On Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:36:32 -0700 (PDT), Joe
wrote:

I'm hoping someone might have a refference site for free wheeling prop
torque produced by a prop around the size of a 20X20 sailing at hull
speed. (9kts)

One goal on the boat we are designing and building will be an
electric drive system and we are leaning towards a power phase 150
drive.

http://www.uqm.com/propulsion_specs.php

It's a 200 HP perm magnet motor, so as you sail and the prop turns it
will generate power for the battery banks. These motors are now being
used in electric hummers in the Army. They need 420 volt DC using
two banks of batterys (35 batteries each bank) and will require 75 LBS
or torque to generate electricity.

Now I'm pretty sure the torque on a prop around the 22" size will be
way over 75 lbs but do not know exactly. Im hoping it's twice that at
least for gear reduction.

So I'm hoping someone might have, or know where I can get data on prop
torque. If not.... I guess I'm going to have to get a monkey wrench
and a scale and find a boat of the proper size to test.

Any suggestions?

That drag just seems counterproductive to moving along.
Since you're designing a new boat, maybe solar arrays and wind
generators charging those batteries would work better.
The cost reduction of using simple electric propulsion might offset
some of the solar and wind generator costs.
The generating screw is an elegant idea, but that drag?
Just don't seem right.

--Vic