Hybrid Speedboat!
Good news for all Green boating aficionados: the first hybrid speedboat was on display over the weekend in San Francisco Bay.
Green technology came to the blue waters of San Francisco Bay on Friday, when what the manufacturer calls the world’s first hybrid recreational boat was introduced to two of California’s top resource officers.
The super-fast, super-sleek 25-foot speedboat uses a combination of electric and diesel engines to produce a low-emission vessel that should warm the hearts of the greenest motorboat sailor.
The interesting facet to consider is that motorized boats create pollution a little differently than cars. And the switch to a low emission engine could be a boon. But the hybrid technology sounds as though it works much like a Prius or other hybrid auto.
The hybrid solves the problem by starting and running in the harbor under electric power. The demonstration boat’s electric motor was so quiet Friday that no one could hear it.
There are two ways to consider this news. Fortunately, correcting air pollution for any vehicle is a positive. And breaking into a new market helps to bring some much needed PR to hybrid technology.
Unfortunately, large-scale boats, such as ferries, tugboats and container ships use old-fashioned diesels. And pollute both air and water and an alarming rate.
For now, we can see this as a great step forward. But until the big boats move to alternative drive systems, we’re looking at a small rather than large-scale win.
