Keep at it with the motor. Remember that not everyone has what it takes to be in the leading edge of things. You guys on the other hand are Architects and problem solving is in your blood!!! You’ve got this. As for docking, just remember how daunting it must’ve been to learn how to ride your motorcycle. Again, you’ve got this.
Leading Edge? Look at their penultimate episode now -- No Sailing, Just BULLSH!T - Sailing Uma [Step 273] . They are innovating a pretty cool solution for a vertical axis wind generator that uses a spinnaker-furling torsion line to transfer the turns to their heavy generator equipment on the foredeck! I wonder what the upshot was with how the ablative paint as compared with the copper epoxy. And how would mixing copper powder into the ablative paint go?
Kika drinking beer - Dan eating an ice cream bar. Whaaatt?!?! DON"T be disappointed with your battery results. A fix will come to you even if it means buying a new motor. Keep on keeping on :-)
I think that you may find that when your new bottom paint wars out in 2-3 years, the copper epoxy will still be there. Most bottom paints contain 30 to 60 % copper They all need to be cleaned every 3 weeks or so especially near the tropics. Love your show :)
Fantastic again guys. So much work in so little time. Pity we didn’t see the full keel repair. Good that you’re getting great performance from the electric drive. Find it amazing that your docking/mileage ratio is soooo far apart. All that living on the hook and long passages. You’ll get it. Just take it slow. Wait til you discover Mediterranean mooring, then the fun really starts: Anchors and mooring ropes all at the same time, astern and with an audience....
Midship springline will make your life so easy when docking. It changed my life. Run a line from midship back to cockpit. with bitter end in one hand drop the line over the first cleat as you are slowly entering slip. Once it has landed over cleat, draw it in and wrap it around either your winch or cleat on your coaming. with the motor still in forward at idle speed and the line made fast on your boat. The boat will draw in right up against the dock. Leave it in forward and the boat will stay right up against the dock. Hop off and tie your boat. Then shut her down. I dock singlehanded all the time even when I have others on board. I hope I described this clearly.
Wish you had included more on the keel repair. I admire your passion for electric even given what appear to be such limitations of the choice over diesel.
The bracelet anodes put on prop shafts also stop the prop corroding which is a bad thing. The greeny blue copper corrosion prevents marine fouling but this corrosion product won't occur due to the anode protecting the shaft. If you can electrically isolate the prop from the anode or have a corrosion resistant shaft like super duplex stainless, you won't need the prop antifoul coating.
With you on that Flame Thrower. No matter how careful you are, someday someone will slip and fall. Thankfully I think stanchion are on the way. Great video as always.
Seamus Reilly I've needed them twice. Once in the South Pacific, at night, in a blow. I was wearing a harness and was clipped to the mast, but I got to the lifelines awfully fast when I went down. Scariest sailing moment I've ever had.
Sorry I missed earlier videos where you announced to do a bottom job. I learned from the fishermen in Malaysia a simple trick to extend significantly the life time of the anti fouling. They simply mix spicy chili powder into the paint and claim that this helps to extend the life time. If you are interested to know more about it I will ask around for more details and send it to you. I truly like your videos.
You guys seemed pretty stressed at the end there. If it's just from docking, don't worry. A LOT LOT LOT of people have trouble with it. Find an old sea dog at the Marina, buy them a beer and level with them that you have no experience with it and most of them would be HAPPY to climb on board and demonstrate how it's done as well as give advice. Keep in mind that he/she needed help learning once. If it's about the motor I'm sure you'll figure it out. Even if it's just a ducted fan. Thanks for bringing us along for the ride though. 💖 😎
Michael Tillman - totally agree but you can do it on your own just grab a good book and pay attention to the currents. Use the wind and the current to your favour and you will be docking like a pro in no time.
@@CPTCleoTorris Being raised around the abundant waters of Louisiana here in the US of A it becomes an old hat but that's just the grace of God smiling upon me in my opinion. I do however feel that someone showing you just once, while talking you through it makes it easier to take note of what will LATER become obvious. Wind drift, current, momentum. It can be overwhelming at first, but the first time you drift right in and look like a cross between Captain Ron and Captain Morgan!? I still smile. Absolutely nothing wrong with the written word! But there is a reason we still have professors. 😎
Michael Tillman - Agree with you 100%. I sail the Great Lakes in Michigan and I am only 1 year in with a sailboat. I was a pro with a power boat (30 footer for 10 years) but a sailboat is much slicker and doesn't not like to stop. That was my big learning curve. I have docked 20+ knot winds and once with very strong current. I don't consider myself a pro although, people watching say I am. I learned if you understand what the wind and the current are you can usually pull it off looking like one. We also practice staying calm no matter how wonky it starts looking. Keeps the crew calm and everything goes much smoother... And if you bring it in you can claim you planned it that way :)
@@CPTCleoTorris Sounds like your better than I am! And the first time you think your a pro is possibly the first time you gouge your hull. BTW. Stay cool ta be cool. 👍
I did not realize it but you did just what we did and that is put to put two solar panels together as a Bimini roof. It works well for us except that we no longer have an easy view of the main. I also really like the Propspeed treatment. We have had it on now for two years when we haul in October it will be interesting to see if anything remains.
The copper bottom paints were the best, just an extension of the age of sail (18th century) where they used to add a copper sheet to those wooden boats. Unfortunately, the way it works is that it comes out over time and there were many complaints about environmental concerns. They phased these out in most places, and people used to hoard the last material made as if it was gold.
I am sure you have mastered docking after all your years on the boat. Docking is like building muscle it takes time and repatition to build. I've seen boats sit at the dock afraid to go out because it would mean docking again. Loving the videos and binge watching while our boats is on the hard for the Ontario winter.
the one thing i hate about sailing uma is that i can't watch it from my couch.....i usually sit on a 5 gallon bucket. kidding....very informative, thankyou.
Docking and undocking is one of the things that stresses us the most. I was docked in an 'empty' marina a couple of years ago and a complete yacht club's worth of boats (about 8 yachts mostly couples) piled in and spent the entire day practicing different manoeuvres (springing off, forward , reverse, using prop wash, bridal lasso etc). Very grim and serious faces at the start of the day. Very happy and confident faces at the end of the day. I used to hate docking as I mostly sail solo, but lots of practice later and...I now hate it slightly less.
You guys are such hard workers 💪💪i love the way you experiment, regroup and adjust your plan 👌 you make an impressive team 💗💗 it must be tiring living through a state of flux like that but I've a funny feeling its going to be worth it 🌼🌸🌼
Dan......I wanted a more thorough video on this rebuild/changes.....I know you had limited time and other pressures, but as wheelchair bound old salt, I love the longer versions of reno. However, you're still the number #1 sailing channel on TH-cam. You're Dad must be a very proud father for raising such an amazing young man. Cheers.
Thanks for the recommendation, Jim. It looks like I am already subscribed but, I haven't watched any of the episodes yet. I will have to check it out when I have some time.
Guys- love everything about your adventures... As a dock master,and former merchant mariner, And Lt. in the Navy I can tell you from experience and observation coming in to any dockage is always stressful. I tell all of our customers that are unsure during docking when they ask for advice this one simple rule: “only dock with as much speed as you are willing to hit the dock with”. Sounds foreboding, but in the end I think that is what we all fear most... damaging our precious vessel. As sailors we want to conquer the sea and harness the wind, and typically docking usually proves that we aren’t close to doing either. Love you guys. Fair winds, following seas, and Hold Fast. Ps. If you are ever in the Chesapeake Bay, come and stay with us in Rock Hall, Md. North Point Marina. Ask for Cap... that’s me😃
Edwin Pickering---- I have never heard anyone say "only with as much speed as you are willing to hit the dock with" about doing that very thing! I have thought that..... but never quite put it into such a simple sentence. I am going to be saying that one myself next time I am on the water.
