Being the owner of the 38-footer,(and totally
ignorant about electric propulsion!) I'm very happy to see
qualified discussion about the subject.<br>1) As mentioned
by EWHEL, there have been boats utilizing electric
drives for many years. Why didn't it ever before filter
down to us little civilian guys?<br>2) As US
government (coast-guard) is so preoccupied with the
live-aboards letting out a bit of waste from the heads, foul
anti-fouling paint etc. why not take the big step and try to
help keep the bilges clean by subsidizing compagnies
who really could make a difference in the mess we
boaters leave in the water? Show me a boat that didn't at
one time overfill the dieseltank, or get oil in the
bilge. So the bilges get pumped during the night!
Doesn't really help, does it?<br>Wouldn't it help with a
bit of government incentive?<br>3) Yes, a new diesel
IS cheaper than changing the whole system over to
electric! Even figuring the years of use! My old diesel
gave up after 30 years (and 5 different owners) If I
count in the batteries needed (AND the replacement of
these once in a while) + the price for The Electric
Wheel, + whatever else might have to be included, it
will be a very expensive change. I would like for
somebody with the knowledge needed in this to set up the
pro's and con's here. We would all like the quiet, the
cleanliness and ease of electric propulsion, but not at
double the cost. <br>I'll cheer for anybody who has the
know-how and the energy to work on this matter - I forget
HOW many boats are roaming the waters in the US
alone, but it must be profitable to get a business going
pushing all of us around. <br>But as long as it's half
the price to buy a brand new YANMAR out of the box,
guess what???<br>I WANT electric propulsion, but I can
stay tied off in the marina for another year or two
for the extra I'll have to pay for it!<br>And that'll
give me enough time to save up for a
diesel....<br>What a choice!!!
