Hi all:
A couple of days ago I had a mishap with my engine VW 100/5. Since I've changed my ship to have greater security in open seas, I'm a little disappointed by this fault which, according to the mechanic, has been real bad luck (with a little help of the “specialist”" who made the maintenance of pump impeller in the last servicing).
At about half mile to my marina, coming back of a trip of about 5 miles, I heard a loud “clunk” in the motor department. The overheating light and the buzzer were activated simultaneously and, immediately, I stopped the engine. I started it again for few seconds to anchor in shallower water, I opened the engine and noticed that the belt nearest to the cockpit was loose and missing the pulley of the water pump. This pulley was below the (very warm) engine so, no chance to reposition it in place even with the right tools.
Fortunately, I had a friend nearby fishing and he towed me to the port. He released me at the entrance of the marina mainly to save my pride after claiming that the VW engine was bulletproof. Only I started the engine 30 seconds to dock the boat in their berth.
Yesterday, we repositioned the pulley in place and the engine is working properly again without any symptoms of damage from overheating.
To avoid these situations, especially at night when fishing squids in calm waters, I had the idea of putting an electric motor powered with the same batteries of the boat. I guess these engines are easier to carry on board, by weight and simplicity, and are less cumbersome than an equivalent petrol outboard.
I'm not fishing beyond 3-4 miles from my marina and at night the waters are usually calm. Normally I go out with friends who are fishing around in their respective boats so the situation, if engine shutdown, is not desperate but nobody likes to be towed if can be avoid.
These motors are widely used in sailing ships so that there is a very diverse market opportunity near. Experts recommend an engine with a thrust over 55lb. but nobody have experience on 20 feet diesel boats, only on sailing boats or small Zodiacs.
In September I’ll have occasion to make some proofs with different powered electric engines in my 215 AS. I’ll inform about results. Meanwhile if somebody in the forum has experience with these engines I would appreciate any comment about.
I put a pair of links of these toys,
http://www.milanuncios.com/motores-fuer … 101182.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk_Y9YLBqpA
Also, a link to an old book published by FAO (author JDK Wilson) but with many interesting and valid explanations about boats and motors.
http://www.fao.org/docrep/x0487e/x0487e00.htm
Cheers
Rexus
