Cruise the World on Solar Alone
The headline above is the claim of the boat pictured here. Let’s do a little math. We’ll assume that the solar panels are the standard size (65″ X 39″), and they have a 25% efficiency. In full sun that’s close to directly overhead, that’s about 11 KW or 14.7 horsepower.
Most boats that size have motors five times larger. I’m not saying you can’t cruise the world in that boat. Just take a small swimming pool of drinking water and a supermarket full of food, because you’re going to be out there for a very long time.
Craig,
I agree. After holding a Master Mariner’s licence for more than 30 years, I can categorically opine the vessel you feature is totally unsuitable (and unseaworthy) for and sort of blue water voyage!
However, such a vessel may prove practical as lake or river cruiser, particularly in fine weather.
(Why this is superior to a set of sails eludes me)