Recent content by Tom Hruby

This is what found out while researching my electric conversion of a 22' cruiser. According to the C-Dory website, 22 ft C-Dory hull is designed for: Fuel Capacity up to 46 gallons = 275lbs Power Outboard up to 115 HP ~ 370 - 415 lbs Typical 9.9 HP four-stroke outboards weigh between 80...

As mentioned previously going from a gas engine to a propeller and then back from a propeller to a generator is very inefficient. Rob, suggests anchoring in a tidal current to provide the force for the generator. It is hypothetically possible but not really workable in a small boat. First the...

Sorry to throw "water" on your Li fire... but LiFePO4 batteries are quite safe. That is why most of us recommend that this is the only Li chemistry one should use on a boat. They don't have the energy density of Li ion or LiPo batteries but are much safer. Here is a graph of research done by...

Dave, I do have two throttles that can be used independently or slaved to only one. The motors however only have a 10" movement from right to left and my cable steering only allows about 9.5 inches. The epropulsion motor have good reverse performance, but like I said the throttles are very...

On the subject of lithium FePO4 batteries. I agree that the epoch brand is top notch but pricey. I decided to go with the Bestgo brand that is less expensive but seems to be of a good quality. As far as I know the only US dealer is the "Electric Car Parts Company"...

Bob, I want to use the EP carry in docking in the hope that I have better control standing in the cockpit with throttle and tiller in hand. I find that trying to dock from the helm station is hard. I can't see the dock well when I dock on the port side (my preferred) and have very little...

I just found an interesting website that describes the problems with purchasing LiFePO4 batteries from China. Hope it helps some of you as you search for those batteries...

I just purchased an EP carry for my 22' cruiser to help me with docking. I will also be running it from my 12V LiPO4 house battery. First test will be tomorrow. You did not mention, BUT IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to also purchase a 12-24V DC-DC converter if you are doing that. Joe Grez, the...

For those in the Pacific Northwest - I am planning to be at the Friday Harbor rendezvous with my electric C-dory, and will be looking for converts!! I have worked out most of the bugs for going electric and will be glad to help anyone interested.

When purchasing a LiFePO4 battery make sure it is listed as having GRADE A cells. If grade is not mentioned it probably is GRADE B. There are a lot of Chinese, inexpensive batteries that are Grade B. Summary from Google: Quality & Standards: Grade A cells are premium, meeting all...

There are options for putting the Li batteries anywhere you want to if you make sure your batteries have a waterproof rating of IP 66 or higher. Unfortunately most Li batteries are rated only to IP65. The other thing you will need is a different connections to the battery (no lugs). I would...

On the solar panels: I would urge you look at the flexible solar panels and attach them to the corrugated plastic for cooling. I attached mine using 3M VHB tape and then taped the front and back edges with butyl rubber RV repair tape. This allows for smooth airflow when trailering. The...

I was able to increase my leg room by replacing the 15-16" wheel with an 11" wheel and a knob. It makes getting into and out of the helm seat much easier.

The "all in one" packs sure look nice and handy, BUT one needs to be careful and check out all the details. Issues with the "all in one" packs: 1. The grade of the LiFePO4 cells is often not mentioned. Grade B cells often have a live span of less than 1000 cycles. If a manufacturer uses Grade...

It is relatively easy if you are handy with working on a hydraulic brake system. First you will need two major components: a trailer brake controller and the hydraulic actuator. The actuator is the expensive part, around $850. If you go to etrailer.com they have a number of options and some...