Solar Electric motors for sailboats / boats?

Question

I saw a site on electric motors for sailboats. The hole outfit runs between 6- 8 thousand (Ray electric outboards www.rayeo.com) I dont know how to cut and paste LOL

and, the batteries can be recharged with the dock side charger

average expense cost is about a dollar a day.

My liveaboard sailboat is in need of a motor, Is this more practical a way to go? Gas prices etc.

Any thoughts

I like the idea of no fuel, and first start everytime, no smell

Answer 1

A live aboard needs a large motor and though I am sure that technology has an answer for a sizable motor the charging threw solar has not caught up yet. The sun doesn't shine enough to bet that you won't get stuck someplace and sometime with a dead battery and the wind in your face when you need to go that way and tacking just won't do. It will cost less to do a fueled motor for the little you need it and never have to worry about your charge going down cause the clouds have been cutting the sun levels and it's night and you have not found shore or dock. Also, don't bet on the dollar a day as electric service at your dock-age comes with a cost. Keep in mind too that much of the electric that goes threw boats has a funny way of causing electrolytic corrosion and zincs disappear like lemon drops on your tongue, boat metal to follow. I don't know a huge amount of info on these systems and don't know your boat and size but ask someone where you are to look at the boat and the system specs, and that someone should not be the person who is selling the equipment (and making the money for that sale).