"Marty S." wrote in message
...


I would like to know if I
get longer run time and/or more power with a 50lb 12volt motor or a
similar
sized 24volt motor? Or, would I get a better weight-power-endurance
combination getting a 36volt, 100+ lb motor??

The full answer is not so simple. A partial answer that makes a bunch of
assumptions that will be correct in most cases would be that the higher
voltage system will be a lot more efficient.

If you look just at the motor, the ability to turn electrical power into
torque is a function of the number of amps flowing through the wire and the
number of turns that the wire makes around the motor pole. If you have the
luxury of allowing a large physical size on the motor then you can trade off
number of turns for amps and use just about any voltage you want. When you
want the motor to be compact, it is usually easier to have a low voltage,
low turns, high amperage design.

If the motor was the only consideration in the equation that would be the
end of the disscussion. Unfortunately, you also need to consider the wiring
to the motor, the controls and the batteries that feed the motor. All of
these items favor lower current, higher voltage designs. While the physics
of the motor can trade off voltage for current, the losses incurred in the
wiring and controls will be effected only by the current, and will have no
"trade off". If you double the current, then you need to double the wire
size or you will lose twice as much energy into heating the wire.

The biggest single impact on efficiency will be the rate at which current is
drawn from the battery. Deep cycle batteries are typically rated at a "20
hour" rate or lower. At a higher draw, the battery will supply less. A
typical battery, say a "Trojan" 27 series, is rater at 105 amp-hours at the
20 hour rate (5.25 amps for 20 hours). If you increase the current demand up
to the 5 hour rate you will only get 79 amp-hours (this information is from
the Trojan Battery web site). In general, the higher the current, the less
efficient the battery will be.

For maximum run time you will want the lowest current draw, hence the higher
voltage system.




Also, would I get more run time from 2 batteries (1 to run, and one as a
spare, i.e., "refuel") with a 12volt motor, or 2 batteries running
simultaneously on a 24volt motor?

Again, maximum run time will occur when the current that the battery sees is
at a minimum. You will get a lot more run time if you run two batteries in
parallel than if you ran one until it was dead and then switched to the
other.


Rod McInnis

"Marty S." wrote in message
...
I'm looking for information about electric motors and the most efficient
battery combinations in terms of weight of adding a battery vs. the power
that going to 24volt might give me. I live in an area that doesn't allow
gas motors on its reservoirs; only electric motors, so I could only power
my
12' jon boat with electric. I'd like to match up the most efficient
combination of motor size, battery, and weight. I would like to know if I
get longer run time and/or more power with a 50lb 12volt motor or a
similar
sized 24volt motor? Or, would I get a better weight-power-endurance
combination getting a 36volt, 100+ lb motor??

Also, would I get more run time from 2 batteries (1 to run, and one as a
spare, i.e., "refuel") with a 12volt motor, or 2 batteries running
simultaneously on a 24volt motor?

questions, questions, questions...

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA



One of the local guides I know uses a 36 volt system, Running full power
against the current all day he has battery to spare for another day if he
can't get it recharged. On top of that, guess what.. He only has three
batteries in his boat. Yup the battery for the big motor is wired in series
with the other two for his 36 volts.


--
Bob La Londe
Yuma, Az
http://www.YumaBassMan.com
Promote Your Fishing, Boating, or Guide Site for Free
Simply add it to our index page.
No reciprocal link required. (Requested, but not required)

That is the only way I have ever seen anyone run a 36V.

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
"Marty S." wrote in message
...
I'm looking for information about electric motors and the most efficient
battery combinations in terms of weight of adding a battery vs. the
power
that going to 24volt might give me. I live in an area that doesn't
allow
gas motors on its reservoirs; only electric motors, so I could only
power
my
12' jon boat with electric. I'd like to match up the most efficient
combination of motor size, battery, and weight. I would like to know if
I
get longer run time and/or more power with a 50lb 12volt motor or a
similar
sized 24volt motor? Or, would I get a better weight-power-endurance
combination getting a 36volt, 100+ lb motor??

