1. Store energy
Lithium batteries provide the DC energy reserve for propulsion and domestic use.
Electric narrowboat buyer guide
Serial Hybrid Narrowboats Explained.
Electric propulsion remains at the propeller, while an onboard generator provides additional charging when solar and shoreline power are not enough.
How it works
The generator charges; the electric motor drives.
In a serial hybrid installation there is no mechanical connection between the generator and propeller.
2. Drive electrically
The controller delivers energy to the electric motor, which turns the propeller shaft.
3. Recharge when required
Solar, shoreline or an onboard generator returns energy to the battery system.
Why consider it?
Quiet cruising with additional energy resilience.
A serial hybrid can preserve the controllability and quieter operation of electric drive while providing generator support for winter, consecutive cruising days or higher onboard demand.
It is not automatically the correct solution. Generator size, charger capacity, fuel use, ventilation, noise, servicing and installation space all need to be considered.
Oakums approach
Specify the complete energy system.
The motor, propeller, batteries, inverter-charger, solar, generator and monitoring need to operate as one understandable installation.
Motor and propeller
Matched to the hull, shaft speed and cruising duty.
Battery and charger
Selected around usable energy, safe charging limits and domestic demand.
Monitoring and access
Arranged so owners can understand the system and equipment can be serviced.
Start your Oakums
Turn the research into a practical brief.
Tell Oakums how you expect to cruise, live and recharge. We will connect that information to a suitable boat, propulsion system and current price.