The FUTURE of SAILAWAY - UPDATE and ANSWERS | SailAway 264.5 

Whatever you decide adding a lot more solar has made our life so much easier. I look forward to following your journey as always.

Appreciate the updates and filling in the gaps! I know you have been researching extensively but i honestly believe you will regret going the electric route. Have you priced a couple on Nanni diesels? The You Tube thing seems to be getting more and more challenging as there are simply so many channels to pick from and everyone is essentially doing the same stuff. I think its getting hard to differentiate. We’ll see you guys in Sint Maarten as we get ready to cross to Europe next Spring!

I like the midweek videos. lots of people do the weekends.

So exciting. Thanks for bringing us along ❤⛵🇨🇦

Hi Guy’s, great news. I am going to st-martin twice a year.I am planning to go 4 weeks in November. I am an handy man. If you need Help Eric, it will be my pleasure to offer you couple of day of my time. How can I contact you in Private ?? And love the idea of 2 videos a week. Take care Jean.

I like the mid week video's, the weekends are crowded with new video's!

I Love, Admire , and Respect you guys pure positivity. My week would be incomplete without your weekly episode here.

Now I understand why you moved into the lagoon. Good luck with your motor project.

I designed energy systems for yachts professionally and my company was among the first to build lithium batteries for yachts. I have installed electric drive systems on monohulls and catamarans. I am also a cruiser. All i can say is dont. The only system with any benifit over diesel is a parallel hybrid. And then the costs outweigh the benifit. Yours is a fairly heavy cat with a lot of windage, it probably doesn't point all that well and the problem with sailing with electric propulsion is energy storage and replenishment. Just do the basic calculations and dont let the electric drive companies or evangelists lead you astray with things like "electric horespower". You will take a boat that can motor for days at 6 knots and turn it into a boat that can do that for hours if your lucky. It's only beneficial if you're considering selling engineless. I can't tell you how many major disappointments I've seen. There's just no magic to get out of the basic math. A horsepower is a horsepower. And remember torque only matters during acceleration.

I’m not an expert in any way shape or form, if you go full electric you will need to get a reliable generator, just for safety and or redundancy, it’s still a truth you cannot charge your batteries faster than your motors can use it, and if you really need to motor for what ever reason be it weather or medical emergency you will be glad you got a generator.

HELLO TIMEZONES - i love this way to address everyone everywhere

Been following you guys for some years now, and you're realy my favourite sailing channel. It's a shame the jobs didn't work out, but you appear to have a plan that seems quite achievable, so good luck with that! l hope the season goes well for you!

Really pulling for you guys and hope it works out for you - will probably see you next season since you’ll be refitting in St Martin (it is our must-visit island at the beginning and end of each season). I’m sure you’re researching this well, and I love the idea, but you will need a massive battery bank and cover the whole top of your boat with solar panels. Good luck and I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

Who are you trying to convince, you or us. Rember what we think in the end doesnt matter

Those aireal views of the boat look really good

I have a buddy that is an all electric 40’ lagoon. He can move at 4 knots with both motors going. Not the end of the world when on passage but we have all been in tight places with a bunch of wind where you would need more power. Sure we try to avoid those times but they will happen and I think your boat will be dramatically under powered. I love my Volvo engines. They have been easy to work on and St Marteen has a very good Volvo mechanic. Would highly recommend staying diesel until electric gets a bit better. They still have a ways to go. Look at the wynns video today. They top out at 5 knots. That wouldn’t work for me. I have been in many places where 2-3 knots of current isn’t uncommon. You would almost be going backwards at that point in time. Lots of current in the Med. Hopefully you plan on replacing your generator too. I don’t think you could put enough solar on that boat to run those motors.

Have you considered hybrid diesel electric systems (30hp diesel + 10Kwh motor/generator). You have the benefit of both, with the ability to regenerate power when sailing or motoring on the diesels. The Wynns have this set up on their new HH44 catamaran.

