Here's How it All Works

The Endeavour Hybrid is powered by a 48 Volt DC propulsion system. A battery pack consisting of 8 six volt batteries are wired in series, or as an option, 16 six volt batteries wired in a series/parallel configuration to provide power to a solid state Motor Controller or “Brain Box”.

The controller takes input from the throttle and the motor speed sensor to dictate the operation of the motor itself. The controller also operates the main contactor or switch that connects and disconnects power from the system as a whole. The controller has many advanced functions and safety features as well. The whole system is turned on by an ignition switch just like the one in your car, except there is no "start" position, just "on" and "off". The throttle control is the same as any other boat.

One of the nice features of the controller is that it has a user programmable dual mode function which allows the owner to set limits on how it can be used. For example, you can limit the power available to users other than the owner.

The battery bank is monitored by a Xantrex Link 10 battery gauge. The Link gives important information about battery state and consumption. If any current is being withdrawn from the batteries, whether it be stereo, lights, refrigeration or propulsion, the Link displays the amperage draw as a negative number. The more power being used, the higher the negative number. It also computes the amperage used during a given time as well as the time remaining at the present rate of consumption. The Link also incorporates an empty-to-full display in the form of a bar graph.

The electric motor drives the prop shaft via twin belts which serve a dual purpose. The belts eliminate the need for a transmission and are much lighter and more efficient than a transmission. And as a bonus, if the prop hits something hard, the belts will slip, reducing the chance of damaging the prop.

Maintenance on the electric motor is practically nil. There are no oil, oil filters or fuel filters to change....ever. No spark plugs nor glow plugs, no water pumps, impellers, radiators nor heat exchangers, no carburetors, fuel injectors, starter motors nor transmissions of any kind.

Under normal use, the twin drive belts should be changes every couple of years. That's about a 10 minute job. The brush contacts will need to be replaced after about 5 to 10 years.  It's an easy job that most owners can handle. And because there isn't any oil or grease anywhere, it's a clean job. You won't look like "Mike the Mechanic" when you get done.

The batteries are located under the seats. Half on the starboard side and half to port. Access is easy. Just lift the seat cushions and lightweight access panel and there they are. Electric boats require very little maintenance compared to gas or diesel boats, but there is some maintenance required if you want to get the most life from your batteries.

Each battery has three cells. Multiply that times the number of batteries and you've got a long and tedious maintenance regime to complete. But we've got that covered for you.

The FlowRight battery electrolyte manifold system makes battery maintenance a one step process. Instead of having to check and fill each cell individually, the FlowRight system delivers the electrolyte fluid to each cell from one fill point. It works like this. The yellow cap on each cell is both measuring device and on/off valve. The electrolyte fluid is delivered to each cell by the black hose. If the level is low, the valve opens until the cell becomes full, then shuts off, keeping the cells topped off at all times.

When you're at the dock you can plug the power cord into any 110 volt outlet and charge your batteries. Afrter an overnight charge your boat will be ready for another full day on the water.

THE HYBRID MODEL: When the batteries are getting low, just push the start button on the console and the 3.5 kw Master Volt diesel generator will supply all the power you need to keep going. The small generator is located in a forward locker and has it's own sound proof enclosure, so you and your guests will only hear a soft purring sound. More sound than the silence you enjoy when in pure electric mode, but not near as loud as what you'd get from a regular power boat.

THE ENDEAVOUR ELECTRIC HULL DESIGN: The hull of the Endeavour Hybrid was designed to be driven by a low horsepower electric motor. The hull speed* of the boat is approximately six mph. That's the maximum speed at which the vessel can operate under normal conditions. The amperage used to reach hull speed is in excess of normal operation speeds. Normal cruise speed is five miles per hour which is achieved at approximately -50.0 amps. The no wake cruise speed is achieved at approximately – 35.0 amps. The motor controller is capable of supplying larger amounts of amperage for short durations. An example would be docking or short sprints. Operating at full throttle or levels greater than – 50.0 amps will dramatically shorten running time between charges and is a waste of energy. For more information, download our brochure.

* Hull Speed is the maximum practical speed of a displacement hull. To exceed hull speed requires an inordinate amount of energy. Hull speed can be calculated by simply multiplying the square root of the boat's waterline length by 1.34.