US Navy sailor here, I have designed your boat down to the redundant gensets and wise choice on 48v as your system voltage. In my head and on paper anyway, but you have actually done it and I am impressed sir. Bravo.

@Bofum69

Ай бұрын

We all know you’re a bot.

@helphelpimbeingrepressed9347

28 күн бұрын

I take it this would be no good for blue water stuff?

@JayRSwan

21 күн бұрын

So, as a Navy sailor, you also know how this would not work in blue water. This is for coastal cruising when you can wait for sunny days.

@helphelpimbeingrepressed9347

21 күн бұрын

@@JayRSwan Ah, ty for answering my question, tbf the op didn't mention blue water sailing?

@JayRSwan

21 күн бұрын

@@helphelpimbeingrepressed9347 True

Dave is my hero for getting that lovely teacher to come along with him and for building that ingenious Cat! You the man Dave!

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Dave and Lisa are wonderful people with a ton of knowledge and skills. We are grateful to call them our friends.

@grancitodos7318

Жыл бұрын

The teacher is a motor mouth and will drive him nuts.

@benkelly948

Жыл бұрын

@@grancitodos7318 Bit harsh and unnecessary, they both seemed lovely to me.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

They are the nicest people

@anything.with.motors

8 ай бұрын

​@@grancitodos7318their both teachers 😂

If my wife looks at me with such adoration when I am that age, I will be very happy.

@Bozemanjustin

Ай бұрын

You're not thinking big enough man You should also have a bunch of live-in 18 through 22-year-olds who look at you that way. Just because men peak 35 to 45 doesn't mean that women didn't peak at 24 A man grows older. He gets more successful and attractive, it's crazy for him to only settle for a woman 20 years past her prime when he's just hitting his This guy's now passed his prime too, but that means that his woman is way way past

This man is an engineer with all his heart. 👍

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

He sure is

This is exactly what I want to do. So glad someone has cut a path and explained how.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

That's awesome glad you found it informative. Are you doing a power cat too or sailing one?

@6800891

Жыл бұрын

@@WildlyIntrepid I have converted my catalina 22 into a solar boat using trolling motors. But look forward to scalling up into something that I can really cruise on.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

That's cool. How fast can you get going with those trolling motors? Keep us posted on your refit.

@redsalapunen1290

Жыл бұрын

It is done! Wait for it get rd's!

I’ve been contemplating this for years. I didn’t think it was possible just yet with a boat of that size. These people are awesome for showing it is. My thoughts were I could do it but almost half that size, I’m glad the sky’s the limit

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

If you can see it and dream it anything is possible. it really is interesting seeing what others come up with.

I have been researching the conversion of catamarans to solar powered for a few years and consider this KZread video to be the most informative that I've seen. I would like to learn more from this couple who have done a lot of thinking and great work. Thank you.

@WildlyIntrepid

11 ай бұрын

Wow thank you so much Gary this means a lot. We have the info for David and Lisa in the description below.

❤ I'M SHOCKED at how affordable their setup is. INCREDIBLE! ⚡️

@cornelisvanderbent8569

8 ай бұрын

Same 🤡 stuff as on land with good old fossil energy if you really need to go somewhere.

I love your approach to lightning, and redundancy. You clearly have an engineering background. You could grab a 2 burner induction stove as a separate add on. Stow it when you don't need it, use it when propane is difficult to obtain. They tend to be a little slick, so you use a silicone pad to keep the pits from slipping, with no burning of the mat.

Mr. Dave, as an engineer/builder myself I have to say: Hats off. Just rigging the roof/rack for the panels and make it work like a Faraday cage to conduct the current of a possible lightning hitting is awesome. Congrats. I worked in one of the places of the Continent with the higher probability of lightnings (Monagas, Venezuela) in the oilfields and I could see the spikes-like systems working. We used to measure the current going down to ground with an ampmeter clamp, and this is the suggestion I dare to give. Attaching an ampere meter can't hurt and will indicate that the system is working.

@WildlyIntrepid

8 ай бұрын

Dave is the man imo. Lots of great ideas and engineering . That must be one hell of a clamp on meter to measure the lightning strike. I have one that is only max of 100amps. Cheers.

This is wonderful. Seem like great people. I hope they get to live the dream forever!

