Fusioneng, why wait to do the EC? If you've got enough power to do the UM, and it sounds like you might, what better laboratory than actually lining up in March and going to Cape Haze? I guarantee you will learn something important that will be of benefit before you tackle the EC.
Sailboats tacking in the ICW
(40 posts) (15 voices)-
HoldYourCourse
MemberFusioneng,
You mentioned needing 50% more density it would require 5 years of work. I am not a engineer but feel you are working with some high parameters. I think it should work now. If you are 50% short on stored energy build a larger set of cells or multiple cells, choose a smaller motor, . The 8-12 knot range is superfast get a smaller motor that would keep your hulls moving at 4-8 knots. A larger boat would help hold some solar cells.
I work in the HVAC industry and came across a office building that was energy neutral. The solar panels on the roof powered the AC units, lights, and computers. I thought it was amazing. The harder the sun beat down on the building the more electricity it generated.
I think it was time to get your rig across the finish line. Bring it to the NC Challenge. There aren't any mosquitos in NC.
Holdyourcourse.
Posted 4 years ago # -
MisterMoon
MemberAgree 8-12 kots is pretty fast. The fastest monohull ever averaged "only" 4.9 kts including stops for the entire course. Fastest multi was 26:12, about 8.9 knots.* That's the only boat that's ever finished in less than 30 hours.
Bigger issue is just finishing. Better to line up and take a test run to learn the course before you try to set any records. Also, it doesn't matter what weather you want. We all sail/paddle in the weather we have and it's generally never what we want for very long.
* Calculations based on shortest distance for outside and across FL Bay via Tin Can, Dump Key, Twisty Mile, Jimmie Channel and Manatee Pass is 233 nautical miles.
Posted 4 years ago # -
BoatBum wrote:
HoldYourCourse, is Fusioneg the one that had a Torqeedo motor with a solar panel mounted on a catamaran?
No. He mounts 2 Honda 4-stroke 2.3 hp engines on his Hobie Tandem Island w/ self-designed/built wing sail. He has to add extra moulded floatation to the rear of his boat to handle the weight of the engines.
I think you fellows have made some good suggestions for him today. Get rid of those Hondas! Do the UM!
Keith
Posted 4 years ago # -
BeastOarman
MemberJVG, Voltaire is the guy generally credited with saying,
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".
I was just reminded of that quote when writing what I wrote, the VOLT aspect totally escaped me until you pointed it out! FE, I think we just named your boat ; )
Posted 4 years ago # -
Badger
MemberSorry to hijack the thread hijack, but I posted this over on SA, and thought it belonged in this thread as well.
I can see both sides of this debate:
Standing a proper watch on a boat equipped with radar means monitoring the radar. So, overseeing a race comprising boats with mandatory real-time tracking should include the ability to display those tracks.
But, just because a few participants ran into trouble while sailing in an event, doesn't mean the rest of the entrants can be ordered off the water. Either terminate the event OR require the race manager to report the status and location of each participant, and if necessary, request a temporary "seek safe harbor". If you terminate the event, then the entrants immediately become "free citizens" and are free to ply the waters as the individual captains sees fit. Only while the race is ongoing can you expect the entrants to follow Race Manager's instructions. Once the event is over, the RM has no authority. And the CG, just like any other federal LEOrganization, cannot "profile" individuals and detain them against their will just because they are members of a group.
If those boaters ordered to halt their safe navigation of coastal waterways were a religious group, Young Republicans, Gay Pride Sailors or hermaphrodite Catamaran enthusiasts there would be an uproar against the breach of civil rights committed by Big Government. I'm thinking there has to be a legal challenge against this overreach. This is how the Government begins to demand every boat always transmits its location and other data to federal authorities.
Posted 4 years ago # -
HoldYourCourse
MemberFusion Eng,
Take a look at the Cheshire, more efficient through the water with large amount of weight. I looked at the electric motor website and several youtube videos. I think your motor with solar panels and a single backup cell strapped to a Cheshire hull could knockout the NC Challenge record. Non stop 6 knots would take it.
Your time is now.
http://www.intl-fiberglass.com/cheshire.php
Holdyourcourse.
Posted 4 years ago #
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