SOLIDNAV FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the horsepower rating of the SolidNav Explorer Motor?
2. What is the range of the SolidNav Explorer?
3. What type of batteries do I need?
4. What is the best way to recharge my batteries?
5. What is regenerative power?
6. What is the total weight of the SolidNav Explorer system?
7. Will this system work with my existing propeller?
8. Do I need to haul out my boat for installation?
9. What size sailboat is the SolidNav Explorer rated for?
10. What type of maintenance is required?
11. Where can I buy the SolidNav Explorer?

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1. What is the horsepower rating of the SolidNav Explorer Motor?

The Explorer is designed to replace internal combustion engines up to 24hp. A propeller is turned by torque not horsepower. Unlike a diesel or gasoline engine, an electric motor can produce full torque at virtually any RPM. With electric drive systems, it is common to replace a conventional engine with an electric hp rating of two to three times less hp than the original conventional engine and still achieve similar performance.

2. What is the range of the SolidNav Explorer?

KNTS/HR	Amp draw	Hours to 80% dod at current speed	Range in nautical miles
1	2.5	80	80
2	8.8	45.5	45.5
3	14.8	13.51	40.5
4	28.6	6.99	27.97
5	65	3.07	15.35
6	110	1.81	10.9

*graph represents real world test results for Islander 28 with suggested 220 amp hour battery bank

3. What type of batteries do I need?

You need 48 volts of deep cycle batteries. There are currently three common types of deep cycle batteries available for this type of system.

• Lead-Acid
  This battery chemistry is generally the lowest priced and has excellent capacity. The disadvantages of this type of battery are that they need regular maintenance and can leak acid, they also require excellent ventilation due to the production of hydrogen gas.
• AGM
  Absorbed Glass Mat batteries are generally safer because they do not produce hydrogen gas during recharge or leak acid. In fact, these type of batteries can be mounted in any position, even upside down. They also have excellent capacity (range). The disadvantage of this type of batteries is that they are more expensive than Lead-Acid.
• Gel-type
  Have excellent capacity and safety features comparable to AGM and generally cost slightly more than AGM technology. A disadvantage to this type of battery is that they are easily overcharged and require a special type of battery charger.

4. What is the best way to recharge my batteries?

If you have shore power available, you may want to install a three-step intelligent charger. This type of battery charger, will quickly recharge your batteries, then switch to a low maintenance charge.  Some other options available include use of a small portable generator, windmill generator, solar, tow drogue generator, and regenerative power under sail. All options preform well.

5. What is regenerative power?

Regenerative power is produced whenever the motor is on, in neutral, and the boat is under sail moving fast enough to cause the propeller to rotate. This rotation causes the electric motor to act as a generator.

6. What is the total weight of the SolidNav Explorer System?

The weight of the SolidNav Explorer drive system is approximately 90lbs. The total weight of the conversion including batteries is approximately the same weight as an complete internal combustion engine including fuel tank and muffler. The placement of batteries allows many yachts to add weight very low and on top of the keel, which can increase sailing performance.

7. Will this system work with my existing propeller?

Yes. However, for best performance we recommend a 3-blade high pitch propeller which will give you the best range and vastly improved regenerative performance.

8. Do I need to haul out my boat for installation?

No. The SolidNav Explorer is designed to work with your existing prop shaft and can be installed in the water.

9. What size sailboat is the SolidNav Explorer rated for?

The SolidNav Explorer is recommend for sailboats up to 33 feet long, or about 12,000 lbs displacement., depending on hull design.

10. What type of maintenance is required?

The belt should be replaced and the shaft bearings greased every two years.

11. Where can I buy the SolidNav Explorer?

We are currently establishing a US distributor network. Please fill out our contact us page so that a distributor, or if there are none in your area, we, can contact you.