My Boat

Why electric.

When I bought Solana, she was powered with a 25 hp atomic 4. This motor ran great for the first couple years, but I knew it was a matter of time until before it would need to be replaced, it was incredibly rusted and I couldn’t change half the spark plugs. One day, while motoring back to the dock I hear a little pop and one of the spark plugs shot out of the engine, it had rusted in half.

The decision was now to replace with gas, diesel, of something else. I am very concerned about the environment, which is a subject that we kept revisiting during the re-powering decision. I researched the subject and studied by options, not to mention have countless conversation with my dad, who has worked on electric folk-lift trucks for over 30 years.

The conversation was difficult, mostly because it was so hard to find information about electric and the negative stereotypes people have when you talk to them about it.

In early 2008, I finally made my decision; I bought an electric motor assembly from electric yachts. There were just starting up and were extremely helpful. As soon as I installed the motor I realized I made the right choice. The motor was easy to install, it only took a couple days, and a helping hand.

Since the first time I took the boat out I have bee happy with the new motor. It is quiet, and reliable. It has helped me avoid a collision or two while sailing on crowded lake union.

Solana