Buying a Sailboat - Part 1 - Electric Sailboat Conversion (Ep. 30)

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

You will get this boat. I've seen your face when being the captain for the test drive...⛵ That is a big project, lots of time and $$$.

[@upnorthandpersonal]

You know what they say: a boat is a hole in the water you throw money into :-D

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Yuuuuup

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Aye, that's another reason that I'm going for this 38' boat. Originally I was leaning heavy towards the 43' version, but for several reasons (gone into more detail in my reply to 'I've Got Wood', the costs do not scale linearly with length. Dropping down the a 38' cut the costs down _substantially_. Even still, ya, it's expensive. Then, I suppose it's not much different to the money pit of battery / solar DIY. lol!

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

@@upnorthandpersonal sounds similar to a solar and battery hobby...

[@escheytt9326]

Love your enthusiasm and excitement about the possibility of buying a boat. I remember the same emotions that regretfully did not come to realization for myself. Will be watching all of your content. While I am into electronics these days to pass the time, I still love the memories of sailing in the Great Lakes, sailing lessons in the Pacific and the cruising in the Caribbean. Live your dreams!!

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching! You mention the great lakes; If you're still in the area, keep an eye out for a meetup in the future. Kinda thinking of doing something when the boat is ready to go back in the water next spring/summer. :)

[@sailingelpulponegro230]

Here for the conversion, I want to do the same...glad you are leading the way :-)

[@dobrzpe]

i'm not a boat-guy. i've ALWAYS heard, "The 2 best days in your life: the day you BUY your boat, and the day you SELL your boat"! LOL! but yea, came for the battery videos, but now i'm invested in the entire project and am interested in coming along for the journey through your videos! keep makin' em, we'll keep watching em'!! good luck with the deal working out!

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

When the conditional offer was accepted, I told my friend "I think I just got the first of my two allotted "happy days". ^_^ "

[@geraldkoth654]

@@TheDigitalMermaid B.O.A.T. Acronym for Break Out Another Thousand. LOL

[@geraldkoth654]

@@TheDigitalMermaid BOAT Definition. A hole in the water surrounded by man made materials, into which you throw money.

[@jayg1045]

I've been binge watching like 20+ episodes of the electrical build for a few days now and decided to watch some boat stuff too and this episode blew my mind that a lot of this was happening in Kitchener! "Small world" is the expression I shall use here. I love what you're doing! I love electronics and find this project really cool! Can't wait to see the rest of the build episodes and future adventures. Ok ok, I'm going back to binge watching now 😄

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Howdy neighbour!

[@guysgt5003]

Can’t wait to see the fire video!

[@MortenOlsen1000]

Lol

[@geraldkoth654]

OMG I started working at Ford Motor in 1964 and a fellow I met was building a C&C of Niagara on the Lake 24foot Shark from a hull and deck kit. He was a real fuss budget. In the end his care paid off. He took the Ford Yacht club sailing racing trophy 3 years in a row, until he retired and moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The fin keel makes the boat very stable in the final part of the lean caused by wind in the sideways direction, though a bit tender in the beginning.

[@MattWells0]

Really excited to see the conversion start, I have my fingers crossed that the purchas goes through successfully!

[@masalajeff]

Thanks for the latest video. It's great that you are being so open about the complexities, ups and downs of buying a boat. Carry on, and best of luck!

[@PGodin54]

I really enjoy your video, I've been watching several channels such as sailing Uma (all electrical) Delos, Rick Moore, Brupeg and others. Please keep sharing and updating your status. 👍🇨🇦

[@CodeSquares]

Came by way of Acorn to Arabella, got some catching up to do (I also have (larger) boat plans, but they're going to take some time and family convincing - for now just exploring the Columbia River on a Catalina 25). Looking forward to seeing the electric makeover (and other boat revitalization steps).

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Welcome, Qorgyle! I hope your plans get off the ground (in the water?)!

