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Considering replacing 9.9 hp gas with electric, I welcome anyone's input on the prospect of doing this

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PistonHead

New member
So the situation is this is a catamaran sailboat with two Yamaha 9.9 hp engines that are about 12 years old and pretty tired. I would say their replacement is in the near future, and this brings up the subject of considering electric instead of gasoline. In addition, because of the geometry of the boat and the number of tight bends in the shifting and throttle cables the helm controls are mushy and not definite.
So two questions:
What is the general thinking on electric motors replacing gasoline in an environment like this? I'm concerned about range/run time anxiety and how many batteries it would take to get the equivalent of the existing 6 1/2 gallons per engine of performance.
And
as another possible solution if there are any drive by wire engines in this size range that might be an option to take care of the cable problems? (After a quick search looks like Suzuki has a125/140 horsepower, but nothing in this small of an engine). Anybody aware of any other manufacturers?
 
One thing to consider is the is upgrading your control cables. Seastar 3300 X-Treme control cables are by far the best control cables you can buy. I have them on all my boats. Completely different internal design than standard control cables. Forget about electric motors and batteries in this application. Replace the engines if you want to (you know their condition) but make sure you upgrade the cables and you will be happy with shift and throttle response.
 
None offered... Probably not practical for engines in that HP range, for cost and low quanity, how many would they sell?
 
Glendening makes remote control systems that will handle small and large outboards....but the entry-level parts will cost you more than a new outboard of similar size....
 
In my opinion it is dangerous to have big batteries (Lithium ion ) on board a boat.------If your battery powered lawn mower or snowblower catches fire you can step back , open a beer and watch the fire.----Not so much in a storm 100 miles off shore.
 
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