Go fund me for the motors we can help wright people let's do it for the sailing family 😅

Saint Maarten is a wise choice. My brother and I spent several years there on Catamarans before Catamarans were popular. I do not think boat bits are any cheaper anywhere. I am in total agreement with the decision to go electric. If I were a day under 76, I would be refitting a Prout with all green power. My brother’s kids went to school on the French side. Multilingual is a great thing.

Like it? No, I loved it! I'm always happy to see and hear what you guys are up to. I only wish you the best of luck with everything you are working to accomplish. Looking forward to seeing how much you get done within the next year. I support you here by liking and sharing, and I support Eric through his "AudibleBooks" work. Keep moving forward!!

Crap news on the jobs but hey ho, exciting stuff about the electric converstion, and even more exciting we may see you in 2025?

I can fully understand your wish to go full electric especially on a cat. Lot's of advantages. Weight saving for a start, no worrying about dirty fuel or even getting/ paying for fuel. I'm assuming they'll have regen capability. The weight you'll save, the cost saving of fuel allows the upgrade of battery bank etc. I'm assuming that the cost diffential will allow if you feel necessary to put a decent hi thrust outboard on if you feel it's necessay for the odd time you may feel it's necessary. You've come this far on one dicky diesel, two electrics will be peace of mind. Just as an aside with your jobs: Employer: "not a problem" also employer: "thats your problem." Cheers and take care.

I am watching a lot of sailing vids. & yes Jason Winn is not happy maxing out at 5 knots on his new HH44 performance Cruiser. and they aren’t alone, there is a mono hull went electric & Brandy & husband get 3 maybe 4 knots with theirs. I noticed other comments on here about others sorry that they went electric. You are going to no doubt have to battle head winds,Tides & currents & I know that you know all about them. Gotta think about ability to get min. 7 better 8 knots when you get into tricky situations. My opinion ie: Safety First , you got a family to think about Best wishes & be safe Cdn. Dave

Hi Guys. just my tuppence on the Electric / Diesel discussion. You Guys are "Sailors" I follow several channels who have gone the electric route. and funnily enough they are also "sailors". I would rate you as at a high skill level. I think the realization that 30year old diesels are a risk is not before time. take care and don't work too hard.

Talk to dan and kikki from Uma. They had a really nice setup BUT still are so limited on distance. You'll need a 25 kw generator. Let me know how many panels you want to buy and proce point. Pat

If you go electric then make sure you buy regeneration type that produce electric while you are under sail. And I wouldn’t rely on just electric without a generator also. You think about safety in not running out of power. Like you do about your fuel now and I know there is times you have to rely on your engine at sea. You could increase the range with both, solar and diesel powered generator. You run out of power fire up the generator.

Talk to the Wynns they have an all electric boat. Maybe you could get some valuable info

you guys are great

That pretty boy should go before anything, also I can wait couple months for u if u can set up in such a time do what u can but do not leave that lovely child on his own

Relying on an electric motor in the Caribbean is one thing, but what do you do in Northern Europe where there is restricted sun light? How many motoring hours, with both motors engaged, will a battery pack handle without significant sunlight? The idea is appealing but is it practical in higher latitudes? Is there a way to do a hybrid , like an automobile?

If you watch youtube sailors with pure electric they have a lot of time where they can't move due to low batteries and no sunshine. Rebuild your yanmars they are the best diesel for marine use on earth and rebuilt is good for another 30 years and then you can Sail Away😀🛥️🏝️🌊

Your electric motor idea is great. I am running an electric motor in my monohaul. My idea is to use my motor only when necessary. I am going in the opposite direction, planning on crossing the Pacific next spring. You don't need a backup generator unless you are planning on going where the sun doesn't shine as much as the tropics. I went with electric yachts qt20 for my boat. I found their customer service to be outstanding. Not to mention, the motor was simple, drop in, and plug in to the supplied throttle assembly. I didn't have to mess around with trying to figure out the programming. But, that depends on how involved you want to be with your system. I'm glad you are moving to an, at least partially, electric system. You'll be very happy when you see the prices for fuel in some places.

Good to see some sensible planning. The last video alarmingly revealed the tension and risks the "one old engine" creates.

Honestly you don't seem to have anywhere near enough area for the amount of solar panels you need.