[@micfite9048]

Good choice. I’m a fan of the classic C&Cs. Very well engineered and well build. I owned a 1984 C&C 35 for several years. Fast, fun, loved it. It will make a great platform for your project.

[@sl0rion]

I didn't expect to be as invested in the boat side of the channel as I am! Like many others I came over at Andy's behest to share the battery building/learning process, and have really enjoyed the discussions over bean soup and grown-up apple juice. Thanks for sharing the process, and I really hope you get the boat of your dreams!

[@tastiger91]

Very exciting Miss Mermaid. I'm waiting to win a fortune and get a torpedo boat. We'll not hold our breath.

[@jamesheath5043]

Young Woman, you invite us into your home and share your thoughts and dreams. You are the content, the topic is just a bonus. Thankyou

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Very kind of you to say :)

[@jamesheath5043]

@@TheDigitalMermaid Spend most time alone nowadays, in my little bus, on my little island in the Pacific North West US. Several years since building first lipo4 raw cell solar system. Really have enjoyed your videos. My comments are not just being kind, they are to point out a reality, you are absolutely delightful 🙂

[@jeffgarrett1589]

My partner and I sail a 36’ CS traditional on Lake Huron and Superior. In higher winds it is a lot of boat for the two of us to handle. Many couples live and sail on much smaller boats, full time. If you are still shopping for a boat, I’d encourage you to consider something smaller than 38 feet. Some other issues for the single hand sailor to consider ,,,managing heavier ground tackle especially at night, coming into dock alone, raising the sails. All the best, Jeff ,

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

I know larger boat are harder to single hand... I was originally looking at an LF43 and going with the LF38 was my "think about this, go smaller" version. :)

[@jeffgarrett1589]

@@TheDigitalMermaid Looking forward to seeing your plans come to life. Also interested in lifepo4 onboard. Do you plan to run a SLA battery in parallel with your lithium bank, to deal with a BMS shutdown underway?

[@upnorthandpersonal]

Not a boat guy, but I am interested in the conversion process to electric!

[@ritchycamaro]

Hi there, great boat! Good luck finding the right one for you.

[@richardriehle4159]

i'll continue watching . i already watch several boat channels.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

I'm happy to hear! :D

[@BowenMarmot]

I came for the batteries and have been thrilled to hear over the last number of videos that there will likely be a boat in the future. We have a 1981 Nonsuch 30 Classic made by Hinterhoeller Yachts out of St. Catherines, Ontario. As Hinterhoeller was one of the founders of C&C I can see a lot of touches that are the same between the Landfall and the Nonsuch. I have considered converting our boat to electric but the cost, primarily of the motors, is beyond what I can justify when our engine only has 1000 hours on it. I look forward to seeing your videos as they have more boat content. I follow a bunch of other sailboat channels (along with battery channels) so that content will be right up my alley so fair winds and following seas!

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

I was on a Nonsuch last summer! Such odd boats, I can totally see their appeal. The benefit to your low-hour diesel is that you can keep using it for some years to come. In the meantime, battery and motor tech will keep improving and reducing in price at a heck of a clip. So when your engine is tired, an electric motor to replace it will make more and more sense. Fair winds to you as well!

[@peterwhitehead8376]

love the boat, all the best. It will certainly be quieter when converted 🙂

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

OMG YES!

[@kevlarmon54]

she's a beaut hope u have a great summer!

[@PGodin54]

Wow, ok, your other videos are honest and straight forward, up and downs of building a 48V battery rack that am pretty new too. Im3also looking into a blue ocean yacht and your helping me and others in figuring out the best process to follow.

[@ImnotChuck.]

I watched all of this one, and I am reminded of Aladino and Maya and the issues that they have had to deal with as they overhaul Magic Carpet II. I hope the surveyor was competent and thorough.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

After I got home, I had to get a new survey for insurance purposes. When I was purchasing, I asked the first surveyor to focus on core moisture, and when I had the insurance survey done, they confirmed the core was indeed still dry. So while she has issues and needs work, the foundation is good. :)

[@ImnotChuck.]