You are not alone in your docking anxiety. We bought our first sailboat less than 2 months ago and we have to drive it through the locks (in Seattle) every time we go sailing. The stress of trying to not smash your boat in front of dozens of tourists in addition to the lock employees yelling at you made us not want to even take our boat out. But after 4 or 5 trips out we feel pretty confident and we don’t even think about it anymore. Practice makes perfect!
You could buy one of those really small and reliable generators, (1kw quiet pack generator)from harbor freight, or honda's portable version, stick it in the engine bay, and have it on hand in emergencies, future water makers, etc. or even for charging battieries or running the electric motor directly off of for longer periods of time. also, look into an oil-coolant system for the electric motor, the're are some nice electric motors used for hybrid vehicles that are quite efficient, but they can cost almost $4000. >food for thought.. >>> by the way, you guys are my heroes!! love the stuff you do, and love to help support it all!!!
Uma looks beautiful, but she looks so small as she’s being put back in the water! Never really got a good scale before. Keep up the great work! You’re clearly exhausted, but what you’re accomplishing is so worth it and I can’t wait to see how the improvements work out.
The best recipe for learning docking is being young, stupid and having a relatively cheap boat. I got a 26-footer when I was 16 and spent a few summers sailing around Scandinavia. We would dock by sail quite often and even did it on the mast alone a couple of times just to show off. Now, a decade later, I have helmed a 192 feet full-rigged 1200 tonne wooden ship in the same waters and across the North sea. I do prefer boats in the 30 to 40 ft range though. Much more versatile!
I think you would be far happier with an AC motor/generator and its compatible controller. While sailing, the prop would turn the motor in regen mode and charge up your batteries.....along with the solar panels and wind generator. To extend your systems range when needed, add a diesel generator, which could also power a watermaker and other power-hungry appliances when needed. The only downside to a system like this is its cost.....but you already have one of its most expensive parts....the batteries!!! I still think you two are on the right track.....
You'll get good at docking. No worries mate. I did it as a marine mechanic for many years on different boats every day. In time you get good at it. Be patient. Put a floating ball in the middle of the pond and drive all around it doing all types of maneuvers to practice. if you hit it, no harm no foul. Just don't wrap the rope in the prop when you run over it during practice. Great videos as usual.
Hi Guys. Fit an engine bay extractor fan and duct\tubing you will need to extract the heat not blow cool air in. Docking; set your lines fore and aft but leave them handy to grab from the dock. Then set a line to the mid cleat. Approach the dock and put the boat near a dock cleat thats near your mid cleat. Always secure the mid cleat to the dock first. The boat is then secure and can be held against the dock against wind or tide by the application of just a little thrust, fore or aft and/or helm, against the mid cleat line, allowing you to then set fore and aft lines to dock at liesure, without stress or panic. Slipping; do the reverse mid cleat last. Loop the mid line through the dock cleat and lock it to the boats mid cleat. When ready just slip the line from the boat and pull it on board through the dock cleat. In strong winds and or currents against you spring off with long lines either fore or aft using engine to push you against tide or wind pushing you against dock. Loads of videos on springing off on the web. These two tricks will get you docking like old salts in just a few hours practice. Hope this helps. Sail Safe. Ant & Cid xx
I’ve lowered sail after starting the motor in San Francisco Bay as I prepared to dock many times. The motor died on two occasions with rocks on a lee shore, heavy boat traffic, wind and current. It was super dicey both times and too deep to throw out anchor. Both times I raised sail and made my way out of it, but it was close! I would have enjoyed more on the installation of the through-hulls and repair of the keel. Have you inspected the keel bolts for damage/corrosion? You don’t want that thing breaking off while underway. It’s amazing you were able to do all that in three days! Cheers!
Docking, It's totally stressful at first. All last year we were stressed every time. It felt like landing a plane or something. But, one of our viewers sent us a great book! It's called " MANEUVER AND DOCK YOUR SAILBOAT UNDER POWER: HIGH WINDS. It was awesome and changed my entire approach to boat handling under power. My favorite trick now is holding the boat stern to the wind and pulsing forward with the rudder cut hard to slowly walk the boat sideways. ( only usable in certain conditions ) I'm sure you'll master docking in no time at all. #SpringLineFTW. -Chad
you always have a way to look out for the well being of the project, cant help it, but it gets me all mushy inside to see so few people make the efforts with what they have to help it get along :-)
I am so jealous! I picked up my project boat last year, took the bottom down to glass, barrier coated, and ablative painted. Two weeks short of a year in the Chesapeake Bay and I had to pull it out last week, because I couldn't turn the prop over an idle. There wasn't a spot on the bottom without a barnacle and an inch or more of growth on it. Not a sign of any of my 3 coats of bottom paint left. Yours looked so clean by comparison! I've had several people recommend the Interlux and since I won't use TotalBoat again, I may have to try it. I'll see what comments you have about it between now and spring!
Best advice we've received, is: go to the largest boat yard around and ask them what they use. Every paint is different, and each one works in certain places and not in others. Micron csc is what they put on all the boats down here, that stay down here. Up there might be different. Just ask the yards, not your neighbors.
Wow, that was a lot of work, but the hull and the running gear sure looked good when you were done. Looking forward to your thoughts on this bottom paint.
I love watching these videos, I watch a few everyday. They motivate me to work on my power boat, and also get me ready for my first sailboat. Thanks guys!
Wicked! You cruel man. Did you see the look on Kika's face when you told her she didn't hit 'record'? And she looked absolutely exhausted. It's sad that you didn't get the results you wanted from the battery propulsion you hoped for, but it's way better than you had before. Info: it's April 2020, & I'm still playing 'catch up' with your videos. (If you are watching this in 2025, the world has been on Corona virus lockdown for over a week now.)
Please look up Nord Lock washers for ALL of your battery connections These have been extensively tested on battery connections for electric cars. They are a zinc interlocking torqued washer. A loose terminal wire can be catastrophic to you AND UMA.
gotta hand it to you both. What you have accomplished from the beginning is quite a feet. Been watching from Step 1 and your boat is really looking great. Love the design choices etc. I don't think I would continue with electric motor however. Just my preference as there is nothing wrong with your motor. Your actually paving a possible path forward for many others and with continued improvements it certainly is a viable alternative to diesel. Cheers and get some rest. Lots of work done over that weekend for sure.
That motor heating up might be because of it's efficiency. Current loss (I^2r) is heat. A more efficient motor would generate less heat. However that might not be the cause of the heat. The heat could be coming from a motor bearing. Check to see if the heat is on one end of the motor or the other (front or rear bearing). If it is all over or in the middle it's probably motor. The Just Cat folks might have a thermal imaging camera (IR) (FLIR) you can use to check it. Also one of the other boats might have one for Man Overboard, Night Watch and expensive toy. If not there check your wiring connections on the motor. If you have a weak connection it might show up as heat. (which can also be seen with a thermal camera). Last the motor connection to the shaft if it is misaligned can produce heat (usually also noise). I don't remember if you guys used a flexible coupling, if you didn't get one and put it in. Do you have access to equipment to check the alignment of the shaft to the motor? And that is a motor meant for a fork lift or golf cart isn't it? Check with an electric fork lift company, that motor might just run hot.
the motor is heating up because its consuming 50 amps+ for an hour and a half in an enclosed environment. No wind/ water to cool it. Its probably running 75% of its maximum power without any breaks to cool down.
great update, looking forward to more info on Propspeed, I have considered it, but didnt want to put out the money for it. Last year when I did my bottom job I just painted the heck out of the prop, I need to dive on it and see what it all looks like. My boat does entirely to much floating... Need to sail more. but life and family has a tendency of getting in the way of my true passion sailing.... so thankfull for you guys as you help it not be so painful. P.s. Thanks for the info on the copper set up you used last time. From what I have read a burnishing before it goes in to expose the copper is key in how well it works...
I know this a much older video - have you considered a folding prop? we have changed across to a flexifold - nothing short of brilliant - more thrust ahead and going astern. Significant improvements when sailing - Chalk and cheese on old arrangement
Thanks guys hope you slept well! Nice keel repair, literally like new! Good luck with the motor - one problem solved, move onto next problem - it'll get there in the end :-)!
