Choosing the Engine (Rebuilding Tally Ho / EP87) 

Thank you everyone for such positive feedback regarding the last video! Here’s a bit of extra information about the HYBRID MARINE parallel hybrid system that didn’t make it into the video, which might answer a few of the most common questions. Generator - The engine can be used as a generator without turning the propeller - there will be a clutch on the prop shaft / belt drive mechanism. This can be disengaged when at anchor to charge the batteries without spinning the prop. The clutch will be simple and mechanical and can be easily accessed to be manually locked together in the event of an issue. Regeneration - Yes, I know it will not be possible to power the boat exclusively through regeneration from the propeller. And yes, there will be some speed loss when spinning the prop under sail. I don’t know how much it will get used, but it is a feature which is, by default, possible with this setup - so why not have it as an option. Personally I think this type of regeneration will be most practical on a long ocean passage. Imagine you are crossing the Atlantic or Pacific with the trade winds, you could be sailing for weeks with more than enough wind to achieve whatever boat speed you feel comfortable with (considering wear on the sails and rigging etc). Even if you only get 250W from regen, over a 24h/day that would add up to 6kWh per day, which is double our estimated daily usage. It will be interesting to see if / when / how regeneration is actually useful, but I do think it's a nice option to have, especially as it does not require any extra infrastructure. Hybrid marine have an interesting video about regeneration power, I think they calculated in their trial that they could boil a cup of water for tea every 6 minutes - just enough to keep an englishman hydrated! Regarding the prop, I may have misspoke slightly in the video when I said Variable Pitch (suggesting that the pitch could be manually controlled). The prop will be of the Feathering type (such as Maxprop or Variprop) which feathers automatically when sailing. To enable regeneration when sailing you run the prop shaft in reverse which turns the prop blades into their reverse position. They will then be locked in that position by the force of the water due to the forward motion of the boat. It's a bit hard to visualise but of course will be explained properly in a future video. Belt Drive - This has been suggested to be a weakness. However, belts are relatively inexpensive and several spares can be hung around the prop shaft to be installed quickly and easily if one is broken. If something is violent enough to break a belt, then I would say that it is better for a low cost belt to be broken than a mechanical part somewhere else in the system. Batteries - I know very little about batteries and probably shouldn’t have even mentioned them in this video. There will be a lot more research done before any decisions are made. Safety in this area will be a top priority. Lots to talk about here but not yet. For more information about this system, I recommend reading from this page www.hybrid-marine.co.uk/index.php/hybrid-info Honestly although there has been a lot of lively discussion, there has been a lot less animosity than I had expected about this last video. Almost everyone seems to be on board with the plan, and those that have reservations have generally presented them thoughtfully. Of course in general most comments do not influence my decisions, but occasionally they are extremely useful! I'm very grateful to have such a positive group supporting this project, so keep up the discussion!

Boat builder, sailor, artist, communicator, team leader and gentleman. Leo, you are an outstanding role model for your generation. Respect is due.

15:02 - Leo draws himself being electrically shocked and his hair looks like it always does. 😂

So happy to see a young person in this day and age taking the threat of giant squid seriously.

I am a retired consulting engineer, retired after forty years in energy conservation, and yes, I have my own ideas about engines and batteries and energy technology, and I don't see how you could have made a better choice than the decision you've made to install a parallel hybrid system with a Beta Diesel engine combined with electric motor/generators and LiFePO4 batteries. I'm excited to learn how much battery charging power this system will generate with a given wind condition, perhaps comparing your boat speed with the prop set for minimum drag compared to your speed with the prop set for maximum input amperage to the batteries. The higher-than-average amount of sail you can hoist on a pilot cutter should make it particularly well-suited for this energy solution. Great choice. Congratulations on a wonderful project. I love it.

Mad drawing skills. Much more entertaining than say, a Power Point presentation.

Auction those drawings for fundraising! Also, this was a VERY well crafted episode!

