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. Since you are all avid boat
users 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.

It's not that the product wouldn't be attractive, but the electric storage
options aren't there yet. Battery technology isn't nearly advanced enough to
support electric transportation of any kind yet. Several hundred pounds of
batteries isn't a good option on a boat. Engineer a newer, stronger, lighter
battery system with much more capacity and you just might have something.
Electric propulsion has been tried for the last 100 years or so.


"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. Since you are all avid boat
users 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.

You are a little late. Bass Pro carries a pontoon boat with an electric
motor as the primary propulsion. I imagine others do too.


"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. Since you are all avid boat
users 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.

I suggest you do some calculations on the amp/hours required to produce say
5hp. Then you'll see why there are limits to electricity as a primary
propulsion system in a boat.

"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. Since you are all avid boat
users 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.

In article .com,
says...
I would also like
to know how you see this product being used once it is introduced


With the information available I don't see it being used. Considering
the state of the art and the size of a boat that small a motor would be
useful on I don't see the boat holding any more then the batteries and
one very small person. Then, of course, there is charging the damn
things.

Hint; There is a reason why fuel consumption on a boat is usually given
in gallons per hour rather then miles per gallon. Do the math.


--
Mike G.
Heirloom Woods

www.heirloom-woods.net

Andrew writes:

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.

Already exists. Only practical on those bodies of water where internal
combustion engines are prohibited.

Sounds great as long as it has a 100 amp solar panel mounted on top! ;)
g
"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. Since you are all avid boat
users 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.

On 31 Mar 2005 11:27:47 -0800, "Andrew" wrote:

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. Since you are all avid boat
users 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.

I was the first to put an electric trolling motor on the back of a
boat. I did it in 1936.

Thank you to everyone that has provided comments thus far. Just to
clarify, the intent of my questions is to determine what the customer
values when they decide to purchase a small outboard engine. I realize
that battery technology has a way to go and may not be significantly
improved for a number of years. But there are some advances in electric
motors that can more efficiently utilize the battery power and
therefore provide either more power (up to 10HP or possible greater) or
greater lifespan utilizing the existing battery technology. I also
realize there are a number of smaller companies that do offer electric
outboard motors as a primary drive, however I am looking to see if the
market can be big enough for a major marine producer to step in and
provide a product on a larger scale. Any help that you can provide will
help me in providing good recommendations. As a follow-up to my first
question I would like to know what attributes you primarily look for in
a small outboard (either gas or electric). Additionally, how much more
money would you be willing to pay over the cost of a small gas engine
of similar HP for those additional benefits (quietness, low vibration,
no emissions, etc.)?

Andrew,

Don't you get it yet? Virtually no one is interested in an electric motor
powered outboard. The number of applications are too limited to make for
sufficient production to realize any economies of scale. Even assuming some
technological breakthroug helps overcome all the inherent tecvhnical
problems, the market would be miniscule.

Ask yourself, how many 5 HP outboards are on the water and what size craft
are they used on?

Butch
"Andrew" wrote in message
ups.com...
Thank you to everyone that has provided comments thus far. Just to
clarify, the intent of my questions is to determine what the customer
values when they decide to purchase a small outboard engine. I realize
that battery technology has a way to go and may not be significantly
improved for a number of years. But there are some advances in electric
motors that can more efficiently utilize the battery power and
therefore provide either more power (up to 10HP or possible greater) or
greater lifespan utilizing the existing battery technology. I also
realize there are a number of smaller companies that do offer electric
outboard motors as a primary drive, however I am looking to see if the
market can be big enough for a major marine producer to step in and
provide a product on a larger scale. Any help that you can provide will
help me in providing good recommendations. As a follow-up to my first
question I would like to know what attributes you primarily look for in
a small outboard (either gas or electric). Additionally, how much more
money would you be willing to pay over the cost of a small gas engine
of similar HP for those additional benefits (quietness, low vibration,
no emissions, etc.)?