The main competitor in an outboard propulsion unit is a 2-stroke motor.  These motors generate a high power to weight ratio.  The main drawback is they are environmentally unsound.  The 2-stroke out board produces a large amount of noise and injects the water with unspent petroleum products.  The typical cost of the size motor is from $5,000 to $12,000 depending on the manufacturer.

The strength of the solar powered electric boat is not only in regards to the environmental aspects. Although it is hard to overlook the fact that the solar power unit injects no by products into the water, it is desirable to have a limitless power supply such as solar energy quietly powering the boat. 

Technology

The drive train of the SPB (Solar Powered Boat) will consist of a Series Wound Advanced DC motor, PWM, battery bank, solar cells, micro-controller, and metering devices.  These devices will be chosen for relative simplicity and low cost. Safety issues will not be compromised.  The key of this project will be the integration of the devices chosen and their utilization.  Mechanical design, electrical design and electronic design aspects will be addressed and discussed.