The drawings really lightened up the "talky bits," making it far more accessible. Great job Leo!

One of the best videos I've seen in the last weeks. And about tradition: "Tradition is the passing on of fire, not the worship of ashes!" (Gustav Mahler) Carry on!

When she was built, it was done using cutting edge technology (no pun intended) of that time. No reason not to continue that original idea.

Paraffin engines can be very reliable if they're only used as an anchor.

I remember when Leo first started his uploading. Very much reserved when it came to having tech in his life and nearly apologetic when it came to asking for support in exchange for a few youtube videos. Look at him today. His videos are a priceless archive of knowledge for those of us interested and a regular part of our entertainment / learning time. He's really hit his stride and found his voice. He's mentioned the generous support his subscribers provide and I do believe he's responded in kind.

"Leo, are you going to do any work on the boat today?" Leo: "No I have to go get colored pencils! This is going to look amazing!"

Added bonus, you can then taser the giant squid. They won't see that coming!

Your choice of engine for the boat is not right, it's PERFECT!

The drawings really help a simpleton like myself understand what it is you’re talking about.

I am amazed of the creativity put in this video: self-explanatory graphics, great commentary, pauses between chapters by progress on the boat we all need and love, and tons of valuable information as an upbuilding story. Thank you Leo for the effort!

A very wise decision on your power pack, far better than a straight diesel.

Kubota parts can be sourced globally as well, solid choice.

I went back to the beginning and now am watching episodes I've seen before... with deeper appreciation of what I missed the first time around. One this is clear, Pete's contribution to this effort has been significant. He IS a shipwright with excellent skills we see on display in every video. What a difference having two talented boat builders on this amazing project. They are a great team supported by an amazing collection of volunteers. Having gone back to the beginning I have a deeper appreciation of ALL the people who've helped make this effort a success both onsite and around the world.

Leo, I am a mechanical engineer and Naval Architect. I have built several smaller boats. I have been following the build and find it very educational and learning lots. I completely agree with your choice of engine. I have always been a Yanmar fan my self, but the that hybrid Beta is very nice. I think you will be really happy with that choice long term. My best wishes to you and the rest of the crew. Keep the videos coming.

Beta engines are fab - mine is 20 years old with 7000 hours on it and its still going strong. Bombproof and has never missed a beat.

He is getting homesick, even the drawings depict the white cliffs of Dover... 😉🙂 Oh... the fast charging part... will only be possible with lithium batteries...

Hello Leo, Brilliant, as usual. However, I do feel compelled to add my two cents worth here on your choice for a power plant. I’ve worn the mechanic’s/engineer’s hat for more time than any other profession I’ve practiced in my 76 years, and several of those years were spent as engineer on working boats (packers) of similar size to Tally Ho, back when there were still some fish left in the 80’s. One of those boats was a 65 foot Halibut Schooner powered with a Volvo Penta built from old growth fir in 1909, and was still Lloyds A1 at the time. And, a 65 foot new steel boat tasked with the same role but powered with a Cummins. My comment/advise on your power choice is related to your selection of a diesel with a turbo. I did some research on the Kubota Beta series and the 85T seems to violate some of your well thought out principles on the criteria governing your choice, as follows. 1) enough power to keep you off of a Lee shore in an onshore blow, and 2) as simple as possible. My argument is for the Beta 75 over the 85T for a couple of reasons. 1) I don’t think the power difference is significant enough for the Beta 75 to give you any more grief keeping the boat off the shoals, and develops its power at a lower rpm 2) the Beta 75 is naturally aspirated, and does not burden you with the noisy and potentially dangerous and expensive complication of a turbo. Turbos have a couple of special needs and characteristics that natural aspiration does not have. 1) When you shut down a diesel that has a turbo you have to keep it running for a period of time sufficient to bring the oil temperature in the turbo down far enough so as not to turn that oil into carbon inside the turbo. This can shorten its very expensive life. 2) The rpm the engine operates at while pushing the boat will be different than the rpm that will be used when charging batteries. and 3) turbos make a lot of noise and radiate a lot of heat you don’t need and are very expensive. Sorry this so long. Have a very nice Christmas. Glenn Miles the Old man who lives a short ways away in a kinder place, Vancouver Island.

