New Build - Electric Powered

[twistedtree]

Originally Posted by N4061

After further consideration and discussion with Paul (designer) we both agreed the Electric Motor Pod installation is not a good fit for this boat. Despite its simplicity and ease of installation we would have to change the aft hull design, increase the size of the keel making trailering the boat more difficult which is what drove us to a custom design and the pod would be susceptible to damage during trailering. It may also be a factor when the time came to sell the boat and for someone who may want to replace the electric motor with a small diesel engine. We also ruled out one of the three suppliers due to their lack of interest to support us.

Next week should have full up quotes from the remaining two suppliers then make our decision and finish phase one drawings. A quick observation relevant to purchasing a production boat including a trawler is the builder has already made these decisions leaving the buyer with a simple decision to either remain with the stock engine or choose a larger size depending on the hull design. If memory serves me right on our three Nordhavn's there were no options and accepted the Lugger engines on the N40's as specified. On our Helmsman we did option for a larger Cummins engine (370hp versus 220hp ??) thinking we may want the power to fight strong currents in the ICW. Looking back and despite that hull being different it was likely not the right choice and over kill for how we used the boat. Fun stuff.

John

It's tough following along when it's all an unveiled mystery. It's kind of a blow-by-blow of what's happening inside a black box....

[N4061]

I'm not sure why this thread is coming across as any type of mystery boat since I mentioned throughout this was a not a trawler and a small (under 20') trailerable boat designed after the SLOPE's from the Netherlands. Basically an open launch in the US. The contraction will likely be cold molded, single electric motor with a back-up electric motor similar to how we mounted it on the Sandpiper. The backup motor will be stored away when not in use. The finish is to be as close to "yachty" as possible. The hull design will be full displacement for comfort both inshore and along the coast. This is where the challenge comes into play since the boat is small and will be on a trailer. I'm also insisting on a wide beam similar to trawlers. Fitting all this into a small package and still ensuring the boat has nice lines is not easy but Paul and I are getting there. Once we complete specifying the engine and running gear Paul will complete the design which I plan to share on this thread. Fun stuff and no mystery.

John

[N4061]

The past week has been a little quiet with the holiday but Paul and I mutually agreed the electric Pod system which is very cool is not the right system for a boat that will live on a trailer. Just too much of the Pod hanging below the transom asking for trouble when trailering the boat around southern California. So we are now waiting for a quote from Vetus for a complete system including propeller and shaft sizing for the boat. Assuming we receive their quote, next week Paul will complete the drawings and phase one of this project.

Progress on the rowing tender being built in Maine continues to be swift with the primer coats now complete both inside and outside the hull. Final paint is next followed by the mahogany wood seating, transom and trim before the final details including the boats name is hand painted onto the transom. Mary decided to name the tender 2 @ Sea after her car license plate and the planned name of our next trawler. I guess you can say we are doing things backwards with building the tender prior to the boat but it doesn't matter.

This weekend we drove to Dana Point (home of PAE) and walked the docks. The new N47 (stretched N43) was still there and looked beautiful. Something to consider as we continue to think about one more trawler.

John

[N4061]

While this is not the launch, we received this photo of the tender with the name hand painted on the mahogany transom today. Fun stuff.

John

[N4061]

After a few weeks dealing with one potential supplier of the electric motor and associated equipment we decided to pass on Vetus and focus on a US based company. While Vectus was my first choice based on their reputation in the EU and advancements with this technology, we were disappointed in their responses including being told they could not provide any pricing until later this year. Fast forward and we already received recommendations and specifications on the engine for our design from Electric Yacht. This is the same company Marshall Marine the builder of our sailboat uses for his new boats and has been pleased with their performance. The owner of Electric Yachts is located in Dana Point, CA. the same town as PAE Nordhavn headquarters. The owner is now coordinating with a couple of boat owners to let me see their recent installations.

On a side note, I picked up the new trailer today for the tender and while smaller than the one we used for the 16' Sandpiper sailboat the new one is built like a tank. Amazing how much more went into this trailer compared to the one built on the east coast by a well-known company. Even the finish is nicer for about the same price. Now we just need the boat, and we will be back on the water allowing us to escape some of this summer heat.

John

[N4061]

This week I made the decision to go with Electric Yacht CA Company and their power system for the new boat. They are local to us based near Dana Point, CA. (home of PAE Nordhavn) and have a good reputation. I found Mike very easy to work with and helpful. Next step is for Paul (designer / builder) to incorporate the propeller dimensions into the hull and for me to decide on the shape of the transom. Assuming all goes well we should have Phase I completed within two weeks then it's time to sign up for Phase II construction drawings which will be a work in process during the actual build.

Paul will also be searching for different woods required for this Cold Molded project along with cost and delivery so he can provide firm pricing later this summer. Once phase II drawings are completed, I have the option of sending them out for quote or remaining with Paul for the build. Things are moving along as planned and since this is a custom build, I'm not rushing it and enjoying every step in the process.

