Thanks for publishing your data in a clear format, Chelcie...3 knots and drawing only 350 watts of power; 850 watts at 4 knots. Less than 2 kW running at more than "hull speed," if I'm reading the numbers right, even with a dirty bottom. Folks don't appreciate how LITTLE electrical power it actually takes to move a well-designed boat. Sounds like the Ilmor outboard is doing just fine. Any comments on prop selection?
Congratulations to the owner, designer and builders on constructing the interesting, electric propelled shantyboat “Hideaway”. Very respectfully, some comments in the article that one may wish to reconsider are the ones around an all in towing weight of 4,500 pounds and a towing capacity of the vehicle to tow at 5,000 pounds. That would be right on the line, with little margin for error. Especially when one has to take into account gross vehicle weights (“GVW”) that many different jurisdictions require in the calculations determining the correct towing capacity of a vehicle. GVW will include number and weight of passengers, weight of other gear within the vehicle, vehicle posted weight, and amount of fuel being carried plus the towed trailer weight. Also, a boat like Hideaway will be prone to having much more than 260 pounds of additional gear on board. The nicer, bigger bar-b-que, extra traps, maybe a small skiff on the boat deck, guest luggage and gear, etc. A vehicle with 7,000 to 7500 pounds towing capacity would be a safer, more practical choice with a decent margin for error. The difference in cost between a vehicle with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and one that has a rating of 7,000 - 7500 pounds is minimal. The slight extra cost would be well worth the peace of mind.
And, Very VERY nicely built boat! I seen a few that seemed intersting but no... your build is "like new" production model build... that makes me consider.... Congrats
This has to be the most efficient Shanty boat ever built. I'm so impressed. Chelcie, did you have the time to test different props, most of the eboats I see being built are going with larger props with higher pitches. Do you know if TurnPoint design will cut the panels for another boat if requested?
Well presented bit of research. Further evidence that if you take your time, you go further. It would be interesting to see a graphic presentation of range vs speed. Perhaps next season . . .
I appreciate the effort put into documenting the actual power consumption. I built a 25 cat ketch with a Torqeedo pod drive and I “am going to get around to documenting it”. Reading your article may jog me into action. I really enjoy the electric drive on my boat, instant power when maneuvering.
Additional information on the current layout of HIDEAWAY's stern, pictures of the growth on her bottom when hauled out, and the reason she has two bow eyes are in the November 26, 2025 Flotsam & Jetsam column.
I have toyed with electric power but don't have the means as yet to purchase the new tech motors, batteries and solar but would like to one day! This info is very helpful, thanks! I also see the drop rudder off the stern. It appears off set with the motor mounted off a bit too. Is the rudder absolutely needed? BestRoy
The rudder definitely improved steering over just using the motor for steering. Also, the rudder allows the boat to be steered even with the motor off, if she is moving fast enough. The motor is mounted on the centerline. There is a better picture showing the details of the stern in the November 26, 2025 Flotsam & Jetsam article.
Thanks for publishing your data in a clear format, Chelcie...3 knots and drawing only 350 watts of power; 850 watts at 4 knots. Less than 2 kW running at more than "hull speed," if I'm reading the numbers right, even with a dirty bottom. Folks don't appreciate how LITTLE electrical power it actually takes to move a well-designed boat. Sounds like the Ilmor outboard is doing just fine. Any comments on prop selection?
Congratulations to the owner, designer and builders on constructing the interesting, electric propelled shantyboat “Hideaway”. Very respectfully, some comments in the article that one may wish to reconsider are the ones around an all in towing weight of 4,500 pounds and a towing capacity of the vehicle to tow at 5,000 pounds. That would be right on the line, with little margin for error. Especially when one has to take into account gross vehicle weights (“GVW”) that many different jurisdictions require in the calculations determining the correct towing capacity of a vehicle. GVW will include number and weight of passengers, weight of other gear within the vehicle, vehicle posted weight, and amount of fuel being carried plus the towed trailer weight. Also, a boat like Hideaway will be prone to having much more than 260 pounds of additional gear on board. The nicer, bigger bar-b-que, extra traps, maybe a small skiff on the boat deck, guest luggage and gear, etc. A vehicle with 7,000 to 7500 pounds towing capacity would be a safer, more practical choice with a decent margin for error. The difference in cost between a vehicle with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and one that has a rating of 7,000 - 7500 pounds is minimal. The slight extra cost would be well worth the peace of mind.
Once again, congratulations. Nice boat.
And, Very VERY nicely built boat! I seen a few that seemed intersting but no... your build is "like new" production model build... that makes me consider.... Congrats
This has to be the most efficient Shanty boat ever built. I'm so impressed. Chelcie, did you have the time to test different props, most of the eboats I see being built are going with larger props with higher pitches. Do you know if TurnPoint design will cut the panels for another boat if requested?
Tim E
Well presented bit of research. Further evidence that if you take your time, you go further. It would be interesting to see a graphic presentation of range vs speed. Perhaps next season . . .
I love the interior of that boat! What is the headroom like?
The minimum headroom along the center aisle is 6'3" under the athwartship beams. Those are to only places our 6'3'' son must be careful when walking.
That’s huge!
Great article and a wonderful boat. Thanks!!
I appreciate the effort put into documenting the actual power consumption. I built a 25 cat ketch with a Torqeedo pod drive and I “am going to get around to documenting it”. Reading your article may jog me into action. I really enjoy the electric drive on my boat, instant power when maneuvering.
Additional information on the current layout of HIDEAWAY's stern, pictures of the growth on her bottom when hauled out, and the reason she has two bow eyes are in the November 26, 2025 Flotsam & Jetsam column.
I have toyed with electric power but don't have the means as yet to purchase the new tech motors, batteries and solar but would like to one day! This info is very helpful, thanks! I also see the drop rudder off the stern. It appears off set with the motor mounted off a bit too. Is the rudder absolutely needed? BestRoy
The rudder definitely improved steering over just using the motor for steering. Also, the rudder allows the boat to be steered even with the motor off, if she is moving fast enough. The motor is mounted on the centerline. There is a better picture showing the details of the stern in the November 26, 2025 Flotsam & Jetsam article.