Monday, March 16, 2015

A Brief History of Electric Yacht

Electric Yacht - the best Choice
Clean, Green, Quiet!
Simple, high quality, well-engineered, and less expensive:


In 2006, engineer Scott McMillian came up with the idea of electric propulsion for sailboats. Scott, with a few friends and family members, combined their love of sailing along with their design and engineering skills. Using the engineering philosophy of “keeping it simple and reliable” they built and tested their initial systems. By 2008 testing ended, and thus began the first of over 300 Electric Yacht systems. Several systems were built, further testing Scott’s initial design. 

From testing Electric Yacht learned four important facts: (1) Use the modern, well-proven Permanent Magnet Asynchronous (PMAC) motor for the best powerful light weight system. (2) Design and build a well-engineered flexible frame positioning the motor while safely applying shaft thrust and cooling. (3) Build the most powerful system using low voltage 48v nominal. Finally, produce a marine grade “Plug and Play” system that can be installed by a good handy Boatwright or boat owner.

In 2010, the second generation of QuietTorque™ motors were introduced. The QuietTorque™family initially included the single motor QuietTorque™5.0, QuietTorque 10.0, and the dual motor QuietTorque™ 20.0. All three of these systems operate at 48v nominal unlike the competition.

By 2015 the QuietTorque™ family of product has grown to include the 48v QuietTorque™ 25.0, the higher voltage QuietTorque™ 40.0, QuietTorque™ 45.0 LC, and QuietTorque™ 50.0LC along with the innovative, no maintenance belt driven saildrive.

To build quality systems, it takes engineering, testing, and productions skills. Using sophisticated cad design computer software, the QuietTorque™ systems are robust and simple. Each system design was fully tested before it became a QuietTorque™ product. In 2013 the original warranty was increased from two years to three years. 

By 2014 it had become evident that a larger facility was needed, one that could handle the growing company expanding products and sales. In 2015, the assembly, testing, and shipping operations were moved to Providence, MN. This allows us to keep the parts, and fabrication operations to remain with our long term business partner in Melrose, MN.




The Electric Yacht Extras
Starting with industrial quality components for reliable power and lower costs, Electric Yacht adds the Electric Yacht built control module making the motor a uniquely powerful marine system. 

For the best experience, Electric Yacht builds a marine quality throttle with forward, reverse, and lock in neutral. The throttle is designed and built to provide both motor control and the tactile feel to control these powerful motors. Regeneration is automatic with the key on while the system in the neutral setting. 

The Electric Yacht computer monitor, coupled with the Electric Yacht control module and Sevcon controller, allow for set up and reprograming of the motor from the helm. You can modify battery type, battery size, throttle direction/throw, and regeneration setting (for sailboats). Clearly seen are the state of charge (v), power draw (amp), regeneration (kW), % of battery charge, hours remaining under power, motor RPM (before propeller reduction), and motor on/off state.  The monitor has a backlight that can be adjusted for night vision.  We have added audio alarms for change of power (on/off), battery low status, and “other” alarm state. The QuietTorque™ system can have multiple monitors for multiple helms.

The frame is the heart of the QuietTorque™ system and allows significant gearing options, making the motor installation simple. The frame has two thrust bearings built in on each side of the custom shaft pulley. The high-quality toothed Gates timing belts efficiently transfer power to the propeller shaft. The motor is normally mounted aft on the frame high above the electrically isolated shaft. The Sevcon controller is mounted forward on the frame with the Electric Yacht control module above it. Besides providing a rigid platform for the motor, the frame provides heat control and increases the reliability of the system. The Sevcon controller and Electric Yacht module can be mounted elsewhere in the engine compartment to reduce the physical size of the motor at the shaft as the QuietTorque™ low-profile.

The QuietTorque™ flexible mounting system provides significant ability to orient the motor in the engine compartment. Note that the Electric yacht motor does not need to be mounted on shock absorbing “engine mounts”. Combined with the flexible frame mounting points, the system allows forward and aft, up and down, and horizontal adjustment. This makes for simple Plug and Play alignment.

For more information on Electric Yacht, contact us by phone 855 339 2248 ext. 109 or email info@electricyacht.com


Electric Yacht    www.electricyacht.com. Toll free 855 339 2248 ext. 109

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