[Swiftwater Gazette] The Ultimate Rhodes-22

[Bill Effros]

I'm going to see Stan in a couple of weeks about building me the 
"Ultimate Rhodes-22".

In addition to all the latest bells and whistles, I want an electric 
motor that spins backwards when not in use to charge the batteries.

http://www.asmomarine.com/2005/asmo_uk/04.shtml

I know about the Torqueedos, but the ones I've heard are quite noisy, 
and I want something extremely quiet.

If the motor is an inboard, it could be mounted in the Laz.

I want a place to mount a little Honda generator that won't kill me when 
in use to give my electric motor virtually infinite range.

The Honda will also give me "shore power". 

The boat will also need a 12 volt system for all the normal boat stuff.

I want to do more under the gunwales, which is space that mainly goes to 
waste on my boat.  Suggestions welcome.

One thought is a fresh water ballast system that automatically pumps 
water to tanks high in the gunwales to keep the boat flat, and the 
skipper from having to change sides when tacking.  The fresh water would 
also be used as a flush for the head.

I'll want an autopilot.

What kind of batteries?  The big electric motors run on 48 volts.  
Lithium?  (I don't think Lithium batteries are 1.5 volt increments, but 
I don't think that matters to big electric dc motors.)

I'll want the latest model Boom Room, which Stan showed me the last time 
I was there.

Sequoia makes a table that locks into the base with a twist that looks 
good.  They also offer a locking rain cap.

I'm open to bow modifications.  I want to keep the anchor locker because 
I use it, but I'm open to thoughts below.

I want all LEDs -- White and Red.

Of course, my Link 10 (which is highly recommended by electric motor 
manufacturers.)

A stereo system and a computer table.

Battened Main.  I guess I'll go for the best roller furling jib although 
the Spitzer model has never given me any trouble.

I understand Stan now makes his own trailers, so I'll get a new one.

Where do you think the batteries should go?  4 12 volts can be tied 
together or apart for use as either a 48 volt or 12 volt system.  Long 
runs are not much of a problem, so the batteries can be located for 
weight distribution.

I want a single large Ice Box, not top opening, surrounded by foam.  I 
just put multiple small rectangular coolers inside and they insulate 
each other.

Any ideas are welcome.  The price is not much of an obstacle -- it's my 
toy, and it should last for the rest of my life.

Bill