solar powered paddle wheeler

[Rob Bruce]

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

[Scout0098]

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. 

[Roderick Smith]

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

[herrmill]

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.





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