Most of the comments I receive about my travels with electric drive have been really positive. However, I do get the odd doubter, who are so important to this blog.
I converted Ocean Strider to direct electric drive, specifically for circumnavigating the planet. It was a nerve-racking time for me. There were so many unknown facts regarding the drive, I also had to find my sailing experience as I traveled.
My overwhelming thought was and still is. Everything I do, has to be to the absolute best I can do, the quality of the equipment must also be the best I can buy (not afford). If I can’t afford the best, I save until I can, cheap isn’t good enough. I’ve always known my life and livelihood depended on it.
I’ve personally planned, project manager and worked on, in excess of 80 boats. Lived aboard for more than 35 years. I’m confident with my experience and capability, but the reality was always there.
Adapting Ocean Strider and myself to this journey, would be a constant learning experience and hard work, as I travelled.
My sailing experience was not great, I didn’t have the lifetime of sailing experience I believed I would need for sailing around the world. Crossing oceans, negotiating reefs, rocks and everything else I would meet along the way, but that was obvious. I would only get that experience by doing it. Adding an electric motor to the mix would add to my learning curve and challenge.
I’ve now sailed 6,000 miles, making my journey from the UK to the Caribbean onboard Ocean Strider, a 1979 bilge keel, Cobra 1050, with her Lynch Marlin electric motor. Previously I’ve always sailed with Diesel engines, but that didn’t cool my confidence in electric propulsion.
If you are capable of fitting an electric drive correctly, that doesn’t mean it will be perfect for you at the outset. As you adjust and adapt, you can adjust and adapt your setup. Most things in life get better with experience.
The manufacturer is also there to help and advise.
You are welcome to ask me questions about my experience, I’ll do my best to give you beneficial answers.
Adapt as your experience allows. It’s all part of the challenge.
Fair Winds?