Excellent!@@TheDigitalMermaid

[@ivegotwood3553]

I came for the battery builds, got excited about the boat. I have similar plans a few years out. I would love a super nerdy, technical video about the propulsion, storage, and generation calculations. Through my research I haven't been able to find a way to have electric be a major means of propulsion. There's limited space for battery storage and solar/wind. Once you take into account a house bank to run things like navigation electronics, a small induction stove, possibly a small watermaker, you have a reduced available kWh. This relegated the pod drive to maneuvering in marinas and anchorages. Also, how you came to the decision for the Torqeedo 12.0 pod and not a smaller 6kWh.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

"I would love a super nerdy, technical video about the propulsion, storage, and generation calculations." - Well you're in luck! There are several channels now with electric boats, but none that go into a deep dive of their build. So that's the angle I plan to take... I want the series to be useful to anyone else wanting to do the same, exactly like the power videos. "Through my research I haven't been able to find a way to have electric be a major means of propulsion." - I didn't go into detail in this video, though I plan to if I actually get the boat. Seeing as you mention though, I had the exact same thought / concern, and that was part of what let me to this specific model. I originally wanted a heavy displacement full keel boat, and planned to use a QuietTorque 30, a large inboard motor. I decided to get a lighter boat and reduce the motor size, and for a while the larger version of this boat, the C&C Landfall 43 was my top choice. However, it would need about 50hp, and everything in that range was back to being inboard. When accounting for this, the search for batter space became nearly impossible. So I went looking for a pod motor, so that I could move the motor outboard (below board?) and the largest I could find that would still regen charge my own batteries was the Torqueedo Cruise 12. With this being ~25hp (comparing kw/hp is a black art), I then started looking for a boat that could be moved by a small motor like that, and landed on the Landfall 38. This will leave the engine bay clear entirely, and with the aft cockpit, all the space aft of the engine is available for equipment. I plan (loosely, and subject to change) to put the Fischer Panda in the place of the old engine, and put 4x 304Ah 48v packs around it. I'm working with a naval architect to make sure the final design is safe and sane. With this, I will have (hopefully) ~62kw, and the motor takes 12kw at full throttle, which I could maintain for 5 hours. Of course, that would be silly and I'd likely run at 50% throttle at most (gave me 5.1 knots on the diesel at 50%), which would be closer to 10h of run on one charge. The FP8 generator I am planning on puts out 6.7kw continuous and I'm leaving the original 30 usgal. diesel tank in place, so I could in theory run for as long as I have diesel at 50% throttle. So even through I am all electric, I think it's fair to say I won't have any range anxiety. ^_^ Also, was this nerdy enough? :P

[@john_in_phoenix]

I like the coaster.

[@1956vern]

I hope your dream come through! Very exciting!

[@charles.neuman18]

I'm here for the boat. But I'm also interested in the battery, so I'll watch the boat parts in parallel with the battery parts from the beginning.

[@pete9501]

Well that looks in good condition other than the mainsail needing a good scrub. Fingers crossed and good luck.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Aye, she's not sailed in 2+ years, and mud dauber hornets had made a bunch of nests in the folds of the mainsail. They all rained down when we hoisted the sailes, but they filled out well and had no rips or signs or creases or tears. I'll haul them onto the grass somewhere and scrub them down.

