Raj,
There was an article in Professional Boat Builder about someone who created an electric catamaran for service similar to your short trips. It was highlighted on the cover.
The current issue has an article about an electric power cat.
Enjoy!
-Terry
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On 5/14/23 10:00 AM, rragbeer@... wrote:
Hello
I have recently joined the forum and have been following the topics with great interest.? Within the next few months, I would like to purchase a boat (new or used) for use in a fairly large river with the average trip being 30 miles and other shorter trips.? I have looked at the boats in use now, and generally they are all 20 to 30 foot length with outboard engines - 75 hp to 200 hp.? It takes about 50 min to travel the 30 miles depending on how rough the waters are, and while there is not much traffic, there are some vessels which have 2 200HP engines and makes quite a big wake.? The gas is about $120 USD.? I expect to use the boat twice per week for the 30 mile trip and twice a week for shorter trips and this is likely the maximum use; it may be less, not more.
Gas is likely to continue to increase in price.? I will be operating in a completely off-grid environment with full solar capability for the villa - PV panels, charge controller, battery bank, inverter, backup generator.? We get sun pretty much all day.? Everything including groceries and gas is a 10 min boat ride away.? No roads.
I am considering electric engines and have begun to ramping up my knowledge. Since I am starting completely from new, I figured this may be an advantage but perhaps not.? A few very broad questions and any guidance, input, feedback, cautions would be most welcome:
1. Should I go electric?
2. Is there a specific boat design for use with electric engines and river travel.
3. Budget - No idea. What can I get for 30k, 50k, 70k?
Thanks kindly for any input
Raj
