Hybrid drivetrains filtering down to boats
Click above for a gallery of the Scout Boats 145 Hybrid
These days, nearly every automaker - foreign or domestic - offers at least one vehicle with a hybrid powertrain. Those that don't have plans for hybrids in the future or have at least flirted with the idea in concept form. That technology is now filtering down to other forms of transportation. We've seen hybrid motorcycles, but now there are hybrid boats as well. In fact, there's an entire "Green Zone" at the New York National Boat Show, where hybrids and electric boats are taking center stage as we
Scout Boats has introduced a new hybrid vessel called the 145 Hybrid that features one 20 horsepower Yamaha outboard and twin 36-Volt Lenco motors. Deep-cycle lead acid batteries provide enough charge for 8 hours of boating at speeds of 8 miles per hour and a recharge takes 3 hours. If you need more speed, there's always the gas engine. The two electric motors are controlled by a joystick that replaces a conventional steering wheel. A larger, more powerful hybrid is in the works, despite the rough economy and falling fuel prices.
Gallery: Scout Boats 145 Hybrid
[Source: Scout Boats via Wired]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bill 12:02PM (12/16/2008)
Well, it has two propulsion systems, and one of them is battery-electric, but I think it's a stretch to call it a hybrid. The two systems are completely independent. And in a boat, which compared to a car is basically "always going uphill", there's no way to reclaim spent energy by regenerative braking. So what we've really got here is a small powerboat to which the manufacturer added a pair of common electric trolling motors. With two motors on the transom it's a little faster than your typical bass boat with one motor on the bow. Big deal. I call greenwashing on this one.
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Josh 3:25PM (12/16/2008)
+1 Bill
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David Fox 5:09PM (12/16/2008)
Australian company Solar Sailor http://www.solarsailor.com/ launched a true hybrid marine power system 8 years ago. The first vessel has been in regular service ever since and commercial production got underway this year.
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gorr 5:42PM (12/16/2008)
This is nothing new and don't add nothing to my problem that is to find good conversations and good reporting concerning new green energy in powered devises. This boat is at the same technological level as a 1950 boat with 2 electric motors good for 8 mph and a 20 h.p gasoline engine. Why they don't fit a sail, it's more powerful sometime.
I noticed that in the last 2 months everyone is cold death in the new energy domain of intellectual and living interest. I mean since 2 month it's 1 for the good and 1 for the bads. But to complicate all that most everyone except me have been on the 2 side alterning with all the solutions instead of having 1 main idea and sticking with it. All i read since 2 month is exactly the same thing that have been said before and everyone is fed-up and useless and still rely on gasoline. At least i can enjoy the death of batteries live in this site. It's a live show where i enjoy live the death-start of battery powered cars, LOL. Next will be the coming of hydrogen powered cars that will succeed in the next 20 or more years the eradication of boring gasoline engine with their weighty catalytics converters and costly devises to save 5% fuel.
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stevefazek 6:57PM (12/16/2008)
Hasnt this been around for 100 years in subs?
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G-Meister 11:12AM (12/17/2008)
Obviously there are no anglers here- this is great- gets rid of the need for a kicker, and the controls are integrated. Now if they just scale it up a bit- with the electric drive on a 135hp range outboard and little more electric power. If the batteries get mounted good and low, it will even help the stability.
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