I bought that book you suggested a while back on electric sailboats. I'm sure you are way ahead of me. But a brushless etek motor is going to be a game changer for you guys.
Electric motors are not ready yet but...... Someone need to start the process for the progress :) when I see you guys sailing again????? I miss a lot your adventurous adventures ;) ⛵🌍🌎🌏
A thought for you on docking. I have a 10m long keel boat that really gets grumpy at going anything but straight. Took me awhile to learn to dock her well in tight marinas. I practiced using some fenders as bouys in a rectangle spaced 3m x 10m to simulate a dock in some open water. This let me practice coming in on the "dock" from different wind angles. After a few hours of going in circles and different approaches/wind angles (without the fear of slamming into a real dock) i was able to consistently get her to land perfectly within the "dock" area.
Great video. Thanks. I have a brushless 10 kW Goldenmotor in my 32 feet sailboat, 5000 kg. Works fine. No problem with the motor overheating. Reduction is 2,5. Go for a new motor. It's worth it.
I applaud your commitment to using an alternative propulsion solution. It's people who push technology that leads to innovation. I completely understand the blue water sailors reservations on relying on this type of system as your primary means of propulsion. However, everyone has different tolerances for risk. Perhaps before embarking on your next adventure you might consider a generator as an emergency backup. I watched with interest as you redid the bottom coating on your boat. When I saw you mix up your own epoxy copper mix, I thought about this for my own boat. A few mixed reviews of coppercoat in Carribean waters convinced me to also use Micron CSC.
Thanks for the kind words and understanding attitude. The thing is, a motor on a sailboat shouldn't be "the primary means of propulsion" Thats what the sails are for, right? I get what you meant by that, but it seems more and more "sailors" are relying more and more on their motors than learning how to use their sails properly, or have the right sails onboard in the first place. Having a motor for those tights spots, or to extend our ability to explore up rivers etc, is great, but certainly didn't stop us for the last 3 years. Now with the new batteries, we can motor a bit further, but more importantly, we can take our time to recharge since lithium don't get damaged when you leave them discharged like lead acid does. And, we're no longer damaging the batteries every time we click on the motor. We enjoy the challenge and reward of sailing everywhere we go, and will continue to do so. We're not in a hurry to get anywhere and for us, waiting for the right wind is part of the joy of sailing. For the weight, cost and space a generator would take up, we'd rather add another sail to our inventory like a code zero or D for those light wind days.
I agree, I meant primary means of auxiliary propulsion. I assume by default that you will use your sails whenever possible, otherwise why own a sailboat? I sailed with friends through the Caribbean for months without a motor because it didn't run. We were already sufficiently proficient sailors that we didn't need the motor at all. Never the less, once we got around to fixing it, it was a good feeling to know it was there if we ever needed it. When traversing the doldrums in the Pacific the motor sure came in handy. Some sailing area's are more benign than others. Areas with strong currents and fluky winds can be challenging to navigate without an auxiliary. Having a quiver of sails from which to choose is a great idea and extends the conditions in which you can sail effectively.
One other thing, I have a screecher (like a code 0 only a flatter cut for a multihull) on my boat. I think it is a great sail, but I've only got to use it twice. The second time it was deployed by accident in > 20 kt winds. Tore the bowsprit right off the bow. I'm sure it looked like we were keystone cops sailing as I struggled to douse the sail unfurled onto the deck, this is a very big sail. The sail was undamaged. I've repaired the sprit and can't wait to use it again (in appropriate winds).
Appreciated comments on your bottom job. My boat needs one but I've heard all different methods and effectiveness-es and not too sure what is the best. Don't think I can wait a year, but have had a patchy ablative coat on and may just go ahead and refresh that (I was considering the copper coat). I was amazed at the diversity of critters in your boat bottom reef... Your electric propulsion is a study in innovation, which is always harder than just following tradition. You may end up with a hybrid by slightly upgrading the dingy motor and continue to employ it as a auxiliary. Or check out the recent Delos battery video, where they used 10 or 12 lithium batteries to generate the 75 surge amps used in a microwave. I know that won't solve your motor heating issue but you may just need a more robust system. Then there is the recharging issue. Shore power is nice but to be really independent you can choose to add panels, wind generation and/or hydro-generation. I suppose the killer is the cost but maybe you could add approaches as you get the funding. There are some swags who have been playing with electric power boats and achieving high speeds. I hope you do find an elegant fuel less solution. Maybe a Tesla wreck is in your future. Realize it was a lot of work but interesting video.
Dan , I do have to say that I have always enjoy your ingenuity on solving so many problems on your boat and has been very entertaining to watch so congrats on that. Although you may have mad a mistake in your choice of ablative bottom paint. Yes I once was a fan of that brand of bottom paint . On my last haul-out a month ago .. I has full intention of using it once again .. until I saw what had happened to my bottom... from just sixteen month... with that paint...The Paint Blistered from front to back and the entire bottom had to sanded off to the gelcoat and then dried... very costly .Thank goodness there were not gelcoat blisters... I talked to my contractor about this.. and he too , was once a fan in interlux , but told me that a couple of years ago they changed the chemical makeup of the paint and was no longer worth Five Cents.. and if someone insisted on even using it .. he would not warranty any work and said he would not even do the work to take the boat somewhere else.... and this man is one of the most respected contractors in the Gulf Coast , boats from the entire gulf travel in , just to have him work on there boat.. over sixty years in the business . What I am tying to say is , that he really does his homework on what bottom Paints he will use... I do wish you guys well with it.. and that your paint does not blister as mine did... Oh one more thing.. I did haul-out about eight months after it was first put on and no problem at that time.. but it was not the case with the next haul-out. And yes that Speed Prop is Great stuff.. I too have been using it and I love it... Fair Winds, Robert
Good job! I just wanted to address the end of the video. Seems that you're saying that there's apprehension in docking under power. I've taught boat handling for years and there are a few tips I'd like to pass along. First, and foremost know what your boat will and won't do while maneuvering in close quarters, then plan accordingly. Don't put yourself in a position you know your boat won't like! Secondly, everybody f's up! Learn and move on. Luckily if you do screw up it doesn't result in a fiery heap :-). And thirdly, you said it practice. Use a nice calm day and work up from there. Hope this helps! You two kick ass!!!
Since you burned a terminal off a lead acid battery and the wires were surprisingly loose when you removed them, may I suggest you re-torque the new ones in a couple weeks, then months, then annually? Fair Winds!
Another good tool in a electrical tool box, is an infrared camera. As a industrial electrician we did a heat audit of our plant from time to time to check for hot spots due to loose connections. But as you said, re torquing of the connections is imperative after a good run in, as the temperature changes will loosen the connections.
You’ve come a long way from Riverside marina keep moving forward and remember gas, diesel or electric so what it’s just the auxiliary we all know you’ll perfect anything you two do!
Wow amazing job guys! The old boat looks brand new! It gives me hope for the projects I have to do on mine. It’s so amazing to see what you guys accomplished.
What's the latest on the motor heating problem? If you don't have them, get a photocell tach and clamp-on DC ammeter(Sears has a good one for less than $100) to conveniently measure the field and armature currents while motoring. Also, if the wiring diagram could be updated, we might be able to sort this out.
Blue Water Marine has a line of verrrrry affordable copper based paints. They are extremely effective and usually last 3-5 years, which is for sure the time period you would have to haul your boat anyway. You don't want to go 12 years without hauling your boat with Coppercoat.
Nice work on the boat. She looks great. I have to say, I'm with ya on the docking. Scares the hell out of me every time I come in. Keep sailing. Peace from Allegro
a bit late now, but anytime you need to get epoxy into a hole/tight spot, put it in a Ziploc bag, snip off one corner and pipe it into place. You can get it into all of the nooks and crannies, waste less and it makes clean up much easier.
