Electric Powered Pontoon Boat

I am planning to build an electric pontoon boat. I would be using it on a shallow harbour bay with lots of sandbanks, which is why a jet seems like a good idea to me rather than a propeller.

As far as I am concerned, the easiest way to build my own, electric jet drive would be to buy a DC pump with something like 4kW and position it cleverly on my pontoon boat, powering it with lead acid batteries. I want to make it electric, because it will need to recharge by wind rotors while moored. I am trying to achieve a zero-maintenance cost boat, or something approaching it.

But would that work? And would it be reasonable? Or are there better choices?

I have to keep reminding myself that not all questions on this forum are jokes and that I need to be positive and helpful... so that said...

The battery bank required to run a DC pump would be so enormous it would be impractical. Furthermore, the number of solar panels required to charge those batteries would exceed the size of the boat. Furthermore, the charge controllers required for those solar panels would even further the already exorbitant cost.

Let me say that there is NO such thing as a zero-maintenance boat. Forget about that right now. Try doing no maintenance on your car... and see how far it gets you.

Propellers are not going to be a problem for you... if you're in sandy areas you'll be better off with a prop than you would with a pump trying to digest sand. At the speed you'll be doing with an electric motor, you're not going to hurt a propeller. That said, if you need more thrust than a trolling motor and pair of group 29 or 31 deep cycles can provide you, look into a Torqeedo electric outboard. They're made in Starnberg, Germany, and judging from your use of "harbour", they're closer to you than they are to us in the States. Check out westmarine.com.

2008-09-10 17:34:53 by Chaco-Yekke Downyonder

Apex Marine is the word's leading manufacturer of compact and electric powered pontoon boats with innovative designs that offer an ...

I am interested in buying a "family" boat - just something to get us out on the water, enjoying the sun, etc. However, some of the local places (lakes in the state forest) allow only electric motors - no gasoline engines. In other words, a trolling motor. Of course, this is fine for a row boat or bass boat (for fishing), but can a trolling motor push a pontoon boat through the water? Thanks!
Please - boat experts only -- not just guesses. I'm already guessing :) SMILE!

The Best way to do it,is buy a pontoon with 2 motors on it.. A pontoon moves thru the water much easier than a normal boat so you can get away with Lower horsepower engines.. and theres no reason a trolling motor wont work.. but when your on a lake where Motors are allowed.. I feel you wont be satisfied with a trollingt Motor alone... a 9.9 does a good job.. you can just tilt it up when on a electric motor lake.. in some cases rarely but you may be required to remove the prop...Good Luck

2006-10-02 08:19:50 by Hope this helps

Price: $559.99 $559.00

Ultra-quiet trolling motor with 54 pounds of thrust and 48-inch shaft
Unique bearing system reduces friction to cut fish-spooking noise; 3-year warranty
Quick-release lever for fast motor deployment

I need an electric motor for my pontoon boat to raise and lower the anchor. The one I had burned out and I need a new one. The company from whom I purchased it is no longer in business. Any ideas where I can get one? Thank you.

do a google search for : electric windlass

better to buy new than fix old. Cheaper too.

http://www.grainger.com has motors and parts, if you insist on repairing.

Look in your yellow pages for chandlers.

2007-02-17 05:25:13 by hazee

Price: $2,699.99 $2,339.99

Clean Built to run up to 2 hours at 100% on a single charge
No fumes, no emissions no gas
Realtime digital battery gauge