|
|
Solar
Boating
Answers to frequently asked questions on electric
boating and solar living.
|
2009
News
 Beauchamp,
The Floating Classroom
February
Built
in 2001 as British Waterways' state-of-the-art zero-emmission
boat, Beauchamp is the largest battery powered boat on Britain's
canals at 50 Tons, 73' x 15'.
Since it's electric refit by the
Solar Boat Company this year, skippers have reported that the new
motors are more powerful and responsive and easier to use. It is
based at Paddington on the Regents Canal and is available for
hire, with discounts for community or educational groups.
www.BeauchampLodge.co.uk
-
Electric
Trip boat on The Wey and Arun Canal
April
 Wiggonholt,
The Wey and Arun's new electric barge was built by Colecraft with
the electric propulsion system supplied and fitted by The Solar
Boat Company.
The 60-seater trip boat entered service in April
2009, and has operated alongside the Wey & Arun Canal Trust's
smaller diesel-powered trip boats. Wiggonholt is 18.5m long and is
wider than the traditional narrowboat, in order to offer greater
capacity and comfort. It is powered by two electric motors
supplied a traction battery. An overnight charge is sufficient for
a day's silent, emission-free cruising. The boat has been designed
to allow the installation of solar panels in the future, to
improve the speed and range and reduce the need to plug in to
shore power. Thousands of passengers have been delighted by the
silent electric boat trips, see the Wey and Arun web site for
details. www.WeyAndArun.co.uk
-
|
