Peter Volken Smidt – episode 11 – Electrifying a Contest 30

September 18, 2023
Series

Introduction Robust-MT Marine Technology BV

Those who cannot divide cannot multiply! We at Robust-MT Marine Technology BV believe that success is a combination of factors. Knowledge is just one of these, but it is useless without facilities, resources, capacities, etc. It is for this reason that we will never be frenetic about sharing knowledge or providing a platform to someone else who deserves it or when there are useful knowledge to be shared.

Previous episodes:

1. How it all started

2. Removing the old engine

3. A boat on dry land and the removal of remaining parts

4. A hole in my torso, what next…

5. Building up the layer thickness

6. Making a foundation

7. Peeling the underwater hull

8. Armor coat, everlasting protection

9. The (temporary) installation of the pod motor

10. Prepare the engine compartment

Installing the peripheral equipment

This is episode 11 of Peter Volken Smidt's conversion report. Episode 10 ended with a painted-up engine compartment, but that problem has now also been resolved. With remaining DD paint from another project, I wait for a day when the temperature is about 9 degrees with sun. Armed with an electric heater, I take the chance to paint the engine compartment. Since the room can be completely closed off and the stove can easily reach 15 degrees, now is a good time to paint, in order of logical working. And yes, it works. The temperature is ok and the DD lacquer hardens nicely. Time to then install the peripheral equipment such as the computer for engine management, the charger, but also the throttle and the dashboard.

Since I have had the motor for a while now and I have already fully connected the motor, the numbered cables make it a piece of cake to hang the equipment. An additional advantage of the newly paneled engine room is the extra sturdy wooden walls so that everything can be hung securely.

For the dashboard, a square hole needs to be cut in the new fiberglass skin that I made when removing the old dashboard. With the multi-tool this job is not very complicated. Unfortunately, the new fiberglass in the cockpit has not yet been painted, so the dashboard, on-off button and throttle are still temporarily in place. Once spring has arrived, this part can also be painted.

Everything is hanging, the heavy battery is in place, but there is still one thing that has not been done. The pod motor still needs to be sealed and tightened. And since everything is going so smoothly so far, I will do that for a while. In the harbor I have an extra pair of eyes that can see how the engine and kit fit against the hull.

Using special nautical sealant, suitable for all types of waterways, I seal the entire base of the engine and then tighten the nuts on the threaded ends evenly from the inside. Slowly but surely the engine pulls itself against the hull of the boat. Slowly but surely I also see the sealant being pushed out a little on all sides. A good sign because then you can be sure that the sealant has been applied with full coverage everywhere.

Once the nuts are tightened, I finally seal the edge around the pod motor base and finish it evenly. The result is sleek and hopefully waterproof. But it will become clear from one of the next steps in which the boat is lifted into the water.

There is one more thing in this step and that is testing the engine. Of course I can't wait. I switch on the engine, turn on the dashboard, turn on the main switch and carefully start to accelerate. The sound of a whirring electric motor is music to my ears. It works... Now still in the water.

About us

Robust-MT Marine Technology BV is located in Monster on the edge of the water-rich Westland . Located in South Holland between Rotterdam and The Hague, but also near Delft and the North Sea. Our showroom and workshop are also located on a main waterway. We also have a berth on the Haringvliet, near Zeeland, where we can also arrange trial runs. We also work with a renowned yacht builder and shipyard in Woubrugge near Amsterdam and North Holland. This location also has its own port, a large crane as well as a heated and unheated warehouse. In summary, no matter how big or small your project is, we can provide you with the products and support you need.

About our products

Do you want to buy a new electric motor for your boat or, for example, convert an existing boat to electric propulsion? Everything you need to make your project a success is available in our webshop We offer the widest range in the Netherlands in the field of electric motors and drive systems for pleasure boating and at the best prices. We also distinguish ourselves through our own experiences with electrification of existing boats and therefore guarantee that your expensive purchase also leads to a positive experience. products on sale in our webshop , we post our own test reports in our blog page and we also offer complete sets of motor, battery and all additional required equipment. Our homepage also contains a number of reviews and ratings from satisfied customers, we would like to add your review here.