Hey Guys! I wish you the best getting your RU-vid Side going gangbusters! Personally, I'd be happy to have something to video, my boat is winterized and boring. I enjoy all your videos and wait every week to see what your up to. Not that it's likely to happen any time soon, but when we meet up the Shrimp and Grits are o me...

One of you could work and the other stay on the boat and at least get half the income.😀

I really like you guys and I'm glad you're doubling down on RU-vid!

Tesla free energy is coming. Battery's and engines will change next year

There are some amazing hybrid options. As in to add to the diesel side. So two electric available and one diesel back up. Sailing Uma went to an electric motor show last year and have a film on it. Uma are pioneers of You Tube electric sailing. I would love to do the same. But IMHO lot to be said for keeping an engine… a mechanical back up is a good thing to have. None of my business... but IMHO you are heading the wrong way. Most of us who live this side of the Atlantic can't wait to head West... heading East is just if you have to come back. The Med is overcrowded and full of people trying to scam or steal and you have visa issues same as we do now. And if it's not overcrowded it's because it's cold and damp. Some beautiful (cold) sailing...

Love how you two work things out. It's not as if "You had a million dollars" type of lifestyle you live. Though that would be nice! Take each day as it comes and you have your goals to reach! You can do this! It's the journey you are on and passing this on to River!

You too are awesome thank you

don't do it its not that clean waste of money keep some diesel 3 days of no sun you'll have no power ..... thata a big risk

Nothing wrong with 30 yo Volvo diesel engines. From my perspective you should rebuild the inop one, it would make for some good content.

I like the mixed approach to the motor replacement. Some good sailing friends of ours have an electric converted Pearson 42. They love it. They have a pretty massive lithium bank and 2000 watts solar array and a honda 2k just in case of prolonged cloudy weather. It's been reliable and they "motor" every sail. Do your homework and go for it.

You could get your captains licenses and do charters. Sea School in Charleston and at other places throughout the US have like a couple of day courses to get it as you've got the sea time. Basically they just take your word for the 360ish day sea time if you own your boat. I would really suggest having a diesel on one side. One diesel will give you long legs for traveling, and electric will not. You are a sailboat, but it is a safety thing to have the diesel. If you just do harbor sailing electric is terrific. My buddy's boat Pegasus crashed right outside Charleston after setting off. They were five hours past the breakwater when the wind died. The current was pushing the boat inland and their electric motor countered it for a while. Which they had a hybrid generator type system, which you took could do...but they kicked the hybrid in too late and it just didn't produce enough power... and the current sent them into the rocky marsh. The boat was a total loss. Not saying the electrics won't work I commented on making the batteries to save money before. Maybe keeping the diesel till it is dead might be a good idea...That way you can get an idea how far an electric motor will actually get ya!! If you can support an all electric system for the kind of traveling you want to do. An engine from Nanni would set you back 10000-13000 for a 30+50ish horsepower with a sail drive. They are a Kubota just like the BetaMarine.

Thanks so much for the update on your changing situation. I will not second guess your thinking about going to electric power at all and am certainly looking forward to the journey towards making this happen. Thanks so much for allowing us/me to share in that journey and I wish you the best of luck!

I did an electric conversion on my previous boat using the Thunderstruck 10kw kit and loved it. Now, that said, I was not cruising on that boat and it was a 30 foot monohull, but I was very happy with it. On my new boat (that has a 45 year old diesel), I would need a larger electric motor, a much larger battery bank, and I would like to have a genset for extended range. Your configuration is different, and it sounds like you have a good handle on things.

All electric sounds good, but. If all you will be doing is runaround the eastern Caribbean, that’s one thing, crossing the Atlantic is a totally other. You need a back up for the back up, safety first. You will need to motor for days, not just a few hours. A nav package that is state of the art, safety first. Good luck!

