It depends what you mean by 'primary' propulsion.

On a sailboat the sails are the primary propulsion system, and the engine
(if any) is the auxilary propulsion system.

My first questions would be how heavy would the batteries be? How long
would it take to charge them up?

What would the uses for your engine be? Powering a dingy? Then I would
really wonder about the size and weight of the batteries needed. At first
glance it does not seem practical. Fuel for outboard engines is readily
available, even in places such as islands where electricity is scarce.

And you are calling this an electric ENGINE? Isn't it an electric MOTOR? I
always thought an engine was powered with fossil fuels.

Of course, there are already electric motors that are used as trolling
motors on bass boats. Perhaps that would be the market you would target, as
it is already developed, instead of developing new markets? Just some
random thoughts.

Lonny B


"Andrew" wrote in message
oups.com...
I'm a business school student looking at the market feasibility of
introducing a 2-10HP electric outboard engine that could be used as
primary propulsion. This product would be introduced by a major player
in the industry within the next few years. I would like to hear your
reactions and get your thoughts on whether or not this would be an
attractive product. I would also like to know how you see this product
being used once it is introduced.