Guided tour of 'Thames Solar 10'

The latest fully electric solar powered widebeam boat produced by Thames Solar Electric Ltd. 'Thames Solar 10' is indeed the tenth canal boat from the only boatbuilder in the UK currently building diesel-free liveaboards. This latest 60' x 12'6" model is packed with eco solutions - many of which are unique to Thames Solar Electric - and offer boaters nifty solutions for a greener, more sustainable life onboard. For more information and pricing contact [e-mail]

[@airsoftworldltd6846]

Excellent progress and very sensible additions to your latest model. Well done, it’s the canal boat other builders should be taking note of! :)

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Thanks so much

[@llahneb10]

Awesome stuff! For some reason it’s only available in 90s era 360p… 🤔

[@goproracertv]

We’ve been very interested in buying one of your wide beams for sometime now… 2 years until we retire so we’ve got some time to continue to study your latest boat…. Would be great to see one of your boats used as a Vlog to watch it perform in the real world

[@niklar55]

😊👍 Lots of thought gone into this system. Excellent result! Perhaps the next thing you should investigate, is a three tank septic system. The additional third tank is an aerobic filter, that removes all contaminants so that the effluent could be discharged into the canal/river. A three cubic meter version only needs emptying once per ten years! Saves a lot of hassle compared to any other system. .

[@colinturner4158]

Another level quality throughout this is definitely the way forward

[@bettyboohadapoo]

Clever and thoughtful build, you really have improved over these couple of years. It really is a pleasure to watch Sunflower unfold each season with brighter ideas and solutions. Well done to the entire team.

[@Ken-gg5kz]

Amazing boat, would love to own it.

[@cjevans6365]

Liked the first one, but like this even more. Great work.

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Thank you

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Thanks Ken

[@niklar55]

Another thought; It might be a possibility to add some reflectors to reflect winter sunlight onto the solar panels. These could be of the form of inverted, reflective roller blinds on the edge of the roof. Maybe supported by gas springs, or struts, stored horizontally, but with the lower connection on a rail that would slide horizontally. For me, as a retired engineer, one anomaly is the two electric motors driving one propellor shaft! When the change from horses to engines was made, the integrity of the hull was compromised, by making a hole in it for the shaft. In addition, on many boats, the shaft needs frequent maintenance. My immediate thought was, that if you used waterproof electric motors on the outside of the hull, then there would be no need for a shaft Thereby restoring the integrity of the hull, and removing the need for frequent maintenance. I did some searches, (about 2 hours) and found three possible solutions. The first was called a ''pod'' and is the simplest, as it would just replace the rudder. A link below shows one version. It's available as a shrouded propellor version, which is more efficient than unshrouded, and in a range of different powers. The other two options may not appeal to you, as they are fixed into the hull, but I can give you links if you're interested. www.fischerpanda.co.uk/Pod_Motor_Electric-Fischer_Panda.html .

[@kenbearder8476]

very interesting

[@davidyoung701]

Absolutely beautiful boat

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Thank you so much

[@thewinterjones]

This is amazing! My favorite so far!

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Thanks Colin

[@MarkRose1337]

Beautiful boat!

[@aileensochon7500]

Fabulous. 👍👌☺️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 I could happily live on that

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Thanks

[@stu9409]

Well presented video of the future of inland boating.

[@artmartdc]

What a great modern boat.

[@shelleymurphy1966]

Nice boat!

[@DominicNSX]

The boat is amazing, heat pump, water maker, solar and electric drive! If the hull was of catamaran design it would need a fraction of the power to move, even at higher speeds!

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Thanks for your kind words and input . we actually have a solar powered tender that is cat shaped and indeed does go fast .

[@Kropikovo]

Taking the green part of the boat life to the next level! I have a hypothetical regarding the water management. Provided that the boat takes it's own water from the canal, can it also return it back, or at least some of it? E.g. The shower / bath. You can use bio neutral soaps and other products that are not harmful to the environment and water life in any way. Do you think that something like that would be doable, useful, responsible, environmentally OK to do? I imagine, not the washer, the dishwasher, the sink water. There are chemicals and oils etc. Thank you

[@mouseketeery]

That's what all canal boats do anyway - 'grey' water goes into the canal/river, only the 'black' water tank (if you have one) gets pumped out at a facility for the purpose. Eco-friendly soaps etc have to be used.

[@fenc666]

Wow I want to live in that, and I live in the city! I would live in that if it would be in the city on the top of a building also! Amazing!