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

They really are an amazing couple which we're happy we got to meet

Love the conversion. And, as they don't want to sail, it makes a lot of sense. For those that do enjoy some sailing, I recommend at most removing the mainsail and keeping a jib. Plenty of solar real estate without a main and often plenty of wind power with just a jib. It's often windy when not sunny after all. Plus, there's that redundancy of having 2 propulsion sources.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Well said Someguy. This works in their situation but it's amazing how much just a jib can propulse you ahead. Fair winds!

@electricbaylinergoesfishin870

Жыл бұрын

@@WildlyIntrepid look up kite sails

@john-paulsylvester2382

Жыл бұрын

well said. At 5 knots and 20 miles a day, adding sails make a lot of sense.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Not everyone wants to sail. But for a sailor it definitely makes sense

@Lana_Warwick

10 ай бұрын

Interesting point re insurance etc tho. For a jib, a mast & rigging is required. However, there's ways to sail without a mast, kite surfers do it.

Some of the coolest people! Awesome catamaran, huge amount of shade too! This is the future, they are my inspiration! I'm going to try doing this to an Endeavor powercat that has shot engines over the next few years ❤

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Awesome. Let us know how your project goes.

Absolutely love it!

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Thinking of building or getting one?

Great interview & information. Thank you

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it. Cheers

Great people, project and video! Thanks!

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Glad you like it David

We also converted a small yacht into a pure solar powered boat. We use it to do expeditions on the largest inland dams in South Africa. It works just perfect! Well done and enjoy your trips at see!

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

That is awesome. What kind of boat? How much capacity and solar do you have in board?

@hhealey1

Жыл бұрын

Phillip! Please add some links to your build!

What a dream build. Congratulations!

Why am I just seeing your channel now. You guys are awesome. I'm gonna binge watch you guys

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Hahaha funny how KZread shares or not. Thanks a bunch glad you enjoy it and happy watching

Really interesting! Thanks for some good ideas for future projects!

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Really happy we could share this amazing conversion that Dave and Lisa did.

Love the t-shirt!! Let's trip to life fantastic!! You are kinda living my dream folks thanks for sharing !!!!! Amazing design

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it. Thanks for the nice comment.

@davidparker6469

Жыл бұрын

This boat is certainly the answer to "Life, the Universe, and Everything!"

Fantastic! Thank You!

I like the idea of the stability of a cat, ease of powerboat operation, and quiet of electric

I love this and even more love with the fact batteries and solar panels are rapidly getting better AND cheaper. I wouldn't ditch the sails though. And I've been looking to do this with a mono instead. Still bench racing and not building yet so we'll see what happens when I get started. In the meantime I'm busy doing as little as possible here on and island in PH with my girl and our dog just enjoying time. Love to see this life being lived though, congrats on your boat good sir!!!

@JayRSwan

21 күн бұрын

You might be limited on the mono with the total surface area.

Good interview. I have looked at sites for companies that sell new cats "all solar powered" and they spend more time on how the diesel gensets can push the boat through the water for so long, at top speed and no space on what the performance is on just solar or just battery or combined solar/battery. In this case just solar is the standard operational mode with genset as pure backup... but solar and battery is dual for redundancy anyway. Cool project and it seems one of those things that are better owner built than factory. Wish I could follow them but face book is one of those don't touch sites.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Len. Sometimes people that use their boat/ system on a daily basis put more thoughts into what will serve their needs. Everyone has different needs, especially when it comes to traveling and performance. It was really interesting to hear what Dave and Lisa came up with and how it all works. They are also on Instagram, web and have an email. We have put all the links in the description.

Absolutely so cool a solar cat !!! I like that alot

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

It really is a cool concept. Thanks John

Just awesome!

Great project

Dream it build it and enjoy every minute of it awesome 👍👍

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

It is pretty impressive what they accomplished

Mad repsect, fantastic build!

@WildlyIntrepid

Ай бұрын

Agreed

Saw this boat parked at the fort pierce city marina on our cruise down the coast. Super cool boat and I've dreamed of copying this ever since.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

It is a neat boat and cool idea. We are in fort Pierce ATM actually.

Very cool I enjoyed it

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Are you thinking of building one?

I wish i had someone in my life that looks at me, the way she looks at him.

