VETUS E-LINE Electric Propulsion User Manual

1 Safety

This manual uses the following warning indications to highlight potential hazards:

• DANGER: Indicates a high potential danger that can lead to serious injury or death.
• WARNING: Indicates a potential danger that can lead to injury.
• CAUTION: Indicates that procedures or actions may cause damage to the machine or serious injury/death.
• NOTE: Emphasizes important procedures or circumstances.

Symbols used:

• ✔ Indicates that a procedure must be carried out.
• ❌ Indicates that an action is forbidden.

Always observe general safety rules and accident prevention laws. This product should only be operated by trained personnel who have read and understood this manual. Failure to follow instructions may result in serious injury or property damage.

Key Safety Precautions:

• Always ensure the correct battery voltage (48V nominal, 44V-59V operating range, max 60V) is used.
• Never work on the electrical system while it is energized.
• Ensure the engine compartment is dry, well-ventilated, and free of bilge water.
• Ambient temperature should not exceed 50°C.
• Unauthorized modifications void manufacturer liability.
• Balance series-connected batteries and check individual blocks for equal voltage.
• Reversing polarity (+/-) connections will cause irreparable damage.
• System voltage over 60V causes irreparable damage.

2 Introduction

This manual provides guidelines for using the VETUS E-LINE electric motor, types ELINE060, ELINE080, and ELINE110. The E-DRIVE system comprises five modules:

• Propulsion
• Control
• Energy monitoring
• Energy storage
• Energy supply

3 Maintenance

Follow these daily and periodic maintenance guidelines:

General: Perform all maintenance with the motor stopped and electrical system switched off.

• Every 10 hours or daily: Check coolant level, water filter (clean if necessary), and battery charge state.
• After first 50 hours: Check flexible motor mounts.
• Every 100 hours (at least annually): Check coolant leakage, cable connections, bolts, and nuts.
• Every 500 hours (at least annually): Check flexible motor mounts, coolant leakage, cable connections, and fasteners.
• Every 1000 hours (at least every 2 years): Replace coolant (for keel cooling).

4 Take out of service - prepare for winter

For long-term storage (over 3 months, e.g., winter):

• Ensure the motor compartment is ventilated to prevent moisture and corrosion.
• Perform necessary maintenance before storage.
• Clean the motor with a cloth.

Raw Water Cooling:

• Close the seawater shut-off valve.
• Remove and clean the raw water strainer.
• Connect the raw water inlet to a fresh water source and run the cooling pump for at least 5 minutes to flush salt and contaminants.
• Stop the pump and close the tap.
• In freezing conditions, add 1 liter of non-toxic antifreeze to the cooling water filter and run the pump until the antifreeze is incorporated.
• Check the seal between the filter cover and housing.

Keel Cooling:

• Fill the cooling system with an antifreeze/water mixture for winter.
• Replace coolant only if it does not provide sufficient protection below 0°C.

Electrical System:

• Regularly charge batteries during winter if necessary.
• Follow battery supplier recommendations for battery maintenance.

General Winterization: Disconnect batteries, charge fully, grease terminals, and store in a dry, frost-free place.

5 Put into service - prepare for summer

Before recommissioning the motor (e.g., at the start of the boating season):

• Check the raw water system.
• Check the coolant level.
• Check and reconnect batteries.
• Check motor operation.
• Check all hose connections for leaks.
• Check instrument and motor control operation.

Cooling Water System:

• Check raw water strainer cover is mounted.
• Check raw water pump cover and drain plug are installed.
• Install any loose hose clamps.
• Open the outboard valve.
• Check coolant level and circulation when the pump is running.

Electrical System:

• Check individual battery voltages; charge separately if large deviations exist.
• Connect batteries and fully charge the 48V battery bank.

Test Run:

• Only test the motor if people are at a safe distance from the propeller.
• Switch on the motor and check correct operation.
• Check connected panel operation.

6 Troubleshooting

Malfunctions are often caused by incorrect operation or insufficient maintenance. Always check operating and maintenance instructions first. If unable to diagnose or fix a fault, contact the nearest service representative.

Before starting: Ensure no one is near the motor. Disconnect battery cables if necessary.

E-LINE motor does not run

E-LINE motor running hot

7 Parts List

The following table lists the components of the VETUS E-LINE electric propulsion system:

The diagram shows an exploded view of the VETUS E-LINE electric propulsion system, illustrating the main motor unit, controller modules, cooling block, end caps, hoses, clamps, O-rings, heat film, motor mount, and back cover. Various parts are labeled with numbers corresponding to the parts list table.