Quality of batteries, solar, wind, regen ... all of those things have gone up, but they are all things that cost and have shorter life cycles than diesel motors. I would argue that the long term value is still questionable, but you can do some back of the napkin math to support either side. I would also argue that given how lithium is mined, refined, and disposed of the environmental side is also questionable. I see both sides of those arguments. But then you have 48V DC on a lithium bank, and on that fact, I am out. There is to much to go wrong, and when it goes wrong either from a mistake or bad equipment, it goes REALLY wrong in a hurry. If you guys go this route, I suggest you add redundant halon/FM-200/Novec fire suppression, some alarms, and invest in proper insulated tools (and never touch the 48V circuit with anything but those tools). You are also going to want to carry 1 or 2 spare step down converters with you, they seem to burn out pretty regularly, and then the rest of your 12V boat is powerless.

weve studied the subject for more than 2 years, looking at the purchase of a large new to built catamaran. And from a cost perspective. its more expensive, or the same to have full electric with back up gensets. the batteries can be a risk and are best when they are "solid state" but that comes at a price. gensets are inefficient, in case you must motor for days If you want the lowest costs? go diesel, and you pay the fuel over time vs you pay all upfront and then hopefully all will last . Now dont think I say this easily. We've been talking with multiple builders and we've been talking with companies like Man diesel about their green lline and with several electric component companies, we have looked at hydrogen etc. etc. electric is a solution that works, but on a 70 ft cat we'd spend around 1M extra to get it to work properly. And we will likely never make that back with the fuel and maintenance savings. IN light wind Asia we will need those gensets despite the sun and massive solar and a 300-400KW power bank. And those gensets, even the best are inefficient in comparison with direct diesel propulsion. The advantage however is silence and vibration and very little maintenance. We are still opting electric, but not to save any money. noise and smell are the two drivers for us. IN your case, I would never spend that much to make it electric, best option is hybrid for now. and there are a few companies in the Netherlands building that stuff based upon different brands from kubota to yanmar. If you think a new diesel is expensive really forget about electric. A real good source for information btw can be Dan from "sailing Uma" as they have long term experiences.

I have a sailing catamaran whose auxiliary propulsion comes from electric motors. After travelling on her from North Carolina I am currently in the Abacos. Hard to know where to start with comments, but i have a love/hate relationship with my electric conversion. I designed and assembled my system and would be glad to share my knowledge and experience with you. Converting to electric propulsion will change your sailing life, but not all for the better.

With the needs of all the 'need more', Please do not forget the "more butter"!!! Really enjoy your attitudes and out look on life in general....Give 'More" hugs and love to Rivers!!!

Keep going with your plan. Keep living your dream. It’s going to work out in a good way.

Thanks again from Kentucky!✌️😎

Why are you not doing voiceovers anymore

What happened to the book reading?

One electric, one diesel or gas and sails sounds like a safe setup. Keep on sailing!

Great video

Good luck 👍

Have a friend who went with electric on a Cape Dory 36.He found really quickly it isn't enough power, especially in current and tight spaces.

You should get in contact with Dan from Sailing Uma.....they have been sailing full electric for 8 yrs. Currently in the Med doing a total rebuild on Uma and all her systems .....and upgrading electric motor & solar.

If you don’t like busy anchorages cross the pacific!!! Way cheaper than the Med and Paradise

Thanks for the update & clarity on a couple of things - Yep, electric is the way to go - Appreciate you sharing, and good luck with the projects moving forward. Cheers

🎉Yay looking forward to seeing all your refit videos! Love me some boat renovations....😊

If you go electric, you need a dependable generator for charging. Ours is 21.5kw

😎

The issue I have is if I am at home, I don't have the money to work and enjoy my boat. If I am working, i dont have time to work on the boatWhen

To the best of my knowledge, the channel "Sailing Uma" is the best reference on electrify a sail boat! There first swap was a forklift used motor! now, they're moving to real serious stuff!

I'll admit I don't know much about St Martin and cost of getting electric and solar items there. However, most co's selling solar panels and other gear in US have very low shipping costs in US, and low 24-27 cents/w panel costs. I would consider bifacial panels in 400w range on dinghy davit and consider using them as/on bimini with studier frame and solid fiberglas center strip for boom work. Please look at recent fellow poster Tuck & Lynnbin- he used current diesel transmission for direct connect to electric motor (no pulleys, no need for electric reverse shifter, keep your current quadrant, tranny has thrust bearings). A well know solar/battery poster 2 yrs ago did post on lifepo4 raw cells and supplier with 320ah cells for 88 bucks w free shipping (do the math for 48v 16.5kwh bat). Not advocating, just info.

