The small sailboat La Gazelle de Iles, generation 2021, can benefit from different types of electric motors.

In other words: different power ratings, different batteries, different autonomies.

Let’s take a look at what’s best for your application.

How to choose an electric motor?

Whatever the electric motor on the Gazelle de Iles, the equipment is installed and ready for use. This includes the Electric Motor Pack, with its high performance and efficiency in both forward and reverse gears.

Engine speed varies from low speed, or speed 1, to full speed, or speed 5.

Various optional accessories can also be added.

The complete Electric Motor Pack

Its installation includes :

. The electric motor assembled and ready for use

. Watertight connections

The removable lead-acid batteries are housed in the front peak trunk.

On the vertical bulkhead, the skipper always has an eye on :

. The voltmeter

. + and – poles for easy recharging without moving the battery

. On/Off circuit breaker

What speed?

By default, for the small family sailboat La Gazelle des Iles, the motor is rated at 500W, allowing speeds of up to 2.5 knots. A perfect solution for windless conditions, tricky maneuvers, crossing an anchorage…

It is possible to double this power by adopting a 1000W motor, in which case speed can reach 5 knots. If you’re frequently exposed to violent currents and strong onshore winds, this is a good idea… and don’t forget good seamanship, which means you don’t need a motor at any time ;-)

However, it’s important to take into account the force of opposing or favourable elements: currents, swell, wind, etc., which can upset the theoretical data.

Which variable speed drive?

Each engine benefits from its own special features:

. For the 500W motor, the inverter is recessed in the side housing, close to the control panel.

. The power of a 1000W motor requires a more sensitive handle. In this case, an outboard-type motor handle fits discreetly under the yacht’s helm, without compromising the helmsman’s comfort.

It is concealed and protected, while preserving the pleasure of steering a fine, high-performance sailboat.

What autonomy?

These 2 motors are powered by one or 2 100-amp batteries.

2 types of batteries are available: lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries

Performance varies according to battery type.

Battery weight and cost are also important considerations.

Finally, the more you use top speed, the faster your range decreases. This is why we often recommend limiting the use of maximum speed.

Theoretical autonomy :

Option: battery manager

To take full advantage of the freedom offered by the electric motor, another lever can also be used. All you have to do is know exactly how much fuel you’re using at any given moment, and the driver can naturally regulate his or her energy consumption, without fear of being too greedy or running out.

In this respect, the voltmeter included in the Electric Motor Pack gives a useful indication.

A battery manager is even more comfortable to read: its ultra-precise indication brings comfort and peace of mind to the day-to-day use of the electric motor.

Its essential function is to calculate ampere-hour consumption and battery charge level. Ampere-hour consumption is calculated by integrating the flow of current into or out of the battery, a real gain in comfort for the crew.

Rates

For all this equipment, technological advances are rapid, and prices evolve at the same pace.