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Sensible Electric Boat Designs that Provide a New
Paradigm in Extended Cruising With Electric Power
It is time to rethink the role of the electric boat. We all know that
electric power is quiet, economical to operate and environmentally friendly
both locally and globally. Although ideal for short excursions and entertaining
friends, longer cruises are now possible with the right design and power
system. Efficient hulls with weight capacity for batteries and new motor
technologies provide range and capabilities beyond those of traditional
electric boats. Add solar panels for off the grid battery charging and
a cabin for more time on the water and you have a new paradigm for cruising
fun. Hybrid propulsion systems are now available for larger cruising
boats with synergistic total system benefits in terms of energy utilization.
Economical construction makes these boats available at a fraction of
the expensive electric production boats.
Do you want to save money,
make a difference environmentally and have more relaxing fun on the
water?
If so ...read on!
- ELECTRIC
SKIFF 15 is designed specifically to be powered efficiently
by an electric outboard or trolling motor and is an easy boat
to build for entry into the fun of electric boating.
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- REDWING
18 has a new SOLAR Electric option. It is an economically
built boat with an efficient hull form and is ideally suited
for the latest technology in electric outboard propulsion. The
new motor technology will power the REDWING 18 up to 5 knots
or more, with 3.5 to 4 knots more economical creek crawling
speed. Weight capacity for two banks of batteries provide over
24 hours of economical cruising. Combined with an easily trailering
capability, and you have unlimited cruising range in areas like
the Chesapeake Bay, intracoastal waterways and canals. Add a
few solar panels to charge a second bank of batteries while
underway and the possibilities are even better. The cabin is
suitable for camp cruising and private facilities for mixed
crews and extended outings, a feature not available on any other
electric boat her size currently on the market.
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- REDWING
21 HT - Redwing 21 hard top solar charging version is
a new addition to the redwing fleet. Solar panels extend range
while cruising and provide off the grid charging capability.
Power is the new Torqueedo Cruise 4.0 or modified outboard with
E-tec pancake motor if you prefer a DIY power version. The Redwing
21 has ample weight capacity for two banks of 6 volt or 12 volt
batteries.
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- REDWING
HYBRID 40 - Hybrid with new powering option made possible
by the latest technology in electric power. The heart of the
propulsion package is a new hybrid diesel with electric motor
in the power train. This technology produces an integrated electric
system that is more efficient, costs less and saves operating
costs than individual propulsion and separate generators common
on yachts today. The Skipper will have infinite speed control
at their fingertips for docking and locking. Under electric
power, there is no need to clutch in and out to maintain control
with the engine running at idle burning fuel even if not going
anywhere. As with all new technologies, many of the advantages
haven’t even been fully imagined. Solar panels on the
pilothouse top complete the energy efficient approach. While
current solar panels aren’t efficient for primary propulsion
for boats of this size and the sun only offers a relatively
small window of peak charging hours, solar recharge will supplement
overall power usage.
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- AURORA
40 - We have been working on a hybrid version of the
AURORA 40 as an electric yacht. The same new integrated powering
system mentioned above for the REDWING 40 Hybrid can be used
effectively on the AURORA 40. This is pure class in a very quiet
economical cruising package. Electric power allows full sound
and vibration isolation for extremely quiet operation. She has
ample space for solar panels on the house top without looking
awkward as with many new solar powered boats.
We are also involved in the application of new fuel cell technology
in marine applications. Range and efficiency are greatly improved
with the new exciting technology.
Chesapeake Marine Design will be help you with specific requirements
in electric boat and electric system design. We have hull kits
for each of these designs. Whether you build yourself or have
a boat built professionally; you will save considerable construction
time.
Go Green, Make A Difference and Have Fun Too!
Please contact us at karl@cmdboats.com
for more information on electric boats and download our informative
paper.
PDIY Solar Power for Electric Boats - How To Notes and Resources
$15 [pdf] download.
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