Love your ship!

very cool something to think about ❤️

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

It's always great to see and learn about different setups

Wow… love everything about this video, well done .. I’ve been waiting for someone like you guys to do this, if ever you need a crewmen I’m your guy … I’ve been dreaming of this very thing and want to learn all about it … thank you 🙏 for sharing this, to me it’s important and would love to meet you both one day… to be honest I’m truly surprised more aren’t doing this type of thing or haven’t come forward highlighting the possibilities of it all… again thank you and looking forward to your next video, just subscribed to see more…

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the offer. Hopefully your dream will become reality soon. As of now we do not need crew but we will keep you posted if we do. Keep us in the loop about your journey

Very cool!

Brilliant!!!

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

For sure

Very nice boat.

Great life and great idea!

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks we thought so too

Hell yes, this is awesome.

Been sailing my solar boat "Suntiano" for 9 years now. You made a 5:38 wonderful dream! 😊

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

That's great. What kind of boat is it?

I'm rebuilding a Hughes 40 ketch and I converted it to electric. I have an 18kw 96v system but I only have 800w of solar and I'm currently have 21kw of battery power..but they're golfcart batteries so my usable kw is about half. I'm still working on it trying to maximize the system but so far I love it. Great video and its an inspiration, he did a wonderful job on that boat.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Your boat sounds like a cool project as well. Maybe I'm wrong but isn't 800w a little low for solar? Keep us posted on your project.

@PyeGuySailing

Жыл бұрын

@@WildlyIntrepid I found that I can run my boat functions(lights, fridge, freezer, microwave, coffee maker)on 800w indefinitely. Since I barely motor I find I can keep my motor topped up by charging off my house bank on sunny days. I also have a portable generator for longer trips ( if I can't sail)

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Nice! Ya if you don't need to motor it makes all the difference.

@marviwilson1853

Жыл бұрын

Why not be the first to build a full solar roof the length of your boat. With 40ft you would surely be able to get 5Kw of power probably a lot more with the latest high efficiency panels.

@rodneyp9590

Жыл бұрын

@@marviwilson1853 thats a beast of a boat. If you’re suggesting keeping the sails it would shade most of it. If you remove the sails you destroyed a really expensive boat. I have no doubt you could push it along. Not nearly as fast as the sails would. Next you have to consider physics adding that extra weight above your head is bound to make you tippy. Don’t get me wrong, I think you could make a pretty fun coastal cruiser. It’s definitely a worthwhile endeavor to the right person. You should probably start with a broken hunter though.

Well done.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

He did do amazing

Good for you I am shipwigth and I totally agree with you .good luck enjoy the sea with out destroying it

excellent proof of concept. I have dreamed of a similar idea, of course the solar system is not as practical for long distance versus a sail. Good job.

Awesome!

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks

brilliant and an inspiration. Beware, the shade from the radar, etc will reduce considerably the output of all the panels in that series

It's good to see a CONSTRUCTIVE "You did WHAT?!" on this thing.

You guys are inspiring, this is something I want to do, and also own a catamaran. I currently have a 35 Columbia boat which I test and try out project for this. Also yes technology is always changing, sodium battery is coming out also when it comes with air conditioning some runs through solar panels and doesn't use much energy.

@WildlyIntrepid

10 ай бұрын

Glad we can inspire. There really is a lot of different things constantly coming out and it's fun to test and find what works best for your needs. How do you like your Columbia?

@Lana_Warwick

10 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing about sodium, I had no idea. Alternatively, wouldn't it be great if we could simply make power from the salt water our boats are floating in.

Great boat, great video. Long time solar fanatic (since about 1965). I am looking forward to the day where you don't need to build a beefy supporting roof. When the panels bolted on, or slid into a frame, will form a lightweight, watertight roof, saving tons (literally) of materials and cost.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Technology is constantly evolving so all we can do is wait and I'm sure it'll be very different only a few years from now.

@garyscott2124

11 ай бұрын

@@WildlyIntrepid I have seen a few carpark installations in Townsville, Australia where solar panels do slide neatly into aluminium tracks to make suncover roofs. The technology is growing all of the time. I have been trying to convince my son to convert his Seawind 1000 XL to solar powered as the engine conversion to EPropulsion electric outboards would be relatively easy. For extended cruising, the ability to desalinate water with solar power and no need for refueling is a no brainer.