A lot of people saying to go back to diesel, At this point, how difficult would that be??? For Uma that would be an entire retrofit. What would be a viable choice is to hang a transom bracket with a 25hp for those sticky situations, this would be insurance for Uma and the least expensive choice at this stage. It just make sense.
On the heating, you could use the cheap aluminum extrusions from H.D. or Lowes as cooling fins(maybe stack or nest them) and mount a (clutch?)fan to the front to move air over them. There are thermal extrusions you can find on the net, but I guess it depends on your budget and schedule.
Sailing UMA definitely the best show on TH-cam...along with Mads from Sail Life, Sailing RAN and a Boat called Wanda.....maybe a bit more techy. Cheers
Do use your prop walk to dock? If you use 1 warping line at the bow, turn the helm hard over, use forward and backward thrust to back the boat in, it is very easy and slow. You have to turn the helm opposite of your prop walk though (i think) Fwd thrust will kick the stern while backward thrust will draw you in. Maryland School of sailing does a great docking class. I havent taken it but I have been taught their methods in other classes.
Guys, maybe check out the chevy malibu (2012) e-assist motor-generator... 110V, 3-phase ac, 15kw, watercooled. you can pick up a watercooled controller for it (nissan leaf, chevy volt) for Usd 100, a hacked circuit board for usd 350, and you have a watercooled system with almost ideal torque...
Maybe electric backup to a diesel but batteries need to get more efficient to rely on them for propulsion. If something happens to the sail rig let's hope that help is less than an hour away.
I use a similar and much cheaper product called Propglide. The stuff seems to work a lot better and last a lot longer if you sail a lot. I sail almost every day and can easily get a few years out of each application.
For longer motoring could you put some kind of mount on the stern for the dingy outboard say a stainless lift type so you could also store the motor there
To cool the motor you can get 1/4 in copper tubing and wrap the motor. Use a small pump to pump water through it. It's not as good as a proper water jacket but it do work and you're not motoring for more than a couple hours anyway
You should store your dinghy motor on an outboard motor mount while cruising so if your electric drivetrain fails and you cannot use the sails then you can just lower the motor and operate it from the cockpit. Rather than having to deploy your dinghy and tie it alongside your sailboat like you have done in past videos.
I know that you have the new Sail Drive motor now but I might have tried getting coiled copper that they use for a heat exchanger and wrapped that around the motor with a small pump or maybe even just use forward momentum to push waster through the coils around the motor to keep it cool.......or even just a fan.
Yes, we tried a fan, and had everything we needed for the copper coil solution too, but that was only one of the issues we were facing. The bent shaft, undersized motor and fixed prop with no regen we other factors we were trying to solve as well. The new motor fixed all 4 of these issues.
The keel crack loosen , bolts in the front area drive a wedge in to open it a tad expoxie fill draw out the wedges ,swing on the bolts , silicone only hides the real problem of the keel being loose ,
Kika didn't look too happy when discussing the motor. I don't think she agrees that it's fine 10:43. I sense there may have been an argument during the docking process? I saw a meme once that said "I'm sorry for what I said when docking the boat" First time that I saw a hint of any conflict between ya'll. It was actually refreshing to see, I know how it is. My bad if I'm just imagining things. Anyhow, thanks for the honest video. I'm almost caught up!
Good job, follow your own well thought out plans, always remember the guy at the end of the bar, at the marina bar, hasn't your experience, investment or temperament, do as you see fit, keep well off the lee shore, loads of sailing vessels are abandoned at sea, the crew pulled off by coast guard, only to find Her weeks later sailing along fine as a fiddle
The operating temperature for electric motors, is 60 degrees F above the ambient (surrounding) temperature. So, if it's 90F in your engine room then normal operating temperature would be 150 F ! You could fry an egg on it!
Did you measure the battery current or the usually higher motor current ? If you saved the gear reduction set-up, try running the motor at higher RPM to reduce the motor current and heating. A smaller prop would have the same effect. Although, it's usually more efficient to use a larger prop running at a lower RPM. Cooling your type of motor is difficult because the rotor, commutator, and brush area are where most of the heat is generated and there's a limited heat conducting path to the outside of the motor. Cooling coils on the outside won't help much unless you're applying too much current to the stator windings- you should check them. I've found that blowing cooling air on the commutator/brush area is the most effective way of cooling this type of motor. You can make this work. It's just going to take some more effort!
In the future, consider giving Blue Water Paints a try. You can order factory direct for far better prices than anywhere else. I've used them on two separate boats now with tremendous outcomes. I also used their proprietary epoxy barrier coat which rolls on thicker than Interprotect 1000E so you can get the required mil depth in far fewer coats. Love their products, service, and best of all: prices. Nice job on the rapid haul-out. Looks like you guys are ready to go cruising again. Consider coming up to Annapolis in October for the show. Maybe you can land another speaking gig.
Copper Coat ist based on a water based epoxi which is water permeable. Of course they mix copper powder and something else into the resign. It may work, but all I heart and read was not as perfect as the manufacturer says. I used as well for a long time Micron CSC some years it worked proper, some nearly not. It depends on the climate situation, i think. Three years ago I switched to Sigma Ecofleet and since this time I never had probs with fouling. There is a similar product made by Jotun. The secret is, I learned it from a yard owner in Trinidad&Tobago, the antifouling on a sailboat has to be as soft as possible - it should has a surface like soap. So the plants and barnacles get washed of when you sail. I am curious on your experience with the prop antifouling. What I learned was that there is a system in New Zeeland based on Silicones but not available as DIY product. The price is nearby your prop antifouling but I heard it works as well only for a year. Fair winds Tom
![Building a Zen Garden on a Sailboat!- Sailing Uma [Step 138]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2ib0rmiosKI/mqdefault.jpg)
![Building a Zen Garden on a Sailboat!— Sailing Uma [Step 138]](/img/tr.png)
![INITIAL TEST of our Oceanvolt Electric Motor - Sailing Uma [Step 215]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yfTWR8Lm5Aw/mqdefault.jpg)
Keep at it with the motor. Remember that not everyone has what it takes to be in the leading edge of things. You guys on the other hand are Architects and problem solving is in your blood!!! You’ve got this.
As for docking, just remember how daunting it must’ve been to learn how to ride your motorcycle. Again, you’ve got this.
Leading Edge? Look at their penultimate episode now -- No Sailing, Just BULLSH!T - Sailing Uma [Step 273]
.
They are innovating a pretty cool solution for a vertical axis wind generator that uses a spinnaker-furling torsion line to transfer the turns to their heavy generator equipment on the foredeck!
I wonder what the upshot was with how the ablative paint as compared with the copper epoxy.
And how would mixing copper powder into the ablative paint go?
Kika drinking beer - Dan eating an ice cream bar. Whaaatt?!?! DON"T be disappointed with your battery results. A fix will come to you even if it means buying a new motor. Keep on keeping on :-)
I think that you may find that when your new bottom paint wars out in 2-3 years, the copper epoxy will still be there. Most bottom paints contain 30 to 60 % copper They all need to be cleaned every 3 weeks or so especially near the tropics. Love your show :)
Fantastic again guys. So much work in so little time. Pity we didn’t see the full keel repair.
Good that you’re getting great performance from the electric drive.
Find it amazing that your docking/mileage ratio is soooo far apart. All that living on the hook and long passages. You’ll get it. Just take it slow. Wait til you discover Mediterranean mooring, then the fun really starts: Anchors and mooring ropes all at the same time, astern and with an audience....
Landing will always be challenging. Taking off is easy!
Midship springline will make your life so easy when docking. It changed my life. Run a line from midship back to cockpit. with bitter end in one hand drop the line over the first cleat as you are slowly entering slip. Once it has landed over cleat, draw it in and wrap it around either your winch or cleat on your coaming. with the motor still in forward at idle speed and the line made fast on your boat. The boat will draw in right up against the dock. Leave it in forward and the boat will stay right up against the dock. Hop off and tie your boat. Then shut her down. I dock singlehanded all the time even when I have others on board. I hope I described this clearly.
