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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 contact Sunwater Marine for a free estimate. Please let us know the specifics of your vessel - model, length, type, etc - and what type of boating you engage in.
Yes! As long as your boat has a bedroom and a bathroom, you will qualify for the tax credit. And, the great news is that the 26% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar was supposed to drop to 22% in 2021 and get phased out completely in 2022. Instead, congress and the President passed a spending bill in December 2020 that kept the credit at 26% and extended it for the next 2 years - 2021 and 2022!
Yes! Sunwater Marine is working with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program (Carl Moyer Program) for Marine Vessels. This program assists in replacing old diesel engines with cleaner, quieter electric and hybrid systems. Commercial boat owners may be eligible for up to 85% of their replacement costs covered through this program. Sunwater Marine is working with CARB to assist qualified owners of charter sailboats, dive boats, mooring field tenders, water taxis, and other smaller vessels in replacing their old, dirty diesel engines with Oceanvolt electric and hybrid propulsion systems. There are a number of requirements for qualification, and we stand ready to assist in any way we can. For more information about the program, please visit these links:
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/apcd/PDF/Grants/Marine%20Engine%20Repower.pdf
For an Oceanvolt system with electric propulsion, hydro-generation, and batteries, please allow a minimum of 3 months. Once an agreement is signed, a payment is made, and the equipment is ordered, it will take a minimum of 10 weeks for it to be shipped from Oceanvolt headquarters in Finland and clear customs in the U.S. The installation process should not take more than 1 to 2 weeks. Solar panel installations will only require 1 to 2 weeks.
A key part of Oceanvolt systems is the Remote Service Interface (RSI.) Each Oceanvolt system can be connected to the internet and monitored in real-time. The technology is not limited to monitoring; Oceanvolt engineers are able to solve at least 90% of potential faults remotely. This is because all components are connected via an industry standard Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, enabling devices to talk to each other and to Oceanvolt HQ securely via the internet. If communications to HQ are dropped temporarily, the system will record all data for up to 4 hours and relay it once a connection is re-established.
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.
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, max boat speed will be somewhat lower (0.5 - 1.0 kn) than with a comparable diesel engine. But, at the same time, the boat will maintain the speed better in heavy seas and headwinds due to higher torque. Maneuverability is also much better in confined marina spaces.
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.
The Oceanvolt display continuously shows the charge level in real time. Should you run low on battery power, you can use solar panels, or the regeneration function while sailing, or both. 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.
The service and maintenance of Oceanvolt systems is completely different from what you have gotten used to with diesel combustion engines. There is no need for an extensive service network carrying a variety of spare parts, waiting for your parts to arrive, and relying on the varying skill sets of 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.