We purchased Bay Dreamer from Afterguard knowing that it did not have a working propulsion system.  Self-sufficiency is one of our guiding philosophies, so refitting the vessel with an electric drive system was a no-brainer.  We worked with Elco, a marine electric inboard motor company, to spec an appropriate setup to replace the original 21HP diesel motor.  

The new drive system is a maintenance-free marvel of engineering.  The motor is designed for direct-drive operation, eliminating the need for a gearbox.  It dissipates its drive heat without the need for a fluid head exchanger, eliminating the need for a sea-strainer and cooling pump.  Since it is not a combustion motor, oil is not consumed during operation and does not need to be checked or changed.  To run the motor, you simply turn the key and engage the throttle; no waiting, no worrying if it will start, no warming it up.  You can switch motor direction without waiting for the prop to stop spinning.

The coolest feature of the motor, ironically, is available only when the motor is not in use.  While under sail with the key engaged and the throttle in the neutral position, the spinning of the propeller will produce electricity, and will slowly recharge the drive battery and house bank.  Reports from other owners of this motor indicate charging rates up to a kilowatt per hour.  Over the course of a long sail, this is enough to comfortably run the boat’s systems indefinitely.