Converting our Test Vessel to Electric Propulsion

This Hunter 33 sailboat was our first vessel to receive a NEB-25 electric propulsion system.  The whole process was relatively simple.  The old diesel engine was disconnected and lifted out at a shipyard using their crane, and then the crane lowered in the new NEB-25 motor and its 10 kWh battery pack into the vessel.

The actual crane operation took less than an hour.

We scheduled an appointment with the shipyard. On the morning of our appointment, we motored over to the dock within reach of the crane, using the diesel to get us there.  We then disconnected the diesel engine and the crane lifted it out of the boat.  The electric motor and LiFePO4 battery pack were on a pallet nearby, which were lowered into the boat by the crane.

The boat was then moved to a nearby slip where the rest of the electrical and mechanical installation took place.

Main steps in the installation of the new system included:

1. Prep of saloon area for the new battery pack
2. Install (strap down and make the electrical connections) of the battery pack
3. Install the electric motor on its motor mounts
4. Alignment and connection of the motor shaft to the propeller shaft
5. Installation of the 7″ Display in the cockpit
6. Installation of the throttle and key switch in the cockpit.
7. Installation of the 48V charger in the saloon area
8. Addition of the 48V charger to the AC electrical panel

Note: The 48V electrical system is completely isolated and separate from the rest of the vessel’s electrical system.