[@AT-ld7kg]

the interior design is very well cared for, denoting a substantial evolutionary improvement of the product. pity it's 12'6 '' and can't go to all channels

[@colinturner4158]

Fantastic boat

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Many thanks

[@lisadefries6718]

Brilliant boat. Thanks for showing us around. Not sure about idea of taking water out of rivers and canals to drink and putting through three filters plus uv . Idea doesn’t appeal. Maybe not a scientific response but given how dirty rivers /canals are and level of pollution I would prefer water thats been treated in industrial grade tech and been checked frequently by water board/company. Boat looks beautiful and tech obviously works well especially in high Spring/Summer and Autumn. It’s the way forward and companies like yourself should feel proud of creating top class products for a New Age .😊 Did you consider possibility of having a log burner to keep boat warm in winter months? I realise thats not totally eco friendly but at least logs renewable and organic. Also was wondering if you considered incinerator toilets rather than separator toilets?

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Hi there , thanks for your interest . Yes our boats are completely custom and we are definitely interested in creating unique eco friendly boats . Please email us so we can have a chat about your ideas [e-mail]

[@katrinedalkin860]

stuning

[@ena303]

WOW 👌

[@MrCarlRobinson]

Excellent use of tech. One thing I wonder is how much extra engineering would be required to allow the solar panels to tilt when moored up? Raising them up can give 20-30% extra output when the angle is low. As an aside, what is the cost of this new model please?

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Thanks for your compliments. Yes the panels could be tilted for additional winter energy . And would cost about £5 k

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Please can I refer you to our website

[@MrCarlRobinson]

Excellent thanks, I’ll look at the site.

[@wendyharbon7290]

Afew questions for you, about your latest electric wide beam boat. Question One; How much bigger could the stern electric battery energy pack be? Also could you have a second bow electric battery energy pack too, plus how large could this be too? Question Two; with regards the number of solar electric panels, could you have extra solar electric panels, mounted on the both sides of the cabin superstructure? Maybe mounted on adjustable hignes, which opens outwards and upwards, so they can be angled towards the sunlight. From vertically down position, to angled at 30 degrees, or 45 degrees or 60 degrees, or 75 degrees and/or 90 degrees, upto fully horizontally. Maybe even angled to 105 degrees and/or 120 degrees, to help generate extra electrical power to recharge the battery energy packs too? Though could a LPG or Diesel Electric backup generator be installed, with 150-litres to 200-litres feul tank fitted? To recharge the battery energy packs, if the solar panels cannot due to bad weather etc? Question Three; could small sailing yachts near silent low profile Vertical Axis Wind Turbine's (VAWT's) 0.5 to 1 Kilowatt generator systems, maybe two to four of these being installed on the electric wide beam boat? To generate extra recharging electrical power, either though the night, or on very dull and cloudy days! Whether one bow "VAWT" 0.5 to 1 killowatt generator system, mounted on a hinged fold down and telescopic pole, with detachable support stainless steel strong wires when deployed for use too? Similarly one stern "VAWT" 0.5 to 1 killowatt generator system, again mounted on a hinged folddown and telescopic pole, with again detechable support stainless steel strong wires when deployed for use too? Lastly installing one or two of these "VAWT" 0.5 to 1 killowatt generator systems, on the centreline of the cabin roof too? Question Four; Could your electric wide beam boat, also be fitted with a dual purpose electric motors come electric generators, with a stern dual purpose ducted propellor come water turbine generator system too? In other words when the wide beam is moored on a river or canal, or at anchor in a tidal estuary. With either a slow to fast current flowing, the dual purpose ducted propellor come water turbine, can be set to produce electrical regeneration power? If this is not possible, then could an over the side plug-in deployed underwater electric 0.5 to 1 killowatt turbine generator system? Which is mounted on the end, of a hinged telescopic pole, which in turn could be either mounted on either side of the bow or on either side of the stern of the wide beam boat too? Or a couple could be mounted along the wide beam boat's starboard and port sides of the hull too? Which could be deployed both when the wide beam boat is moored on a canal, or river or on an estuary with a slow or fast flowing current. Or even deployed over the hull sides, or bow and/or stern even. When the wide beam boat is underway, using its own electric motors, driving the main single drive shift and propellor too. With maybe one or two of these deployable underwater electric turbines, mounted down the Port and Starboard hull sides? Equally with one or two of these deployable underwater electric turbines, either mounted on either side of the bow and/or either side of the stern too? So anywhere upto eight of these deployable underwater electric turbines, could be fitted to a electric wide beam boat, to generate extra electrical power to recharge onboard battery energy pack or packs. Question Five; can one of your electric wide beam boat's, fitted with a combination remote operated folding steps wheelchair lift system. To give disabled wheelchair access, to both the stern deck and the bow foredeck too? Along with wider doorways for a wheelchair too, plus the entrance side hinged doorways and upward hinged opening hatch, can be remote operated and powered too? Question Six; along with can the internal passageway, be wide enough for wheelchair access. Equally the internal pocket door be widen, for wheelchair access into the bathroom and second bedroom too? Question Seven; could the bathroom enlarged for disabled access, plus Disability grab rails installed where necessary too, including a floor mounted fold down grab rail for the toilet too. Along with electric heated Body Hot Air Tower Body Dryer system, fitted into the bathroom. As well as an remote operated powered overhead body lifting hoist system, with support posts in the corners of the bathroom, holding up overhead track rails that carry the body lifting hoist unit too? Question Eight; with regards the second bedroom, could this be modified, to have a 'U' or 'L' shape deck installed with one or two seating or wheelchair positions, plus draws and cupboards to underneath too? Though with a remote operated powered lowing single or small double bed, that can be lowered down from the ceiling. To convert the office come sewing room, into a guest bedroom if needed? Along with can both bedrooms, have extra wall mounted overhead cupboards fitted? Equally wall mounted overhead cupboards fitted in the galley kitchen and lounge saloon area too? Question Nine; what actually size can you build your electric wide beam boat's, both widths and length too. 10ft or 10ft 6 inch wide, or 11 or 11ft 6 inch wide, or 12 ft or 12ft 6 inch wide, wide or 13 feet wide? Or 59 ft long, or 65ft long or 69ft long, or 75ft long? Question Ten; Can a wood chip burning Rayburn Aga style cooker boiler, be installed? For both cooking and heating, plus heating the underfloor heating system. As well as heating water in an Hot Water Tank, if one can be installed if possible too? If an Hot Water Tank can be installed, can this be also heated by Solar Hot Water Panels too? Also do not your electric wide beam boat's, have or can have a rainwater capture and recycling system plus rainwater storage tank too. Could this be linked to the Drinkwater Purification Filter System, as well as drawing water from a river or canal too? We are interest in a wide beam live aboard cruising boat, that can be used on both inland waterways, rivers, canals and estuary plus lakes. Though that can cruise along the coastline between river estuary too, maybe cross the English Channel in good weather and sea conditions too. Especially if the wide beam boat, was built with high raised enclose bulwark bow design, equally in the hight of the cabin superstructure, but with side hinged access hatchways in the bulwark too? With the stern deck, equally having high raised enclose bulwark design, again with hinged access hatchways too? Maybe with a bow helm position, as well as a stern helm position, with full navigation, propulsion, bow and stern side thrusters controls, plus communication, radar, sonar and FLIRS sensor as well as navigation lights too? To then cruise along European inland waterways, rivers and canals too. Are your electric wide beam, upto this?

