After ten years of dedication to restoration, we consider Little Debbie herself to be a finished project. As is, she meets or exceeds all expectations for family fun in and around our lakefront community. However, as a test and evaluation platform for anything old to EV-Conversion, alternative internal systems are on the drawing board for motor control, battery management, improved charging capability and even use as backup electrical power for the home. Improvements in motor power and electrical efficiency, improved motor controller cooling, ease of programming operational behaviors within the motor controller, halving of charging time while visiting dockside, and a CANBus-integrated inverter to domestic 120VAC top the list. Each of these will require significant effort and will bolster our knowledge base further.

An ePropulsion 6kW motor will be ideal for this application. To take maximum advantage of the space available within the boat’s cabin, a custom battery configuration is preferred. Lessons learned from the Donzi battery build will be transferable here.

This project is under investigation. The tradeoff of power, range and battery carrying capability is not trivial. Multi-phase, efficient electric motors have been around for 140 years; so, this project awaits both an cost effective hull and energy storage (battery) technical improvements to meet design goals. Toward that end, much will be gleaned from the ongoing Donzi EV conversion development that will be transferable here.

Build completed January 2026

Long-term functional testing completed March-May 2026

System Summary:

This 12-volt electrical energy storage system is sufficient to power a lightweight, performance sailboat where space is at a premium, weight savings is important, and where shore power is not typically sought. The primary electrical loads are dual GPS chart plotters, AIS, VHF, instrumentation, interior and exterior lighting, refrigeration, and charging of PEDs. For long-duration adventures, self-sufficiency and redundancy are paramount. This system achieves all that in spades.

LiFePO4 batteries are used throughout, due to their light weight, compact size, ease of charging, ease of monitoring, and inherent safety. The system is comprised of main and backup batteries, charged from independent sources, using separate charge controllers, all protected by circuit breakers and programmed limitations. Importantly, this system will remain charged fully, even during end-of-season sailing with less solar energy available and greater demands on interior lighting.

A bread box-shaped modular assembly makes installation and removal of the entire system an easy process for just one person. A third battery is installed remotely and serves to provide starting energy for an outboard motor.

This project is being funded by a maritime museum, so as to demonstrate eco-friendly cruising with Solomon’s Island’s harbor. We currently await funding.

This Donzi Regazza with I/O drive as part of an ongoing business development effort led by Morgan State University, featureing a multi-phased and Mujlti-Phased involvement by Marylaind Industrial Partnerships grant funding joined by Maryland Department of Natureal Resources to determine business development within the state.