[@solargarage]

This is awesome, I hoping along with you. Looking forward to the boat show. 😀

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

You'll have your truck and I'll have the boat. We'll both be the silly ones trying to have a dual-topic channel that youtube seems to dislike so. lol

[@solargarage]

@@TheDigitalMermaid LOL, for me it might get worse as I am currently looking at auction sites for a new project car. 😀

[@OriginalWillowbark]

Here from Arabella. Not a battery nut, so I thought this would be a good starting place. Looks like a great boat for you, (I know it's a year old video but...) good luck :)

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Thanks, and welcome Christopher! There's a little more battery work coming up in the next few videos. Soon though, I'll be doing my first "passage" and it'll be at least a few videos going from the Chesapeake to Lake Ontario, via the Erie Canal. Once home, the real work starts! I hope you find some of it interesting. ^_^

[@LadyDewBuild]

I have really enjoyed your videos so far, and I AM a boat guy so now your going to also be doing boat stuff?? He he Next level AWESOME! Great call on the survey and if this one isn't the one, no worries the world is full of boats. Thanks for sharing!

[@MikeGrayM70]

I plan to convert my car when the engine gives up. Will be interesting to see a boat conversion.

[@shanedenniscom]

We broke ice in Lake Superior on the way from Duluth to Central America. A very special memory. :) I've owned a dozen sailboats including my current (recently converted electric) sailboat and sailed many thousands of miles. It's not a good idea to buy any sailboat with a cored hull. A cored deck is OK. but a cored hull is not OK. This risk of a huge problem is just too high. If you have not already purchased the boat I would recommend you broaden your search to include other brands/models. I always found it easier to buy boats near me, boats seem to always looks better in pictures than in real life.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Well, I understand the desire for solid core hulls (of whatever material). As mentioned in the video, I started with plans to get a heavy displacement, full keel ketch rugged boat, specifically the Westsail 43. Cored boats can't take the beating that heavier boats can, but to say they're not OK is a bit much, given they've been used for over 40 years and plenty of crossings have been done in them. You know well, boating is about compromise and trade-off. To get the side I need while using the motor I want to use, cored makes sense. This is also along the lines of the old "you can weather a storm, or you can avoid a storm" approach. This boat won't be as durable, so it will be on me to avoid banging in to things (clearly everyone will get caught in a storm eventually, and everyone will hit something eventually, so minimum strength is needed). In any case, the fact is that people have made a lot of crossings in cored hull boats, they're not as flimsy or as bad as many think, and it lets me use the motor I want to use. All about trade-offs.

[@shanedenniscom]

@@TheDigitalMermaid I totally agree a cored hull with no problems is no less seaworthy than solid fibreglass. It is also probably stiffer and stronger and probably be more comfortable than an equivalent thinner non-cored hull. As you say all boats have compromises... I am looking forward to following your adventures on the water.

[@johnstuckey]

I joined from Andy's channel to look at the boat side of things. It has been 6 weeks since the last video and I am interested in your choice of motor and how much power you need. Please roll on the next installment Did you buy that boat or was it a false start. I own a narrowboat in England so am familiar with the issues.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Hi John! I finished filming the next episode Sunday, but haven't had a chance to edit it yet. I'm hoping to start tonight, but it will likely take a few days. This one has the most footage I've ever taken for a video, and I need to figure out how to edit it down to something less than an hour long. :)

[@rahsomali]

Hey, no videos For long time. I hope your doing good up there neighbor. ✌🏽

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

I started working on a video two days ago, but ran into a problem with Victron. Now I am travelling for work, so it will be another week or so, I'm afraid. Thanks for checking in!

[@camielkotte]

Nice. Very interesting. Cheers.

[@CraigThorne]

Not a sailor or even much like the water, but pretty excited for you!

[@millzee60]

Alfy from the Life is like Sailing channel had a C&C for many years. And Uma on their Pearson 36(?) went all electric some time ago and Kevin from How to sail Oceans has never had an engine as far as I can tell. So looking forward to your coming videos.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Oh, I'll have to check Alfy out. I do watch Uma, and that's exactly why Svaldbard was added to my north atlantic crossing plan!

