ABOUT US
ROBERT BLOOD JR, Yacht Services & Electric Yacht Conversions since 1995
As a proud boat owner, I understand that each and every boat, old or new, is someone’s pride and joy. Electric boat conversions isn’t just a job for me. I love what I do because I’m making a difference both in people’s lives and by making our world a little bit greener, boat by boat.
There are many reasons for boat owners to go electric - like being silent, clean, economical and practically maintenance free.
Whether you own a yacht or a launch, sail or power, you and your vessel will be treated with care and respect. I explain your new electric drive system in detail so you have an excellent understanding of how things work after installation. I take every client call - before, during and after installation.
Every boat is unique, as is every conversion. Hiring the right electric marine technician is the first step to a successful project.
Certifications & Experience
I am an American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) certified marine electrician and also skilled in fiberglass, driveline work and light fabrication in metal and wood thanks to the years I spent at Wilbur Yachts of Southwest Harbor, ME, and with Louie Sauzzedde in RI.
I am currently based in Loris, South Carolina, on the border of North Carolina and do a lot of work in the Myrtle Beach Intracoastal Waterway area. I both install and consult on electric drive conversions across ‘the Carolinas’, from Elizabeth City in the North to Charleston in the South. I’ve now converted dozens of launches and sailboats from 18’ to 45’.
Almost all of my work has been word of mouth from my customers and referrals from drive manufacturers like Electric Yacht, and drive suppliers like Annapolis Hybrid Marine and Electric Marina, who know the quality of my work.
My website helps me reach even more boat owners to help them go green, clean and silent.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Sincerely,
Bob Blood
“Good morning Bob!
We are up having coffee and discussing yesterday’s regatta. We won the first race! I should mention we did not turn on the electric motor during the race haha :-). We had such good wind, we weren’t even tempted! It was very exciting and we are sore but happy. Anyway, she is a joy to sail, and we will always be grateful to you for the work you did. The quality of our sailing life went up dramatically, thanks to you.”
“I’ve now used Bob Blood for all my electric issues and a conversion on two different boats. His knowledge and experience are unsurpassed in the technical aspects of electric propulsion. And he’s is completely reasonably priced for the high quality of work he does. ”
HELMSMAN MARINE ELECTRIC SERVICES & ELECTRIC BOAT MOTORS
Electric Boat Conversions
We offer marine electric drive conversions from full on removal of the old engine and its related components, installation of the electric drive and batteries - to any stage in between.
STEP 1: Planning your electric drive system to meet your goals and type of sailing or cruising is essential.
STEP 2: We will work with our drive suppliers to provide range and speed projections for several motor and battery types given your vessels waterline, displacement and propeller.
STEP 3: At the completion of the electric conversion, we’ll sea trial the boat and go over the drive system so that you understand and are completely comfortable in it’s operation, charging, limitations and maintenance.
AC | DC Marine Systems Troubleshooting
As an ABYC certified Marine Electrician, Helmsman is also available for AC and DC systems troubleshooting, updating, and installation.
Other Services
Anything to do with energy on your boat, I can help.
Alternative energy, wind and solar marine systems - I do a lot of this!
Troubleshooting existing electric drives
Consulting to boat owners on their DIY electric motor installations
Electric Drive Q&A
Education & Camaraderie:
One of my favorite things to do is to be a guest when your boat club or marina hosts an Electric Drive Q&A Night. This can be a fun, relaxed evening where your boaters can get expert answers to their specific situation. During Q&As all the important details and considerations come out, but in a more ‘fun’ format for your club event. The goal is to help your members understand when electric makes sense, the trade-offs and the benefits.
The reality is that there aren’t enough qualified Marine Electricians who are experienced enough to properly provide electric drive conversion services. Some of my work involves fixing what other installers have done, which often includes a serious safety concern. I strongly recommend that you hire an ABYC certified installer and someone who knows how to structurally secure your new system and safely accomodate the weight of new batteries.
I’d like to see more boats go green, silent and ELECTRIC!
Contact me for a Q&A Night!
“We had Bob Blood come out to take a look at our electrical and plumbing problems. Bob quickly diagnosed the problem. We also asked Bob to help us with the electric and battery issues. Bob is an excellent all around Yacht Mechanic. He is ABYC certified. I’m very satisfied with his work and rates.”
CONTACT US
Give me a call or shoot me an email to discuss your project. I travel both North and South Carolina as a marine electric motor installer. I look forward to hearing about your plans! I try to respond within 24-48 hours. While I am with clients or on a complicated project, my phone is on silent and I will get back to you as soon as I am available.
While every project is different, my rates are fair and competitive. You can text me at 410-212-3336 set up a call.
Thanks for your interest in Helmsman Electric Drives!