Solar boat nears launch
Envirotecture has long been interested in renewable energy sources and applications. We are now nearing completion of the conversion of a 5.4m sailing catamaran into a solar powered multi-purpose cat. This will debut at the Canberra Traditional Boat Festival at the end of April and 1 May. The boat may not seem very traditional, but it uses the oldest power source on the planet. In fact, it’s the power source that built the planet, and every living thing on it! We wonder how it fits into the carbon tax structure – surely it will get some credit. 
Envirotecture is partnering with Eco Boats Australia, based at Northbridge Marina on upper Middle Harbour, Sydney. Eco Boats is supplying the electric outboard motor, as part of their business of selling and chartering electric powered vessels and motors – see http://www.ecoboats.com.au/
Boating with no emissions or need to carry smelly fuel is an attractive proposition, but Envirotecture’s main interest is to demonstrate the practical application of sustainable technologies in everyday use. In this case it will turn a propellor, but this is fundamentally the same as turning a pump for water, or refrigerant, or anything else. Eco Boats Australia will be using the data logged from the boat’s use to assess the performance of light low-resistance hull forms under electric power.
More stories and photos coming soon!
Tags: catamaran, electric outboard, renewable energy, solar power