If you’re into boats, adventure, or sustainable living, you might have heard of the growing trend of converting traditional gas or diesel-powered sailboats to clean, quiet, electric propulsion. This blog post is our account of transforming our beloved 27 foot Catalina sailboat from a Universal 18 diesel engine into a cutting-edge, fully electric system, led by a 10kw electric motor from Electric Yacht, Inc.
The cornerstone of our conversion was not just the electric motor, but also a well-thought-out, custom-designed energy storage and management system. We implemented two 48v 96amp Dakota Lithium batteries in parallel for propulsion and a separate 12v 100amp Dakota Lithium battery to power our onboard “house” requirements.
Charging these batteries is a technical feat. The 12v system charges from the 48v system using a Pro Chaser DC-DC converter, creating a simple, efficient, and reliable connection between the systems. This is coupled with a Victron Orion-Tr 12|12 30 dc-dc charger, ensuring that our 12v system is always ready for action.
Distributing power throughout the boat are two Victron Lynx Distributors, one for the 12v system and one for the 48v system. These devices ensure that every part of our boat, from the lights to the motor, receives the right amount of power at the right time.
Monitoring power consumption is vital, especially when you’re out at sea. For this task, we chose the Victron Smart Shunt, which provides us real-time insights into our power usage. To keep our gadgets and appliances running smoothly, we installed a Victron Phoenix Inverter 1200VA, which transforms our DC power into usable AC power.
To streamline our monitoring and control operations, we used the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle. It allowed us to access the system’s data remotely, saving us time and effort while ensuring that everything is running smoothly.
The heart of our propulsion system is the Electric Yacht QuietTorque 10 Sport, coupled with the Electric Yacht Current Sensor, System Monitor, and Binnacle Mount Controls. It’s the core powerhouse behind our new electric sailboat.
We were thrilled with the results of the first sea trial of our reimagined 27 foot Catalina. The electric motor performed flawlessly at 4 knots, giving us a ride that was incredibly smooth and quiet, even against wind and current. It was amazing to see how seamlessly our dream of a diesel-free, quiet, and clean sailboat came to life.
This conversion has completely revolutionized our sailing experience. We’ve eliminated the noise, diesel exhaust, and fuel odors, transforming our sailboat into a peaceful, clean, and serene vessel. The absence of the familiar engine rumble and diesel smells only heightened our senses to the natural splendor around us – the glistening water, the wind, the sounds of the sea.
In conclusion, our 27 foot Catalina sailboat conversion was an immense success. We were able to create a sustainable, high-performance electric sailboat that runs smoothly, quietly, and cleanly. It’s a testament to how far marine technology has come and an inspiration for future projects. Whether you’re a sailor, a DIY enthusiast, or just someone who cares about the environment, we hope our journey inspires you to explore the potential of electric sailing. Because with the right tools, knowledge, and passion, anything is possible.
