Electric Boat Batteries and Chargers

Pb Batteries are able to cater to your requirements whether you are commissioning a new build project, carrying out a conversion or simply replacing an existing boat battery or charger. As a leading independent we are supported by all of the major manufacturers and have experience of all electric boat battery types including flooded lead acid, gel and  AGM. We are able to offer specialist help in identifying your requirement and recommending the most cost effective battery to meet your needs.

The Reed Lighter

The Reed Lighter pictured was originally designed with a traditional outboard engine and later converted for use with an electric outboard powered by a number of 12 volt Monobloc batteries connected in series parallel. When a requirement for greater power was identified Pb Batteries  worked in conjunction with the boat owners to find a suitable solution. By utilising 2 volt battery cells the extra usable power was easily achieved with the added benefit of greater efficiency gained through all cells being connected in series.


Serena

“SERENA” is an 18ft x 5ft 6in teak boat built in approximately 1897, reputedly for a sea captain who had her lifted aboard any ship that he commanded.  The bare hull  (her internal woodwork had been stripped out completely) was acquired 30 years ago by Bill Selby.  She was in a bad way, hog-backed, with a 3in twist and a cradle had to be made to get her home.

For 25 years the boat was fitted with a steam plant but latterly, continuous back problems made Bill think that his boating days were over until his wife suggested fitting battery for electric propulsion.  After seeking advise from a specialist, Bill purchased the electric motor, an Italian made BEST rated 1.5kw at 48v and the motor controller, subsequently buying 8 x 6v deep cycle batteries and a battery charger from us .The motor draws 15amps at 4mph.  Serena has travelled 34 miles in one day with a good reserve of power being left. The complete electric plant is 244lbs lighter than the steam plant and as the electric motor is coupled straight to the propeller shaft she runs extremely quietly.

Towing, launching and recovery are much easier and the running cost of the boat considerably less than when she was in steam and there is no cost incurred in having the boiler inspected annually. There is more than enough power in the battery to cope with the tidal waters of the Hamble River, in fact it is easier with electric because the power is constant, with none of the frantic stoking needed to stem a foul tide.


Coniston Ferries
The Coniston Ferries M.L. Ruskin and M.L. Ransome operate a boat service between Coniston, Waterhead, Torver and Brantwood with battery power supplied by Pb Batteries. 

Originally specified with 6 volt 185 ampere hour Deep Cycle Monobloc batteries and operating at 144 volts both vessels performed well and M.L. Ransome continues to operate this set up. M.L. Ruskin has recently been modified to accommodate 48 two volt battery cells of 350 ampere hour. These have been installed with an automatic battery topping and gas venting system. The boat is now fitted with a 96 volt motor and control system. Click on the link to visit to the Coniston Ferry website  www.conistonlaunch.co.uk

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