We have another new product! The M500 Motor is a high-power subsea motor built for applications that demand more power and efficiency. Like the M200, it’s based on our thruster technology, but without the propeller or nozzle, making it great for a wide range of applications like vehicle propulsion, actuators, subsea tooling, and more. It comes with a pre-installed WetLink Penetrator for easy installation in your system.
Great news! Does anybody (@tony-white ?) think that it is possible to install 2x M500 on the blueboat as an almost direct replacement of the 2x M200. Specifically, would it be enough to go to a 3-blade or 6-blade propeller to get reasonable thrust and speed while still keeping within the space allowed for the prop.
I know somebody installed modified T500s on a blueboat but that involved putting them far back and low if I remember. I can no longer find the discussion, sorry.
We are running the blueboat on 6S now. Only improvement needed is the thruster! Any help appreciated.
We are obviously ready to print or machine any support or propeller
Actually 3-blade props for T500 is 114.55 mm diameter while 2-blade propeller for M200 is 112mm. Can I install the M500 with T500’s propeller on the blueboat?
I wouldn’t recommend updating the BlueBoat to use these motors- while a prop will be available soon, it is stuffed to larger USVs. I’m my testing, while the larger motor does improve efficiency, it will not significantly increase top speed- just power consumption at speeds above 1.5 m/s!
The T500 prop is “geared” to go slow and push hard, and is also likely to be easily fouled by debris like seaweed…
Generally the larger prop can’t be made to fit without protruding below the keel, which inevitably leads to it hitting a surface and breaking!
