A simple auxiliary solution…

John Scalzi on how to prove you’re a US citizen, something about Native American education, and Daniel Ford says what I’ve been thinking…

Part of the appeal of an electrical auxiliary system is that it’s simple, easy to put together, and inexpensive. Well, compared to marine industry pricing. But, keep in mind “Marine” electric propulsion systems cost as much or more these days than a diesel or gasoline engine.

Assuming you already have a prop and an installed propeller shaft, it’s child’s work to put together. All you need is a motor, motor controller, batteries, and some odds and ends. You might want to check out Thunderstruck as they have 5KW and 10KW kits for folks on a VolksCruiserish budget.

Of course, if you want to build your own kit and save some money it’s doable but Thunderstruck’s are a pretty good value. With the cost of shipping being what it is these days, buying from a lot of different sellers to build your system just might negate any savings.

A system like this will fulfill all of the requirements I want in an auxiliary propulsion system. I’d more than likely go with a 200 AH battery bank because I don’t need anything larger.

However, the real problem when dealing with any electric propulsion system is how you’re going to charge the battery bank. Finding space for solar on the limited acreage of a sailboat is problematic. Having enough solar to charge up in an anchorage or when sailing is no easy task. Not everyone has the luxury of a marina berth to plug into at the end of the day.