Why doesn't s/v Gemini have an electric propulsion system?

For those who are wondering, s/v Gemini is a break from the pattern that I have set with my last two boat projects. I converted my first boat, Intrepid to run with an electric propulsion system. When I sold Intrepid, I bought another boat that had been converted to electric, but sold that boat to buy s/v Gemini. Electric propulsion is awesome! There are many advantages to electric propulsion systems on a boat: it is cleaner, quieter, more reliable and has better slow speed torque. Check out the complete discussion here. Of course I still believe that electric is the only way to go on the water!

There are very few electric converted boats on the market right now. When I acquired s/v Gemini she had a functioning Universal diesel engine. I have been considering re-powering s/v Gemini with another electric propulsion system, but at this point I have concluded that it makes most sense to keep the diesel engine. This is because of two reasons: 1.) financially, the net cost will be approximately $5,000 to complete the project after the resale of the diesel engine and 2.) environmentally, converting to electric propulsion by selling a good working diesel engine is a net negative for the environment. Someone else will burn fossil fuels with this engine in another boat. It is my opinion that it makes most sense to convert a boat to electric when the diesel engine dies or if the boat has a gasoline powered engine like the Atomic 4, and it is time to re-power anyway. 

Sail as much as possible on you sailboat! Keep your diesel engine until it dies and then check out ElectricSeas.