transmission with this installation; the electric motor is simply reversed, saving weight
and another fluid to check and change.
Recently I had the unique opportunity
to crawl around one of these re-fits, installed
by Propulsion Marine from Santa Barbara,
California. The decision to install this system resulted during a complete re-fit of a
classic boat and the owner’s reluctance to
install a traditional diesel. The first obvious
change was to the physical space itself. A
normally cramped engine compartment now
contained a small one-cylinder diesel, electric-drive motor (about the size of a five-gallon
bucket!), and an array of controllers, wiring
harnesses, and switches. The batteries were
located in the portside cockpit seat locker.
In addition to the normal benefits of
hybrid propulsion, Propulsion Marine’s customers notice an increase in top speed and
cruising range along with the joy of silent
running. This installation has the ability for
remote troubleshooting (Wi-Fi dependent)
and upgrades should they be needed in the
future. The serial option is optimal for low-speed displacement boats, and is an extremely attractive option on sailboats.
A 165-hp
common-rail
diesel from
Volkswagen
coupled to
the electric
motor in the
Greenline
Hybrid is
a perfect
example of a
parallel-hy-
brid system.
NUTS & BOLTS — VOLTAGE
& CHARGING
The common elements with all these installations are large, expensive battery banks. In
many cases, these are not the 12-, 24-, or
even 48-volt systems we’re used to. While
several manufacturers are designing to 48
volts, others are using 120, 250, and even
400 volts or more. These are not systems
you’d want anyone other than a trained
technician to diagnose and repair.
Charging can be accomplished in many
ways, but the important thing is battery
management. Parallel systems can be fitted
with smaller banks because the combustion
engine can drive the boat as necessary, while
the serial method needs enough juice to get
you the entire distance. In order to optimize
the performance and lifespan of these large
DC power plants, the charge method is of
utmost importance. The charging characteristics are custom programmed for the banks
It’s easy! With your new sail order from North Sails Direct you measure, you SAVE, you get the best. Contactustoday! Direct benefits
ONE YEAR
SAIL CARE
&REPAIR
with purchase of
a new North sail*
Boat size restrictions may apply. *Restrictions may apply. Ask your North Sails Direct representative for details.
northsailsdirect.com or call 888-424-7328
Brownie’s MARINE GROUP Brownie’s Goes Green
Variable Speed
Diving Systems
Electric
www.BrowniesMarineGroup.com
954.462.5570
