Twins-1 or 2 motors for trawler speed

Hunkydory

Plan on doing considerable low speed--6 mph--cruising up north this year. Question is will one Honda 40 keep up the batteries over a several day period of cruising at approximately 2500 rpm. Can't remember if that number is correct. Have gone a full day like this, but not several in a row.

Also has anyone checked fuel usage on one verses two motors at 6 mph. Have heard quotes of 6 mpg on one motor. What would it be on two at same speed. I have run like this but can't remember the rpm differences between the two. Do know the difference was quite abit. Thinking there might not be that much milage lost using both the moters.

Jay

Edwin · Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2006 9:10 am Post subject:

Jay

I cant be of much help with what the motor will charge at that speed but have you considered installing a solar panel to make up the difference.
Some that troll a lot with the kicker go that route to charge the batteries.
Just a thought

Ed Xmas LOL

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2006 10:20 am Post subject:

Jay-

Yesterday I was going to go over a whole bunch of electrical numbers with you, but then quickly realized that El and Bill have done exactly the type of cruising you're talking about with two Honda 40 hp engines, so thought I'd just wait for them to answer with real world experiences. The only real difference will be your personal style in using electrical navigation and appliance units, which may exceed or be less than theirs. Joe.

thataway · Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2006 7:33 pm Post subject:

My feeling is that you would be better off running running one motor at a higher speed. Many outboards don't put out much alternator power until the RPM are up a bit--two motors at low RPM will probably not put out as much power.

I would think that two engines would have slightly more friction (internal and lower unit drag), thus slightly lower MPG. This has been the case we have found with inboards.

Hunkydory · Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2006 10:08 pm Post subject:

Ed---Thanks for the solar power suggestion but just no room on top when we are out for an extended trip. For now if this low speed cruising draws to much on the batteries we are carrying a extra spare battery for emergency starting. Eventually will bring along a small generator. It will be used for boat and pick up camper. Haven't decided between Honda and Yamaha.

Joe--Thanks for the thoughts and your right about El and Bill. Any information from them is always good, reliable and appreciated.

Bob---Even though your suggestions are not entirely based on proven fact, I think you are right. The one motor at higher rpm should produce more alternator power and less drag. Unless someone comes up with something better, that's the way we will go. THANKS!!!

Jay

Edwin · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 9:24 am Post subject: Generators

Jay

I purchased a honda EU2000i from Wise sales near chicago. I ordered it by phone and got good service and quick delivery.
I chose the 2000 so I could run small appliances and it being the inverter type it is very quiet and economical to operate.
It weighs about 50 Lbs. The 1000 is about 30Lbs and would do for lights and charging but not for the microwave or kettle or toaster or stuff like that.
I am happy with the Honda. I dont know much about the Yamaha generators but I think they are not as quiet.

Ed Idea

oldgrowth · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 5:49 pm Post subject:

The Yamaha is slightly quiter and lighter than the Honda. That is the 1000 is, not positive about the 2000.

Check their respective sites for the details. I am using my pocket PC, so am unable to do a lot of research at this time.
________
Dave

Zydecomo · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 6:41 pm Post subject:

You may want to consider a fleixble solar pannel. You can just strap it to your Bimini. Check out this group:
http://www.emarineinc.com/articles/art1.html

Phil

Hunkydory · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 9:44 pm Post subject:

Ed & Dave---Am leaning toward the Honda 2000 for the future pick up camper and much sooner the Yamaha 1000 for the boat. Charging is really the only thing we need a generator for. The lighter and quieter the better. Will most likely get the generator before our next trip.

Phil---Will diffenently have the solar panels on our pick up camper. The boat is a different story. Even though we have the camper back Bimini it is seldom used and never on an extended cruise. Unlike most others it just isn't worth it to us because of its interference with accessing the boat. This includes fueling docks, regular docks, off and on boat with dingy and beaching in unusual places.

All, thanks for the input.

Jay

Zydecomo · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 9:59 pm Post subject:

Sounds like there could be a market for someone to make a Flexi solar panelled hulled dingy here!!! Just flip the dingy over on top of your cabin and plug into your C-Dory to charge the batts.

Hunkydory · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 10:35 pm Post subject:

Zydecomo · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 10:48 pm Post subject:

can you tell me how to post a picture to show a Photoshop of a solar pannel inflatable?

Hunkydory · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 10:59 pm Post subject:

Sorry, but no. Iam a real dunce when it comes to all this computer stuff. You wouldn't believe what I had to go through to learn how to post video and the picture albums....just to add another picture to the album I'd have to learn it all over again.

I find it hard to believe there is a practical way of making this dingy your wanting to post a picture of, so I hope you find out how to. People do it all the time so I suggest you just ask how on the chat forum.

Jay

Captains Cat · Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 8:24 am Post subject:

Hey Mo, just do it the way you did with all the pix in your album. It doesn't have to be a .jpg file, there are a bunch of formats allowed, look at the top of the block when you pick out the file to post.

Charlie