Solar/hybrid/wind powered boats for marine park guards?

[Heather Spence]

Through my work with the National Parks protected areas in Mexico, I have encountered a ridiculous situation. Often, the park guards are prevented from going out to monitor the protected areas, and I and the other researchers are prevented from visiting our investigation sites, because the office doesn't have gasoline for the motor boats. And yet, inevitably, the sun is beating down, the wind is blowing... it seems to me that there must be an alternative.

When I brought this up at the office, I got a few words of encouragement, and some guffaws of skepticism. I looked up some different boat companies, but the options I've found seem mostly recreational, slow boats, and I know this won't fly. The boats used by the park guards need to be fast, versatile, and cheaply bought or preferably donated (good exposure!).

I feel that there IS a solution out there though. And what's more, not only would this help the park to continue its work, and reduce contamination, it would also reduce the all important yet often overlooked issue of noise pollution!

So please, any insights are very much welcomed!

[Marc Rhodes]

There are several solar powered boats on the market but they are slow and limited in travel to daytime and short distances under battery power. Biofuel powered boats give you power, speed and distance however you would have to locate a source of biofuel such as used cooking oils or virgin oils and process them.

The biodiesel powered boats are reasonably priced (for boats) and the solar ones are very expensive.

[EcoPanas]

Hi Heather! We at EcoPanas.com have realized how difficult is for the Latin American world to keep our part of the planet save from the climate crisis. I believe Marc’s suggestions are good to be considered, another idea will be to promote events to raise money, so your organization can keep up the good work.

Also, consider the Sea Doo line of watercraft; they meet the extremely strict CARB 3-Star requirements for ultra low emissions – not sure how costly they are and if they meet your needs.

Hope this helps!