Can Electric Motors Power a Portable Wakeboard Winch?

In summary, the conversation revolved around building a backpackable electric wakeboard winch to replace gas-powered ones. The speaker sought help and ideas on using electric motors and batteries or solar panels. It was suggested to use a 5hp electric motor with a motorcycle-sized battery, or add two 2hp motors to get 4hp. However, it was noted that this would require a lot of power and recharging the batteries could be difficult. It was also mentioned that using an alternator to recharge the batteries would be possible, but a simpler solution would be to just use a 6.5hp engine by itself. The speaker expressed the need for a lighter option for a week-long trip in the woods.
  • #1
wakeboarder
3
0
I'm looking for a little help with the electrical side to building a wakeboard winch. I have built gas winches before. A wakeboard winch pulls a rider at the same speed as a boat would only you have the freedom of putting this small machine anywhere there is a little bit of water to wakeboard in. It brings wakeboarding closer to skateboarding in that scence.

This site explains gas winches - http://www.ridiculouswinches.com/ridiculous.html [Broken]

I am looking to make them lighter and in a backpackable form using electric motors instead of gas and either batteries or solar panels.

Any ideas and help would be great.

Can you run a 5hp electric motor off of a motorcycle sized battery? or smaller.

Also can you add two electric motors (say 2hp each ) to get 4hp?

Thanks,

Matt
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Not for long - 6.5 HP is about 200 amps for two batteries in series (24 volts at 100% efficiency). You might get 5 - 10 seconds with small batteries. And recharging them is another ball of wax. There is a lot of power per volume in an internal combustion engine when compared to electric power.
 
  • #3
Is it possibly to run an alternator to recharge the batteries? in order to keep it going?
 
  • #4
Sure - you will need an alternator that can generate 4.8 kWatts (at 100% efficiency) and that needs to be driven by something that can make 6.5 hp.

Or

Just use the 6.5 hp engine by itself because the design is getting complicated. If you want lighter weight components use a 2-cycle engine.
 
  • #5
Ya I need to figure out the battery option as we will be hiking in the woods for a week with this machine, rather not carry the gas.

thanks for the advice.
 

1. What is an electric wakeboard winch?

An electric wakeboard winch is a motorized device that is used to pull a wakeboarder across the water. It consists of a spool that holds a long rope or cable and an electric motor that powers the spool. The winch is typically attached to a fixed object, such as a dock or a tree, and the rope is pulled out to the desired length to create tension for the wakeboarder.

2. How does an electric wakeboard winch work?

An electric wakeboard winch works by using an electric motor to rotate the spool, which pulls out the rope attached to the wakeboarder. The motor is powered by a battery and can be controlled by a remote or a switch. As the rope is pulled out, the wakeboarder is dragged across the water at high speeds.

3. What are the advantages of using an electric wakeboard winch?

There are several advantages to using an electric wakeboard winch. First, it is portable and can be taken to any body of water, making it convenient for wakeboarding in different locations. Additionally, it is faster and more powerful than traditional methods of wakeboarding, such as being pulled by a boat. It also allows for greater control over speed and direction, making it a popular choice for wakeboarders of all skill levels.

4. Are there any safety precautions to consider when using an electric wakeboard winch?

As with any water sport, safety should always be a top priority when using an electric wakeboard winch. It is important to wear a life jacket and other appropriate safety gear. It is also recommended to have a spotter on the shore to monitor the wakeboarder and assist in case of an emergency. It is also important to carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance of the winch.

5. Can an electric wakeboard winch be used for other water sports?

Yes, an electric wakeboard winch can be used for other water sports such as water skiing, kneeboarding, and tubing. However, it is important to consider the weight and speed limitations of the winch when using it for different activities. It is also recommended to use appropriate gear and safety precautions for each specific sport.

Similar threads

Replies
41
Views
5K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • General Engineering
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
24
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
38K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
944
Replies
8
Views
800
Replies
31
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Back
Top