Access Grant Helps Launch Solar-Powered Boat for Education and Tours

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 05/21/2019 09:14 AM EDT
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Hudson RiverNet
News from the Hudson River Estuary Program

people stand on a dock next to a new solar-powered boatThe Hudson River Maritime Museum recently launched a completely solar-powered 44-foot tour boat named the Solaris. Built by the museum's restoration crew in the Riverport Wooden Boat School under the direction of Jim Kricker, the vessel is the only all-solar powered commercial boat in operation on the Hudson River. In fact, the Solaris is the first-in-the-nation completely solar-powered vessel certified and inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard for passenger service. This unique vessel can travel up to 50 miles at night without the use of her solar panels which are so efficient that even on cloudy days, they continue to power the batteries.

The Solaris was partially funded through DEC's Hudson River Estuary Grant Program which administers annual competitive grants to help communities in the Hudson River Estuary design create new and expanded recreation opportunities for people of all abilities. Additional support came from Scenic Hudson and Sustainable Energy Corporation.  

The boat accommodates up to 25 passengers and will allow the Hudson River Maritime Museum to expand water-based tour offerings, including lighthouse tours and school field trips.