Also, would I get more run time from 2 batteries (1 to run, and one as a
spare, i.e., "refuel") with a 12volt motor, or 2 batteries running
simultaneously on a 24volt motor?

questions, questions, questions...

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA



One of the local guides I know uses a 36 volt system, Running full power
against the current all day he has battery to spare for another day if he
can't get it recharged. On top of that, guess what.. He only has three
batteries in his boat. Yup the battery for the big motor is wired in
series
with the other two for his 36 volts.


--
Bob La Londe
Yuma, Az
http://www.YumaBassMan.com
Promote Your Fishing, Boating, or Guide Site for Free
Simply add it to our index page.
No reciprocal link required. (Requested, but not required)

Really? I have seen lots of guys run four batteries aorund here.

Three plus one.




"Steve Erwin" wrote in message
...
That is the only way I have ever seen anyone run a 36V.

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
"Marty S." wrote in message
...
I'm looking for information about electric motors and the most
efficient
battery combinations in terms of weight of adding a battery vs. the
power
that going to 24volt might give me. I live in an area that doesn't
allow
gas motors on its reservoirs; only electric motors, so I could only
power
my
12' jon boat with electric. I'd like to match up the most efficient
combination of motor size, battery, and weight. I would like to know
if
I
get longer run time and/or more power with a 50lb 12volt motor or a
similar
sized 24volt motor? Or, would I get a better weight-power-endurance
combination getting a 36volt, 100+ lb motor??

Also, would I get more run time from 2 batteries (1 to run, and one as
a
spare, i.e., "refuel") with a 12volt motor, or 2 batteries running
simultaneously on a 24volt motor?

questions, questions, questions...

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA



One of the local guides I know uses a 36 volt system, Running full
power
against the current all day he has battery to spare for another day if
he
can't get it recharged. On top of that, guess what.. He only has three
batteries in his boat. Yup the battery for the big motor is wired in
series
with the other two for his 36 volts.


--
Bob La Londe
Yuma, Az
http://www.YumaBassMan.com
Promote Your Fishing, Boating, or Guide Site for Free
Simply add it to our index page.
No reciprocal link required. (Requested, but not required)

"Steve Erwin" wrote in message ...
That is the only way I have ever seen anyone run a 36V.

My Cobra Coosa 216 came with a 36 volt system. It has 3 deep cycle batteries and a starting
battery.
--
Steve
OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com

Perhaps you could use a "Honda" EX1000 generator to recharge the
batteries on the fly. The unit is lightweight, whisper quiet and puts
out 7 amps ac and 8 amps dc. Add in a decent battery charger and it
would be like having an alternator. I keep larger (EX2000) unit on my
boat (26' Formula PC) just to maintain the house batteries when
anchored. The gene sips fuel with an eyedropper, and I can carry on a
normal conversation with the wife standing next to it.

Just a thought,

CF

Marty S. wrote:

I'm looking for information about electric motors and the most efficient
battery combinations in terms of weight of adding a battery vs. the power
that going to 24volt might give me. I live in an area that doesn't allow
gas motors on its reservoirs; only electric motors, so I could only power my
12' jon boat with electric. I'd like to match up the most efficient
combination of motor size, battery, and weight. I would like to know if I
get longer run time and/or more power with a 50lb 12volt motor or a similar
sized 24volt motor? Or, would I get a better weight-power-endurance
combination getting a 36volt, 100+ lb motor??

Also, would I get more run time from 2 batteries (1 to run, and one as a
spare, i.e., "refuel") with a 12volt motor, or 2 batteries running
simultaneously on a 24volt motor?

questions, questions, questions...

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA

I'd like to thank everyone who responded for their advice on the topic of
electric motors and battery life. (I can only use electric motors on the
reservoirs near me).

