Fitting it all in...

Sorry, I couldn't resist another quick blog before Jess returns on Monday! Graeme (Hybrid Marine) and Jamie (Marley Marine) were here at 8 am this morning to finally decide where the 'brain' of the hybrid will go and also where to fit all the other systems - like the large inverter and displays for the three different electrical systems (240 V AC, 48 V DC and 12 V DC). So far it's looking pretty good with both the main boxes fitting into spaces that look like they have been designed for them - more luck than good judgement. One concern we have is that we are loading up the starboard side of the boat with all this extra gear, including 180 kgs of batteries, and so when we launch Calypso might have a list to starboard. Fortunately, the beautifully made Rheinstrom Y4 head we have fitted weighs in at an impressive 25 kg! And the holding tank is on the port side too - so we may need to keep that topped up!!

Graeme is hot property at the moment as more and more people the benefits of hybrid engines. His latest idea is to set a control system into the end of the tiller which will allow us to control the electric drive almost effortlessly with your thumb. Jeremy immediately saw the comic potential of bringing the boat into a tricky berth without any apparent engine assistance - having all that silent power at your fingertips will definitely open up all sorts of possibilities...