The old original builders would think you an idiot if they showed up to your yard. Saw what you had available and then watched you building with a hatchet and a hand auger and fitting a threshing machine motor. Good on you man for keeping that lovely sail craft alive and relevant for today.

Leo, I have never seen you draw before, your a skilled artist as well. Thanks bro.

Another lesson in marine technology by an expert. Absolutely outstanding Leo!

Never have I been more impressed & pleased with what you said & the decisions you have made regarding the engine & motor. As an EV evangelist, I was chanting “please say electric drive”, and I was worried that you were going to stay “safe” & traditional dirty diesel, but your animations and explanations are absolutely the best thing I’ve watched in a long time. I wouldn’t be surprised if you have sold the hybrid option to many others. I was jumping for joy at your decision.

Leo, As an Electrical Engineer, your explanation of the Dual Hybrid system was the PERFECT way to put it in terms that anyone could understand. If there is anything I do know from watching this adventure, it is that you thoroughly do your research, and that when you are lacking in knowledge, you find people who are proficient in that knowledge. Let people bicker over the engine, I think the Beta Marine setup will be perfect, and that given your attention to detail and care for redundancy you will make an appropriate choice on the battery bank. Kubotas are very stable, and will be the least of Tally Ho's worries.

Holy drawing skills! Its been 2 years how did you not show this yet.

- Redundancy is a great thing even on a lake. My little boat has sails, Minkota, oars, paddles and in a pinch throw the crew overboard with a rope tied to them with orders to swim to the shore while prodding them with my trident.

love the addition of the sketch boards, they really make the videos pop.

One of the more important technical issues associated with the integrated power system you have selected is the degree in which you have to isolate the various components, both from a fire hazard consideration and from an electrical insulation perspective. Salt water and batteries is an obvious no-go, so you have to enclose the battery bank installation in a waterproof/watertight nonflamable structure and it should be located as high in the hull as you can place it, but certainly higher than the engine/generator pack. Any terminal boards, and many of the electronics can be isolated and insulated by covering the exposed conductor terminations with an insulating compound called conformal coating; this stuff cures to a thin rubbery film about 24 hours after application and prevents the system from having electrical faults because of wetting the connections or, in the worst scenario, from being flooded. You will probably have to install an inverter to provide AC power for some or your on-board equipment, which will require proper physical isolation as well, with the additional requirement that you will have to allow for cooling, which may mean internal cabinet fans and an external ( heatsink) heat exchanger arrangement. Wiring and cabling for the system has to be selected that has insulation and protective jacketing that won't break down because of heating and water exposure and the like. Oh yes. And you'll need to stock spare parts such as power SCRs (if your system uses them for the power end), regulator boards, belts, and whatever else the OEM recommends. Better to have and not need than to need and not have with a lee shore looming... Sounds like you've already thought most of this out, but I can't help but remember what we used to go through in order to sail a 400 foot sewer pipe submerged at 600 feet, especially when things went wrong. Fair winds and following seas, mate.

The moment when the drill bit breaks through...in exactly the right place. Magic!

I’m “onboard” with the powerplant strategy. All good reasoning, no downside once it’s paid for. 😂

At 18:00 you see why I love these videos. Leo tells us how hard it is to drill the long hole he needs. How small the landing area on the end of the hole is. How easily it can go wrong. Then he drills the hole such that the center of the bit pierces the center-line on the wood. Leo will tell us, and he will believe, that he got lucky. Ya right! He gets that lucky a thousand times in this set of videos, which is the result of genius meticulously applied, i.e. not luck at all but high skill.

“Stupid chicken!! I’m having my moment!” Bahahahahaha

Not bored, perfect amount of details.. I'm an electrical engineer, so I see the new motor concept completely, and thanks..

