The Power to Push a Sailboat

Online tool to estimate the amount of power needed to push a boat a given speed

How much power should you expect to use to push your sailboat?  The equation used to calculate the power needed to push a boat through water is called the resistance equation, which is given by: P = 1/2 * rho * v^2 * A * C_D where: P is the power required in watts rho…

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Advantages of Electric Propulsion for Sailboats

What are of the main advantages of electric motors in sailboats? Electric motors in sailboats offer several advantages, including: 1. improved efficiency 2. silent operation 3. ease of use 4. low maintenance 5. improved maneuverability 6. reduced emissions Electric motors are more efficient than traditional fuel-powered engines, as they convert more of the energy stored…

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Battery Size and Range Calculations for 33′ Electric Sailboat

Power and Range Estimates H33

One common question I hear when talking about repowering sailboats to electric, is “what kind of range can I expect using just the motor, for moving around without using the sails?” The answer to this question is probably most easily understood by just walking through an example from our very typical 33’ sailboat we use…

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Speed, Range and Power Relationships for Electric Sailing…

Example Speed Power Relationship Graph

In a recent discussion with someone considering an electric drive system for his sailboat, I was explaining some of the relationships between speed, power, and range.  The amount of power needed to push the boat at a given speed has a cubic, or third order, relationship (at the speeds we’re talking about for sailing). I’ll…

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NEB-25 Motor Alignment in the Sailboat

Another nice feature of the motor frame on the NEB-25 Inboard Electric Motor, is its ability to be precisely positioned and adjusted to the alignment of the propeller shaft, during the motor alignment stage of its installation. This alignment feature was added to the motor frame in the Q2-2022 version of the motor. The mechanics…

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Continuous Improvements – Wiring

Over the course of developing our electric sailboat propulsion system, numerous design changes and improvements have been developed, tested, and incorporated into the baseline design. Looking back, we’ve gone though some significant updates of the motor frame, the gear box, the battery pack, and the cockpit computer.  Lots of software updates for the cockpit computer!…

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