Solar Boat
Jorma Ponkala
Aurinokvene, Solar Boat, model,
125 x 40 x 28, 1997.
(Photo courtesy of the Rauma Art Museum)
In the Rauma exhibition, Jorma Ponkala's solar boat, which is
under construction, was presented as a model. The boat's
materials compose a layered structure in which injected
polystyrene foam is used as core material. Interior and
exterior surfaces are made of fiberglass and epoxy. Because of
the materials and structure, the boat is unsinkable. It has
excellent stability and is nearly self-righting.
When the boat is ready, solar panels will produce sufficient
energy for all needs, including cooking. No fossil fuels are
needed. Wind power can be utilized with through its kite sail.
In optimum circumstances, its solar power in Finland is
sufficient for 100 km in 24 hours.
Length: 7.75 m. Width: 2.35 m. Depth: 0.25. Weight: less than
900 kg. Electric outboard motor: 1000 W. Cruising speed: 5
knots. Towing power: 340 W. Solar panels: 10 80 W and 8 50
W Solar Wind, Muurla. Battery energy per charge: sufficient
for 200 km. (Jorma Ponkala, Ylkylūntie 32, 25610 Ylnkylū,
Finland)
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