northernmike
10 kW
So, you folks might remember my S.A.F.T. acquisition of a few months' past:
Exhibit A.
I was planning on using these to power the moped conversion, but their 80lb weight scared me off.
I had the opportunity to drive an aluminum fishing boat (14 feet long) with a Minn Kota 12v trolling motor last weekend - the cheapest model made. 30lbs nominal thrust... and after 40mins of running the power leads from the battery to the motor melted, with smoke spewing from the switch housing!
Exhibit B.
I'm ready to attribute the failure to a poor switch, as the leads from the switch to the motor did not suffer any damage.
Now, there are 24V versions, sporting 80lbs of thrust - much more my speed - but this is one option of many under consideration.
Here comes the fun part: my dad, a former composites business entrepreneur, has stashed away a stock of 4mm "hardcoat" Lexan in 4x8 sheets... which I have permission to use!
I intend to build a small electric boat with a section of glass bottom - using these batteries, the Lexan, and I'm not sure what else. I have an eTek and Alltrax 4834 at my disposal, but a ready-built trolling motor might fit the bill nicely..
So - the design criteria.
1. Must be able to run in shallow water, weedlessly.
2. Must be able to float 4 passengers and gear, to a gross payload of let's say 500lbs.
3. Must be able to be dragged along shores without damage. (a wood hull is out)
4. Must be able to handle 18 inch waves.
5. Maximum length 18 feet, max width 6 feet..
6. Needs a cloth canopy to provide shade.
This is intended for weekend sight-seeing on a sheltered lake with exceptionally clear water... speed is not a major concern, nor efficiency - If the 24V / 27Ah pack can get me an hour or two on the water, I'm happy.
I'd like a window in the bottom that two people can look through at the same time.. a few feet square at least.
What do you think, folks?
Exhibit A.
I was planning on using these to power the moped conversion, but their 80lb weight scared me off.
I had the opportunity to drive an aluminum fishing boat (14 feet long) with a Minn Kota 12v trolling motor last weekend - the cheapest model made. 30lbs nominal thrust... and after 40mins of running the power leads from the battery to the motor melted, with smoke spewing from the switch housing!
Exhibit B.
I'm ready to attribute the failure to a poor switch, as the leads from the switch to the motor did not suffer any damage.
Now, there are 24V versions, sporting 80lbs of thrust - much more my speed - but this is one option of many under consideration.
Here comes the fun part: my dad, a former composites business entrepreneur, has stashed away a stock of 4mm "hardcoat" Lexan in 4x8 sheets... which I have permission to use!
I intend to build a small electric boat with a section of glass bottom - using these batteries, the Lexan, and I'm not sure what else. I have an eTek and Alltrax 4834 at my disposal, but a ready-built trolling motor might fit the bill nicely..
So - the design criteria.
1. Must be able to run in shallow water, weedlessly.
2. Must be able to float 4 passengers and gear, to a gross payload of let's say 500lbs.
3. Must be able to be dragged along shores without damage. (a wood hull is out)
4. Must be able to handle 18 inch waves.
5. Maximum length 18 feet, max width 6 feet..
6. Needs a cloth canopy to provide shade.
This is intended for weekend sight-seeing on a sheltered lake with exceptionally clear water... speed is not a major concern, nor efficiency - If the 24V / 27Ah pack can get me an hour or two on the water, I'm happy.
I'd like a window in the bottom that two people can look through at the same time.. a few feet square at least.
What do you think, folks?