LMC FAQ

Where are the LMC propulsion systems in use today ?

LMC has implemented propulsion systems in boats for more than 20 years.

Our customers are hire boats, sightseeing boats, watertaxies, motorboats, barges, mono and multihulls and even submarines.

How to service the propulsion system ?

Check the brushes once a year for wear and tear.

Blow the motor to clean it for carbon dust from the brushes.

Can I use my existing prop and shaft ?

It is possible to use the existing prop and shaft for a propulsion system from LMC, as we have several gearing options for each model. But to secure the most effient system, you might have to change the prop – as an electric propulsion system have more torque and therefore drive a larger propel, which can increase the overall efficiency.

Can I use the engine battery bank for other onboard applications ?

If connecting a DC-DC converter to the main battery bank – you can draw 12 V for other onboard applications.

Can an LMC propulsion system be installed in new boats ?

Have the boatbuilder too contact us, and we will find the right motorsize for the boat you are having build.

The LMC propulsion systems are among others used around the world in mono and multihull’s sailboat, watertaxies, fishingboats, hire boats and sightseeing boats.

Are fleet purchases available ?

For fleet purchase, please contact us.

What motorsize should I choose ?

See our animation where you can try different options.

Can solarcells be used as secondary power supply ?

Yes solarcells can be used to charge the batteries.

How long does the batteries last ?

The life cycle of batteries is dependent on their use. When properly used, the life cycles of the batteries exceeding five years can be achieved.

What type of batteries to choose ?

We recommend the usage of AGM or Gel batteries, for wessels with a limited motoring requirement.

For extensive motoring time, hire boats, water taxies with day to day continual motoring time or a lot of onboard electrical equipment, we recommend the usage of Lithium batteries.

Does the batteries add much to the weight of the boat ?

The weight of batteries must be taken into consideration; however, in most cases the weight of the old motor and full fuel tank exceeds the weight of the new system.

Going electric further gives you the possibility to distribute the weight when needed and for competition sail boats, you can increase the waterline by distributing the batteries and improve manoevrebilities.

How many batteries – do I need ?

LMC delivers propulsion systems from 24–72V.

So you need 2(two) 12V batteries for a 24V system, 4(four) 12V batteries for a 48V system and 6(six) 12V batteries for a 72V system.

The motoring time is relative to the amp hour of the battery, so you can either increase the amp hour of the battery or multiply the number of batteries.

Note, that you should at least have the C5 value of the battery – to reinsure that the amp hour is given for longer discharge.

What to consider: HP or Torque ?

Both are important. It is important to understand the amount of torque your boat requires and then confirm that a motor has the ability to generate the needed torque.

Many measure the power capacity of a motor by its horsepower; the more HP the more power. Horsepower is a measure of energy used to generate torque. Torque is the power resulting in propulsion (measured in foot-pounds).

The typical sailboat achieves hull speed with RPM at the prop about 900-1200. It is the job of the motor to generate the RPM at the prop.

How fast will the LMC propulsion systems move my boat ?

The LMC Motor systems are configured to sustain hull speed. The LMC Motor can be used while sailing to increase speed in light winds and stability in heavy seas.

How much maintanence is needed ?

Once the LMC Motor is installed, it requires very little maintenance. The brushes have a run time of 3000 hours and the belt has a lifetime of 5000 hours. But we do recommend to change the belts every 3rd year – due to the nautical environment.

After winterization, we recommend to run the engine at low speed for 6 hours, to make sure the brushes are dry.

Can I install the propulsion system myself ?

If you have handyman skills, you can install a system yourselves up to 48V. Systems above 48V – you can install the engine and prewire the system, but a certified electrician must make the final connections and certifications.

How long does it take to install ?

Installation depends on the how difficult it is to do the wirering, but an experienced boatyard should be able to complete an installation in 2-5 days.

How can I have an LMC propulsion system configured for my boat ?

An LMC Propulsion System can be configured for your boat by simply forwarding to LMC Marine information regarding your boat  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What size boats are ideal for a LMC propulsion system ?

The LMC Motors are currently being installed in mono and multihull boats, ranging in sizes from 20′ to 50′. Customized motors can be developed for other sizes and applications.

How much motoring time do I get ?

Straight motoring times for the LMC Motors are dependent upon the type of boat, system configuration (batteries) and sea conditions. LMC will help you calculate the optimal battery bank towards your motoring requirements.

Boats with gensets significantly extend the range by producing electricity when the batteries are drawn down.

When was the motor developed ?

During the late 80’s we spent all our time dedicate to developing the most efficient DC motor on the market and so, the Lynch Motor was born.

In the early 90′s the company started to develop ways to produce the motors in quantity to the high standards we had achieved. This meant that each individual component had to be fully investigated, tested and put to extremes to ensure that they would not only do what was expected, but would also surpass their requirements.

This meticulous attention to detail ensured that our motors would be consistent in performance and reliability. Something our reputation today is founded upon.

Once we had the development of the motor finalized we began taking the motor to events and organisations around the globe to increase awareness and build business. We found that in general, very few organisations believed that the Lynch motor could perform at the level that we claimed. Our product was far ahead of the other motors on the market at that time and so we looked to develop applications to demonstrate the motors capabilities.

This development began in 1992 and ranged from simple electric bikes through to cars and boats. However we also began working with companies that wanted us to develop proto type products for them. For example we worked on floor cleaning equipment, special purpose pumps and golf car upgrades, to name just a few.

Today LMC is working with a number of organisations from universities to large manufacturing clients, to develop specific solutions for their needs. We do this by having consultation meetings regarding the application, ensuring we have covered all the fine details. Then our design team creates a project plan so that we can achieve what the customer requires, in the shortest possible time frame.

Recently we have developed bespoke renewable solutions and are working with a number of consultant engineers from around the world on exciting projects that will become part of the LMC story.

What features does LMC motors provide ?

LMC Motors provide boat owners with a combination of features unavailable from traditional propulsion systems, which include:

·         High torque at all times, assuring better control at the helm.

·         High torque, providing possibility to increase prop efficiency

·         High efficiency providing longer motoring time

·         Quiet operation

·         Low maintenance costs

·         No air or water pollution from fossil fuels

·         Source for additional electrical power for on-board needs.