Umair Gaines
Electric boats are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional gas-powered boats. They are more environmentally friendly and can be built to travel at impressive speeds. For example, Jonny Lee Tempest, an inventor and retired Cirque Du Soleil Audio Engineer, built an electric speedboat that can go up to 54 miles per hour. Building an electric boat requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, such as the type of motor, battery, and voltage. One key consideration is the length of the boat, as boats over 18.5 feet in length typically require motors with higher horsepower, which can significantly increase the cost. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the boat has enough continuous power to maintain a good cruising speed. Converting a speedboat to electric power can be a relatively easy process, as demonstrated by several online resources and forums dedicated to the topic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boat type | Electric speedboat |
| Boat length | 17.5 feet or longer |
| Motor power | 150hp peak |
| Cruising speed | 25-30 mph |
| Range | 25-30 miles |
| Battery | 20kWh |
| Charging | Solar panels, marina charging |
| Build process | Relocate throttle and shifting linkage, attach throttle to electric motor, use adapter plates for mounting, wiring and plumbing |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right motor
Horsepower and Length:
The length of your boat will dictate the required horsepower of your motor. As a general rule, boats over 18.5 feet in length typically need motors with 200 horsepower or more. If your boat is shorter, a 150 horsepower motor may be sufficient. It's important to match the peak power of the electric motor with the horsepower rating of the engine you are replacing.
Cruising Speed:
Your motor should provide enough continuous power to maintain a suitable cruising speed. For some, a speed between 25 and 30 miles per hour is adequate. However, if you desire higher speeds, you may need to opt for a more powerful motor and consider other factors, such as battery capacity and propeller efficiency.
Battery Capacity and Range:
Consider the range you want to achieve on a single charge. The battery capacity and efficiency of your motor play a significant role in determining the range. Start with shorter trips to understand your battery usage, and gradually increase the distance as you gain confidence. Aim for a battery that offers a good balance between range and recharge time.
Voltage and Safety:
Electric motors can operate at various voltages. While higher voltages can lead to increased efficiency, they also pose safety risks. Anything over 50 volts can be dangerous, and even a 48-volt system can approach 60 volts during charging. If you are inexperienced, it is advisable to stick with a 48-volt system or lower, and ensure you have adequate knowledge of electricity and voltage handling.
Mounting and Compatibility:
Consider the mounting requirements of the motor. You may need to design adapter plates, modify mounts, or make other adjustments to ensure the motor fits securely in your boat. Take into account the compatibility of the motor with your existing throttle, shifting linkage, and cooling systems.
When choosing the right motor for your electric speed boat, it's important to strike a balance between performance, safety, and efficiency. Take into account the specific dimensions and requirements of your boat, and don't hesitate to consult experts or seek advice from online communities dedicated to electric boat building.
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Converting the speedboat
Converting a speedboat to electric power can offer several advantages, including reduced pollution, quieter operation, and more convenient charging compared to traditional fuelling. Here is a step-by-step guide to converting a speedboat to electric power:
Firstly, determine the required horsepower for your electric motor. For boats longer than 18.5 feet, motors with 200hp or more are typically needed, but for this project, a 17.5-foot boat was chosen to fit within a garage, and a motor with around 150hp peak power was selected. Ensure the motor can provide continuous power to maintain a good cruising speed, ideally between 25 and 30 mph.
Next, source an appropriate motor and battery. Jonny Lee Tempest, an inventor and retired Cirque Du Soleil Audio Engineer, built an electric speedboat that can reach 54 miles per hour. He charged the batteries for his boat using solar panels. For safety, it is recommended to use a 48V system, especially if you are inexperienced with electrical systems. Higher voltages can be dangerous, and you should consider taking a course if you plan to work with higher voltages.
Now, it's time to install the motor and battery. You can utilise the existing mounts in your speedboat with the help of adapter plates, as well as the existing flywheel, coupler, and throttle. You will need to relocate the throttle and shifting linkage and attach the throttle to the motor's electric throttle. The motor can be cooled by circulating transmission fluid through it and a marine heat exchanger using a 12V pump.
Finally, perform wiring and plumbing as needed. After these steps, your electric speedboat should be ready to hit the water!
It is important to note that this is a simplified guide, and you may need to adapt these steps based on your specific speedboat model and electric motor setup.
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Battery and charging
When it comes to the battery and charging system for your electric speed boat, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll need to determine the voltage of your motor. While higher voltages can lead to increased efficiency, they also come with higher safety risks. For example, anything over 50v can be dangerous, and even a 48v system can approach 60v when charging. As a result, it's generally recommended to stay within the 36v to 48v range unless you have professional electrical expertise.
The next step is to select a suitable battery for your electric speed boat. Consider the power requirements of your motor and the length of time you want to operate the boat before needing to recharge. For instance, a 20kWh battery might provide enough power for an hour of operation for a larger boat with a 26kW motor. You might also consider implementing inboard chargers, such as 6.6 kW chargers, to charge your battery bank more efficiently.
