Dear CC friends,
in this thread I promised an update on my ongoing electric outboard experiences. As explained before a Torqeedo engine cannot be used in a motor well because it has to be taken out of the water during sailing (the size of the Cape Cutter motor well would not support that).
Early 2011 I found an alternative electric engine which fits into the keel space that was originally modified for accomodating the Torqeedo engine in Black Sheep (see my album). The new engine is an Elva 1100L from AEE Marine in The Netherlands (
http://www.aeemarine.nl). The company is active in electric boats for professional use and has a good feeling for a robust design: the Elva engine does not have permanent magnets, nor brushes, nor a gear box. When disconnected from the battery the propellor shows a free motion without any friction and without any noise (in sharp contrast with the Torqeedo noise).
In terms of power the 1100 model is only suitable for lake use (as most of the time in my case). For larger open waters having more heavy seas and headwinds I would suggest to install the Elva 1800L model (but that is slightly bigger and would require more keel space than my original modification).
I run the engine with a single 77 Ah Torqeedo lithium battery. Power consumption of the engine is modest as long as you do not need full throttle speed: In my case I recharge the battery only 3-4 times per season (on a weekly use basis).
So far after two summer seasons this electric engine turns out to be a robust silent solution, without complaints, errors or any maintenance.
Michel
Black Sheep CC104