[@adamtaniasargent1386]

on to the next Vid :)

[@daskasspatzle2396]

Good luck ;-)

[@philipparcel2548]

I see your dream, much luck to you. Enjoy

[@UtubePolkinghorne]

That is an awesome boat. I would truck it home

[@chrispeacock3550]

That's a great looking boat. I have my fingers crossed for you that the seller is reasonable. It looks like it needs some love but has great bones. I'm currently building an electric motorcycle in New Zealand using similar cells to you. A steep learning curve but I'm enjoying it. I like the idea of an electric sail boat. That might have to be my next project. I'm looking forward to your next video, keep up the great work.

[@jmaus2k]

Maybe you want to add a small backup gas/diesel motor just in case you have no sun/wind to charge batteries. You could add first and use that for your trip home. Good luck.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

I plan to have a Fischer Panda 8kw AC generator to feed the quattro.

[@greengooseman]

So when are you going to post another video? We miss you.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Working on one today. I started one last week, but ran into problems, and then had to travel for business. Back yesterday. :)

[@TheMrSnipey]

The insides of the boat gave me flashbacks to watching Jaws for the first time.

[@frankthies221]

Have you picked a name for your future new home? Are you open to suggestions? I’m a cousin from Andy’s OGG. Looking forward to your adventures!

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

I have a name in mind, but I am also always happy to hear suggestions. :)

[@frankthies221]

Just my mind wondering… Joules-a-plenty Prrrrrrrrrrr Hummmmmm Sun Runner Sir Charge Wind and Watts Watts-in Coulomb Way Power House Hybrid Home Charge It Kilowatt Our ElectroGlide

[@davidkettell6236]

I cannot wait to see the next video .WOW THOSE SAILS LOOKED LIKE THEY ARE OLD AND NASTY AND THE ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE A BULLDOZER .LOL.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Looks can be deceiving. The dirt is from mud dauber hornets that make their nest, surprise, out of mud. The key thing the surveyor was looking for was how the sails filled out, and they filled out well. Kind of the opposite of "lipstick on a pig". The engine, well, that's the question mark. Keep in mind that the loud rattling was the rod rigging being loose.

[@davidkettell6236]

@@TheDigitalMermaid i can imagine that if not used for some time that can happen .it is like when you store something for the winter and come spring it needs a good cleaning. i thought that dreadful noise was the engine .my mistake

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy D-M, I make the Trip right down the " 401 " from KITCHENER to Exit 219 for INGERSOLL Small world COOP ...

[@DutchAussieProductions]

Nice to see your plans for owning a boat. May I suggest you learn to sail as a crew member of someone's boat before buying your own boat? I am looking forward to the videos of your adventures. Have a nice day.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Exactly the plan! Now that I've learned some useful skills, I am hoping to trade lessons and sailing time for helping people with boat work this coming summer.

[@johnlittle3410]

how are you? have a nice weekend

[@yotsman42]

Enjoyed your prolog with a request you slow your "extreme panning" ie moving your camera from side to side \ up and down too rapidly, which makes the viewer experience motion sickness. Bon Voyage on your new adventure from an old aussie yottie.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Sorry about that. It was the first time I ever used phone footage in a video. I'll be mindful of that in the future. :)

[@yotsman42]

@@TheDigitalMermaid No worries, keep your dream moving forward.

[@pegasusspringsmuses]

🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@franchu1]

Looks good. You look like a kid with a new toy :)

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Last time I felt like that, I was ten and it was christmas morning.

[@splynk1]

Cheers Grace O'Malley :-) now where is your parrot

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

They poop everywhere, I've already got cats for that job. lol

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy D-M, Blended SCOTCH Whisky will make it BETTER 🙂 COOP ...

