Introduction to Captineer

ELECTRIC AUXILIARY DRIVE TRAIN

The Captineer Regenerative System turns a sailing vessel into a completely energy self-sufficient hybrid machine. The electric drive propels the boat when sail power is unavailable or inconvenient. When the motor is throttled down, the system automatically switches into generate mode. Once the boat is under sail, the electric motor becomes a generator, replacing spent power back into the battery banks. With the addition of Wind and Solar power, a sailboat can self generate all the power it needs for limited motoring. The demo system currently on 'Showtime' can sustain a charge with a 4:1 ratio of sailing:motoring. 

Most electric vehicles’ success is severely hampered by effective range. Sailboats enjoy many built in advantages that make them the perfect candidates for electric drive system. Battery weight might be an issue in high performance race boats, but for the typical sailor the extra weight of batteries, placed strategically, will improve sailing performance and reduce pitch-pulling. With the regenerative properties of the system, the right mix of sailing and motoring can result in unlimited range.  With the addition of a combination of solar, wind, and gen-sets, even a trip without wind can be accomplished with much more range than a tank full of diesel could provide.

Although we are still testing and improving our Transmission, the other aspects of the drive system are time-tested proven performers. Instead of oil changes, winterizing and special maintenance, the electric drive requires that you do nothing to maintain it. Some elements might need a squirt of grease on occasion, but mostly to reduce efficiency loss. The motor in our prototype guarantees 50,000 hours of maintenance- free operation. When the motor is on, it’s on. No starting issues, no blowers needed to vent fumes. Just turn the key and motor away. The only real scheduled maintenance required will be topping of batteries, cleaning terminals semi-annually, and greasing two bearings.  

The Captineer Regenerative Systems will have an initial cost much lower than a diesel or gasoline repowers. However, elements like battery banks can range in price dramatically. Our system will allow functionality and range to be added on over time. This makes electric a much cheaper option initially, and the cost of ownership only a fraction of an internal combustion motor. Batteries are getting better and cheaper at a rate that soon a single battery purchase will last the lifetime of the vessel. Until then batteries need to be maintained, reconditioned and occasionally replaced. For now these battery cost off-set a large portion of the fuel savings. However, once one factors in winterization costs, other annual maintenance, fluids and service parts, the overall cost of ownership is much lower with an electric system. 

PRODUCTS

We are currently planning the trip. Ideally it will be a multi-year circumnavigation. First to Europe then the Med, India, Asia, South Pacific, South America and everything in between. With the right technology in place a outfitted vessel would be energy self-sufficient, and would be able to motor long distances without needing to take on fuel.

2015-2019: The Captioneer team is working towards developing an electric drive system for cruising yachts 40-70 feet in length. The cruising system will then be sailed around the world on out TBA flagship, as a proof of mechanical endurance and performance. The R&D and capital required for this trip is the destination of all Captioneer's revenue until completion.