Wish you had included more on the keel repair. I admire your passion for electric even given what appear to be such limitations of the choice over diesel.
They were on the same boat with a diesel motor on one of their episodes and the electric is the clear winner
You are delusional.
@@bluefinch6504 To whom was your comment directed?
The bracelet anodes put on prop shafts also stop the prop corroding which is a bad thing. The greeny blue copper corrosion prevents marine fouling but this corrosion product won't occur due to the anode protecting the shaft. If you can electrically isolate the prop from the anode or have a corrosion resistant shaft like super duplex stainless, you won't need the prop antifoul coating.
Time for stanchions and lifelines. You've pushed your luck far enough.
Great channel, one of my favourites.
About 2 videos ago Dan stated they were going to install both stanchions and lifelines
With you on that Flame Thrower. No matter how careful you are, someday someone will slip and fall. Thankfully I think stanchion are on the way. Great video as always.
Seamus Reilly
I've needed them twice. Once in the South Pacific, at night, in a blow. I was wearing a harness and was clipped to the mast, but I got to the lifelines awfully fast when I went down. Scariest sailing moment I've ever had.
I hope they don’t push their luck until it runs out. Please get those safety features taken care of.
You two are shining examples of the Law that "Work Works" Yeah. Every step of the way.
Sorry I missed earlier videos where you announced to do a bottom job. I learned from the fishermen in Malaysia a simple trick to extend significantly the life time of the anti fouling. They simply mix spicy chili powder into the paint and claim that this helps to extend the life time. If you are interested to know more about it I will ask around for more details and send it to you. I truly like your videos.
That last bit was evil genius .... bet there was a price!
You guys seemed pretty stressed at the end there. If it's just from docking, don't worry. A LOT LOT LOT of people have trouble with it. Find an old sea dog at the Marina, buy them a beer and level with them that you have no experience with it and most of them would be HAPPY to climb on board and demonstrate how it's done as well as give advice. Keep in mind that he/she needed help learning once. If it's about the motor I'm sure you'll figure it out. Even if it's just a ducted fan. Thanks for bringing us along for the ride though. 💖 😎
Michael Tillman - totally agree but you can do it on your own just grab a good book and pay attention to the currents. Use the wind and the current to your favour and you will be docking like a pro in no time.
@@CPTCleoTorris
Being raised around the abundant waters of Louisiana here in the US of A it becomes an old hat but that's just the grace of God smiling upon me in my opinion. I do however feel that someone showing you just once, while talking you through it makes it easier to take note of what will LATER become obvious. Wind drift, current, momentum. It can be overwhelming at first, but the first time you drift right in and look like a cross between Captain Ron and Captain Morgan!? I still smile. Absolutely nothing wrong with the written word! But there is a reason we still have professors. 😎
Michael Tillman - Agree with you 100%. I sail the Great Lakes in Michigan and I am only 1 year in with a sailboat. I was a pro with a power boat (30 footer for 10 years) but a sailboat is much slicker and doesn't not like to stop. That was my big learning curve. I have docked 20+ knot winds and once with very strong current. I don't consider myself a pro although, people watching say I am. I learned if you understand what the wind and the current are you can usually pull it off looking like one. We also practice staying calm no matter how wonky it starts looking. Keeps the crew calm and everything goes much smoother... And if you bring it in you can claim you planned it that way :)
@@CPTCleoTorris
Sounds like your better than I am! And the first time you think your a pro is possibly the first time you gouge your hull. BTW. Stay cool ta be cool. 👍
That is the truth, I am always very aware of my lack of skill each time... But I don't tell anybody about my insecurities :)
I did not realize it but you did just what we did and that is put to put two solar panels together as a Bimini roof. It works well for us except that we no longer have an easy view of the main. I also really like the Propspeed treatment. We have had it on now for two years when we haul in October it will be interesting to see if anything remains.
The copper bottom paints were the best, just an extension of the age of sail (18th century) where they used to add a copper sheet to those wooden boats.
Unfortunately, the way it works is that it comes out over time and there were many complaints about environmental concerns. They phased these out in most places, and people used to hoard the last material made as if it was gold.
I am sure you have mastered docking after all your years on the boat. Docking is like building muscle it takes time and repatition to build. I've seen boats sit at the dock afraid to go out because it would mean docking again. Loving the videos and binge watching while our boats is on the hard for the Ontario winter.
the one thing i hate about sailing uma is that i can't watch it from my couch.....i usually sit on a 5 gallon bucket.
kidding....very informative, thankyou.
😂😂😂😂😂Good one
Docking and undocking is one of the things that stresses us the most. I was docked in an 'empty' marina a couple of years ago and a complete yacht club's worth of boats (about 8 yachts mostly couples) piled in and spent the entire day practicing different manoeuvres (springing off, forward , reverse, using prop wash, bridal lasso etc). Very grim and serious faces at the start of the day. Very happy and confident faces at the end of the day. I used to hate docking as I mostly sail solo, but lots of practice later and...I now hate it slightly less.
You guys are such hard workers 💪💪i love the way you experiment, regroup and adjust your plan 👌 you make an impressive team 💗💗 it must be tiring living through a state of flux like that but I've a funny feeling its going to be worth it 🌼🌸🌼
So close but so far, you are doing great.
Dan......I wanted a more thorough video on this rebuild/changes.....I know you had limited time and other pressures, but as wheelchair bound old salt, I love the longer versions of reno. However, you're still the number #1 sailing channel on TH-cam. You're Dad must be a very proud father for raising such an amazing young man. Cheers.
I really love seeing the reno as well. I really like the solutions and designs that they come up with.
Another great channel is sail life. Though his is more extreme.
Thanks for the recommendation, Jim. It looks like I am already subscribed but, I haven't watched any of the episodes yet. I will have to check it out when I have some time.
I used Pettit Trinidad red when we lived in Florida. Got 3 years between haul outs. Heard lots of good things about Micron too.
Guys- love everything about your adventures...
As a dock master,and former merchant mariner, And Lt. in the Navy I can tell you from experience and observation coming in to any dockage is always stressful. I tell all of our customers that are unsure during docking when they ask for advice this one simple rule: “only dock with as much speed as you are willing to hit the dock with”. Sounds foreboding, but in the end I think that is what we all fear most... damaging our precious vessel. As sailors we want to conquer the sea and harness the wind, and typically docking usually proves that we aren’t close to doing either. Love you guys. Fair winds, following seas, and Hold Fast.
Ps. If you are ever in the Chesapeake Bay, come and stay with us in Rock Hall, Md. North Point Marina. Ask for Cap... that’s me😃
Edwin Pickering---- I have never heard anyone say "only with as much speed as you are willing to hit the dock with" about doing that very thing! I have thought that..... but never quite put it into such a simple sentence. I am going to be saying that one myself next time I am on the water.
You are not alone in your docking anxiety. We bought our first sailboat less than 2 months ago and we have to drive it through the locks (in Seattle) every time we go sailing. The stress of trying to not smash your boat in front of dozens of tourists in addition to the lock employees yelling at you made us not want to even take our boat out. But after 4 or 5 trips out we feel pretty confident and we don’t even think about it anymore. Practice makes perfect!
You could buy one of those really small and reliable generators, (1kw quiet pack generator)from harbor freight, or honda's portable version, stick it in the engine bay, and have it on hand in emergencies, future water makers, etc. or even for charging battieries or running the electric motor directly off of for longer periods of time. also, look into an oil-coolant system for the electric motor, the're are some nice electric motors used for hybrid vehicles that are quite efficient, but they can cost almost $4000.
>food for thought..
>>> by the way, you guys are my heroes!! love the stuff you do, and love to help support it all!!!
Uma looks beautiful, but she looks so small as she’s being put back in the water! Never really got a good scale before. Keep up the great work! You’re clearly exhausted, but what you’re accomplishing is so worth it and I can’t wait to see how the improvements work out.