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Please email or call [e-mail]

[@kathleenlench4087]

Very nice

[@lb1839]

What a great boat! My only problem is that I can't afford all of those batteries lol ... Do you think a fraction of your solar storage would keep a smaller boat going during the winter months for both hot water and electricity? I can't afford electric motors so I will install a diesel engine, but would like to use as much renewable energy as possible. (Looking to build a 50 x 9ft)

[@jakechapman3465]

Fantastic Stuff , v. Cool and Great new Updates! (Not been in UK for a bit,) .. but I guess you've changed to water collection , from rain collection because it's not enough rain? Super idea! Is the flooring wood? Can you use a hessian flooring on the heated floor?

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Hi Jake ,thanks for your kind words . the reason for the water treatment as apposed to collection is exactly that . there is water all around you. . yes Im sure you could use a hessian floor over the underfloor heating .

[@markdanziger2302]

Does this boat have the rainwater catchment system like SunFlower? Very self-sufficient. Wish you made a boat available in the USA.

[@davidfisher7541]

How long will those batteries last.and how much to replace them great vlog

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Thank David for your interest they would lat between 10 and 20 years depending on use . the cost od replacement like for like would be £12000 . hope that helps

[@sleep_gaminglife]

Absolutely brilliant. I can see why @fullychargeshow featured your business.

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Thanks so much , the work that Robert and his team do is truly inspiring

[@ileanaendom]

Do you have a back up generator? Can you incorporate gas for cooking?

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

We don’t but it could easily be added on . And yes could use has for cooking if preferred

[@martindenz7750]

Nice boat! Could be more efficient by use of LiFeP Batteries ( Last longer, double useable capacity, less space and Wright) and direct drive motor with frequency regulation like modern E-Cars are using. Belt Drive is not efficient and has more maintanance, als lead acid batteries need maintanance.

