Peter Volken Smidt – episode 3 – Electrifying a Contest 30

Peter Volken Smidt – episode 3 – Electrifying a Contest 30

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.

In episode 1 we met Peter Volken Smidt. In episode 2 the engine of the Contest 30 was removed. In this episode we read how the Contest 30 'went on dry land'.

A boat on dry land and the removal of remaining parts

Because the boat was still in the water while it was being stripped of the old diesel, it was not possible to remove all parts at once. In particular, the propeller shaft and the water-cooled exhaust etc. had to remain in place to prevent the boat from sinking to the bottom of the harbor. At the beginning of October '22, a year later than hoped, the boat was lifted out of the water. First I remove any remaining old junk.

I had enough time to think between the time of purchasing the new electric motor and actually electrifying the boat. This is how I discovered that the location of the propeller is quite decisive for the maneuverability of the boat. Since I do not have a bow thruster, it is important that the location of the propeller is close to the rudder, especially at low speed and for maneuverability. It is not without reason that the current propeller is so close to my rudder blade. In an ideal world, this should also be the location of the new screw.

Hull shape

What is also important is that the hull shape where the pod motor will be attached is or becomes as flat as possible, so that the propeller does not hang at an angle but as horizontally as possible under the boat. The old propeller now protrudes from the hull at a place where the hull slopes upwards towards the waterline. Far from ideal for installing the new engine.

However, now that the boat is out of the water, I can only properly measure and investigate how the situation at the location of the water-lubricated bearing really works. I find that the current water lubricated bearing matches the size of the pod motor bottom plate. And since this is the perfect place for the new engine, I decide to put the grinder in the polyester hull to make the perfect hole here that will later become the foundation of the pod.

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.

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