Just Catamarans really treated you well!
The best recipe for learning docking is being young, stupid and having a relatively cheap boat. I got a 26-footer when I was 16 and spent a few summers sailing around Scandinavia. We would dock by sail quite often and even did it on the mast alone a couple of times just to show off. Now, a decade later, I have helmed a 192 feet full-rigged 1200 tonne wooden ship in the same waters and across the North sea. I do prefer boats in the 30 to 40 ft range though. Much more versatile!
Uma looks GOOD!
I think you would be far happier with an AC motor/generator and its compatible controller. While sailing, the prop would turn the motor in regen mode and charge up your batteries.....along with the solar panels and wind generator. To extend your systems range when needed, add a diesel generator, which could also power a watermaker and other power-hungry appliances when needed. The only downside to a system like this is its cost.....but you already have one of its most expensive parts....the batteries!!! I still think you two are on the right track.....
You'll get good at docking. No worries mate. I did it as a marine mechanic for many years on different boats every day. In time you get good at it. Be patient. Put a floating ball in the middle of the pond and drive all around it doing all types of maneuvers to practice. if you hit it, no harm no foul. Just don't wrap the rope in the prop when you run over it during practice. Great videos as usual.
You're going to help me with my boat right Jean ;)
Hi Guys. Fit an engine bay extractor fan and duct\tubing you will need to extract the heat not blow cool air in.
Docking; set your lines fore and aft but leave them handy to grab from the dock. Then set a line to the mid cleat. Approach the dock and put the boat near a dock cleat thats near your mid cleat.
Always secure the mid cleat to the dock first. The boat is then secure and can be held against the dock against wind or tide by the application of just a little thrust, fore or aft and/or helm, against the mid cleat line, allowing you to then set fore and aft lines to dock at liesure, without stress or panic. Slipping; do the reverse mid cleat last. Loop the mid line through the dock cleat and lock it to the boats mid cleat. When ready just slip the line from the boat and pull it on board through the dock cleat. In strong winds and or currents against you spring off with long lines either fore or aft using engine to push you against tide or wind pushing you against dock. Loads of videos on springing off on the web.
These two tricks will get you docking like old salts in just a few hours practice. Hope this helps. Sail Safe. Ant & Cid xx
A clean Boat, is a happy Boat...and you guys do a great job ‼️👌🇨🇦
She really looks great. you guy are very talented. Thanks for sharing!
I agree, they have done an amazing job transforming the boat.
I’ve lowered sail after starting the motor in San Francisco Bay as I prepared to dock many times. The motor died on two occasions with rocks on a lee shore, heavy boat traffic, wind and current. It was super dicey both times and too deep to throw out anchor. Both times I raised sail and made my way out of it, but it was close!
I would have enjoyed more on the installation of the through-hulls and repair of the keel. Have you inspected the keel bolts for damage/corrosion? You don’t want that thing breaking off while underway. It’s amazing you were able to do all that in three days! Cheers!
Docking, It's totally stressful at first. All last year we were stressed every time. It felt like landing a plane or something. But, one of our viewers sent us a great book! It's called "
MANEUVER AND DOCK YOUR SAILBOAT UNDER POWER: HIGH WINDS. It was awesome and changed my entire approach to boat handling under power. My favorite trick now is holding the boat stern to the wind and pulsing forward with the rudder cut hard to slowly walk the boat sideways.
( only usable in certain conditions )
I'm sure you'll master docking in no time at all. #SpringLineFTW.
-Chad
Hello Chad, I've been handling a sailboat for over 40 years and I ordered that book. Thanks for the tip.
Graham
Keep doing what u are doing love the electical system
you always have a way to look out for the well being of the project, cant help it, but it gets me all mushy inside to see so few people make the efforts with what they have to help it get along :-)
I am so jealous! I picked up my project boat last year, took the bottom down to glass, barrier coated, and ablative painted. Two weeks short of a year in the Chesapeake Bay and I had to pull it out last week, because I couldn't turn the prop over an idle. There wasn't a spot on the bottom without a barnacle and an inch or more of growth on it. Not a sign of any of my 3 coats of bottom paint left. Yours looked so clean by comparison! I've had several people recommend the Interlux and since I won't use TotalBoat again, I may have to try it. I'll see what comments you have about it between now and spring!
Best advice we've received, is: go to the largest boat yard around and ask them what they use. Every paint is different, and each one works in certain places and not in others. Micron csc is what they put on all the boats down here, that stay down here. Up there might be different. Just ask the yards, not your neighbors.
Wow, that was a lot of work, but the hull and the running gear sure looked good when you were done. Looking forward to your thoughts on this bottom paint.
I love watching these videos, I watch a few everyday.
They motivate me to work on my power boat, and also get me ready for my first sailboat. Thanks guys!
Uma looks great guys keep paving the way! As with most things failure then success. Cheers!
Wicked! You cruel man.
Did you see the look on Kika's face when you told her she didn't hit 'record'?
And she looked absolutely exhausted.
It's sad that you didn't get the results you wanted from the battery propulsion you hoped for, but it's way better than you had before.
Info: it's April 2020, & I'm still playing 'catch up' with your videos. (If you are watching this in 2025, the world has been on Corona virus lockdown for over a week now.)
Please look up Nord Lock washers for ALL of your battery connections
These have been extensively tested on battery connections for electric cars.
They are a zinc interlocking torqued washer. A loose terminal wire can be catastrophic to you
AND UMA.
gotta hand it to you both. What you have accomplished from the beginning is quite a feet. Been watching from Step 1 and your boat is really looking great. Love the design choices etc. I don't think I would continue with electric motor however. Just my preference as there is nothing wrong with your motor. Your actually paving a possible path forward for many others and with continued improvements it certainly is a viable alternative to diesel. Cheers and get some rest. Lots of work done over that weekend for sure.
That motor heating up might be because of it's efficiency. Current loss (I^2r) is heat. A more efficient motor would generate less heat. However that might not be the cause of the heat. The heat could be coming from a motor bearing. Check to see if the heat is on one end of the motor or the other (front or rear bearing). If it is all over or in the middle it's probably motor. The Just Cat folks might have a thermal imaging camera (IR) (FLIR) you can use to check it. Also one of the other boats might have one for Man Overboard, Night Watch and expensive toy. If not there check your wiring connections on the motor. If you have a weak connection it might show up as heat. (which can also be seen with a thermal camera). Last the motor connection to the shaft if it is misaligned can produce heat (usually also noise). I don't remember if you guys used a flexible coupling, if you didn't get one and put it in. Do you have access to equipment to check the alignment of the shaft to the motor? And that is a motor meant for a fork lift or golf cart isn't it? Check with an electric fork lift company, that motor might just run hot.
the motor is heating up because its consuming 50 amps+ for an hour and a half in an enclosed environment. No wind/ water to cool it. Its probably running 75% of its maximum power without any breaks to cool down.
great update, looking forward to more info on Propspeed, I have considered it, but didnt want to put out the money for it. Last year when I did my bottom job I just painted the heck out of the prop, I need to dive on it and see what it all looks like. My boat does entirely to much floating... Need to sail more. but life and family has a tendency of getting in the way of my true passion sailing.... so thankfull for you guys as you help it not be so painful. P.s. Thanks for the info on the copper set up you used last time. From what I have read a burnishing before it goes in to expose the copper is key in how well it works...
I know this a much older video - have you considered a folding prop? we have changed across to a flexifold - nothing short of brilliant - more thrust ahead and going astern. Significant improvements when sailing - Chalk and cheese on old arrangement
Thanks guys hope you slept well! Nice keel repair, literally like new! Good luck with the motor - one problem solved, move onto next problem - it'll get there in the end :-)!
I bought that book you suggested a while back on electric sailboats. I'm sure you are way ahead of me. But a brushless etek motor is going to be a game changer for you guys.
Agreed - with so much energy lost as heat, I wonder how much more efficient it would be ? What about prop-size ?
