Solar power on the horizon

This planned solar powered electric boat is set to turn heads when it is launched at the Paris Boat Show, running from 5-14 December.

The team behind it claim the boat offers equal performance to that of a similar sized sailing boat and is capable of eight hours' continuous propulsion without the need to recharge.

They say: "The boat is perfect for day trips and picnics without noise, enjoying the peace and quiet and, all the while, protecting the environment."

On board there is a single cabin with double berth as well as a heads, exterior kitchen and cockpit large enough to cater for up to seven people.

Aequus say: "The boat is an alternative to the constraints of sailing boats (operation, wind conditions, crew knowledge...) and of motorboating (noise, pollution, fuel consumption...); the boat is equipped with an electric propulsion/drive and photo-voltaic solar panels."

The prototype is likely to be ready for early 2009 and the remainder of the year will be spent adjusting the boat and production process.

Motor Boat and Yachting , Motor Boat and Yachting, 4 December 2008