John

[N4061]

Below are a few drawings of the 17' Electric Launch. Looking back over the past few months I can honestly say this was not something I ever thought possible and has been a very rewarding experience (so far). Despite the small size and relatively simple systems this project provides insight and appreciation of the talent required by those who design boats for living. The amount and level of details I never thought about when purchasing a production boat have now become decision points requiring research and education. While I'm looking forward to Phase II, I expect it to be more difficult and challenging as we progress through the process.

John T.

[N4061]

After a brief pause in the process due to the designer / builder focused on summer commitments we are again discussing Phase II. Yesterday I forwarded Paul a list of about 15 items that require confirmation related to the build. The build cost estimate came in a little higher than originally planned so we are still evaluating what the total cost will be including the boat, motor, drive gear, batteries, canvas and seat cushions. I recognize this is a true custom boat that you cannot compare to production model, but I still need to ensure the numbers make sense. That assumes any amount of money spent on a boat makes sense. Assuming all goes well we expect to sign the contract to build the boat within a few weeks.

Relating this project to a larger boat or trawler with greater complexity I would likely explore hiring a professional to look everything over prior to commencing the build. Even with this small project there are opportunities for things to go wrong especially when trying to manage the project from across the country. Fun stuff.

Some TF members may remember my recent post that we are considering one more trawler in the near future. While this is still in the works, we are struggling with what type of boat we really need. I think we done traveling at 6 knots and desire something that can get us from point A to point B within a few hours which on the west coast equals faster cruising speeds. Still have a long way to go identifying the boat but it's fun researching everything out there.

John

[BruceK]

Originally Posted by N4061

Some TF members may remember my recent post that we are considering one more trawler in the near future. While this is still in the works, we are struggling with what type of boat we really need. I think we done traveling at 6 knots and desire something that can get us from point A to point B within a few hours which on the west coast equals faster cruising speeds. Still have a long way to go identifying the boat but it's fun researching everything out there.

John

Included in your research the Beneteau Swift Trawler? Or the Palm Beach,now in the GB stable ?

[N4061]

Neither of those boats are on the list. Nothing against them but thinking more align the Flemming style but smaller. I need to keep the loa under 46’ so I can single handle the boat and feel comfortable. Looking overseas and found a few interesting boats. If the launch turns out well possibly a custom design but that’s a low probability at this time.

[darkside]

Not sure if it will help but I saw this Volvo electric drive package at a show in Beijing today. Pretty compact for 160kW or 210hp

[mcarthur]

Originally Posted by darkside

Not sure if it will help but I saw this Volvo electric drive package at a show in Beijing today. Pretty compact for 160kW or 210hp

Wow. Looks really compact for that size. Did you see what voltage?

[darkside]

It didn't say but my guess 600v or thereabouts

[N4061]

Thanks for sharing. We are seeing more and more manufactures coming out with new motors including hybrids. For the launch we decided to stay with a local supplier who has been around and is proven. Good thing about the smaller electric motors is that replacing them in the future (if required) is not as big an effort as a diesel or gas motor. I still like the set up used on some boats in the Netherlands (diesel & Electric) I mentioned earlier but view that system as more complicated than we need on this boat. It is something we will consider on a trawler or larger boat in the future. Thanks again.

John

[darkside]

You are probably aware of the hybrid Herley 3400 which I see is back on the market again.

https://yachthub.com/list/boats-for-...lectric/300294

[twistedtree]

John, I'm not sure if you are aware that ABYC recently released E-30 which is a standard for electric propulsion in boats? As you work through this project, you might want to be sure everything complies. Since it's a new standard, some people might not be aware of it.

[N4061]

Originally Posted by twistedtree

John, I'm not sure if you are aware that ABYC recently released E-30 which is a standard for electric propulsion in boats? As you work through this project, you might want to be sure everything complies. Since it's a new standard, some people might not be aware of it.

I was not aware of this, thank you for sharing. I will be sure to review the designer / builder prior to starting phase II.

[N4061]

It's been a while since I posted but ready to re-engage with a few updates. Before talking about the electric boat I wanted to mention the rowing / tender has been working out great. An average day out includes 90 minutes of non-stop rowing from the boat ramp through the marina and harbor to the inlet before turning around. My furthest venture outside the inlet has been 1/2 mile to the entrance marker on a very clam day. Listening to my music alone on the boat while getting a workout has been great. Fall weather in San Diego is the best of the year with temperatures in the 70's and clear skies. The feel of wooden boat is special and I'm fortunate to be able to experience it.

Regarding the electric boat, yesterday I signed the production contract and submitted my first payment. Needless to say, exciting times (again) and looking forward to the build and experiencing something different. Unlike purchasing a production boat I will be involved in every step with this build.
More to follow soon....

John