Repowering with Electric

[mbsh...@bellsouth.net]

Listmates,

 

The Yanmar 3GM on my 1990 Beneteau Moorings 38 has seized.  Without removing the engine and completely disassembling it, it is impossible to tell how bad the situation really is.  My mechanic is suggesting a switch to electric, specifically an Electric Yacht QT10.  That’s not awful, but EY is suggesting no less than three Epoch 48v 100 ah batteries at a cost of $2k a piece (they really recommend four such batteries and have even had the gall to suggest four Dakota 48 v 96 ah batteries at a mere $2.5 k each).  Ouch.

 

Has anyone made the transition from  diesel to electric?  I’d welcome thoughts and experience, especially on the number of batteries and manufacturers.

 

Thanks.

 

Mike

Michael B. Shapiro

S/V My Funny Valentine

Beneteau Mooringd 38 #17

Lake Lanier, Georgia

mbsh...@bellsouth.net

 

[Mark J Wilme]

Curious how you intend to charge them

Also if you cruise at all, how will you charge your house bank to run refrigeration, instruments, lights, accessories etc

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[Jon Schultz]

I would recommend saving time money and effort and just replace the engine. Like for like. 

On Jun 26, 2024, at 10:27 PM, Mark J Wilme <mark....@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Bricolanto]

Another choice is hybrid.  Beta has a hybrid solution that can run electric, diesel and even charge from prop rotation. 

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[Skip Ryan]

Get a new mechanic.

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[michaelbshapiro]

To answer all questions:

    from Mark Wilme, we are on a land-locked lake.  Daysailing with occasional overnights but more often returning to the marina and shore power;

    from Jon Schultz, I have been quoted $20k to repower with a used Yanmar 3GM which significantly exceeds the electric quote and as we no longer cruise the Caribbean....;

    from Bricolanto, similar to above, the need for a hybrid just isn't there

Thus, I am soliciting information from any on the list who has made the transition.  This is not a cheap process and the boat is 34 years old.  Too old to donate and part of our family so I'm struggling with what to do and would be grateful for guidance on electric transitions.

Thanks to all for your thoughts.

Mike

[DAVID FLETCHER]

Take the engine out and get it

Rebuilt. 

Maybe 3-5,000

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 27, 2024, at 9:08 AM, michaelbshapiro <michael...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Mark J Wilme]

Agree this

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[allendick]

1. Calculate the total energy capacity of the battery in watt-hours (Wh):

   • The battery’s capacity is 100 Ah.
   • Multiply the capacity by the voltage: (100 , \text{Ah} \times 48 , \text{V} = 4800 , \text{Wh}).

2. Convert watt-hours to horsepower-hours:

   • Divide the watt-hours by the conversion factor: (4800 , \text{Wh} \div 745.7 \approx 6.44 , \text{horsepower-hours}).

Therefore, a 48V 100Ah battery contains approximately 6.44 horsepower-hours of energy

'Nuff said?

[Tim Snyder]

I've run a boat with electric-hybrid powerplant. I recommend it only if your sailing is day-sailing and motoring is in and out of the harbor. 

Also, you are not proposing that much battery storage. 

The boat I ran was a 40' racing J121 with OceanVolt hybrid drive. It would run the boat at 6 kts for only about 60 minutes before depleting the battery. We carried a Honda propane-powered generator for a longer move. (The boat was initially kitted out by a British person with green intentions, but the second owner has since refit the boat with a great Yanmar diesel.) 

Bottom line: fix your diesel!

TS

[Allen Dick]

I looked at this some more and searched for reviews.  I found this: Switched to Electric | Sailing Anarchy Forums  

I also asked my favourite AI tools and am more positive about the idea.  

An option we forget is the possibility of a hybrid system, using either the built-in generator or a portable on deck. That could reduce the initial battery investment, allowing us to build incrementally, starting with the minimum and adding more storage later if needed.

It appears that for some sorts of sailors who don't go far, motor much, or have to get anywhere on time, electric is a viable solution. 

Also the available sunlight and surface area available for solar could be a factor as well as the sort of seas encountered.   Walk-on solar is available as well as a variety of panel configurations for bimini or arch mounting.

Diesels have more power for pushing against heavy chop or strong currents.  Is that a consideration?

Savings on fuel, reduced maintenance, and oil changes are a payback, BUT, are your power charges at dock reasonable?  Marinas typically mark up electricity considerably.

The 38 is over length and over displacement according to the recommendations for the drive, but I would not rule it out without meeting sailors who have had one for a year or more.  

Ask Copilot or Perplexity for references to electric conversion discussions.  

As for LiFePO4 batteries, some are pretty cheap -- and good, but you need to do homework.  Also, I understand that some insurers won't touch boats with lithium batteries, so ask.

That said, for my Oceanis 351 in sunny Mexico, this could be an option someday. 

We have to remember, though, that this technology is changing fast, so the best choice today may look obsolete tomorrow and prices may drop.

On 2024-06-28 4:58 a.m., allendick wrote:

1990 Beneteau Moorings 38

[allendick]

I've looked at this more and, especially combined withn a 3 to 5KWt portable generator, to reduce storage requirements and for occasional crossings, using cheaper LiFePO4 batteries, and with maximum solar, this could be a contender.  I see the unit uses the original driveshaft, rather than being a saildrive, so installation looks simple.

I've pushed my 351 home more than once (Thanks Perkins) with my 6HP outbord on the dink and made 4+ knots, so imagine this setup could do better than four,  being more efficient.

[Tom Frood]

of course it depends on what kind of sailing you do - if you are just using them to get on/off a mooring or in and out of a marina then you dont need that much... if you occasionally do some cruising you could hire a genset for that trip... also bear in mind LiFePo batteries are coming down in price all the time - buy what you need for now and buy more later if you find you need more..

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[E Skev]

Michael, have you considered building your own batteries?  I estimate a pair of 48v, 300ah LifePO4 will cost $4500.  32 cells plus BMS and wiring.   

Solar panels, charge controller, fuses, wiring etc cetera will be extra but not cost prohibitive and maybe unnecessary for you

What are your thoughts.  Regards

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[E Skev]

Michael, I'd also like to suggest a low hour used motor.  There are many on the market, have you searched?  Regards

On Thu, Jun 27, 2024, 9:08 AM michaelbshapiro <michael...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[ptl...@bellsouth.net]

Hi Michael,

I just ran across your post. I've been a member of this list since back in the Sailnet days. I've been allowed to stay even though we currently own a Jeanneau. I don't frequent the list nearly as much now, since it went from an email list to web-based. 

We are on your dock in slip J-19.

Did you ever get your engine issue resolved? Just wondering who your mechanic is. We use someone who recently moved from O Dock to K. He's a good diesel mechanic and has done a couple of conversions to electric. Litime.com has 100ah 48-volt LiFePO4 batteries at $ 950, though they are currently sold out of them.

Hope to meet you sometime!

Jim Martin

Stormy Daniel's

Jeanneau SO 37