Electric rib project

[Nos4r2]

Ok, what am I missing here? The new BMW i3 battery is rated at 33kwh according to my Googling.
Doesn't that translate to being able to use 44bhp for an hour then loss of power?

[E-RIB]

the lower leg is made by selva
it still uses the impeller to pump raw water around the motor and controller jacket, which is stainless steel tubing

i removed a stainless steel tank which i believe is 90litres capacity
the tank must have weighed 30kg min

[beamishken]

I guess we will have to wait and see what the range and performance will be I'd imagine it's going to be more of a quick blast out than a long distance cruiser type of boat
A good few years ago we used to go water-skiing after work usually just 2 or 3 of us for a couple of hours which this boat might be ideal for or if you want to nip over to a local dive spot do a dive then head back
It probably wouldn't suit everyone but it may be has a place for the right owner
Look forward to seeing how it performs and what it's endurance is

[HDAV]

Ideal as a tender also

[falcon0310]

Bear In mind that my van is 24 kw and I get around 50/60 miles
3 kw mile

[longjohn]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Ok, what am I missing here? The new BMW i3 battery is rated at 33kwh according to my Googling.
Doesn't that translate to being able to use 44bhp for an hour then loss of power?

Only the very latest i3s have a 33Kwh battery the originals had 22Kwh which are being factory swapped out - which I guess is where this battery is coming from? So I wouldn't have high hopes for this rib's range - especially if it was towing water boarders or skiers......I await with baited breath real world results.

[Xk59D]

Pretty much everything you need is on the torqueedo site.

Their own batts are 61kwh usable in a pair and with that there is a range of 10-65nm depending on the boat and throttle, a heavy rib would surely be at the low end of their chart you would think rather than a light toy they probably use for testing max ranges. The motor is most efficient at 54% throttle, might not keep the rib on plane though is downside so may end up using more throttle but that can't be helped.

Being quite a battery/electric motor geek for my other hobby it is nice to see someone doing this, look forward to the actual results.

BTW, bloody expensive this electric stuff! 18k for the engine and 13k for the small batt...gulp.

[beamishken]

BTW, bloody expensive this electric stuff! 18k for the engine and 13k for the small batt...gulp.[/QUOTE]

Wow you can buy a decent engine and a whole lotta fuel for those numbers
Saving the planet is sure expensive

It'll be interesting to see how this works out

[Pikey Dave]

I have to admire the OP tbh. Ultimately this is the way that most modes of transport will go. The writing is on the wall for fossil fuels & fusion is around the corner. His experiment (cos that's what it is) will not be anywhere close to the mature technology of petrol/diesel, but they said that about steam when it started to replace sail. The Royal Navy were still insisting that the early ironclads had masts & sails "just in case" . Fair play to the OP for putting his money where his mouth is & giving it a go.

[Xk59D]

Indeed, full kudos to the guy.

Between this and the turbine rib it is nice to see out there projects.

[E-RIB]

afternoon rib net community.
nursing another beer after a part day of rib project work.

Now just working to the next big job, of cutting down the longitudinals to enable the i3 battery to sink lower through the deck.
after the cut I have to take the rib to my boat builder friends to laminate the strength back that i will have cut out. This will be one of two jobs that I will not do, partly due to materials and time.
The second, I am very pleased that the rib will now receive new "Torqeedo coloured tubes, grey, black and orange" care of Tilley inflatables,Devon.

naturally only a deeply passionate electrical propulsion fan, would put such alot of my hard earned savings into such a project. I also have choosen a rib size and weight that has already been proven, when powered by a Torqeedo deep blue 80hp.
I know I must remain realistic that e- propulsion has a way to go before we can compare the energy density to diesel or petrol. For me if my family can enjoy a wake board, I can get them all out for a fish, i'm happy. Can me tight fisted, I just do not want to pay for petrol. Interestingly I will be fitting a 3kw 230ac charger to charge the i3. should n't be too hard to do the maths to see how much 22kw would cost to charge.

Please keep your posts and replies coming, its a very healthy debate so far!!

happy weekend and enjoy the sun.

jamie

[Xk59D]

jamie, far be it from me to tell you how to spend your money but i wouldn't retube this until you have tried it for a while and assuming the tubes hold air?

i don't think anyone can call you tight fisted, quite the opposite given the cost of doing this. you could buy 10,000 litres of fuel for the cost of the small torqueedo battery so anyone who says you are being tight aint worth listening to!

keep the pics coming!

[Pete7]

Travelling a little slower someone converting a yacht from smokey diesel to clean electric.

Going Electric: Will the batteries explode ? - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

Pete

[E-RIB]

Originally Posted by Xk59D

jamie, far be it from me to tell you how to spend your money but i wouldn't retube this until you have tried it for a while and assuming the tubes hold air?

i don't think anyone can call you tight fisted, quite the opposite given the cost of doing this. you could buy 10,000 litres of fuel for the cost of the small torqueedo battery so anyone who says you are being tight aint worth listening to!

keep the pics coming!

Xk59D,

Thanks for your reply.
Importantly i wanted my project is also to help fuel this debate.

I am in a very lucky position and have also already been fortunate enough to have experienced the performance of this propulsion system to know my money and drive is well placed. I very much appreciate your views and consideration. It would give me great pleasure to give you the chance to experience the e-rib yourself, when its finished!

Jamie

[E-RIB]

Its tube time!!!

Some uninteresting work on the trailer, just to get it back on the road and legal!

But it was a good journey to Tilley inflatables, Totnes. The rib has now been safely received by Samantha.
Now i have 3-4weeks of work on the console, seating and floor frame, before the new tube work will be completed.
Finally agreed an orange stripe to run around above the black tier drop strake, think it will look good.
See pics

[two stroke mick]

Very interesting project you have going there. Good luck with it please keep the posts going irrespective of the results as the majority of the members here have a genuine interest in this project

Take no notice of the nay Sayers. However do not be too hasty to dismiss what may appear to be negative comments as there is a lot of experience available on this fourm

Tsm

[E-RIB]

Finally i've unpackaged the BMW i3 high voltage battery today. Due to budget i have had to purchase this second hand and when the rib returns from retubing i will get it fitted, but for the meantime I'll give it a clean !

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Wow, that's a BIG battery. Interesting to see what's in these cars.

[falcon0310]

did you look for leaf battery ?

[E-RIB]

Cut and cover

I sent my battery cover frame away for powder coating. Its back now ive fit the deck cut out into it.
Does the job, and looks the part.
Shown in photo with aft seat base

Next job, whilst the retubing still goes on.... lighting