![]() We are seeing hydrofoils with electric outboards, an obvious non starter. There is a tiny industry of entrepreneurs that are trying to solve the electric power solution for boats and they make all of the mistakes you would expect. A mild hybrid system addresses all of those objections. This is the biggest burdens for full electric adoption for marine use limited charging, limited range and huge cost disadvantage. Mild hybrids are not sophisticated and there is no charging necessary. For sterndrives of all kinds a mild hybrid really changes the conversation for efficient and quiet operation. At low speed in harbors, marinas and waterways you could run on pure electric power, only using the gas engine when underway. You could take a common 300 or 350 HP sterndrive V8 package and immediately add 20% more torque with reduced emissions. In a mild hybrid, the electric motor takes over as the starter generator, with a 48 volt system, offering electric assist at low speed and acceleration.įor boats, it makes tons of sense. Mild hybrids have been fully adopted in automotive as they are an affordable and efficient stop gap between full electric and more complicated series hybrid systems. In previous articles I have mentioned the idea of mild hybrid systems for use in more marine applications. But there is one area in the future that really might help sterndrives and it is mild hybrid technology. Obviously sales have fallen since outboards really took off about 10 years ago where the fishing and performance segments continue to dominate. ![]() I would say the tow boat, surf boat, luxury bowrider and larger luxury boats are really the key markets holding up the sterndrive sales. For that use case they are quite good and that is a significant market now. With that you get the ability to trim the drive while it’s fully submerged with counter rotating propellers for incredible thrust and control. ![]() Moving the propellor ahead, away from swimmers is safer. Design is an underappreciated aspect of sterndrives in general.Īs opposed to a V drive or direct drive inboard, the forward drive and 4S offer many of the benefits of a sterndrive with some of the advantages of an inboard. I know Mercury is trying to change that with the incredible Verado V12 but I’m not sure that works for more traditional luxury boaters. Boaters that are shopping in the luxury segment from small single engine luxury boats to serious luxury sport yachts are definitely considering the look of the boat and outboards don’t scream luxury. The quiet operation, smooth torque delivery and incredible array of power available are just a few of the benefits, along with the more sleek aesthetic. ![]() When it comes to luxury boats I believe there is no substitute for inboard or sterndrive technology. That said, when it comes to the marine market, is the future of sterndrive power in peril? Let’s take a look at the sterndrive market, where the technology is working now and where it is heading. ![]() Every party comes to and end and the boat party definitely will unfortunately. With boat sales at all time highs and outboard sales through the roof you have to wonder when the party ends. ![]()
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