Not boring at all, absolutely fascinating and educational!

Great choice of engine/drive combo, brilliant oratory skills, you are even instilling confidence in Pete's verbal skills, what a fantastic team you have, Leo, Tally Ho could not have chosen a better custodian to give him/her new life.

That backing block was a work of art.

The most impressive and introspective thing you said was, “future owners of the boat.” It is important to consider this when building something that will likely outlive yourself.

Currently studying Boat Building at Falmouth Marine school, these videos have been very insightful. Thank you Leo.

It's really coming along beautifully. My family and I thank you for taking us on your journey and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas!

Love the self-deprecating humor...but you Sir, are far from a simpleton. This continues to be one of my top three favorite big brain channels.

Leo This was one of the most interesting and entertaining videos I have ever watched. There was nothing boring about it. Your editing was spot on, well done. Cheers

Never boring - always interesting and informative - Thank you Leo and crew!

Your illustrations are a treasure! I just discovered your channel, and it is the best thing on RU-vid. Thanks!

A truly master shipwright with a world-class mind.

I'm really impressed with the accuracy of your drilling. As a lifelong (63 years old) builder/mechanic fabricator, I'm well aware of how difficult that was.

I love how you can explain these complex topics in a manner that I can understand. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this discussion very informational. I'm very excited to see the installation of this incredible power system. I think your choice is prudent for this boat and also helps move forward the incorporation of electrical power into boats.

Leo, I think this is one of your most informative. Utterly mesmerising and so interesting. Thank you once again for sharing this journey with us.

@Sampson Boat Co, I do not know if this is good or bad. If you intend to do electricity in the boat and you prefer Simplicity. Go with plastic pipe conduits for electricity. So you can easily swap out wires to X points in the boat without having to fuss with it. And if the wire gets too hot, the piping will prevent it the fire/heat from spreading not to mention, if done well. It won't allow moisture to travel nor will it erode the electric system. I might be Biased but in Sweden, we have Plastic conduit pipe everywhere in the houses. Because it is simple to change an electric socket for a computer socket without having to open up a wall etc.

Incredible! your content is so so informative thank you

I know next to nothing about boating, but I’m deep into the automotive world and engineering world and I really love this engine/generator approach. I kept hoping you were going to say that it would generate power just with the water passing over the prop. I was cheering to myself when you mentioned that. Awesome project!

Great break down of how you've come to your decision in regards to your power needs, saved these last two videos as a Christmas present to myself, watching them on boxing day. Thank you and all the best to you, the crew, and your families in 2021, cheers.

"Just a Simpleton", Leo, I am afraid you don't know the definition of Simpleton. You have mad skills and knowledge in all we see. Keep up the great work!!

I really liked the edit on this episode. The back and forth between topics kept the flow and interest level at maximum. Well done

These hand drawn graphics are amazing Leo. Always finding ways to make this an amazing series.

got a protip for you, when you are screwing holes in general and they are lateral to the ground....which on a boat isn't meany, if you put a ring on the drill and go very very slow, if the ring shakes you know that the hole isn't straight. would be better if you knew that when you screwed that stem in but now you know a little tip to next time. (don't mind my typos dyslexia is a thing)

Here’s me screaming “Regen” at the telly then Leo said it. A brilliant choice for the project, it’s solid and forward thinking. Bloody Bravo fella.

Watching the ‘learner’ members of the team shows just how much they are picking up your attention to detail and accuracy .... which will make them all special people for the future of the real boat building and boat builders ,,, well done Leo ..

Hi Leo, I look with so much joy to your channel. I absolutely adore it. In this "dark" times your (and the people who help you!) craftmanship and enthusiasm is almost hypnotic. It is every week a small light in the tunnel. Thank you very much for that! From the Netherlands. All the best and keep the spirits high up! Martijn

Loved your explanations Leo and your art work. You make it so interesting to watch and what craftsmanship from you and your team. She will be a beautiful boat.