I will probably be buying a 65lb thrust 24volt motor this spring to go with
my 12' jon boat. Given what y'all said and that I'd probably have two
batteries in the boat with me anyway (either in series for a 12volt system
or in parallel for a 24volt system (I think that's right??)), I think that
this combination should be a reasonable balance of power, motor efficiency,
and battery life. Now I have to wait for my Bass Pro and Cabela's catalogs
to arrive!!!


Thanks again.

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA


"Capt. Frank Hopkins" wrote in message
link.net...
Perhaps you could use a "Honda" EX1000 generator to recharge the
batteries on the fly. The unit is lightweight, whisper quiet and puts
out 7 amps ac and 8 amps dc. Add in a decent battery charger and it
would be like having an alternator. I keep larger (EX2000) unit on my
boat (26' Formula PC) just to maintain the house batteries when
anchored. The gene sips fuel with an eyedropper, and I can carry on a
normal conversation with the wife standing next to it.

Just a thought,

CF

Marty S. wrote:

I'm looking for information about electric motors and the most efficient
battery combinations in terms of weight of adding a battery vs. the
power
that going to 24volt might give me. I live in an area that doesn't
allow
gas motors on its reservoirs; only electric motors, so I could only
power my
12' jon boat with electric. I'd like to match up the most efficient
combination of motor size, battery, and weight. I would like to know if
I
get longer run time and/or more power with a 50lb 12volt motor or a
similar
sized 24volt motor? Or, would I get a better weight-power-endurance
combination getting a 36volt, 100+ lb motor??

Also, would I get more run time from 2 batteries (1 to run, and one as a
spare, i.e., "refuel") with a 12volt motor, or 2 batteries running
simultaneously on a 24volt motor?

questions, questions, questions...

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA

Check the Cabelas Bargain Barn. They get refurbed Minn Kotas there. For a
12' boat, I would recommend a power drive. Seems safer than trying to use a
cable foot control in that small of boat.
Bill

"Marty S." wrote in message
...
I'd like to thank everyone who responded for their advice on the topic of
electric motors and battery life. (I can only use electric motors on the
reservoirs near me).

I will probably be buying a 65lb thrust 24volt motor this spring to go
with
my 12' jon boat. Given what y'all said and that I'd probably have two
batteries in the boat with me anyway (either in series for a 12volt system
or in parallel for a 24volt system (I think that's right??)), I think that
this combination should be a reasonable balance of power, motor
efficiency,
and battery life. Now I have to wait for my Bass Pro and Cabela's
catalogs
to arrive!!!


Thanks again.

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA


"Capt. Frank Hopkins" wrote in message
link.net...
Perhaps you could use a "Honda" EX1000 generator to recharge the
batteries on the fly. The unit is lightweight, whisper quiet and puts
out 7 amps ac and 8 amps dc. Add in a decent battery charger and it
would be like having an alternator. I keep larger (EX2000) unit on my
boat (26' Formula PC) just to maintain the house batteries when
anchored. The gene sips fuel with an eyedropper, and I can carry on a
normal conversation with the wife standing next to it.

Just a thought,

CF

Marty S. wrote:

I'm looking for information about electric motors and the most
efficient
battery combinations in terms of weight of adding a battery vs. the
power
that going to 24volt might give me. I live in an area that doesn't
allow
gas motors on its reservoirs; only electric motors, so I could only
power my
12' jon boat with electric. I'd like to match up the most efficient
combination of motor size, battery, and weight. I would like to know
if
I
get longer run time and/or more power with a 50lb 12volt motor or a
similar
sized 24volt motor? Or, would I get a better weight-power-endurance
combination getting a 36volt, 100+ lb motor??

Also, would I get more run time from 2 batteries (1 to run, and one as
a
spare, i.e., "refuel") with a 12volt motor, or 2 batteries running
simultaneously on a 24volt motor?

questions, questions, questions...

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA

You have it backwards, parallel for 12V and series for 24V. But you
certainly won't be sorry you went with the 24V.


