I Wondered When We'd See These...

[RAN]

The first gas-electric hybrid boats.....

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/03/18/craigcat-gas-electric-hybrid-boat-runs-for-eight-hours-per-gallo/


...can run 8 hours on a gallon of gas...

...and have electric drives, so they don't pollute the water...

...and they even have a solar electric model.

NICE!

[rogwild]

RAN, I've been looking at the CraigCats for some time; even visited the Showroom in Orlando last year. It is the reason that I suggested that the V~1 trailer hitch be rated to pull 500lbs (CraigCat is 490lbs). I have a friend that has one. The 30 hp 4-stroke really "FLYS the Water" and only used about 1 gal/hr. =y: Unfortunately, the 'hybrid' uses a trolling motor and even with the 'upgrade' to 55 lbs thrust, it is just a 'pokey' barge. =n: Now a 30hp WITH the hybrid system.......SPEED to your location...and CRUISE around ALL DAY...huuumm.:IDEA:

[RAN]

Dang, rog, I didn't realize the hybrid barely had a motor in it :o

Jeez, does the solar powered one move at all??

Still, it's a start.... and if they can get that much performance from 30hp, I'd consider getting one when I move closer to water again. :)

[cpaddock]

You guys have GOT to go to www.autobloggreen.com and check out the Running-Powered Jumpbike Tilting Trike Thing. Totaly emision free (except maybe a little methane) :) Hey, some engineering went into this thing!

[RAN]

hey cpaddock.... that's the 1st pasta-powered tilting trike :LOL:

[MVRacing]

That is way funny!!

[cpaddock]

The Mitsubishi IMIEV featured at www.autobloggreen.com has a very cool couple of videos which, although in Japanese, demonstrate the various concepts very effectively, making me wish V V would put out something of similar quality. I realize they need to have a full-featured prototype on the road, and soon, but an update of their current web site, of both information and presentation style would be a big confidence booster.

[Hardtime11]

RAN, I've been looking at the CraigCats for some time; even visited the Showroom in Orlando last year. It is the reason that I suggested that the V~1 trailer hitch be rated to pull 500lbs (CraigCat is 490lbs). I have a friend that has one. The 30 hp 4-stroke really "FLYS the Water" and only used about 1 gal/hr. =y: Unfortunately, the 'hybrid' uses a trolling motor and even with the 'upgrade' to 55 lbs thrust, it is just a 'pokey' barge. =n: Now a 30hp WITH the hybrid system.......SPEED to your location...and CRUISE around ALL DAY...huuumm.:IDEA:

I have actually taken an E-2 Elite with the 30hp for a good test drive with my wife and we loved it. It does scoot across the water very nicely and needs very little water to launch or retrieve. Could actually detach from the V1 and walk it into the water via the trailer on any beach. My wife even did it. I did it on the causeway outside of Tampa. I have met Craig at an RV Show.

That is also one of my reasons going for the Hitch. I could load a small aerodynamic cargo box (or make one) ontp the trailer and haul it for trips and go camping/fishing on. You know drop the trailer/boat at a site and then take the V1 to check out the area en route to finding an evening meal. The V1 will be three times the weight of the Craigcat so I see not issues with towing as long as the propulsion unit/drivetrain can handle it.

[Hardtime11]

By the way the Merc 30hp 4-Stroke is pretty quiet. We talked the whole time on our ride and near the mouth of Tampa Bay we were taking the 2-4' chop with ease. I even tried to tip it a couple times and it just squatted the turns and took off.

[johnhead]

http://images.kodakgallery.com/servlet/Images/photos2964/2/83/2/86/15/6/615860283207_0_BG.jpg?a=289

[cpaddock]

Over at www.autobloggreen.com there is an interesting piece about an Oakland-based
company called Electric Motorsport who is developing an electric motorcycle capable of 70 MPH and up to 60 ME on a 72V Lith. Ion battery system which is configurable via a laptop for racing or commuting. 60 Miles? Come on VV, I know you can do it! :)