@WildlyIntrepid

11 ай бұрын

Best of luck with that transformation if it does happen. Not having to rely on diesel would be great.

@Lana_Warwick

10 ай бұрын

This has always been possible. Whilst some form of support (posts & light truss) will always be required. Flat ali strip siliconed/riveted between panels. A 2nd (or more) layer of panels can be on a roller frame (similar to a draw) pulled out when no clearance issues (has a large tile/shingle look, so rain runs off, or caught).

Very interesting!!!

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Scott

This was great, I'm near 60, solo, thinking about a sailing cat, but this has really got me reconsidering now, cyclone damaged cat conversion 🤔

@WildlyIntrepid

10 ай бұрын

Hearing about others and what they've done is always useful for those new ideas 😊

I missed his tshirt the first time I watched this. Awesome. I hope to find more data on this conversion and long term results.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Haha awesome. All his contact info is down in the description.

Happy I found this video, with all that real estate I've always wondered why nobody goes all out on solar panels and hybrid conversion. My only question here is, how does that large solar panel roof behave in strong winds?

@WildlyIntrepid

9 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it. It seems like it does well but that would be a good question for the owners.

Amazing

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Sure is

Love to see two separate energy sources, i.e. diesel and solar electric, working together to achieve a common purpose of moving this craft. This is where our motivation should be in the next generation of vehicles. Hybrids make way more sense. And proven too.

@jamesparks6137

8 ай бұрын

I think adding wind power would make a ton of sense, often there's wind when there's not sun. I'd make it so the turbine could be raised when in use. I bet there's a way to get power from the waves lifting and lowering the boat. I'd still want some sort of diesel power too.

@WildlyIntrepid

8 ай бұрын

I agree. Solar is great but having a backup is needed imo. For those who harp about all alternate energy do not understand what it actually takes to move a vessel long term.

@WildlyIntrepid

8 ай бұрын

Wind is a nice option for some. As you said having it retractable may be a nice option but imo solar is just so much better. For the most part as cruisers who island hope we do not spend enough time in areas with heavy enough wind to make a turbine worth the cost. We find protected anchorages which means less wind output. Plus personally I'm not a fan of the sound and even the output is far from great.

As idea is amazing

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Sure is

Coming from an aviation background, redundancy is a good thing.

Love this project ❤ oil industry must be hating.

Great to see another all electric boat. Ours runs off of Tesla batteries and we only have 900 watts of solar. Maybe one day we can upgrade to more solar and better electric motors. Love your boat!

@dancarter482

Жыл бұрын

It's a diesel hybrid.

@hhealey1

Жыл бұрын

Kraken! Please add links to your build!

looks very interesting! was actually trolling KZread searching for someone doing exactly that. Do the panels use individual mppt controllers (like 'optimisers ')? do you know if they considered dual-sided panels?

Great couple

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely genuine and friendly

Envious :) That's my plan, to get a "small" (something I can singlehand comfortably) sailing cat to do coastal cruising around FL and into the Caribbean as I'm closing in on my early retirement. While I like the solar/wind power (which I'll have to charge batteries, and run systems on the boat), I'd miss the sailing aspect as I enjoy sailing! Not ready to completely ditch diesel sail drives either. Enjoy living the dream, cheers!

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

I can agree personally I would miss sailing too much to do a full conversion. But I can understand with back issues wanting something easier on the body.

Great to see the conversion. I also have a solar electric cat but a lot smaller. I will be using mine to cruise the canal systems in Ontario.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Are you going down the Erie, Welland, Champlain? That will be a fun adventure for sure.

@philboyer2036

Жыл бұрын

@@WildlyIntrepid I am actually doing the Trent Severn Waterway this Aug which is part of the Great Loop.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Nice we've heard it's a fun one to do. Enjoy Phil.

@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665

Жыл бұрын

Theres the Uk channel sailing Cahodia they have a friend who has a small electric Catamaran That is electrically powered .. Theres also a guy on Hawaii heavily into designing and building his own electric cats. A folding or telescopic mast with a Nonsuch/Catrig sail boat, see capt Q, would be a great way to go and easy single handed.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Lots of ideas floating around. Always someone trying something new

Hi guys just come across your video what a very interesting hope you have fantastic I really would love that lifestyle thank you for all the information that you’re going to us on this wonderful video may God bless you both, Cliff from Logan City Queensland Australia the largest continent in the world

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Really glad you enjoyed it. We love Queensland. Thanks very much.

