Building Solar-powered Inland Cruiser

[JonathanCole]

Aloha from Hawaii,

I am currently contemplating building a composite, unique, advanced solar (photovoltaic and wind generator) powered vessel for cruising the inland and protected waterways of Europe. The approximate specifications are 50 feet long, 18 feet wide, twin hull, possibly SWATH and covered by a roof holding about 8000 watts of photovoltaic cells and 2000 watts of small wind turbines. Battery storage of 8000-12,000 watts and a backup bio-diesel generator. I want to design the most efficient, robust, and low maintenance system possible. The vessel will be used for living quarters and slow cruising of the protected and inland waterways of Europe. I expect a speed of around 6-7 miles per hour driven by two electric outboards of 5 hp each which could be mounted fore and aft with 180 degree rotational ability for a high degree of maneuverability in tight spaces. The hulls must be the most efficient possible design and be extremely rugged and lightweight with perhaps sacrificial elements. I have a sketch of the boat I have envisioned, but I can't figure out how the insert function works on the posting page. When I click on the insert image icon a box requests a URL. Can anyone explain?

Anyway, the goal is to create a new form of on-the-water habitat using the most environmentally benign technology while providing an aquatic living opportunity of ultimate practicality and comfort. I have spent much time on the water and am an expert in photovoltaic systems.

Is this a project any of you would be interested in? If so I would like to hear from you with any comments about the approaches you might think would get to the goal.

Hope to hear from you.

[yipster]

but I can't figure out how the insert function works on the posting page. When I click on the insert image icon a box requests a URL. Can anyone explain?

sounds interesting, try to show your thoughts again.
when uploading from your harddrive you have to scroll down in the reply screen to the "Additional Options" field

[JonathanCole]

OK, got it. Here's my sketch, plus some existing solar cruisers from around the world.

Aloha,

Jonathan

[marshmat]

I can't wait to hear more about this project.... I've been working on NASC and WSC solar cars for a while and this sounds to me like a pretty neat project you're planning.
Looking forward to seeing how it goes....

[JonathanCole]

Hi Matt,

I was the project coordinator for a solar car school project that won a Hawaii competition and a national award in 1988 and was displayed at the Smithsonian. See the car below. My kids, a couple of years later went on to win their category in the trans Australia race.

I have lived very comfortable off the grid for many years with an independent photovoltaic based system. Never had a power outage in 15 years, while the local utility had many hundreds of failures. I know how to build bulletproof solar systems. My company, Light On The Earth, sold system components for many years.

Another company I started, Solar Marine Technologies, identified the pv powered shoreline cruiser as a good bet technically, economically and environmentally. Electric boats do not have the problems of cars because they can handle the weight of batteries and you can have a roof deck on a multihull with ample space for PV panels. There are now a number of companies making excellent electric outboards in the range of 5-10 HP nominal, but, which have thrust comparable to conventional ICE drives with three or 4 times the horsepower.

That research was done in 1996. The technologies in the meantime have improved in efficiency and durability. Now I want to build this high-tech houseboat for inland and protected waterways. Interested in brainstorming the system? I have been out of the solar equipment business since '99 and would welcome people with more current knowledge about what equipment is best in price and performance and what companies might be interested in supporting this project with donations or discounts.

I plan on spending quite a bit, but every bit helps when innovating at this level. I want to build the finest, most practical, water-going habitat ever conceived. I believe there is a huge market worldwide for a mobile dwelling that uses no fuel. Plus I want one for myself!

Here's another interesting SunBoat from Australia: http://www.cmsb.com.my/tpis/sunboat/

Jonathan