QuarAmar

Coincidentally the Mk1 Escort is a similar vintage to the Wilds Calypso and it looks likely that electric motors, hydraulics and possibly even batteries from a forklift may meet needs for an alternative power source. Any thoughts/experience from using forklift motors in boating would be welcome?

Thanks Vaughan, I think the hoses, bracket and universal joint couplings were replaced in a refurb around 15 years ago. Here is a better pic of the hydraulic motor from above. Looks old, but may not be original.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the wealth of wisdom and experience on this forum. To complete the drive train I’ve attached a pic of the hydraulic motor which drives the prop shaft. This project is very much going to be a journey of discovery. Fortunately having 2.5m beam, there is plenty of room for a motor and pump set on the other side of partition behind the hydraulic unit shown in the previous pic I posted, which is also conveniently below the batteries. I plan to start with an electric motor driven hydraulic pump that can at least serve as a trolling motor. Whatever is readily available to deliver around 50 l/min hydraulic fluid from the existing reservoir at around 200 bar, which I think is about mid range on the current set up. Either manifolds or Tee-connections and non-return valves should enable it to supply the existing hydraulic unit. If this works the beauty is it is modular and can be supplemented by another similar or larger sized version in due course. Further advantages are lesser cost in using smaller units for proof of concept. Any further thoughts and comments are most welcome.

Thanks John, My mooring power hook up should meet most of my needs ( 3 to 4 hr round trips) but it will be handy to have the diesel available as a backup or for longer trips. I may look into solar as part of the evolution to all electric. Any info on electronic motor hydraulic pumps to consider would be greatly appreciated. Martin

Thanks, I realise that direct electric drive would be more efficient and cost effective and that is where I may end up. For now though I would like to see if I can add a separate electric motor driven hydraulic pump to the existing hydraulic drive and benefit from using the existing controls. It seems possible to couple this into the existing hydraulic drive unit. If successful this would give me a dual electric/diesel drive and the possibility of eventually going all electric.

I realise it is a couple of years since this post but would be interested in the details of the hydraulic drive suppliers that you found. I have a Wilds Calypso and am looking into adding an electric motor driven hydraulic pump as an alternative to the diesel.