The Journey
Our mission is simple - help you to go green on the blue. This has several key stages and can be achieved as a modular approach.
With a particular love for expedition sailing boats, our focus is on the legacy fleet.
Wherever you are in the journey, our ethos, experience and network can assist.
Data is the key to accuracy in design
It's all about the math, when we undertake a project we look to identify your overall energy demands, and apply solutions to make you and your boat more efficient.
This produces design drawings and layouts to build a component list, detailing what the boat needs, for propulsion, against a headwind, your house loads at anchor, and how all this energy can be replenished using solar and wind power.
Theoretical modelling and design, based on electric vessels sailing in the real world around the world, we can show you performance values for any type of vessel with differing duty cycles in a myriad of scenarios.
Removing LPG
A great way to delve into decarbonisation and optimise life onboard. No more hunting around for expensive gas cylinders, no more changing empty cylinders in the rain, naked flames or wasted heat!
By adding a lithium battery bank, and an inverter, not only can you cook on an induction hob, but also run other AC devices onboard. One type of energy on board; electricity. It makes sense.
Hybridise your existing engine
Optimise your current diesel engine by adding a high power alternator. Charge your battery bank quickly, improving the efficiency of your engine so it becomes a generator. Take full advantage of the benefits of lithium; faster charging and absorption times a fraction of that of lead acid.
Run your engine for the minimal amount of time. Full batteries, efficient energy generation and storage. Perfect to make your time onboard as peaceful and as easy as possible, just like it's meant to be.
Add renewable energy
Reduce your dependency on diesel by adding some solar panels or even a small wind turbine. Now you can use your lithium system and all your AC devices, taking pleasure in the fact that it's powered by the wind and sun. Perfect for extended periods off-grid and reducing the carbon footprint of your vessel even further.
There's no better feeling than knowing you're using energy that's been harvested from the sun and wind and, by using VRM, you can be sure you’ll be able to match your consumption to your generation. You’ll have your entire energy system at your fingertips.
Electric propulsion
Electric is perfect for marine propulsion. Instant thrust and torque, no preheat period or warming up the engine before you can use full power. Almost zero maintenance, motor in near silence, no heat, no fumes, no vibration. You can be powered by a combination of renewables and shore power and, with a highly efficient battery bank, you’ll have plenty of power to spare to run an inverter and all your AC devices.
An electric propulsion system opens up a whole world of possibilities and can be done in stages. To satisfy range, hybridisation is a key step forward to begin to decarbonise our ports and harbours, yet provide all the power and distance you need.
Monitoring with world class aftersales service
Using the power of Victron Remote Monitoring, we assist our customers wherever they are in the world.
Our services don't stop after the system is installed; we continue to support you and your adventure forever. When you Sail Electric, you become part of the Sail Electric family.
Some Guidance
Many upgraded power delivery systems currently use Lithium, and specifically LiFePO4 technology, due to its stability vs density and is now the go to for high performance marine energy storage. But there are some things to be aware of; safety is critical.
Be sure that;
- The battery management system (BMS) is designed to operate with the chosen battery and connected devices are compatible. This protects the batteries from overheating and is the single most critical piece of equipment to consider
- Cooling in your situation is adequate (both the electric motor and the control systems)
- Warranties are in place, i.e. build quality is guaranteed
- Your insurers are content with your installation
Online you can find plenty of advice on DIY options, including cheap sources of lithium ion batteries.
Please don’t go buying cheap products from unknown manufacturers. If they seem to be amazing value, beware!
Standards exist both for electric propulsion and lithium ion batteries in marine applications.
Ideally, your installer should confirm that installation is to those standards (ISO 16315 for electric propulsion and ISO Tech Standard 23625 for the batteries).
Between North Devon Marine, Victron Energy, Oceanvolt and other key partners, we have access to some of the most extensive resources and data in the marine electrification sector to compare the theoretical with the real world, so you can make informed choices.