If so, you absolutely need to talk to the folks at Independence Green Yachts. They are now selling the Independence 60, which relies on sun and water alone for all of its power requirements. With 60' to play with and only three staterooms, this boat boasts luxury. And yet, you don't have to feel guilty about the conspicuous consumption. Here's why.
The Independence 60 is made of recycled aluminum and is designed to use NO fossil fuel and emit NO harmful emissions. It uses solar energy, a fuel cell and high-tech hydrogen storage to achieve its power generation requirements and, in fact, can cruise at long-range cruise speed on solar ALONE. That's heady stuff but from what I've seen here at the Miami Boat Show, it can be done relatively easly.
The Independence 60 is designed to provide efficient cruising speed -- approximately 8 knots -- on solar power alone providing electricity to the electric motors. Top speed, augmented by electricity stored in the battery banks, is estimated at 13 knots. The fuel cell generates electricity by separating hydrogen and oxygen through electrolisis. It then stores the hydrogen in metal hydride wich will hold onto the hydrogen until it is needed again.
The electricity drives two azimuthing drive pods which will give the boat tremendous maneuverability. I mentioned that the hull and superstructure are made of recycled aluminum. Well, the entire boat is constructed to that the aluminum can all be recycled. Pretty cool boat that will be coming down the ways shortly
INDEPENDENCE GREEN YACHTSArtist's Conception of new Independence 60 Green YachtÂ
