Thanks for the comments, Eric and Kees. It's been a learning experience, and the good part is that I didn't need to build the controller, everything was labeled, and it didn't require any welding, just some work on the drill press. I think that Torqeedo, ePropulsion, and EPCarry have fantastic products. But since a lot of us are OK with building a boat (or two), I wanted to see what was possible on the electrified propulsion side of things. And the Johnnyrude legs are pretty bulletproof...as long as they've got oil in the tranny and the shifter arm didn't get clobbered!
I have to credit Charles Mathys with putting a lot of his experiences working with electric motors into book form. I was very leery of on-line scooter motors before I bought one to test. So far it's survived the test tank...now it's going to get a real-world workout, and we'll see if it survives! If not, I'm looking at a bunch of new candidates to try out...but I'm sticking with my "frugal sailor" approach. One very interesting (and potentially useful) trend: drones and electric planes are driving a lot of light, high power, and fairly low-cost advanced motor and controller technologies.
Excellent article and very informative. I am currently building a 10' inboard launch from the drawing board of Weston Farmer called "Irreducible". It was designed in the mid 1940's and specified a 1-2 hp single cylinder "make and brake" type engine with an open flywheel. For a variety of reasons, I'm seriously considering electric propulsion, and your article has been very helpful relative to sources of information and equipment. Thanks, much appreciated!
That project sounds perfect for a smallish electric motor and battery bank. I figure that a 1 kW motor is equivalent to 3 HP, which suggests an even smaller motor than what I got. But I do love those old gas engines. Their claim to fame is that they are easy to work on and super reliable...and they needed to be! And nowadays they draw a big crowd at the boat shows.
Wow, thank you for an interesting article. Many years ago I got an associate degree in electronics, so long ago that emphasis was on vacuum tubes, so I can follow along but parts of this go over my head. However, I am looking forward to the on-the-water tests!
This is quite brilliant. Most of spare time hobby indulgence is wood work just now, but I’m starting to get distracted by the fascinating world of electronics (which at a basic level needs a lot less tools, space and equipment). I can just about wire up an LED without blowing it. But it’s a testament to Jerry your writing that a novice like myself can follow what you are writing.
I’m sat 5 minutes from a beach just now so maybe one day I will return to this consider building my own outboard engine. Got to build a boat first though…
Sounds as though you really though this project through. Enough details so the reader can emulate your work.
Thanks for the comments, Eric and Kees. It's been a learning experience, and the good part is that I didn't need to build the controller, everything was labeled, and it didn't require any welding, just some work on the drill press. I think that Torqeedo, ePropulsion, and EPCarry have fantastic products. But since a lot of us are OK with building a boat (or two), I wanted to see what was possible on the electrified propulsion side of things. And the Johnnyrude legs are pretty bulletproof...as long as they've got oil in the tranny and the shifter arm didn't get clobbered!
What can I say but WOW! What an amazing job of spelling out what really is a complex changeover. I'd call you a pioneer....
I have to credit Charles Mathys with putting a lot of his experiences working with electric motors into book form. I was very leery of on-line scooter motors before I bought one to test. So far it's survived the test tank...now it's going to get a real-world workout, and we'll see if it survives! If not, I'm looking at a bunch of new candidates to try out...but I'm sticking with my "frugal sailor" approach. One very interesting (and potentially useful) trend: drones and electric planes are driving a lot of light, high power, and fairly low-cost advanced motor and controller technologies.
I can't wait for episode number two: On the Water Testing. Very well explained and referenced!
Excellent article and very informative. I am currently building a 10' inboard launch from the drawing board of Weston Farmer called "Irreducible". It was designed in the mid 1940's and specified a 1-2 hp single cylinder "make and brake" type engine with an open flywheel. For a variety of reasons, I'm seriously considering electric propulsion, and your article has been very helpful relative to sources of information and equipment. Thanks, much appreciated!
That project sounds perfect for a smallish electric motor and battery bank. I figure that a 1 kW motor is equivalent to 3 HP, which suggests an even smaller motor than what I got. But I do love those old gas engines. Their claim to fame is that they are easy to work on and super reliable...and they needed to be! And nowadays they draw a big crowd at the boat shows.
Wow, thank you for an interesting article. Many years ago I got an associate degree in electronics, so long ago that emphasis was on vacuum tubes, so I can follow along but parts of this go over my head. However, I am looking forward to the on-the-water tests!
~Kees~
This is quite brilliant. Most of spare time hobby indulgence is wood work just now, but I’m starting to get distracted by the fascinating world of electronics (which at a basic level needs a lot less tools, space and equipment). I can just about wire up an LED without blowing it. But it’s a testament to Jerry your writing that a novice like myself can follow what you are writing.
I’m sat 5 minutes from a beach just now so maybe one day I will return to this consider building my own outboard engine. Got to build a boat first though…
Thanks Substack algorithm for sharing this…
Thanks! More on this is coming soon. I'm now doing woodworking...and learning how to mill my own lumber.