Paddleducks
Large Paddler Builds => General discussion (Large) => Topic started by: Rob Bruce on December 01, 2008, 05:15:52 PM
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I received the Autumn 2008 issue of the "Electric Boat News" (it takes a while to find its way down-under) and there is an article on "the world's first solar powered stern wheeler". A pity she is in alloy and not a classic 19th century river boat. But obviously she has a job to do.
Have a look: http://www.spanglefish.com/newera/index.asp?pageid=68850
For those with a technical mind there is another page all you need to know:
http://www.spanglefish.com/newera/index.asp?pageid=70178
There is also a YouTube link showing this interesting design in action. Twin motors allowing the hull to turn it its own length. Pity the back-up outboard is a 2 stroke.
Rob
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I stumbled onto the "New Era" myself a few weeks ago :). It is a pretty interesting boat. I bet it is pretty nice not to hear any engine noise, just the sound of the wheels. looks like it would be an expensive project though. :-[
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There are two commercial electric launches operating not far from home:
EMV Rubeena plies Lake Tyers, and is operating again (new owners) after a lapse of a couple of years. It is a 1912 launch, reengined.
www.rubeenacruises.com.au/
Another is on Lake Burley Griffin: EL Cygnet.
www.lakecruises.com.au/lakecruises.htm
Meanwhile, Ballarat is slashing the grass of former Lake Wendouree with internal-combustion machines, not electric mowers.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Here where I live in Hangzhou, China all but the largest tour boats that frequent West Lake & Xiang Lake, except for the man-powered sanpans, are electric.
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/P1210262.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/P1210306.jpg)
Xianghu, which is just a few minutes from our home, has the distinction of being where one of the oldest known boat discoveries with a dugout canoe dating back to 5,500BC.
Chuck