Now I finally understand the song "the lee shore" after 20 years! Thanks Leo!

Extremely well thought out as only Leo is capable of, the artwork is an incredible plus to the discussion.

Thanks for sharing your processes of decision making, Leo.

Illustrations are a great new twist! Loved it. Thanks for sharing all your thoughts on the propulsion, super interesting 👍🏻🙏🏻

I have to say that your hand drawn sketchs are very impressive. Just another talent of a very talented person. Keep up the good work. Oh by the way the topic today was very interesting.

Tally Ho is getting more beautiful each episode and that’s a great choice of engine, she needs all the mod cons.

Love your videos! You have a manor about your self that is quite healing. The attitude you exude is very positive influence on the world. You have helped me a lot. Thank you for that.

Awesome all around engine/generator option! With hi-tech batteries along with some solar and wind turbine backup you will be set no matter what you situation may be. Brilliant!

I like the hybrid Diesel. I'd install it too with a bank of LiPo4 batteries. Don't worry about the cost, it will be paid for by all those who learned what a lee shore was today.

Excellent episode exploring the power options. The drawings with narration were outstanding!

beautiful video as usual Leo. Thanks for sharing the process with us

Thanks for such a great video! Your artwork vividly enhanced what you wanted to say about marine engines.

Really liking how Pete's personality is growing !

Yes, the drawing must stay. Really adds to the enjoyment of your narrative.

The drawings are an awesome new addition to your videos. Clear, educational, and entertaining.

Your decisions seem well reasoned and researched. I certainly appreciate your spending the time to take us through the process.

from the moment you said engine, i said how long b4 he says the word kubota. system looks excellent.

Amazed by your drawing skills in addition to everything else.

Not boring at all. Loved the sketching along with the explainations. Jazzed about the engine/generator. . . very cool.

Those smiles say it all. Happy to be involved in a beautiful rebuild.

"a simpleton like me" coming from a guy who is restoring a wooden sailing vessel by hand.

wonderful sketch work. The sketches really helped make what you were saying understandable. I hope you use them again!

"stupid chicken! I'm having my moment!"

Loved the drawings, great explanations for a complex system, really made it much easier to understand.

Will you please try to get a picture of the van motor and dashboard in your friend’s boat. That’s an awesome story.

Don’t stop there, hook a valve up to the cooling discharge side of the engine and plumb in a bus heater or water jacket for hot showers. Might as well make the dollar hollar!

What an inspirational individual young man you are Leo, Apart from being an amazing woodworker boat builder, and sailor, craftsman, manager, artist, and a gentleman. Great episode. Greetings from Scotland.

I found this to be a fantastic episode! It is absolutely interesting what kind of thinking goes in to all of this! I have in no way enough knowledge of sailing, of engines, or of anything relevant here, to ever think of making suggestions or telling someone like Leo what to do. However, this is just about what I thought to myself would be the best solution for a project like this. So, I’m happy with the video and with the outcome :)

He sold me. I doubled my patreon.

Cool trick here: If you have a bit of purple heart that will be seen frequently, you can give it a quick blast with a propane torch to bring out a very vibrant purple color.

If I looked up polymath in the dictionary I wouldn't be at all surprised to find your picture as a reference. You truly seem to be wringing the most you can out of life - inspiring stuff, keep up the great work!

Very nicely done. You demonstrate and explain this in a very easy to understand manner. I am impressed with the "concept" of long term all around operation. I love it. Thank you so much!

With this system you can power a substantial water maker.

I can't imagine a better flagship for that kind of system than Tally Ho, you'd think that would be worth something to the engine manufacturer..

This boat, and your work on it, are already major contributions to the worlds of sailing, DIY projects, and inspirational undertakings!! The engine you describe and the way you describe it further teach of the possibilities of hybrid solutions to traditional needs. Thank you so much for the content, I have such admiration for your project!

I love the drawings. Beautiful and practical for explaining your points.