Anonymous wrote:

I can understand why a petrol genset is the easiest, quickest way to get going, but surely the long-term aim for a tri-fuel power source for electric propulsion must be shorepower, solar and wind (in no particular order).

Is wind an option? I've used three "marine" wind turbines plus one I built myself over the last 20 years and I can't imagine having one on a small cruising boat. A cruising hydrogenerator such as the WattandSea thing looks like a better investment, even for coastal cruising.

Anonymous wrote:

I'd seriously consider having a longer lead from the generator available (might be your marina hook-up lead) so that on favourable occasions, such as at anchor or on a mooring, you can put the generator in your tender and leave it a good few yards aft. 

I top up my house batteries for an hour a day in the depths of winter with a Honda genny and believe me, Honda and I have very different versions of "quiet"!

 Interesting idea, the generator in the dingy. As for noise, I've been experiencing some loss of hearing. (Working with power tools and insufficient protection.) It could have some implications for safe sailing if it gets bad. Not worried for now.

Jim, I too am following this with great interest, keep the updates coming.

I'd seriously consider having a longer lead from the generator available (might be your marina hook-up lead) so that on favourable occasions, such as at anchor or on a mooring, you can put the generator in your tender and leave it a good few yards aft. 

I top up my house batteries for an hour a day in the depths of winter with a Honda genny and believe me, Honda and I have very different versions of "quiet"!

Anonymous wrote:

Jim I take delivery of a Badger in New England when winter thaws.  So interested in all things "Badger".

Jim all those fuels and generator.  Will you use the gen on deck or are you thinking of a permanent install inside?

I assume we are talking an on deck gen as back up for solar or for long motor passages?  Thanks for sharing.

My understanding is that the tri-fuel adapter is not approved in Canada. However, I mention it because it is allowed elsewhere. I'll be limited to gasoline.

I intend to use it on deck. I don't think it's certified for use below deck unless someone can correct me on that. They can be run dry and stored below, however. 

My first location choice is between the mainsail sheet horse and the Monitor Self Steering. I intend to make a rack that attaches to both. I've checked the space and clearances using a cardboard shipping box the Honda people gave me. It will block the airvane action of the Monitor unfortunately but I'm confident I can set up my Raymarine Tiller Pilot to take the place of the airvane.

I will run an outdoor extension cord to the shore power receptacle. There are other places to put a generator. And I've seen boxes online for stowing this model on deck. Between the mainmast and companionway hatch, for example. Being portable, one could move it around to ensure the exhaust is not directed at the crew.

Hobbit sees the water this year for the first time since I bought her. I anticipate being close to home until I understand how it all works. She will have her own marina slip with shore power. My yacht club resides at the end of a 2-mile long arm so a motor can be helpful for getting in or out. Eventually I want shore power, a generator and solar panels. The panels may wait until next year, I have a lot on my plate for this one. I'll play it by ear.

I should add that the intended purpose of this boat is coastal cruising and summer cattaging afloat. 

For those who have expressed an interest in following my electrification project, I'm starting this thread.

I have most of the equipment I need for the conversion of Hobbit from diesel power to electrical power. I plan a hybrid setup, in the sense that the batteries can be charged in different ways.

Shore power, portable generator power and solar panels. But first things first. The generator I have in mind is a Honda EU2200i gasoline genset. They offer a tri-fuel adapter which allows you to switch from gasoline to propane to natural gas, at the turn of a switch. 

The batteries have been purchased but remain at the Surrette factory on charge maintenance until  I can install them in the boat.  That is, when we're ready to hook them up to an operating system. I'm aiming for mid-March.

My marine electrical techy and I have gone over the equipment and locations for each item. Now to make it so.

The diesel engine (Yanmar YSB12 (10Hp)is out of the boat and placed in storage. Next to remove the control panel intact. Fortunately, the engine is fitted with a wire harness with a disconnect plug. It means the wiring can be easily restored by the next owner.  Then I'll put it on the market.

I need to pad the engine rails with hardwood cheeks because they are not centered on the drive shaft. The driveshaft on the Yanmar was about 1" off the centreline between the motor's mounts.