Solar-Powered Boat Travels Into France

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The last time I watched a True North solar-powered boat video, he was slowly moving on a journey of about 200 miles and on electricity from his boat’s solar panels. He constructed his own boat with rooftop solar and an electric motor for propulsion, an Epropulsion 6 kW. There are also batteries to store excess electricity for times when there is no sunlight or only a little and he needs to draw electricity from them. His vessel is large enough that he has plenty of space to have a laptop and cameras to make his videos. Additionally, there is a sleeping area and a place for food storage.

Of course, with a small electric motor and some solar panels and batteries, the vessel is not that speedy. It’s good for slow trips and he has traveled hundreds of miles all the way to France. That is, he has traveled running without the use of fossil fuels, and affordably, because he built his own boat. Boats made by conventional manufacturers typically are quite expensive. He makes the point that he is not a boat builder or a carpenter, just someone who is good with materials and tools.

Some people seem to be caught up in a limited mindset which traps them into believing or thinking if they want something they must buy it. He made his own, as do millions of DIYers who build their own homes, grow their food, make their own clothes, do their own repairs, and so on. (I just wrote an article about a lady in Portugal who built a comfortable, small house in Portugal for less than $2,300. She also grows some of her own food.)

One advantage, among many, of having an all-electric motor is how quiet it is. He glides in his boat with virtually no noise except the sound of water on the hull. Maybe there is also a very slight or slight whirring from the electric motor which is far quieter than a gas or diesel engine. With the electric motor, there are also no smelly, toxic fumes or smoke. No gassing up at a dock, no fuel spills, and no high cost of fossil fuel. Also, no fuel carbon emissions, so this boat is much more climate friendly. At one dock, they do find electric outlets and charge from shore power, which may not be from a clean, renewable source.

User Comments

“Every time I watch a video from You.. there is only one thought in my mind. FREEDOM ”

“This video, for me, was the most engaging and entertaining of all. I express this confidently after having watched most of his videos, if not all. I felt a real sense of adventure throughout. There were enough technical details to satisfy those of us who have fallen in love with the Helios 11 and the freedom of spirit it provides. We also got to see glimpses of small French towns and everyday life along the way. There was a really nice balance between tech, adventure, and the journey itself. I hope he continues with this format. Sometimes the technical side of the boat can become a bit much when, just outside, there are beautiful rolling hills, calm waters, wildlife, and the local people and culture worth soaking in. Thank you for such a wonderful video.”

His travel companion has a YouTube channel as well.