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Configuration for converting 1963 Mercury outboard to electric?

 

I’m in the process of building a combination hydroplane/jetski (1988 Popular Mechanics plans) which calls for a 35 hp outboard maximum. ?I have an old outboard which needs work so I thought I’d look at converting it to electric. ?Space and weight capacity are at a premium because it is a small boat. ?I’m looking at a ME1616 from Thunderstruck as the motor but have not committed to this. ?Trying to also figure the minimum battery configuration to be able to plane and run for say an hour. ?Input appreciated. ?Is this even feasible given current technology? ?Thanks.
 

Let's assume 24hp is good for 'cruising speed'? That's 18kW at the prop, but considering drivetrain losses, let's go with 20kW input.? The real number is probably higher.
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So 20kWh of battery will get you that one hour of cruising.? Using LFP chemistry, your battery weight will be around 250lb.
 

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I don’t think this setup will have near enough power for you, but it’s an interesting study of converting a gas outboard to electric:




-Steve

On Oct 23, 2024, at 9:04?PM, bobkart <couch45@...> wrote:

?
Let's assume 24hp is good for 'cruising speed'? That's 18kW at the prop, but considering drivetrain losses, let's go with 20kW input.? The real number is probably higher.
?
So 20kWh of battery will get you that one hour of cruising.? Using LFP chemistry, your battery weight will be around 250lb.

 

Was planning on using LiFePO4 (assume same as LFP?) as I am reading they are supposed to be the safest. ?By eliminating the gas power head and gas tank I save maybe 112lbs. ?With the new motor, etc. that’d be almost a 200lb increase in weight which probably is not a great idea for this small boat. ?How are you figuring battery weight? ?Would 30 minutes halve the weight? ?You are not dealing with an engineer here and I am just beginning to educate myself on this stuff! ?Thanks.

 

Thanks. ?Have seen that video and you are correct, would be way underpowered (is also very nice but very expensive).

 

LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) is the same as LFP (Lithium Ferrophosphate):
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I'm using 180Wh/Kg to arrive at ~250lbs.? That's the best gravimetric energy density for LFP that's widely available.
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And yes, dropping your runtime requirement to half will reduce the battery weight by half.
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There are more energy-dense battery chemistries available, but as you point out, those will not be as safe as LFP.

 

Hi, John

How will your sailing style be ?
Accelerating/decelerating all the time (young and wild rider),?
or a short startup and then cruising rest of the time ?

Most power goes from 0 to planing.

Just a thought of the energy use...

Carsten

On Thursday, 24 October 2024 at 03:24:31 CEST, John <jgoldman@...> wrote:


Thanks. ?Have seen that video and you are correct, would be way underpowered (is also very nice but very expensive).

 

Riding style will depend on who’s riding. ?Older people will most likely be more steady. ?Younger will be more erratic I would guess. ?Not going to let anyone be wild though! ?I will assume a mix to calculate power requirements once I figure out how to do it.

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