Solar powered 12m boat

[jeremyshaw]

I guess it would have to be a catamaran to give the platform to mount enough solar power to drive a boat exclusively by solar. That's what Island Pilot in the States claim for their new 12m boat - and an 18m to come:
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The DSe Hybrid 12m sets a new standard for cruising economy. On a sunny day, she can cruise indefinitely at speeds up to 6 knots WITHOUT BURNING A DROP OF DIESEL with ZERO EMISSIONS! You can live on the hook for months at a time with ZERO diesel. All your power needs can be met by the 6 kW Solar array, modern batteries and Diesel Parallel Hybrid Propulsion System from Steyr Motors.
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www.dsehybrid.com

Shame it looks like a dog though, and I post as a cat fan and owner. Not sure that at USD600,000 they will find many takers over here, or even in the Med, but in years to come we may look back and give credit for paving the way.

 

[pvb]

Mmmm...attractive! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[VicS]

Whats new? Solar Heritage

 

[Norman_E]

"Up to 6 knots", now that is really going to get American powerboaters exited!

 

[SirSnoozalot]

Be OK for the Norfolk Broads though.

Oh. I forgot, it rains all the time there.

Shame they make it look like a dogs breakfast. Substantial Solar power will only take off when they can make the panels part of the actual structure of the boat, decks an all, or make the panels small and mega effective.

 

[William_H]

This is hardly a new concept or invention. They seem to be relying on advertising hype rather than real technology break through.

So I will take notice if they can make the panels more efficient. or make the panels cheaper/ smaller or more powerfull. All resulting in a more aesthetic looking boat.
Australia has had for many years a solar car race 2000kms. They actually now acheive over 100kmph average in day light but it is not any real breakthrough. You still would not want to buy one to replace your old petrol guzzler.

So it all journalistic hype we will have to wait for the technologists to give us real breakthroughs. olewill

 

[barnaclephill]

[ QUOTE ]
On a sunny day, she can cruise indefinitely at speeds up to 6 knots WITHOUT BURNING A DROP OF DIESEL with ZERO EMISSIONS! All your power needs can be met by the 6 kW Solar array

[/ QUOTE ]
On a windy day I can cruise indefinitely at 6knots - it's called sailing. And a 6 kW solar array - I've lasted 6 years on a 40 Watt panel.

What hype

 

[AlanPound]

[ QUOTE ]
On a sunny day, she can cruise indefinitely ......

[/ QUOTE ]

Since when have days had indefinite length?