In general, brushless motors spin at his RPMs and would require some kind of gear reduction to prevent the proper from cavitating.
Electric motors are not ready yet but...... Someone need to start the process for the progress :) when I see you guys sailing again????? I miss a lot your adventurous adventures ;) ⛵🌍🌎🌏
A thought for you on docking. I have a 10m long keel boat that really gets grumpy at going anything but straight. Took me awhile to learn to dock her well in tight marinas. I practiced using some fenders as bouys in a rectangle spaced 3m x 10m to simulate a dock in some open water. This let me practice coming in on the "dock" from different wind angles. After a few hours of going in circles and different approaches/wind angles (without the fear of slamming into a real dock) i was able to consistently get her to land perfectly within the "dock" area.
As usual, another very informative video,...we are looking forward to your next step. Safe travels.
Great video. Thanks.
I have a brushless 10 kW Goldenmotor in my 32 feet sailboat, 5000 kg. Works fine. No problem with the motor overheating. Reduction is 2,5.
Go for a new motor. It's worth it.
That's the plan.
I applaud your commitment to using an alternative propulsion solution. It's
people who push technology that leads to innovation. I completely understand
the blue water sailors reservations on relying on this type of system as your
primary means of propulsion. However, everyone has different tolerances for
risk. Perhaps before embarking on your next adventure you might consider a
generator as an emergency backup.
I watched with interest as you redid the bottom coating on your boat. When I
saw you mix up your own epoxy copper mix, I thought about this for my own
boat. A few mixed reviews of coppercoat in Carribean waters convinced me to
also use Micron CSC.
Thanks for the kind words and understanding attitude. The thing is, a motor on a sailboat shouldn't be "the primary means of propulsion" Thats what the sails are for, right? I get what you meant by that, but it seems more and more "sailors" are relying more and more on their motors than learning how to use their sails properly, or have the right sails onboard in the first place. Having a motor for those tights spots, or to extend our ability to explore up rivers etc, is great, but certainly didn't stop us for the last 3 years. Now with the new batteries, we can motor a bit further, but more importantly, we can take our time to recharge since lithium don't get damaged when you leave them discharged like lead acid does. And, we're no longer damaging the batteries every time we click on the motor. We enjoy the challenge and reward of sailing everywhere we go, and will continue to do so. We're not in a hurry to get anywhere and for us, waiting for the right wind is part of the joy of sailing. For the weight, cost and space a generator would take up, we'd rather add another sail to our inventory like a code zero or D for those light wind days.
I agree, I meant primary means of auxiliary propulsion. I assume by default that you will use your sails whenever possible, otherwise why own a sailboat? I sailed with friends through the Caribbean for months without a motor because it didn't run. We were already sufficiently proficient sailors that we didn't need the motor at all. Never the less, once we got around to fixing it, it was a good feeling to know it was there if we ever needed it. When traversing the doldrums in the Pacific the motor sure came in handy. Some sailing area's are more benign than others. Areas with strong currents and fluky winds can be challenging to navigate without an auxiliary.
Having a quiver of sails from which to choose is a great idea and extends the conditions in which you can sail effectively.
One other thing, I have a screecher (like a code 0 only a flatter cut for a multihull) on my boat. I think it is a great sail, but I've only got to use it twice. The second time it was deployed by accident in > 20 kt winds. Tore the bowsprit right off the bow. I'm sure it looked like we were keystone cops sailing as I struggled to douse the sail unfurled onto the deck, this is a very big sail. The sail was undamaged. I've repaired the sprit and can't wait to use it again (in appropriate winds).
Get a 2-3KwA hand dandy get set that you can use to help charge the battery that would help you out in a situation.
Great job on the underside"
Looking forward to some new adventures.
Cheers
Appreciated comments on your bottom job. My boat needs one but I've heard all different methods and effectiveness-es and not too sure what is the best. Don't think I can wait a year, but have had a patchy ablative coat on and may just go ahead and refresh that (I was considering the copper coat). I was amazed at the diversity of critters in your boat bottom reef...
Your electric propulsion is a study in innovation, which is always harder than just following tradition. You may end up with a hybrid by slightly upgrading the dingy motor and continue to employ it as a auxiliary. Or check out the recent Delos battery video, where they used 10 or 12 lithium batteries to generate the 75 surge amps used in a microwave. I know that won't solve your motor heating issue but you may just need a more robust system. Then there is the recharging issue. Shore power is nice but to be really independent you can choose to add panels, wind generation and/or hydro-generation. I suppose the killer is the cost but maybe you could add approaches as you get the funding. There are some swags who have been playing with electric power boats and achieving high speeds. I hope you do find an elegant fuel less solution. Maybe a Tesla wreck is in your future. Realize it was a lot of work but interesting video.
Dan ,
I do have to say that I have always enjoy your ingenuity on solving so many problems on your boat and has been very entertaining to watch so congrats on that. Although you may have mad a mistake in your choice of ablative bottom paint. Yes I once was a fan of that brand of bottom paint . On my last haul-out a month ago .. I has full intention of using it once again .. until I saw what had happened to my bottom... from just sixteen month... with that paint...The Paint Blistered from front to back and the entire bottom had to sanded off to the gelcoat and then dried... very costly .Thank goodness there were not gelcoat blisters... I talked to my contractor about this.. and he too , was once a fan in interlux , but told me that a couple of years ago they changed the chemical makeup of the paint and was no longer worth Five Cents.. and if someone insisted on even using it .. he would not warranty any work and said he would not even do the work to take the boat somewhere else.... and this man is one of the most respected contractors in the Gulf Coast , boats from the entire gulf travel in , just to have him work on there boat.. over sixty years in the business . What I am tying to say is , that he really does his homework on what bottom Paints he will use... I do wish you guys well with it.. and that your paint does not blister as mine did... Oh one more thing.. I did haul-out about eight months after it was first put on and no problem at that time.. but it was not the case with the next haul-out. And yes that Speed Prop is Great stuff.. I too have been using it and I love it...
Fair Winds,
Robert
Good job! I just wanted to address the end of the video. Seems that you're saying that there's apprehension in docking under power. I've taught boat handling for years and there are a few tips I'd like to pass along. First, and foremost know what your boat will and won't do while maneuvering in close quarters, then plan accordingly. Don't put yourself in a position you know your boat won't like! Secondly, everybody f's up! Learn and move on. Luckily if you do screw up it doesn't result in a fiery heap :-). And thirdly, you said it practice. Use a nice calm day and work up from there. Hope this helps! You two kick ass!!!
Yup. Pretty much, we've only docked 4 or 5 times in 3 years. So there is definitely room for improvement.
Since you burned a terminal off a lead acid battery and the wires were surprisingly loose when you removed them, may I suggest you re-torque the new ones in a couple weeks, then months, then annually? Fair Winds!
Another good tool in a electrical tool box, is an infrared camera. As a industrial electrician we did a heat audit of our plant from time to time to check for hot spots due to loose connections. But as you said, re torquing of the connections is imperative after a good run in, as the temperature changes will loosen the connections.
Heat checks are good because in a salt water environment corrosion is the enemy and corrosive connections can be tight yet not conduct that well.
Arc-fault circuit breaker.
Even just pounding through waves will loosen the connections without the motor running
I believe that is why RV batteries do not use that type of terminal. They give you both types.
You’ve come a long way from Riverside marina keep moving forward and remember gas, diesel or electric so what it’s just the auxiliary we all know you’ll perfect anything you two do!
Wow amazing job guys! The old boat looks brand new! It gives me hope for the projects I have to do on mine. It’s so amazing to see what you guys accomplished.
What's the latest on the motor heating problem? If you don't have them, get a photocell tach and clamp-on DC ammeter(Sears has a good one for less than $100) to conveniently measure the field and armature currents while motoring. Also, if the wiring diagram could be updated, we might be able to sort this out.
Blue Water Marine has a line of verrrrry affordable copper based paints. They are extremely effective and usually last 3-5 years, which is for sure the time period you would have to haul your boat anyway. You don't want to go 12 years without hauling your boat with Coppercoat.
