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I have contacted an owner of a 1909 woodie called Vagabond that he converted using an Elco motor. I have asked him how the conversion went & for his advice. There was a big article on his conversion in the WB Magazine about 2 years ago. He may be a good contact since he's been living with the...

Skinny, an outboard is a good idea but it may not work cosmetically. One reason I got an antique is for her beauty but they do make small electric engines that are sleek - just not sure re powerful enough but it gives me more options.

Hi DJ, the Elco EP-1200 is what was recommended for my boat by Elco & my yard, so I have to assume it's the right engine. They assure me I'll have ample range at 6-7 knots for 4 hours. I'm not an electrician so I don't know the tech stuff, but this project has a lot of yard crew on hand...

Thanks for all of this information and for such a good discussion! I wanted to address some of the questions, just for clarification. FYI, the motor I'm installing is the Elco EP-1200 (12 h.p., up to 7 hours range, 33 nm, 106 amps) - and I already mentioned I'm installing 6 batteries, which...

Thanks Skinny. Let me look at the specs on the motor & I'll get back to you here. It's a complicated system but I do think a portable generator is needed for added range. I'll also ask my yard for the name of the rec generator. That may give us a direction. Later...

Too funny, Highwire! I better research this some more.

Yeah, I need to do some research. I like the idea of something portable but I want it to be small & not too heavy for me to lug around. :-) I thought an electric generator would be smaller but I'm not sure they make it yet. The electric motors in boats are still rather new, I think. Cars are...

I was thinking a portable generator, one that I charge before the trip so if my batteries are running low during the trip, I can charge her enroute. That's what the portable gas generator is used for. My motor is the Elco motor w 6 deka 8D AGM glass matte wet cell batteries. Here's the...

Is there such a thing as an electric generator? I'm converting my Elco to an electric motor but my range is 4 hours under perfect conditions, so I'm hoping to get a generator for extended trips. That said, my yard is recommending a portable gas generator that can be hauled around but I'm just...

Chris, that is very helpful. I haven't looked at the charts closely but I'm trying to make the trip to St Mikes in 2-hour intervals, so I was just looking at a regular map, I thought Annapolis to Kent but that clearly won't be right. I'll have to plan it carefully. I want to check out Piney...

The electric range is in hours. I should have 3-4 hours at 7 knots on good conditions. I think crossing the bay would be iffy - it took me 3.5 hours in my diesel so for her first year after the conversion I'll have to be careful. I'll prob get a generator but am waiting a year for that. I have...

I'm sure we'll see each other. I have yet to explore the Rhode's River, but I've been told it's really beautiful. For me, my maiden trip was from Galesville to St. Michaels and back - I crossed the bay twice, but coming back, I had 3' swells that at times got to 6' when a tankard crossed my...

That's a beautiful boat! and you are giving me hope to keep going, despite her costs - 23 years is impressive, and I can only hope to do the same for Starside. One reason why she's been so expensive is that I'm converting her to electric. Not a lot of people agree with my choice here, but I...

I had trouble finding brokers who would take me seriously. I wanted a rare antique vessel, plus I'm a woman. I'd usually get interest via email when I inquired, but once they spoke to me, everything went quiet. Even when I showed up to look at a boat, they'd pepper me with questions and...

I feel your pain! My boat's been on the hard since September and is expected to stay at the yard until Spring of next year. She needs a lot of work, but the most time consuming being a total refastening. I chose the Monel fasteners for longevity's sake (i have a wooden vessel), but I had no...

Too funny! ;) Actually, I just have a hand-held radio & GPS, but I prefer paper charting over the latter. I just find it easier for some reason...no distractions, I guess, although I also took the Power Squandron course, so they drilled it into me, but that's a good thing! :D

Thank you all for this wonderful welcome! I know I'll be making a lot of friends on the Bay & beyond. I really appreciate the warm welcome.

For those who asked, YES I am at Hartge in a covered slip. She is also at the other Hartge boat yard across the street for her restoration. The latter yard is excellent with woodies!

Thanks Scary. I know all about this. I got the boat about 2 years ago & also learned not to believe surveyors! Seriously, I've dropped $70k on restoration & I have no intention of screwing her up. I am a Steward of this beauty & she is well cared for. And yes, I'm a novice boat owner, but I...

Well, since you asked...here's a pic of Starside at the dock... She's a rare 1930 Elco Marinette 27'. I believe there are only 3 on the planet (really). She's perfect for solo cruising, and yet she sleeps 4 and has a full galley and head. She's what's known as a "pocket cruiser." I've also...

I haven't cruised the Potomac yet, but look forward to it. My boat's in MD right now -- DC doesn't allow wooden boats for some reason, but I also needed a covered slip, so I'm on the West River... I love the Grand Banks - a gorgeous boat. I hope to see her one day. -joan

Hello! I'm new to this Forum and very happy to be here! I own a rare 1930 Elco on the Chesapeake Bay (West River) and am hoping to connect with others in the area - perhaps even convoy with other boaters to various marinas along the Bay. As a lone captain (who's a little green), I prefer to...