2 New DIY Solar Kayak and Solar Boat Designs

I inspired a couple of friends to build their own solar kayak (John) and a solar electric powered inflatable boat (Frank) after they saw my prototype design in previous videos. Their boats are much better than mine, so we're sharing this follow-up with lots of good ideas and some lessons learned. Here we test them on Bartlett Lake, AZ.
Here's a list of equipment they used:
Frank's Inflatable Boat:
-- KaBoat SKL385XL
-- 1 HP Light Electric Trolling Motor
-- 2 Bow Folding Bimini Top
-- Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels
-- Seating Frame for KaBoat
-- Freight for above items
-- 20 PSA Electric Pump
-- Battery Box & Connectors
-- LIFePO4 12V 100Ah Battery
-- Renology 200W flexible solar panel
-- 30A PWM LCD Solar Charge Controller
-- Lithium Battery Charger
-- Shrink tube, heat gun, registration plate
-- 3 x 10 astrotruf
-- Magnets with 6mm thread
-- Ferrule Kit, wire terminal kit, 50A inline fuse
-- Registration numbers
-- Double wire lock pin 5/16" X 3"
-- Heavy Duty lock Grip
-- safety pins 3/16 X 2
-- 2.3" Carabiners 20 pcs
-- Alex Tech 25' X 1/2" cord protector
John's Kayak:
-- Brooklyn Kayak model PK-12
-- ECO-WORTHY Flexible Solar Panel
-- ECO-WORTHY 30A Solar Charger
-- DJLBERMPW 12V 100Ah LiFePO4.
-- PWM Controller, Briidea DC 12-48V
-- HTRC 20-Amp Smart Battery Charger
-- WOHHOM 50A 12V-24V DC Circuit Breaker
-- Malone VersaRail™ Bare Roof Cross Rail System (50")
-- TMS Kayak Roof Racks for 2 Kayaks
-- RAD Sportz Kayak Trolley Kayak Cart with Pneumatic Tires 150 LB Capacity
Check out Simon's blog about Inukshuks:
simonburrow.co...
See my previous Solar Kayak videos:
• Solar Powered Kayak Pr...

[@SimonB35]

Great video Peter. Well done.

[@PetesNature]

Thanks SimonB35, Frank and John took their rigs to the next level, it was a fun day.

[@jonjonword6222]

Franks boat is sweet!

[@PetesNature]

We agree!

[@phillipvanrooyen3052]

Thanks for sharing your info. I have also experiment with solar powered boats since 2016.

[@PetesNature]

Thanks Phillip, I checked out your Orange River solar cruise video. I think a catamaran style boat is a great way to go solar!

[@jchestnuts]

Thanks for posting. I learned some things and will probably use what I learned.

[@PetesNature]

Glad it was helpful! We're heading out next week to do a follow-up test after making some improvements, so I'll be posting a follow-up with lessons learned. Stay tuned!

[@justaguyfromreddit]

Great video!

[@PetesNature]

Thanks!

[@PetesNature]

Hi all, here's a quick update before we head out for a 3 night expedition on Lake Mohave (Oct 2023). @PetesNature will be posting a follow-up video soon after showing changes/improvements we've made based on our testing, and offering any advice from lessons we've learned as we continue to explore solar kayak and solar boat technology -- subscribe and stay tuned if this is of interest to you.

[@zouzmadi3899]

I am using lithium 100AH with 12.6V and my trolling motor 55LB the battery discharge quick I am planing to add solar panel, it's possible to charge and use the battery in same time ? How many watts the solar shall be ? I am in middle east we have a lot sun light 😂 appreciate your reply

[@PetesNature]

Hi Zouz, yes, you can charge and run at the same time. I have a 115 W panel, which generates up to 6.5 Amps when positioned well, but I'm finding I can still burn through my 100 AH battery pretty fast if I run at full speed (I still haven't installed a PWM, which should increase my range). Frank's 200 W panel is better, but it's hard to find room for such a large panel on a kayak. The more panel the better, space allowing.

[@broekspijp41]

nice setups! Frank should watch out flapping that panel around like that or it will damage by bending too much, better stiffen it up with a frame or something.

[@PetesNature]

Thanks @broekspijp41, I'll pass this on to Frank. That seems to be one of the portable solar challenges -- go lighter weight and gain flexible, but give up some panel performance/longevity in the process -- or go heavier and give up the flexibility, but hopefully get better/longer panel performance.

[@lexicase8805]

Also that its Renogy not renology 😅

[@sandiahead]

No exhaust smell as another benefit.

[@PetesNature]

Yes, yet another great benefit.

[@Okiem.dyslektyka]

Hello, what's speed Frank boat?

[@PetesNature]

I'd estimate 5-6 mph -- we're heading out for some more adventures next week, so I'll get a proper speed measurement and let you know.