a higher price than the first two options at $4,495 US. It will operate directly from either a Palcan PC5 system or a Horizon H1000 to H5000 system. The H5000 would require a Zahn DC to DC down converter.