Great to see someone who has done this solar conversion at reasonable cost. "Silent Yachts" building on the success of the Solar Wave project seem just way too expensive. He just had to be a physicist! An interesting project from the point of view of energy management. Solar capacity, battery capacity, energy consumption at various hull speeds and off course internal energy usage from domestic appliances. Physicists love getting their teeth into such things. Someone should try a similar thing with a mono hull vessel. Another interesting calculation between possible solar area, battery capacity, motor size and hull resistance with speed. Certainly a lot cheaper

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

We found it very fascinating what he managed to do. It goes to show how everything is possible when you put some thoughts into it and just go with it.

Solar panels and LiFePO4 battery prices have dropped a lot since then - in fact you can now buy 600W solar panels for the price they paid for their 300W panels. The battery (2 x 16 cell) of 3.2V/340Ah ( ± 35kWh) would cost around $3000 !

@rob1andrews

Ай бұрын

Agreed, If you are willing to go used batteries, it can go as low as $50 per kilowatt

Love the idea. Would love to get a tour of the cat. And I especially love your t-shirt. I named my 11 meter cat "42" and as a geek who builds superconducting magnets etc. I would love to remove my standing rigging etc. and go full electric. I currently have 1.2 Kwatts of solar and a single 25HP yanmar diesel engine. Now I'm working on getting a bucket full of money so I can move closer to full electric. calm seas and following winds... or full sun.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Personally Alex and I love to sail so we wouldn't get rid of our rig and a working diesel is more redundant than a electric motor on a all electric boat. That said. If I didn't enjoy sailing and had a diesel I couldn't repair then the all electric option would be preferred. We all decide what's best for each of us. what are your biggest draws on a 1.2kw of solar and what size bank do you have with that?

@mickmccrohon

Жыл бұрын

@@WildlyIntrepid I motor sail solo mostly. So I use my retractable drive leg/diesel and normally the furling headsail. I have 480AH 12V carbon lead acid sealed batteries with a 3.6KW 230VAC inverter. My hot water can be from heat exchanger on diesel engine or inverter 230VAC or in-line LPG instantaneous water heater. I use a bread maker, a toaster, a oven/air fryer, a sandwich press, a 42 inch flat screen with a gaming level PC, a 230VAC AC, a slow cooker, chargers for laptops phones cameras etc.. Like you I selectively use things to avoid drawing to much current. I live on the East coast of Queensland Australia and usually never go below 75% battery charge. My last job was building a 265KWATT 48KG electric motor that was used to power a light plane. And am currently on a MRI build for brain scans. So I'm going to need a BIG bucket of money to convert to electric propulsion. I've lived aboard for 5 years so far with 1 year in a marina and am currently in NZ on land working on getting that bucket full. I would love to have fully retractable drives outboard style to reduce fouling and drag when sailing.

Awesome! I'd live on that boat..

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

it's a pretty sweet one

Wow! I’ve learned a great deal about solar powered boats on KZread. You all did your homework. Can you please describe the battery banks. I heard it but plz break it down….8 200amp battery’s, etc?? I am finding that available sq footage for panels is key, and a limitation. Your panel setup is a beast! Lesson Learned…Start out with the best and ya just buy it once👍

You guys being into efficiency, looking into Sharrow props be worthwhile. Much less noise cavitation, and vibration.

Glad to see this video. Is similar to my dream. I wonder if youtube channel Barefoot Travel have seen this?

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Hopefully you get to live your dream soon. I haven't told them that we posted it yet but we will let them know. We were cruising with them for a little while this season.

Greetings Dave and Lisa, kudos and accolades to you both for actually building and doing what to most of us, is a very challenging project. The concept of an all solar powered boat that is practical and liveable in, is awesome !! Just one query, in monitoring the power output of the solar panels, how often do you have to wash/clean the panels ? Cheers Kin

Vary cool!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

We thought so too that's why we decided to interview them.

Enjoyed the video and the idea. Did you give ant thought or do you have any wind power added also.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

No he had strictly solar. Onboard

I love his shirt

Seems like it could use more battery n bigger motors. But still soo cool! Great idea. I've been dreaming of an electric solar cat since I seen a vid on the silent 55, 2 or 3 years ago. Great you could make your own with only 350k! Ever thought of a kite sail!? Bet you could cruise 7 or 8 with one.

