fuel bill cut by 30%

[Flatdog]

check this out guys http://www.feys.org/ seems the good old US of A may have found an answer for those big inboards gas guzzlers plus a lot of other benefits seem to come with the package, namely up to 7kn fast and low speed handling worth a look

[Fishbiscuit]

I hate to burst your bubble, but if it were that great everyone would have them. Diesel electric drives have been around since before WWI. The downside is that you are adding a whole lot of weight, namely a motor for each prop in addition to a diesel genset. It worls well for boats displacing several thousand tons, as that weight isn't a factor, but on a fishing boat, it would be tough with the added weight and space.

[Flatdog]

Far from having my bubble burst, I'm still excited.These units are which are for "OUR" size boats 250hp-850hp, and not only for 10,000 ton ships, please read the web site again.
A single transversely mounted motor, which can be anywhere in the boat by the way, builders take note, will drive 2 props or 1 if you want,and will use perhaps 50% less fuel! I say perhaps as you may have to use a larger motor to arrive at your top hull speed.
The diesel motor is set at its peak rpm IE it's best rpm that suits the Hp of the motor, most around 1500 to 2000 rpm.
There is no need to rev the motor more, as the generator will be at its full power from what ever rpm you build it to.This will extend the life of the motor alot as it is not under strain at any time. as the torque band kicks in at 1rpm just think about that a moment..... full torque at 1rpm instant power! A step down transformer will give power to the whole of your boat no matter what you wish to run!! Again think about that, ANYTHING, you want to weld off shore sure thing it can be done.Basically you have a 400 or 500 kva generator on board if you set it up right you could even DC weld!!!!!!!!
The Idea of having a "small" generator on board is a good, 25kva or 30 kva would most likely give a planning hull form, around 5-10 knots and can run all day thats its design. This is also your get home motor, your big boy throws a belt throw a switch, Or in our case, SURPRISE use it as the ultimate trolling motor. You could set it up on the dash, one switch from trolling motor to full power nice I would think!!!
So even if the new setup weighs the same as the old 2 motors and a generator you will be using less fuel, approx 30%!!!.
Our side of the pond diesel is now close to $7 a gallon which I know is only a drop in the ocean when it comes to boats, and with all this carbon foot print "bullSh*t", we also make "THEM" happy, 50% less emitions. Plus PLUS less noise.
Perhaps the reason this has not taken off so well is that most boat manufactures are contracted to engine boys, in one way or another, who knows, but toes are big in that industry!
But when it comes to running a big boat the fact that I have an extra 250 n miles per fill makes me smile never mind the safety aspect on a bad sea, you out on the canyon, close to fuel reserve big sea got to try and run somewhere mmmm?
I still say worth a look one thing about you guys (Americans) as apposed to us cod catchers, you do not invest millions in nothing, on an off chance it may work! These guys have spent a fortune and have a PRODUCT, time to step into 21st century why not you just might like it!
The Flatdog

[Mirage36]

Great idea that has been around for a long time. I know cruise ships run them and get phenominal range and efficiency for their size.

Maybe we'll see these kinds of systems in future sportfish boats.

[Flatdog]

new Id find one!!! had to be a company somewhere with the cahoooooonies to give it a try on your door step Nordhavn check this out http://www.nordhavn.com/constr_con/diesel_electric.php4 and while you are there go back to the home and check out the 75 sport fish they are building awsome

[Mirage36]

I'm thinking electric powered surface drives for my 36. I wonder if they'd be up for using my boat as a prototype?

[Flatdog]

Why not phone em they also claim that the electric motors can rev to 9000 rpm but that they do not let them mmmm!!!!

[Mirage36]

I definitly will be talking to some engineers regarding the possibilities.
I've been looking for something rad to replace the egg beaters and you can't "wing" an electric motor even at 9K.

[Deep C]

Why not? Who'd have thought 300 four stroke ponies... I fished a boatr as a kid that had turbine gas engines... 650 hp out of around 750 lbs of engine... That idea never took off but some big yachts now use them for boosters... I'd love to see no more sea water cooling on inboards...

[trollman]

you and i have similar boat tastes. that Nordhaven 75' Sportfish is the BOMB!! i told the wife, sell eveything and we are buying that and taking off for good. the kids can do home school or stay w/ grandma.