Our Brooklin neighbor and boat owner (of the 48’ Roger Martin-designed/Brooklin Boat Yard-built cutter LUCAYO) Pip Wick recently installed a hybrid propulsion system, proved it on a cruise to Newfoundland last summer, and as I write this is off to the Azores. The new system’s efficiency and silence make it a convincing alternative despiteits higher initial cost. Here, in Pip’s own words, is the scoop:
. . . sign up to the right to get immediate access to this full post,
plus you'll get 10 of our best videos for free.
Get Free Videos& Learn More Join Now!!for Full Access Members Sign In
Mark Freeland says:
Hi Pip and Judy, I just found this article, two years after the last comment was left. I’m sort of new here.
I’m gathering information in an attempt to scope the feasibility of going “Hybrid” on a larger sailing vessel, as you did, for very similar reasons as you described. In that regard, but without familiarity with physical size of Lucayo, could you let us know the waterline length, wl beam, displacement, and propeller size/pitch present which gave your experiment the good results described? The craft I’m considering going a similar route with, is a 1930’s John Alden Schooner, with OAL of 65 feet.
Thanks,
Jeep Gulliver says:
I’ve only read a few articles on this subject,and there has been no mention of wind generators as a way to keep the batteries charged. Are they too noisy, complicated, cumbersome, or all of the above to be considered? I may have just answered my own question, but I’ll just put it out there for others to discuss. Thanks
Dick Tatlock says:
I have thought for a , say 25′ motorboat, a 1000 W Yamaha portable genset charging a Lifeline AGM big boy 8 D battery running a Torqueedo outboard motor would make a fine propulsion setup. About $ 4000 including cabling should do it.
Kamau Iandiataiyero says:
Great post. I am new to sailing and love the concept of cruising the globe only off the power of nature, I also believe in the Easter bunny but that’s a bit off topic. Seriously, I want to build a boat, 44′ to 47′ that runs off of a generator and an electric motor. What other combinations of generators and motors did you consider?
David Carper says:
i am planning on installing an electric motor system, from Electric Propulsion Marine, on my K40. It was nice to read this article. Thanks David
Pip and Judy Wick says:
David,
Thanks for your reply on the article. Installing a hybrid system is not cheap, but there are good rewards. How do you plan to use the power? We just finished a trip to the Azores with Lucayo, and were very happy with the fuel savings, about 12 mpg seems to be the practical limit, but for calm waters at 5 knots or so, we had results nearer 10 mpg, which gives us the range to power the 2000 miles to the Azores. I suggest you consult with the Brooklin Boatyard about the installation. Pip ( EMAIL “lucayo AT gmail DOT com”)