[@MatWalter-q3h]

This is a long road you are starting down so forgive me if you have been made aware already.... I want to make you aware of the Center of gravity issue and how taking out fuel tanks, cast steel engines and transmissions and adding back in "light" batteries and an engine that weighs 25% of the old one can cause real balance issues. If you are aware going it is not hard to balance things but it is a real pain if you get the install done only to realize had you mounted things different there would not be an issue. Do NOT hesitate to build it the way it fits well and then add lead low and at the back is where you are going to need it.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

With the seven batteries I want to add, I'll be adding about 1400lbs to the boat, and the engine/transmission/lead acid batteries are in the 700ish pound range. So weight is going to be a concern (I talk about this is last week's video), but it's one I will test when the boat is in the water and then adjust the weight distribution as needed.

[@MatWalter-q3h]

Well ironically if what you add weighs more than what you take out that is easiest to deal with.@@TheDigitalMermaid

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

@@MatWalter-q3h More weight will help with stability in heavier seas, yup. I just need to be mindful of how she's trimmed.

[@patrick6007]

I'm actually a silent KZbin consumer, but I consume a lot 😅 Therefore I can recommend the KZbin channel "Sailing Uma" for the sailboat electric drive conversion and "Sail Life" for other sailboat refit/rebuild topics 😉 I wish you lots of success and fun with this upcoming project 😇

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Uma is why Svaldbard is now on my list of destinations. :)

[@brandenwalrath3012]

Oh wow you cat is beautiful ❤

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

That was old Mr. Lynx. ^_^ Sadly, he passed over the "rainbow road" last year. I miss the old man... He was a wonder kitty.

[@brandenwalrath3012]

Oh no😢 I'm sorry. I love cats. Sorry for your loss😢 I am catching up from this video forward. The boat is awesome 😎

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

@@brandenwalrath3012 Thanks Branden. He was a lovely kitty, and he had a good and long life. I was lucky to be his staff for so long. :3

[@brandenwalrath3012]

@@TheDigitalMermaid your welcome. I enjoy the cats wanting attention while you film. Like Andy's dog lol.

[@tommussington8330]

If it falls through check with Tim at Lady K Saling he's in Canada too that might help you out he has done a series on different boats.

[@tommussington8330]

Tim's link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpC0ZYl4e5qro9k

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

I've been subbed to Lady K for a while, wonderful channel!

[@jamesheath5043]

Old-timer Full-timer Fuso FG 170 4wd Japanese Bus

[@kevlarmon54]

came for the sexy red head and battery talk but its funni i bought a 25 foot Olympic dolphin sailboat too well last year which i had to do install a battery power system well upgraded the existing anyway was a swing keel though so trailer sailer lol

[@bill2292]

Consider naming your boat “chay veck”

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Haha! Nice. Though "tea bag" would keep the joke going.

[@lightstarr]

Boat!

[@brikshoe6259]

I think I'll stick to just converting a bus ....

[@johnlittle3410]

If for no other reason, it is worth less because you need to sell the used diesel engines when you upgrade to an EB/WB.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Why do I need to sell the old diesel and how does that reduce the value further? It won't be worth much...

[@johnlittle3410]

@@TheDigitalMermaid Sorry. I thought you were going to remove the diesel and install the electric motor in its place. But thinking about it I do see removing it would not be good.

[@johnlittle3410]

Even though I am not into sailing this will be a fun project for me to watch. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

@@johnlittle3410 Ah, I see. I need the diesel to get home, then I'm removing it and installing a pod motor (bolts to the bottom of the hull). The space the old engine used will be replaced with batteries and other gear. :)

[@johnlittle3410]

@@TheDigitalMermaid Then can you sell the used diesel ? and p.s. I love talking projects. you seem to be a fun person.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Looks a bit neglected.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

She was, sort of. The PO used her as a place to stay when he came down this way to golf. So she's not been used as a proper sailboat in a very long time. That's OK for me though, I was looking for a platform to build on, and there she was stout.

[@caroleen2000]

Hi, I love you videos, are you aware of the chanel from “sailing Uma” maybe helps you to making choises. Lot of succes.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

I am! They're why I added Svaldbard to my north atlantic crossing plans. Looks soooo gorgeous in their recent videos.