MOVIE: Moondog Canberra May 2011 Moondog Canberra May 2011

Envirotecture’s first foray back into the world of boat design for a decade has had a successful first attempt. “Moondog” – a prototype solar powered catamaran, converted from an old A Class sailing catamaran – was launched at the Traditional Boat Festival and Regatta on Lake Burley Griffin, in Canberra, last weekend. It reinforced the viability of solar energy in a variety of applications. It was not only the fastest boat on te lake, including beating a 60′ long steamer, it was also the cleanest, running on pure sunlight. In a joint venture with Eco Boats Australia, Envirotecture is researching the commercial possibilities of limited production of these extremely versatile and economical multi-purpose vessels.

The hulls are extremely fine and easily driven, which is the key to its efficiency. The solar array – lifted from our previously sponsored International Solar Class race boat, built in 2001 by Solar Sailor – puts out 400w in its current form, which powers the electric outboard. Eco Boats Australia supplied a 1 kW Torqeedo electric outboard. This is equivalent to a 3HP petrol motor, but without the noise, vibration, smell, and foul exhaust gases. In fact, petrol outboards are not allowed on Lake Burley Griffin, but electric boats are welcome. Another feature of this type of vessel is its extremely small wake, meaning it does not disturb quiet waterways or riverbanks nearly as much as normal power boats.

With a maximum speed of 6 knots (11 km/hr) the second smallest outboard in the Torqeedo range uses about 800w of power. We reckon we can go faster with greater efficiency, so we will be trialling other propellors and possibly the Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 motor – putting out a hefty 2 kW of raw power! Such low power figures are misleading when compared to tinnies with petrol outboards. ‘Moondog’ is so easily driven through the water, any more power is simply wasted.

We look forward to pushing the envelope of sustainable boating over the next year or two. Envirotecture is focussed on finding the best way of doing the things we like doing – and Moondog is just another piece in that big jigsaw. Contact us if you want more information, and if you are really interested, we can arrange a test drive!

Tags: Eco Boats, electric boat, electric outboard, Moondog, solar boat, solar power, solar powered boat, solar powered catamaran, sustainable boat, Torqeedo

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 5th, 2011 at 6:29 pm