The Herreshoff Forum - Index

Herreshoff Forum => Restoration => Topic started by: gnhbus on July 05, 2011, 05:54:47 PM

Title: Electric Propulsion
Post by: gnhbus on July 05, 2011, 05:54:47 PM

Greetings

Has anyone considered E-Prop for these classics?

George

Title: Re: Electric Propulsion
Post by: Adam on July 05, 2011, 06:38:12 PM

I could be wrong but I believe John Hutchison is putting an electric drive in his FI23 CRUSADER restoration...

Title: Re: Electric Propulsion
Post by: Adam Langerman on July 06, 2011, 09:56:48 PM

(http://www.herreshoffdesigns.com/P1012482sm.JPG)

Title: Re: Electric Propulsion
Post by: Adam on July 07, 2011, 04:57:44 PM

Very nice. Any Idea how much thos Thoosa (sp) drives cost? They seem so easy to install...

Title: Re: Electric Propulsion
Post by: John Hutchison on July 07, 2011, 07:18:42 PM

Yes, CRUSADER, our FI 23 has a 48V Thunderstruck Sailboat Drive, designed by Dennis Wolfe of Wolfe E-Boats.  It uses 4 Lifeline batteries, a 2:1 cogbelt reduction and the original shaft and strut installed by HMC in 1939.  I replaced the original prop with a feathering MaxProp.  The drive has a 25 mile range and regenerative capabilty under sail.  The entire setup fits nicely under the cockpit sole with a small mahogany control console under the seat.  Its approximate weight is 300lbs.
It cost around $3000 in total (not including the MaxProp).  I'll post pics in the next few days on

Photobuckethttp://s425.photobucket.com/albums/pp337/jehutchisonjr/
I dry tested the motor the other day although the boat hasn't been launched as yet.

Title: Re: Electric Propulsion
Post by: Adam on July 08, 2011, 04:07:10 PM

Id love to see the pics. Did you do the install yourself?

Title: Re: Electric Propulsion
Post by: John Hutchison on July 08, 2011, 07:59:55 PM

I'll let you know when I post the pics...getting our Coquina checked out for the Small Reach Regatta...