The two-stroke motor found on 75 percent of all boats and personal watercraft (jet skis), generate 1.1 billion pounds of hydrocarbons annually. These high emissions are attributed to the design inefficiency of the two-stroke motor, which has remained essentially unchanged since the 1940's.

Twenty-five percent of the fuel and oil required by conventional two-stroke marine engines is discharged directly into the water unburned. The EPA estimates that one hour of operation by a 70 hp two-stroke marine engine emits the same amount hydrocarbon pollution as driving a modern auto 5,000 miles. More alarming is the fact that most reservoirs allow motorized boating. 

There is an alternative. As a project in problem solving for MTSU, I retrofitted a 28 ft. pontoon boat with solar power. The boat utilizes the canopy area for the solar array, providing much needed shade and ample power. The boat cruises gracefully through the water at hull speed (between 7 and 9 mph). The motor produces no noise pollution and delivers the quiet power without harming the marine eco-system. The quiet cruising speed allows conversation and comfort not accustom to a conventional two-stroke motor. Without the blareof the gas engine, the enjoyment of the spectacle of nature is magnified 
by the ability to get surprisingly close to wildlife. 

Another fact that might be unknown is the cost of conversion is about the cost of a new marine engine. So the next time you decide to go boating, consider the choices available. You may chose to pump gas, oil, heat, and noise into the environment or it might be more enjoyable to take a low impact ride on the sun. For more information feel free to contact me at [email protected]