[PUP] Nordhavn removes diesel-electric page from Construction Fundamentals section?

[John Marshall]

The story as I understand it...

PAE tends to focus on proven technologies in their boats and takes a  
very cautious approach to introducing new technology. It was hoped the  
motor manufacturer would provide a complete and proven solution, but  
that didn't happen, so there were some teething problems. I believe  
that the basic components were sound, but wiring and controls were  
areas where a lot of new learning was required.

Two boats were built, one with full diesel electric and the other  
partial. The partial electric boat is being rebuilt to go back to a  
conventional drive system.

My reading of it all is that a significantly larger engineering effort  
would be required to bring this to market than the business could  
justify. Its no fun to be on the "bleeding edge" of new technology,  
but I give PAE credit for taking a shot at it. But diesel engines and  
proven drive technology still do a pretty good job of shoving water  
aside.

I wonder what kind of money Toyota spent to bring hybrid drive  
technology to market? I'm betting it was HUGE compared to the annual  
sales revenue of a company like PAE.

John Marshall
Serendipity - N55-20

On Feb 14, 2008, at 8:37 AM, Chris Rietmann wrote:

> As the Powerball goes up so does my browsing of the Nordhavn website  
> - I'm
> not an owner but plan to be at retirement.  I've always been  
> intrigued by
> the diesel electric Siemens system, and I noticed that the page  
> describing
> it is no longer there.  On a search of the site it still show up,  
> but it's
> not listed where I thought it was (under Construction  
> Fundamentals).  While
> it doesn't seem the technology is quite ready for prime time (only  
> one boat
> I know of using it and some third hand stories of Nordhavn talking  
> people
> out of it as an option - again, only hearsay) but I've always felt  
> it was
> great idea (redundancy, house power, etc.).  Anyone have any first  
> hand
> experience with the technology, or have an idea why it appears to be  
> pushed
> aside?
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Chris Rietmann
>
> (hopefully retiring with an N55)
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