FAQs

Q:

CAN I GET AN OCEANVOLT ELECTRIC OR HYBRID SYSTEM IN THE NEW BOAT I PLAN TO BUY?

A:

Oceanvolt provides power and propulsion systems in partnership with many top monohull and multihull designers and builders.  Click here to see our current partners.  If you do not see the boat you are interested in, please let us know.  Most builders are willing to work with Oceanvolt when there is a specific customer request.

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Q:

CAN I REPLACE MY OLD DIESEL ENGINE WITH AN OCEANVOLT ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEM?

A:

YES! Refitting an old diesel system will revitalize your boat, clean up a greasy engine compartment, reduce overall weight and free up space below deck. Read more..

Q:

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN OCEANVOLT ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEM AND AN OCEANVOLT ‘HYBRID’ SYSTEM?

A:

Both systems include the propulsion system together with the throttle lever, display, batteries and chargers.  An Oceanvolt Hybrid system in a complete electric propulsion and power management system that also includes solar panels, generators and the Oceanvolt RSI (remote system interface).

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Q:

WHAT IS THE RANGE OF AN OCEANVOLT HYBRID SYSTEM (WITH A DC GENERATOR)?

A:

The range of a hybrid system with a DC generator and 300L of fuel is around 600-700 nautical miles.

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Q:

IF I BUY A HYBRID SYSTEM AND HAVE A DIESEL GENERATOR, ISN’T THAT THE SAME AS HAVING A DIESEL ENGINE?

A:

No.  Electric engines deliver a higher level of performance, more efficiency (93%), less noise, no maintenance requirements and the ability to regenerate energy while under sail.  A DC hybrid has all of these benefits and even better range than with a comparable diesel engine due to higher efficiency.  A hybrid system delivers the best of both technologies.

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Q:

WHAT BATTERIES ARE COMPATIBLE WITH OCEANVOLT SYSTEMS?

A:

We recommend MG or Valence (U.S.) Lithium Ion batteries with Oceanvolt electric motor systems.  AGM batteries and other Lithium batteries can also be used, but with systems that have an 8kW motor or less.

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Q:

DOES THE ELECTRIC MOTOR HAVE ENOUGH POWER?

A:

Oceanvolt electric motors deliver significantly more torque than any comparable diesel engine.  A 10kW Oceanvolt electric motor easily outperforms and is more powerful than a 30hp diesel engine.  Typically, boat max speed will be somewhat lower (0.5 - 1.0 kn) that with a comparable diesel engine, but at the same time the boat will maintain the speed better in heavy seas and headwind due to higher torque.  Maneuverability is much better in confined marina spaces.

Please see this video:

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Q:

WHAT IS THE RANGE OF THE BOAT WITH A SINGLE CHARGE?

A:

The battery banks are generally configured for 4-10 hours of motoring at the speed of 4-6 knots (about 30 - 40 nautical miles).

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Q:

HOW ARE BATTERIES RECHARGED?

A:

Battery banks are recharged by hydro generation while under sail, a generator or shore power.

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Q:

WHAT IS THE LIFETIME OF A LITHIUM ION BATTERY?

A:

Lithium Ion batteries will last 10 years if they are handled properly.  The basic warranty is for 2 years and can be extended to 5 years.

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Q:

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE BATTERY RUNS OUT OF POWER (CHARGE)?

A:

The Oceanvolt display continuously shows the charge level in real time.  Should you run low on battery power, you can use the regeneration function while sailing.  Some customers have chosen to have a small portable generator (these can run on LPG or gasoline) on board to recharge the battery bank or to use as a temporary range extender.  For larger boats Oceanvolt recommends a hybrid system which includes a permanent DC generator - this enables enjoyment of all of the benefits of the electric motor system without compromising on range.

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Q:

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECHARGE THE BATTERIES TO 100%?

A:

Using shore power, it can take between 5 and 10 hours to charge the battery bank up to 100% - depending on the shore power source and the size of the charger.

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Q:

HOW CAN I CHARGE MY 12V DC HOUSE BATTERY FROM THE 48V DC PROPULSION BATTERY BANK?

A:

Charging your 12V DC house battery from the 48V DC propulsion battery bank can be easily facilitated via an inverter.  DC converters can only be used with AGM - not Lithium Ion batteries.

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Q:

ARE LITHIUM ION BATTERIES SAFE?

A:

Managed properly, Lithium Ion batteries are perfectly safe and failures are rare. High quality manufacturers use multiple protection mechanisms to avoid problems.  Be sure to understand proper battery care procedures in order to maintain the safety and lifespan of your batteries and the effectiveness of your Oceanvolt system.

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Q:

DOES HYDRO GENERATION CREATE DRAG?

A:

Hydro generation creates drag of only 0.1 of a knot at boat speed of 7.0 knots - barely noticeable.

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Q:

CAN YOU USE AN AX (SHAFT DRIVE) SYSTEM FOR HYDRO GENERATION?

A:

Yes.  Hydro generation is a standard feature with ALL Oceanvolt electric motor systems.

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Q:

CAN THE PROPULSION BATTERY PACK BE SPLIT AND PLACE IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS?

A:

We recommend keeping the battery bank together and in once place.  This way, they can be better balanced (electronically) which makes the batteries perform better and last longer.

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Q:

CAN A FIXED BLADE PROPELLER BE USED WITH AN OCEANVOLT SYSTEM?

A:

For propulsion, yes.  But not for hydro regeneration because the regeneration function cannot be stopped with a fixed blade propeller.

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Q:

CAN YOU REMOVE THE ANODE WITHOUT REMOVING THE PROPELLER?

A:

The propeller must be taken off before removing the anode.  This is to make sure that the contact between the anode and the sail drive is the best possible.

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Q:

WHAT IS THE COST OF AN OCEANVOLT SYSTEM?

A:

Oceanvolt electric motor systems typically cost about 20-25% more than comparable diesel systems.  However, lower maintenance and fuel consumption (in a hybrid system) costs are considerably lower, so the difference in system cost can be recovered in about 2-3 years.

To receive a more precise quote for an Oceanvolt system, please go to Ask For A Quotation.

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Q:

HOW DO I SERVICE AN OCEANVOLT ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEM?

A:

The service and maintenance of the Oceanvolt systems is completely different than what you have gotten used to with diesel combustion engines. There is no need for an extensive service network carrying variety of spare parts, waiting for your parts to arrive and relying on the varying skill set of the local diesel mechanics. With Oceanvolt electric motor systems everything is electric and, thanks to the Oceanvolt RSI – Remote Service Interface system, all the system data is online. Since the entire RSI system is connected online at all times via a central module (Victron CCGX), remote diagnostics are continuously monitored; if there is a need to control or service a component, you will be notified. Read more..

Q:

WHAT IS THE SIZE AND WEIGHT OF THE BATTERY BANK?

A:

Normally the weight of the battery bank is somewhere between 60kg and 160kg in a 30 - 45ft sailboat.

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