It's important to plan your cable management carefully. Ensure that your cables are sized correctly based on the amps that your motor will draw. Understanding how volts and amps produce power, as well as wire ampacity, is crucial for safety and performance. This knowledge will help you select the right cables and wiring for your electric speed boat.
Additionally, you should think about the charging process for your electric speed boat. If you have access to a marina, you may be able to utilise their facilities for charging. Simply plug in your boat when it's not in use, and it will be ready for your next outing. Alternatively, you can explore solar charging options, as demonstrated by inventor Jonny Lee Tempest, who charged the batteries for his electric speed boat using solar panels at his home.
Lastly, don't forget to consider safety measures to protect your electrical system. These can include protections against thermal and overload issues, as well as implementing a Battery Management System (BMS). By following these guidelines and adapting them to your specific setup, you can ensure a reliable and safe battery and charging system for your electric speed boat.
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Safety considerations
Safety should be a primary concern when building an electric speed boat. Here are some essential safety considerations to keep in mind:
Firstly, always wear a life jacket when operating or riding in your boat, and ensure it is worn correctly to maximize safety.
Secondly, pay close attention to electrical safety. Water and electricity can be a hazardous combination, so it is vital to minimize risks by installing ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Ensure that all electrical connections, outlets, and wiring are approved for wet or marine use to prevent shocks and other hazards. Copper wiring is recommended due to its conductivity and corrosion resistance in humid environments. Protect wiring with marine-grade jackets that have UV protection to prevent sun and moisture damage. Use conduits to safeguard wires from potential harm caused by weather conditions, rodents, or boating activities.
Additionally, verify the voltage requirements for your boat lift with the manufacturer, and ensure your dock wiring can handle the necessary load. Future-proof your electrical system by installing higher-capacity panels or more wiring infrastructure to accommodate potential increases in electrical demand if you plan to add features like security or entertainment systems.
Always consult with licensed electricians experienced in boat dock electrical services to ensure compliance with local and national safety codes and prevent unsafe installations.
Lastly, consider the weight and capacity of your boat. It is safer to overestimate the weight to achieve good maneuverability. Use the formula provided by Green Boat Solutions to calculate the necessary motor output: weight (in tons) times two equals the required power in kilowatts. For example, a boat weighing 1,200kg would require a 2.4 kW motor. Remember that a license is required for more powerful motors above 7.5 kW (around 10 hp).
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Testing and performance
During the testing phase, it is advisable to start with shorter runs to build confidence in the boat's performance and range. By gradually increasing the distance, you can gain a better understanding of the boat's battery consumption and overall endurance. For instance, the boat owner in this case study initially limited their trips to ensure they only used 20% of the battery, resulting in an eight-mile round trip. As they gained confidence, they extended their journeys to 15-mile round trips, still only utilizing 40% of the battery. This incremental approach allows for a thorough understanding of the boat's performance characteristics.
Another important aspect of testing and performance is the consideration of safety measures. When working with electricity, it is crucial to be mindful of voltage levels. While higher voltages can lead to increased efficiency, they also pose a greater safety risk. Voltages above 50v can be dangerous, and even a fully charged 48v system can reach levels close to 60v. Therefore, it is recommended to seek professional guidance or training when dealing with voltages higher than 48v.
Additionally, the cooling mechanism of the motor is a critical aspect of performance and maintenance. In the example provided, the motor is cooled by circulating transmission fluid through both the motor and controllers, utilizing a 12V pump and a marine heat exchanger. This ensures that the motor maintains optimal temperatures during operation, preventing overheating and potential damage.
Furthermore, it is essential to pay attention to cable management and wiring during the testing phase. Correctly sizing the cables based on the amps that the motor will draw is vital for safety and performance. Inadequate cable management can lead to accidents or suboptimal performance. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct thorough research on electricity, including understanding how volts and amps produce power and the ampacity of wires, before finalizing the wiring setup.
Overall, the testing and performance phase of building an electric speed boat requires a methodical approach, gradually pushing the boat's limits while closely monitoring its performance, battery consumption, and overall safety. By following the steps outlined above and learning from the experiences of other boat builders, you can ensure a successful outcome and enjoy the benefits of your electric speed boat.
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Frequently asked questions
You can start by looking into what motors are available with what horsepower and for how much. For instance, boats over 18.5 feet in length would require motors at and above 200hp. You can also look for plans and follow the instructions to build your boat.
48V is considered fairly safe for inexperienced people, but anything over 50v can be dangerous. Car EVs get into hundreds of volts because it's more efficient, but it's not recommended without proper knowledge.
You need to make sure that you size them correctly based on the amps that the motor will draw. If you don't know about how volts and amps produce power, and the ampacity of wires, do some research about electricity and how to size the cables.
You can use the existing rear mount with the help of an adapter plate and modify the front mount to make it possible to mount it to an adapter plate as well. You can use the existing flywheel and coupler and simply make an adapter to attach the original coupler to the motor. The original throttle and shifting linkage can be relocated, and the throttle can be attached to the motor’s electric throttle.
