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Displaying items by tag: Virtual visit

The flagship ferry Manxman has made its first ‘virtual’ arrival at the Isle of Man Government's new £70m Liverpool terminal due to open in March.

Officers of the Isle of Man Steam Packet, writes IOMToday, undertook a recent trip using the virtual reality simulator facilities in the Netherlands. This was to enable the officers to try out some navigation scenarios on a virtual model of the Manxman.

The company's fast-craft, Manannan as previously reported by Afloat, is due to start running trips on the seasonal Douglas-Liverpool route.

In the coming week, berthing trials are expected at the new ferry terminal, with the Manannan given top priority before those are carried out of the flagship, which will also continue to serve the main Douglas-Heysham route.

Afloat adds, today (23 Jan.) that according to the Steam Packet facebook, sailing are cancelled on the Isle of Man-England route due to the ongoing severe strong winds. Forecast has wind speeds exceeding safe limits at both Douglas and Heysham, preventing safe entry.

Due to weather conditions exceeding Douglas Harbour wind limits, Manxman will proceed to sea to seek shelter.

The same scenario arose at the peak of Storm Isha, when the flagship on Sunday was forced to go to sea.

Published in Ferry

About Electric outboard engines

The direct-drive component in electric outboard engines means that the electric motors are incredibly efficient compared to conventional marine combustion motors, operating with considerably higher torque whilst using less power.

Without any need for gears, cooling systems and moving parts the motors are maintenance free, highly efficient and economic to run.

As a result, electric boat engines are becoming more popular on Irish waters as the world transitions from fossil fuels to green energy.

To date, popular electric engine sizes have been trolling engines typically used by fishermen on lakes.

These marine engines are available in models that can be used in fresh water and sea water, for your boat or kayak.

Electric motors are Ideal for fishermen because they are quiet and create little in the way of disturbance 

Popular electric trolling models range from 30lb thrust to 55lb thrust in a range of shaft lengths.

But use is becoming broader now in 2021 and electric outboard engines are being used on small runabouts and RIBS where electric outboard engine sizes are getting bigger.

Outboard electric engines are economical and environmentally friendly. Battery technology is also improving at a rapid rate meaning they are becoming smaller and lighter and run for longer.

Built in hydro-generation provides alternative recharging options whilst under sail are also options meaning the electric outboard now has a home on the stern on small yachts and dayboats too.

As far back as 2014, Torqeedo owner Jack O'Keefe from Cork Harbour told Afloat readers of his sailing adventures in a Drascombe Coaster dinghy and how after swapping from a petrol version the rewards from his new electric outboard engine are less noise, no smells, more stowage, better sailing performance and a motor that can be started by a small child. But it's still not silent, there's a whine he says here 

Popular brands in Ireland are Torqeedo, ePropulsion, Pulsar and Minn Kota but there are more arriving all the time as the technology advances