American Mark Isaacs has invented and put into production an inexpensive electric boat that can be carried on the roof of a car.
The SolarSkiff comes complete with a small Torqeedo Travel 1003 3hp motor and a removable lithium-ion battery pack. The engine and battery together weigh no more than 14 pounds. On one battery charge the boat can travel up to 32 kilometers at a maximum speed of 3 km/h. The battery can be recharged in 7 hours from a 120-volt outlet or from a 50-watt solar-powered charger which can be installed inside the boat.
The SolarSkiff case design is patented. It consists of polystyrene foam cells on a fiberglass reinforced mesh with acrylic coating.
SolarSkiff is manufactured by Betta Boats, a company created by Isaacs. SolarSkiff prototype was unveiled at this year's Miami Boat Show. The eight-foot boat model with a one-person seat is priced at $3500 ($4250 for the solar-powered version). The four-person boat will cost $5250 (solar panel included). Custom hulls up to 24 feet and fishing equipment are available.
