Marine Travelift has announced the launch of its electric series mobile boat hoists, following over two years of design and testing. The company claims that these electric hoists operate comparably to their diesel counterparts.
The engineering team at Marine Travelift focused on developing a 700-volt battery-powered system for the 50BFMII boat hoist, which has a lift capacity of 50 metric tons. According to Weston Wedeward, an engineer at Marine Travelift, the aim was to create a zero-emissions boat hoist that matches the performance and operational efficiency of diesel units.
All features available on the diesel-powered boat hoists are included in the electric series. The first E-Series machine offers options such as electronic all-wheel steering, a five-foot top beam extension, work/drive lights, and two-speed hoists to accommodate various configurations. Extensive performance testing was conducted over an 18-month period under different weather conditions and load scenarios to ensure reliable operation.
The hydraulic functions are powered by a leading manufacturer of electric components, and the batteries are produced in the United States. The system supports scalable DC fast charging, compatible with on-road electric vehicles, allowing for a full charge in eight hours using a recommended 30kW high-speed smart charger. Kurt Minten, Executive Vice President at Marine Travelift, noted that in a typical marina, customers can expect to lift between 10 and 14 vessels per full charge. He added that the machines can be plugged in during idle times to enhance battery life and extend operational hours.
The E-Series machines incorporate multiple safety features from the moment they are powered on. These include high voltage junction boxes, isolation monitors, fuses, and grounding straps, designed to protect operators and batteries during use. Both the batteries and electric motor are managed by a glycol cooling system to ensure safe operating temperatures in various conditions.
