The goal of the SBP (Solar Boat Project) is to produce a cost effective retrofit of a large boat with alternative power while maintaining functionality and not compromising recreational enjoyment value of the boat.

The goal of this project is to demonstrate through this retrofit my ability to integrate power and motion controls into a viable and successful project.

Description

The project will consist of retro fitting a 28ft. pontoon boat with an alternative power source.  The current method of propulsion is 50hp mercury 2-stroke outboard motor.  This 2-stroke motor dumps a large amount of unspent fuel and oil as well as heat and noise into the water. To maintain the integrity of the water and ecosystem in which this boat operates, I have chosen to replace this 2-stroke motor with a solar electric drive system.  The system I will design will maintain comparable range and speed aspects as well as address the environmental issue positively.

The budget for this retrofit will be comparable to the replacement of the drive system with a new