Mic wrote:
....



http://www.soundingsonline.com/stories.html?story=2

"Waypoint carries twin 12-hp Solomons Technology ST 74 electric motors
powered by a dozen batteries. The batteries' charge is renewed by
leaving the power plants running when the boat is sailing so the props
turn in the water, transforming the electric motors into an electric
generator. If there's no wind, a 15-kw diesel generator recharges the
batteries, says Mike Stevens, Catamaran Company's Annapolis salesman.
Stevens says Waypoint can run four hours at 8 knots on batteries, or 6
to 10 hours at 5 or 6 knots. He says the electric-powered cat appeals
to the company's most environmentally conscious customers. "They want
to sail with a green wake," he says."

R.


This isn't a bad setup for a charter boat that takes short hops, but a
32 mile range on the battery charge is a bit limiting. I'm guessing
that the genset doesn't come close to keeping up with the drain, so
this really isn't a "diesel electric." However, on a lighter
catamaran, the number might workout better.