How to Convert Gas-Powered Boats to Electric
- 1). Make sure your tool kit includes hex keys and a wrench. Remove all bolts, nuts and screws from the top case. Lift off the case. Unbolt the gas tank and remove it. Pull all wires from the sockets and unscrew the control panel, then lift it out. Unbolt the carburetor and remove it. Unbolt the pistons and cylinders and lift them out.
- 2). Install your electric motor in the spot previously occupied by the gas motor. Match the tip of the motor to the tip of the drive shaft. Make sure the gears align properly so that when you turn the motor, the drive shaft turns with it. Secure the motor with screws and bolts where necessary. Some drilling in the original bottom case of the gas motor may be necessary.
- 3). Screw on the controller where the control panel used to be. Wire each pair of small positive and negative wires to any pair of sockets. Wire one pair of main wires to the sockets in the motor. Secure it with a screw. Route the other two main positive and negative wires where the gas tank used to be.
- 4). Place two batteries next to each other by the longer side. Place two batteries next to the first two in the other direction so that you have a 2-foot by 3-foot block of batteries. Wrap the block with electrical proofing tape. Depending on the voltage of your motor, you may need from six to 12, 12-volt batteries. If you require more batteries, make a layer of batteries on top of the first one.
- 5). Set the block of batteries where the gas tank used to be. Wire the main positive wire from the controller to the negative socket of the first battery. Wire the negative socket of the first battery to the positive socket of the second battery. Keep going in this manner until you finish all of the batteries. Wire the negative socket of the last battery to the positive wire of the controller.
- 6). Secure the entire block of batteries to the motor with electrical proofing tape. Bolt the case back into place. If the case won't fit due to too many batteries, remove the batteries and secure them to the inside of your transom, inside a waterproof case. Extend the wires from the controller and wire accordingly.
Source...