Sounds like a lot of good choices. As a person that purchased and installed a band new Yanmar on an old boat many years ago I can share with you this solution does not make all your engine problems go away. For the first three years we had problems but after that it had been fairly reliable. But when I bought it I had no clue the problems would continue and was very disappointed. Having one electric and one diesel I believe would be a good first step, but I would make sure you get one that is designed for regeneration when sailing. Regeneration is a game changer for people that actually go sailing and make passages like you do. Always enjoy your channel. Best wishes.

Thanks for the update. I guessed that you were going to St. Marten for the favorable environment to resupply/work on your boat. That's too bad your jobs didn't work out, but I'm glad you'll still be on RU-vid. 😃 I don't have any advice to help you grow your channel (just a watcher, not a creator), but I might suggest that you don't put all your plans in writing, so to speak, and in your videos ahead of time, because if you change your plans in any way, or have any problems, there will be a million armchair sailors that say I told you so. 😐 Unless you just want advice ahead of time. That's up to you obviously. Best of luck with the boat upgrade, and life in St. Marten, and I'll keep watching!

Your Crew is awesome and family 😎 thank you for sharing your story John and Marie

That's fine, see you on Tuesday week. If all goes well I will be retiring in two and a half year, I will be sixty six and I will start my own channel on painting in europe from a smallish sailboat. I will need some bespoke music recordings for the channel. I will contact you closer to the time by email.

Hope it all works out and you can get it done in a year. But, hey, you're living the dream, so don't forget to enjoy it along the way! Cheers! 🍻

You should consider the motor Gone with the Wynns has done. Also I’d keep one Diesel and make one electric. That way you will have a backup should the electric motor system fail or should you have problem keeping up with power demands. Having one electric and one diesel would let you regen on electric motor while sailing or motoring and when motoring you have alternator to help charge. From what I’ve seen in other videos having both engines motoring at the same time you only get maybe an additional knot of speed anyway.

Regen it.

Diesel motors will run for a long time. Change the oil when it gets dirty not when it says s

love your journey....all the best 🥰🥰🥰

Keep up!!!❤

Do you know what is the problem with diesel motor

Awesome video guys!!! I have a idea. One of you get your 6 pack captains license then you could sell some day sail trips. Maybe some longer charters. Other 3 pack families would pay good money to go out for a couple days!!! Just a thought guys never hurts to have options. See yall on Tuesdays.

Build a Wharram catamaran hull and sell it.

Just nit-picking. Motors are not engines and engines are not motors. Your electric drivers are motors. Your diesel drivers are engines. It prevents confusion when you switching from talking from one type to another.

Could have bought a much better boat with all the $ y'all are sinking into a 30yr old boat.

Don't go electric.

Go get it guys !

Really don't want to sound like a nay sayer but that is a really heavy boat to be a good candidate for an electric conversion, isn't it? Outremer and Jimmy Cornell failed on a very very light cat with a ton of money!

Hey guys, have been following you all for quite a while both here and IG! Have to say we feel you on the ‘falling back into a corporate setting’ when you worked so hard to leave it behind! We did the same thing, and have been full time RV travelers going on yr #3. We found a seasonal basecamp that we love for about half the year, attempted to get part time jobs at a country club, they did the sane thing to us! Wouldn’t work with our schedule. We learned then that we should do whatever we can to have the freedom to work independently & now loving gig work (DoorDash) we can do it anywhere in the country. We feel you guys, we have dreams of transitioning to sailboat life in a few years. We no longer have a sticks & bricks or a business- so we’re almost there! Wishing you fair winds and following seas from SoCal 🌴🌊🫶🏼

Dave is really good at electrical stuff and i feel are boat is pretty well setup. We would have hybrid or electric engines if we were getting our boat know. @svawaytome