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Hi Martin , thanks for your feedback . We have gone with lead acid , mostly due to the cost . A bank of this size would cost around 30k more . Also size and wait isn an issue on boat that requires ballast to keep her stable in the water . Our batteries aren’t to be confused with a “ deep cycle “ marine battery . They are industrial traction cells designed to go down to 20 % depth of charge and have an auto watering system . Our belt drive system altho very slightly less efficient gives us the option of changing pulley options to find the perfect sweet spot between torque and prop size . Also one negative about electric motors is when the prop get clogged with weed they don’t just stall . They just keep increasing power which would over heat a motor . Our belt drive system eventually jumps on the pulleys when the prop is fouled . Hope this makes sense Regards Ryan

[@nodoboho]

Brilliant! So many clever and thoughtful features.... Any chance a similar, but considerably less expensive, design could be done as a 35'-40'? And brought over to the U.S.? (I'm thinking it might even fit inside a standard High-Cube cargo container, although the weight might be a problem. Would Tesla batteries make any sense? (I don't know if they'd be any lighter or more efficient or cheaper, but they'd probably be easily available in large (coastal) cities in the U.S., so they could be fitted after the boat arrived...?) I'm in the Seattle area and want something to live on, moor at a dock/marina most of the time, but cruise the lakes/"canals"/"cut"/"river" (between major lakes) and perhaps take across the sound over to the islands or even up the coast to Vancouver, BC! Any thought on whether this seems feasible with your electric widebeam?

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Hi Nobu , thanks for your kind words . my initial reaction is it would be cost prohibitive to build here and send a small boat there . another problem is the size of the boat unfortunately doesn't impact the price as mush as you would think . a smaller boat would have all the same systems in it just with less space to put it all in. sorry we can't be of more help .

[@nodoboho]

@@thamessolarelectric3662 I understand, but I was thinking that maybe if it was somewhat unfinished inside...electric and plumbing, but no kitchen, no living room...that might cut the _initial_ cost? Then I could fit it out myself when able. (I wasn't thinking of cutting the size to save on the construction, I was thinking about the ongoing marina cost--they charge according to length if you're in a slip! And there are more slips available than outside end-of-pier spots) Do you know what the shipping cost might be to the U.S. West Coast? Or have a suggestion of how I might find out? Also, could any of your boats handle a coastal cruise do you think? I really am keen on your boats!

[@tubbyninja8469]

Is that lead acid batteries?

[@markjones1337]

Hi, how long will the battery bank last? My 24 year old diesel engine is still good. Thanks in advance

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Between 10 and 20 years depending on use , the advantage is no diesel/ Carbon

[@DenisSivickiy]

Шикарная лодка, жаль, что в России такие не делают

[@alexstone779]

Very nice boat. How much headroom?

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Thank you, it’s 2.1m in the centre

[@alexstone779]

@@thamessolarelectric3662 Ok, thanks.

[@savu3420]

how much cost this boat?

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

She is £220,000

[@laurents4675]

What is the price of that boat as is?

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Hi Laurent , the price was £240k but that one has been sold . please see our website for price lists of boats to various sizes

[@mohamedlitim8503]

A

[@highlandrenovationsltd4541]

needs a spray of hairspray on that motor belt stop it squeeking#

[@adel3529]

Why is everything just one colour 'grey'. The person who has done the interior is very limited. There are so many options you could have chosen. Just one monotone grey.. very dull

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Hi Adel , thanks for your input . I think it's just a matter of personal choice . We get a lot requests for our minimalist style . Saying that we are bespoke boat builders who will build to clients taste .

[@margaretpijnaker9922]

Why you spend so much and do not have a dunning room ,

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

We make them bespoke , you can have the whole boat a dinning room if you wish

[@TheAmillo]

Keep saying "again". Like he already have explained us once. Just plain dumb

[@thamessolarelectric3662]

Apoligies Amillo , its probably because its our 10th boat and they are all similar

[@beazleteats4031]

Hello. Again, a beautifully built boat but unfortunately falls flat in terms of the interior design...you really need to find a good designer for your interiors...with so many options available for modular furniture that easily converts into various other forms, your sitting room table is a bit last century. Colour scheme in the living area is drab to say the least. Your boats would be stunning if only you'd apply good interior designing, and on a boat this size there should be ample room for a compact dining room table & chairs.

[@gordgooding1558]

I believe they understand that and are applying their skills and resources (time and capital) where they have a value added difference and allowing you personalize the boat as you see fit. People spending a 1/4 of a million pounds and upwards on a nee wave boat certainly can afford som ID help and likely have their own tastes. I think they have taken the wise path.

[@berneface2622]

『p』『r』『o』『m』『o』『s』『m』 ✨