Does anyone know where I can get a free boat to Convert to a solar powered boat?

Question

Preferably Something bigger than a tinnie as it is supposed to be a commercial prototype. Have to make the prototype before I can get funding.

Answer 1

Free boats?  you mean one that floats and everything?   Good luck.  

Maybe start with a john boat or canoe or kayak and work out the bugs?

Answer 2

Well, I have no idea of how "tiny" you are talking about... except that since you are looking for a "free" one... it must be large enough to hold a person or two... So... based on this...

Honestly... you could probably find a free boat if you look hard and long enough... However... if you are going to take on such a project, might I suggest:

Forget the shortcuts... adapting an existing boat might seem the easiest and simpliest... but it won't be, and it certainly will not be the best or the greatest... A "free" boat is going to be a "heavy" boat... I can guarantee you that.

The key elements to solar power are tied very closely to the three key elements of motion... (weight, force, motion).  I would suggest instead of wasting your time looking for a "free boat" that you build one yourself...

Believe me, the little it will cost you to build yourself, will ad tremendous advantages to your "something bigger than tiny prototype".

Today, high technology has also revolutionized the boat building industry... wonderful high tech boat resins, epoxies, and fabrics are making it easier, better, stronger, lighter, faster, and even making it all "last longer".

In fact, the fastest, cleanest, slickest, most economical and best looking solar boats I have seen have been "home built".  I don't know how much you know about solar power - so, hear again, I have to make a few assumptions - one assumption I am making is based on your mention of a "commercial" prototype... (somehow that... and "tiny" don't seem to conjugate) the big problem with solor power has been in the space, size, weight, and cost of "batteries"... on my boat, I have 4 banks of 4 batteries for auxilaries and 1 bank of 2 or engine start... that alone is almost 2,000 lbs of 12v marine batteries; and this gives me the ability to run mimimal lights and equipment, and laptops (one used at the helm for GPS navigation, cameras, etc. one used for satallite radio and TV, music system etc. and this one I use for internet, email, etc.  and still, I can only operate these items about 30 hours with little or no sun... then I have to start up the generator to recharge everything... a motor of any kind, attached to a prop of any kind - will draw at least 10 times the amp hours...   So, you will need substantial "tiny" space just for batteries, not to mention additional bouyancy for battery weight.

At any rate I suggest you look into building your own.

Hope this helps!