A True North video shows a homemade solar electric boat traveling close to 200 miles using only electricity. The boat runs on rooftop solar panels connected to an electric motor rated at 6 kW from ePropulsion. Onboard batteries store excess energy for cloudy periods and nighttime travel.
The boat includes enough interior space for long trips. There is room for a laptop, cameras, food storage, and a sleeping area. This setup allows the creator to document the journey while living on the boat for extended periods.
Speed is not the focus. The small electric motor supports steady, slow movement suited for long-distance travel. The boat has already completed trips covering hundreds of miles, including a route to France. The entire journey operates without fossil fuel use. Costs stay low because the builder constructed the boat himself rather than buying a factory-built model.
The builder states he is not a professional boat maker or carpenter. He relies on basic skills, common tools, and practical problem-solving. This approach reflects a wider DIY mindset. Many people build their homes, grow food, repair equipment, and reduce costs by making things themselves instead of buying finished products.
Electric propulsion offers clear advantages on the water. The motor runs quietly, with sound limited to water movement along the hull. There are no exhaust fumes, fuel smells, or smoke. Dockside fueling is unnecessary. Fuel spills are eliminated. Operating costs remain low due to solar charging. Carbon emissions from operation are zero.
In some locations, the boat connects to shore power using dockside outlets. This electricity does not always come from renewable sources, yet overall energy use remains far cleaner than conventional gas or diesel-powered boats.
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