20 miles can you imagine that ,I hope some day i can Travel

Nice boat, so cool it’s possible. Not fast but possible

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it

I like your electric boat

hmm love this, i would add a wind generator as well

Enjoyed the discussion, even with the Boston accent!

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Haha glad you liked it Ron

This might be the coolest thing ive ever seen and I want to do this too. How has the faraday system worked out? Has the solar roof been wind-tested in the wild?

I wonder if you could build some sort of light weight combo storage towable that has solar on top of it to tow behind the boat on long voyages and if that is feasable/worth while? My thought is some sort of mini pontoon with spaces for some storage

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Love the idea but personally I think I would try and remove some clutter or get a larger boat before trying to tow anything in a rough sea state.

Love this video for the guys shirt im only 2 minutes in. I know what it means because of my late wife.

16 kw seems like a very small amount of storage, I imagine with the prices now you could double that or more for the same price. Im not an ocean loving type but this looks like a great lifestyle and I could see it approaching 100% free power and transport with emerging technology.

@guywilson780

8 ай бұрын

Battery prices keep dropping.

@WildlyIntrepid

8 ай бұрын

You are right. I think at this time you could almost double the capacity for the same cost.

@guywilson780

8 ай бұрын

@@WildlyIntrepid The boat selection, design and overall plan was well conceived and well executed. Congratulations on your success.

@nirodper

8 ай бұрын

$150k is a lot of money for how little generation and storage he has. The roof has a lot of wasted space

@JOATMOFA

Ай бұрын

@@nirodper Yep, solar panels and LiFePO4 battery prices have dropped a lot since then - in fact you can now buy 600W solar panels for the price they paid for their 300W panels. The battery (2 x 16 cell) of 3.2V/340Ah ( ± 35kWh) would cost around $3000 !

It’s a nice practical experiment yet ultimately he has created an off grid aquatic mobile home. As cats don’t lend themselves to carrying weight I doubt it serves well as a passage maker. Though as he says, he uses it for short trip island hopping only. I would want a very stable battery bank that has zero risk of fire yet think those are next level tech that cost mini fortunes. Ultimately when we can achieve 3 times the energy yield for half the carried weight at an affordable cost will be the day such craft become a practical reality.

Planning on converting a 42 Manta to all electric.. solar, sails, and a generator for backup. Range anxiety is the only major concern.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

That sounds like an awesome project! Range anxiety is a valid concern, but with the right setup you should be able to get plenty of range. Solar panels can provide a steady stream of energy, and sails will help you conserve energy while you're cruising. A generator is a great backup option in case you need more power. Good luck with your project!

Thanks for the video. I am impressed it can go 4kts on panels only. I was planning a solar cat for years, in my view, it is best to design one specifically for solar panels instead of building a second roof to hold them. The boat seems to have a lot of extra weight, but they are doing it, I'm just typing, so kudos, although $350k seems rather expensive for what amounts to a diy effort.

42 love it

Probably suitable for its intended area of use .

Quite interesting! 👍👍👍

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul. Such a different setup

Battery Capacity typical for power cats, I am really impressed about solar 282 kW 564 kWh Speed Range Range 4 kts 131 nm 263 nm 5 kts 98 nm 197 nm 6 kts 59 nm 118 nm

Amazing humans and life!!!!!!

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

They sure are

The old marine saying "one is none and two is one" is super important to remember when at sea. Everything breaks so if you have one of something you are screwed. You are very wise to have two separate and redundant systems. I wouldn't change a thing about what you did.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

I couldn't agree more. The sea tends to speed up the deterioration of everything. And when parts are hard to get by you're really happy to have this this kind of backup.

@richfuller

Жыл бұрын

@@WildlyIntrepid Amen brother amen.

This gives meaning to the saying, "Older and wiser". LOL.

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely. It is great to talk to anyone who has more knowledge and experience.

The way she looks at him is everything

@WildlyIntrepid

Жыл бұрын

Pure love

Such a cool dude 🍻🍻🍻🍻 I luv that boat

@jakeoddmonic2956

Жыл бұрын

And yes the answer is 42

Could some added wind energy help recharge the batteries all night?