Nice work on the boat. She looks great. I have to say, I'm with ya on the docking. Scares the hell out of me every time I come in. Keep sailing. Peace from Allegro
I wonder what the Old Pearson Boat makers would think of Uma? Bet they would be proud!
a bit late now, but anytime you need to get epoxy into a hole/tight spot, put it in a Ziploc bag, snip off one corner and pipe it into place. You can get it into all of the nooks and crannies, waste less and it makes clean up much easier.
That's exactly what we did.
Hi guys! My pals at the local YMCA gym were most intrigued by my "Don't buy a couch" T-shirt! So they have now seen some of yhour Youtu8be vids.
A lot of people saying to go back to diesel, At this point, how difficult would that be??? For Uma that would be an entire retrofit. What would be a viable choice is to hang a transom bracket with a 25hp for those sticky situations, this would be insurance for Uma and the least expensive choice at this stage. It just make sense.
On the heating, you could use the cheap aluminum extrusions from H.D. or Lowes as cooling fins(maybe stack or nest them) and mount a (clutch?)fan to the front to move air over them. There are thermal extrusions you can find on the net, but I guess it depends on your budget and schedule.
Sailing UMA definitely the best show on TH-cam...along with Mads from Sail Life, Sailing RAN and a Boat called Wanda.....maybe a bit more techy.
Cheers
Do use your prop walk to dock? If you use 1 warping line at the bow, turn the helm hard over, use forward and backward thrust to back the boat in, it is very easy and slow. You have to turn the helm opposite of your prop walk though (i think) Fwd thrust will kick the stern while backward thrust will draw you in. Maryland School of sailing does a great docking class. I havent taken it but I have been taught their methods in other classes.
Hey, did I miss the finished kitchen? Thanks for this one!!! Always want to know more and more about the electric motor! Great job!!!
No, the galley isn't 'done' just yet. Might be this weekend's project.
Looks great! Y'all did alot of work in short order. Thank you.
leuk stel mensen, mooie teksten en uitleg
Guys, maybe check out the chevy malibu (2012) e-assist motor-generator... 110V, 3-phase ac, 15kw, watercooled. you can pick up a watercooled controller for it (nissan leaf, chevy volt) for Usd 100, a hacked circuit board for usd 350, and you have a watercooled system with almost ideal torque...
Poor Kika. She looks crestfallen about docking and the results of using the electric. Buck up guys!
Took me 6 days to watch ALL U VIDEOS,,, great job on your yatch,, it looks awesome,,
You have absolutely convinced me to have a diesel engine. 😜
Diesel is best especialy when u know famers with red diesel
Calm down, did you miss the winky?
That electric motor works a lot better than a $100 diesel would work! Great video thanks!
Noah Bruket
while a noble thought..but they have to tie off their dingy along side to motor Uma alot..lol
Maybe electric backup to a diesel but batteries need to get more efficient to rely on them for propulsion. If something happens to the sail rig let's hope that help is less than an hour away.
Propspeed is expensive but so worth it! I painted our prop with it about 3 years ago and it’s still doing its job.
I use a similar and much cheaper product called Propglide. The stuff seems to work a lot better and last a lot longer if you sail a lot. I sail almost every day and can easily get a few years out of each application.
Loved the sly beer swap @10:03. :)
For longer motoring could you put some kind of mount on the stern for the dingy outboard say a stainless lift type so you could also store the motor there
To cool the motor you can get 1/4 in copper tubing and wrap the motor. Use a small pump to pump water through it. It's not as good as a proper water jacket but it do work and you're not motoring for more than a couple hours anyway
I've read that the batteries also need cooling.
That depends on the amount of draw and charge
That is exactly our plan.
Keep condensation in mind, when you plan out the cooling. A forward facing scoop on a thru-hull, might be a way to eliminate the pump.
You should store your dinghy motor on an outboard motor mount while cruising so if your electric drivetrain fails and you cannot use the sails then you can just lower the motor and operate it from the cockpit. Rather than having to deploy your dinghy and tie it alongside your sailboat like you have done in past videos.
I am surprised you didn't fit a fold up outboard bracket to your transom so you don't have to put the dingy alongside to tow
I know that you have the new Sail Drive motor now but I might have tried getting coiled copper that they use for a heat exchanger and wrapped that around the motor with a small pump or maybe even just use forward momentum to push waster through the coils around the motor to keep it cool.......or even just a fan.
Yes, we tried a fan, and had everything we needed for the copper coil solution too, but that was only one of the issues we were facing. The bent shaft, undersized motor and fixed prop with no regen we other factors we were trying to solve as well. The new motor fixed all 4 of these issues.
The keel crack loosen , bolts in the front area drive a wedge in to open it a tad expoxie fill draw out the wedges ,swing on the bolts , silicone only hides the real problem of the keel being loose ,
Kika didn't look too happy when discussing the motor. I don't think she agrees that it's fine 10:43. I sense there may have been an argument during the docking process? I saw a meme once that said "I'm sorry for what I said when docking the boat" First time that I saw a hint of any conflict between ya'll. It was actually refreshing to see, I know how it is. My bad if I'm just imagining things. Anyhow, thanks for the honest video. I'm almost caught up!
Check out Elctroprop if you’re looking for a new motor. James is a legend when it comes to efficient electric sailboat motors!
Good job, follow your own well thought out plans, always remember the guy at the end of the bar, at the marina bar, hasn't your experience, investment or temperament, do as you see fit, keep well off the lee shore, loads of sailing vessels are abandoned at sea, the crew pulled off by coast guard, only to find Her weeks later sailing along fine as a fiddle
The operating temperature for electric motors, is 60 degrees F above the ambient (surrounding) temperature. So, if it's 90F in your engine room then normal operating temperature would be 150 F ! You could fry an egg on it!
hard work paid off , well done thanks
Micron CSC works brilliantly back in your native British Columbia waters too, Dan.
Looking good
Did you measure the battery current or the usually higher motor current ? If you saved the gear reduction set-up, try running the motor at higher RPM to reduce the motor current and heating. A smaller prop would have the same effect. Although, it's usually more efficient to use a larger prop running at a lower RPM.
Cooling your type of motor is difficult because the rotor, commutator, and brush area are where most of the heat is generated and there's a limited heat conducting path to the outside of the motor. Cooling coils on the outside won't help much unless you're applying too much current to the stator windings- you should check them. I've found that blowing cooling air on the commutator/brush area is the most effective way of cooling this type of motor.
You can make this work. It's just going to take some more effort!
In the future, consider giving Blue Water Paints a try. You can order factory direct for far better prices than anywhere else. I've used them on two separate boats now with tremendous outcomes. I also used their proprietary epoxy barrier coat which rolls on thicker than Interprotect 1000E so you can get the required mil depth in far fewer coats. Love their products, service, and best of all: prices. Nice job on the rapid haul-out. Looks like you guys are ready to go cruising again. Consider coming up to Annapolis in October for the show. Maybe you can land another speaking gig.
always a pleasure to watch! thanks guys!
Oh man! I feel a little evil wishing you had shown us you guys docking. You seem like you really needed the drink after.
Copper Coat ist based on a water based epoxi which is water permeable. Of course they mix copper powder and something else into the resign. It may work, but all I heart and read was not as perfect as the manufacturer says. I used as well for a long time Micron CSC some years it worked proper, some nearly not. It depends on the climate situation, i think. Three years ago I switched to Sigma Ecofleet and since this time I never had probs with fouling. There is a similar product made by Jotun. The secret is, I learned it from a yard owner in Trinidad&Tobago, the antifouling on a sailboat has to be as soft as possible - it should has a surface like soap. So the plants and barnacles get washed of when you sail.
I am curious on your experience with the prop antifouling. What I learned was that there is a system in New Zeeland based on Silicones but not available as DIY product. The price is nearby your prop antifouling but I heard it works as well only for a year.
Fair winds
Tom