Ecobat Battery technologies are able to assist you with your requirements whether you are commissioning a new build marine project, carrying out a conversion or simply replacing an existing electric boat battery or charging system. As the UK’s leading supplier of batteries, we can supply you with many of the major manufacturers’ brands and we have years of experience of all electric boat battery types including flooded lead acid, Gel and AGM. We are able to offer specialist help in identifying your requirement and recommending the most cost effective battery to meet your needs.
Below is a small selection of our work with electric boat batteries in recent years.
SERENA - A conversion from steam to electric boat batteries
"SERENA" is an 18ft x 5ft 6in teak boat built in approximately 1897, reputedly for a sea captain who had her lifted aboard any ship that he commanded. The bare hull (her internal woodwork had been stripped out completely) was acquired 30 years ago by Bill Selby. She was in a bad way, hog-backed, with a 3in twist and a cradle had to be made to get her home.
For 25 years the boat was fitted with a steam plant latterly. Continuous back problems made Bill think that his boating days were over until his wife suggested fitting a battery for electric propulsion. After seeking advise from a specialist, Bill purchased the electric motor, an Italian made BEST rated 1.5kw at 48v and the motor controller, subsequently buying 8 x 6v deep cycle batteries and a battery charger from us. The motor draws 15 amps at 4 mph. Serena has travelled 34 miles in one day with a good reserve of power being left. The complete electric plant is 244 lbs lighter than the steam plant and as the electric motor is coupled straight to the propeller shaft she runs extremely quietly.
Towing, launching and recovery are much easier and the running cost of the boat considerably less than when she was in steam and there is no cost incurred in having the boiler inspected annually. There is more than enough power in the battery to cope with the tidal waters of the Hamble River, in fact it is easier with electric because the power is constant, with none of the frantic stoking needed in a foul tide.
CONISTON - Deep cycle electric boat batteries
The Coniston Ferries, M.L. Ruskin and M.L. Ransome operate a boat service between Coniston, Waterhead, Torver and Brantwood with electric boat batteries power supplied by Ecobat Battery Technologies.
Originally specified with 6 volt 185 ampere hour Deep Cycle Monobloc batteries and operating at 144 volts, both vessels performed well and M.L. Ransome continues to operate this set up. M.L. Ruskin has recently been modified to accommodate 48 two volt battery cells of 350 ampere hour. These have been installed with an automatic battery topping and gas venting system. The boat is now fitted with a 96 volt motor and control system.
SPALDING WATER TAXIS
Ecobat battery Technologies have been supplying marine batteries and chargers for over 25 years, giving us the expertise to answer your questions. We supply any size boat from small private electric boats to cross channel ferries. Below are a few examples of boats we have already helped to convert to electric propulsion. If you do not see what you are after just ask any member of staff who will be more than happy to help. We have found that our years of experience teamed with our expertise and excellent customer service keep our customers coming back time and time again.
FAIR PRINCESS - An hybrid system using electric boat batteries
The Hybrid system is based on the principles of a generator. The power unit is inserted between the engine and the hydraulic pump which drives the boat. It has two features, Diesel or Electric propulsion. Diesel propulsion drives the propeller and enables the Hybrid system to recharge the 48v drive batteries. Electric propulsion drives the electric engine from the 48v drive marine battery whilst the diesel engine is switched off.
An electronic management unit independently controls and converts the energy, using it to either re-charge the battery or power the electric motor.
When the diesel engine is in operation, the Hybrid power unit is driven through a centrifugal clutch and operates as a generator. When the diesel is switched off, the Hybrid unit is freed. The unit then works as an electric motor and drives the boat instead of the engine. Both the main drive [48v] and the boats domestic [12v] batteries can be charged from the shore power connection.
BROADS AUTHORITY
Electric Propulsion Broad Authority boat used for patrolling the Broads. The Broads authority operate with several electric boats including “RA” solar boat.
The replacement of the 2v cells within The Charles Collier are 36v 462Ah and were installed with automatic topping system by Ecobat’s fully qualified service engineers used to working with marine batteries and offering excellent service to the Broads Authority.
REED LIGHTER
The Reed Lighter pictured was originally designed with a traditional outboard engine and later converted for use with an electric outboard, powered by a number of 12 volt Monobloc battery connected in series parallel. When a requirement for greater power was identified we worked in conjunction with the boat owners to find a suitable solution. By utilizing 2 volt battery cells the extra usable power was easily achieved with the added benefit of greater efficiency gained through all cells being connected in series. Our experience in working with Electric Boat batteries is second to none.