"Marty S." wrote in message
...
I'd like to thank everyone who responded for their advice on the topic of
electric motors and battery life. (I can only use electric motors on the
reservoirs near me).

I will probably be buying a 65lb thrust 24volt motor this spring to go
with
my 12' jon boat. Given what y'all said and that I'd probably have two
batteries in the boat with me anyway (either in series for a 12volt system
or in parallel for a 24volt system (I think that's right??)), I think that
this combination should be a reasonable balance of power, motor
efficiency,
and battery life. Now I have to wait for my Bass Pro and Cabela's
catalogs
to arrive!!!


Thanks again.

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA


"Capt. Frank Hopkins" wrote in message
link.net...
Perhaps you could use a "Honda" EX1000 generator to recharge the
batteries on the fly. The unit is lightweight, whisper quiet and puts
out 7 amps ac and 8 amps dc. Add in a decent battery charger and it
would be like having an alternator. I keep larger (EX2000) unit on my
boat (26' Formula PC) just to maintain the house batteries when
anchored. The gene sips fuel with an eyedropper, and I can carry on a
normal conversation with the wife standing next to it.

Just a thought,

CF

Marty S. wrote:

I'm looking for information about electric motors and the most
efficient
battery combinations in terms of weight of adding a battery vs. the
power
that going to 24volt might give me. I live in an area that doesn't
allow
gas motors on its reservoirs; only electric motors, so I could only
power my
12' jon boat with electric. I'd like to match up the most efficient
combination of motor size, battery, and weight. I would like to know
if
I
get longer run time and/or more power with a 50lb 12volt motor or a
similar
sized 24volt motor? Or, would I get a better weight-power-endurance
combination getting a 36volt, 100+ lb motor??

Also, would I get more run time from 2 batteries (1 to run, and one as
a
spare, i.e., "refuel") with a 12volt motor, or 2 batteries running
simultaneously on a 24volt motor?

questions, questions, questions...

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA

Might want to also check E-bay as Ive sold my Minn Kota there and also have
seen some good deals there as well

Chris S

"Marty S." wrote in message
...
I'd like to thank everyone who responded for their advice on the topic of
electric motors and battery life. (I can only use electric motors on the
reservoirs near me).

I will probably be buying a 65lb thrust 24volt motor this spring to go
with
my 12' jon boat. Given what y'all said and that I'd probably have two
batteries in the boat with me anyway (either in series for a 12volt system
or in parallel for a 24volt system (I think that's right??)), I think that
this combination should be a reasonable balance of power, motor
efficiency,
and battery life. Now I have to wait for my Bass Pro and Cabela's
catalogs
to arrive!!!


Thanks again.

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA


"Capt. Frank Hopkins" wrote in message
link.net...
Perhaps you could use a "Honda" EX1000 generator to recharge the
batteries on the fly. The unit is lightweight, whisper quiet and puts
out 7 amps ac and 8 amps dc. Add in a decent battery charger and it
would be like having an alternator. I keep larger (EX2000) unit on my
boat (26' Formula PC) just to maintain the house batteries when
anchored. The gene sips fuel with an eyedropper, and I can carry on a
normal conversation with the wife standing next to it.

Just a thought,

CF

Marty S. wrote:

I'm looking for information about electric motors and the most
efficient
battery combinations in terms of weight of adding a battery vs. the
power
that going to 24volt might give me. I live in an area that doesn't
allow
gas motors on its reservoirs; only electric motors, so I could only
power my
12' jon boat with electric. I'd like to match up the most efficient
combination of motor size, battery, and weight. I would like to know
if
I
get longer run time and/or more power with a 50lb 12volt motor or a
similar
sized 24volt motor? Or, would I get a better weight-power-endurance
combination getting a 36volt, 100+ lb motor??

Also, would I get more run time from 2 batteries (1 to run, and one as
a
spare, i.e., "refuel") with a 12volt motor, or 2 batteries running
simultaneously on a 24volt motor?

questions, questions, questions...

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA