Nauticraft Pedal & Electric Boats


Unique pedal and electric boats. These boats, using environmentally friendly propulsion systems, make for a healthy alternative to conventional powered boats. These are watercraft unlike any other. Contact us today if we can assist: (888) 709-7097

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Hybrid Electric-Pedal Boat possibilities...

I came across a company in Vermont (WindstreamPower) who builds a pedal powered 12 volt electrical generator. With this device, you can generate about 80 watts of pedal power(according to Windstream); this is enough to potentially extend the range of our "Encore E" boat by 20-50% depending on boat speed and how hard you pedal! The Human Power Generator is not designed for boating(not water resistant), so do not take this as a direct endorsement as much as an interesting thought experiment into what is possible. That said, if the generator is properly guarded against getting drenched with water, then it may work on a boat. I hope to try one someday! Looks like fun. If you happen to try this on your boat or build such a thing, let us know how it works out! Also, just let us know here at Nauticraft if you would like us to offer an electrical generator hybrid power system on our boats someday!?
For further reading on hybrids in general, the Rocky Mountain Institute (they coined the term Hyper-car) in Snowmass, Colorado will keep you occupied for hours on their info rich website. Happy surfing. Good Day! Randy E.

posted by Nauticraft Team @ 8:25 AM    

3 Comments:

  • At 8:58 AM, Anonymous said…

    Possible Solaris panel?
    Perhaps something to look at would be to integrate photovoltaic panels into the top of the hull or a lightweight mounting system with some form of waterproofing. The Escapade might support upto 50 watts of generation capacity in bright sun. Or you may even make an option for the bimini top. Then provide a wiring harness that and regulator that will reduce this down to 13.8 volts which can then charge most electric boat motors. This may be sufficient to maintain stationkeeping against the wind, provide power to keep a small radio or fish sonar running, etc.

     

  • At 2:16 PM, Erwin Fischer said…

    you might want to update the link to WindstreamPower
    http://www.windstreampower.com/Human_Power_Generator_Series.php

     

  • At 9:02 AM, Nauticraft Team said…

    Thank you for giving us the heads up on the erroneous link. We've fixed it!

     

Post a Comment

<< Blog Home