Electric Outboard Part I - Conversion

[burnby]

is the electric motor rated to 30hp if not what is its output

[cleanpowerelectric]

@burnby The motor is rated for 30hp but the prop on that unit only produces 18hp. Unfortunately I can't get a 30hp prop for it because it is so old.

[Gixxxer1972]

@cleanpowerelectric can you post motor specs? 24v or 48v, and power? I ran across a newer 35hp motor with a blown piston and I am converting it to electric, being a newer model it should give me more prop options to optimize performance, great job on your project

[cleanpowerelectric]

@Gixxxer1972 Thanks...The motor is a brushed PM model that can run on 12-72V. At 48V it is rated to draw 7.5Kw continuously, and 22Kw peak for 1min uncooled. The RPM is about 75/Volt. You should only need around 8-12Kw to turn the 35hp prop depending on hull shape and prop choice.

I converted the vintage outboard so it would match the vintage runabout I am restoring, but you are working with an ideal size and age of outboard. Let me know how your conversion turns out.

[deputy1040]

can you use a small generator, like the small honda to run this electric motor instead of using batteries ,that way you dont have to charge batteries and not worry about draining them in the middle of a fishing trip.

[cleanpowerelectric]

@deputy1040 You can add a generator to charge the batteries, but not on it's own. The motor draws far more energy than the generator can produce on demand.

[deputy1040]

@cleanpowerelectric what if i get a much bigger generator like a 3000 watt, will i be able run it then without batteries ??? sorry to bother you with these questions but im trying to do the same thing as you but i just dont want to do it with batteries because of the expense of the batteries and weight issues. i already own the generator... thanks !!!!

[cleanpowerelectric]

@deputy1040 The motor needs 10-15Kw of energy and your generator only puts out 3Kw. Batteries are the lightest most efficient way to carry large amounts of readily available energy on board. Generators are only good for slowly replacing that energy back into the batteries. There isn't yet an affordable alternative. Good luck, I hope you still build your outboard.

[xpsyclonex2002]

what kind of run time does it get on the batteries?

[cleanpowerelectric]

@xpsyclonex2002 It draws on average 80Ah of current so with the test pack of 100Ah I only run it about 45min or so. With a much larger pack the run time between charge cycles increases proportionately.

[SaltLife750]

Sweet. I love the idea of an electric outboard to hunt or fish. Sneaky. But the idea of people putting electric engines in a jet ski is pointless to me. Nice build and great video

[SaltLife750]

I have to admit, you did a sweet job. Are you going to make more videos of the performance of the engine? maybe some solar panels on the boat to recharge the packs while you fish?

[cleanpowerelectric]

@SaltLife750 Thanks SaltLife. When I get a chance I'll shoot a vid of the motor powering the vintage runabout it came out of but, I want to do some restoration of the boat first. That might take a while because I'm putting twin electric drives into a 34' boat at the same time. Both boats will have solar panels.

[kylehondarider]

Wow, very nice, clean build! Looks like you're using a Kelly Controller? What type of batteries are in your pack?

Kyle

[cleanpowerelectric]

@kylehondarider Thanks Kyle. It is a Kelly and the test pack you see on the barge is a 4x12v@100ah deep cycle pack. The pack going in the boat will be a 8x6v@125ah deep cycle or 300ah lithium pack depending on available funds. With the lithium it will be 200lbs or so lighter.

Steve

[WannaBEEfarmer]

Excellent Job!

[cleanpowerelectric]

@WannaBEEfarmer ,

Thanks for the comment.

Steve

[500passwords]

nice work buddy .

[cleanpowerelectric]

@500passwords,

Thanks a lot. It was a fun project.

I keep track of your projects and sometimes wonder if you might do a conversion yourself.

Steve

[500passwords]

@cleanpowerelectric

im not that smart . lol

you give me to much credit :)

[cleanpowerelectric]

@500passwords,

Well, it's simpler than you might think - no more complicated than an electric golf cart. I just think with your talent you would do a great job of it.