Solar-powered pontoon boat gets official thumbs up w/video
The Sunrider 6,2, a solar-powered pontoon boat by Navgathi Marine Design & Constructions Pvt. Ltd., has received a hearty endorsement from Malcom Moss, president of the Electric Boat Association UK. The 10-passenger craft, currently undergoing trials in India, gave Moss a taste of its charms during a trip on the river. Powered by two Torqeedo electric motors, the environmentally friendly vessel beat expectations by powering its way a shade over six knots while going against the current. After the ride Mr. Moss said of the Sunrider, "This boat is competent in performance, efficiency, style and finish."
To supply its batteries with electricity, the boat sports five solar panels capable of generating 900 watts. The hulls were designed with the aid of the latest software and are shaped to provide a compromise between carrying capacity and speed. The solar boat is meant as the first in a series of such craft. The company is also working on a fast four-person design as well as 20- and 40-passenger vessels. With its launch scheduled a little later this month, you can track their progress on their blog. Hit the jump for a couple videos of solar-powered pontoons in action.
[Source: Navgathi Marine Design & Constructions Pvt. Ltd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Brn 11:48AM (2/18/2009)
For a lazy day on the lake, I could actually see something like this.
The motors seems a little loud, but I'm sure that's easy to overcome.
The video absolutely sucks.
Reply
Domenick Yoney 12:06PM (2/18/2009)
I think the noise from the motors has something to do with the mic on the camera. Some cameras seem to amplify sounds in that sort of frequency range.
Sandith 11:49PM (2/18/2009)
will definitely try to make a professional video of a trial. The explanation for the noise is already given.
3RunHomer 11:51AM (2/18/2009)
Yeah. That's the loudest electric outboard I've ever heard. Usually they're virtually silent.
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ivor 8:12PM (2/18/2009)
Cool! How about a small houseboat next? Make it cheap and we could ease the housing problem, eh?
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Sayooj 11:23PM (2/18/2009)
Some cameras have this problem of amplifying certain sounds, i dont think its so noisy as its a 10 passenger craft. and its powered by two Torqeedo electric motors which usually wont create much noise as you might be thinking after seeing the video.
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Team Sustain 10:15AM (2/27/2009)
Dear Mr. Domenick Yoney
I am representing Team Sustain India. This solar boat is joint venture of Team Sustain and Navgathi Marine Design & Constructions Pvt. Ltd. Team Sustain has made the investment in the project. The Electrical and solar power design for this boat is also from Team Sustain. These photographs and videos have been uploaded without Team Sustain’s consent and are too premature.
We request you to kindly remove these with immediate effect.
Thanks
Team Sustain, Cochin, India
info@teamsustain.com
Reply
Kavita 3:59AM (2/27/2009)
Dear Mr. Domenick Yoney
I am representing Team Sustain India. This solar boat is joint venture of Team Sustain and Navgathi Marine Design & Constructions Pvt. Ltd. Team Sustain has made the investment in the project. The Electrical and solar power design for this boat is also from Team Sustain. These photographs and videos have been uploaded without Team Sustain’s consent and are too premature.
We request you to kindly remove these with immediate effect.
Thanks
Team Sustain, cochin, India
info@teamsustain.com
Reply