BRIGHT SPARKS

Chris Fower, from Fischer Panda UK, looks at the benefits of converting to electric propulsion

The vision of a languid, peaceful cruise along a tree-lined waterway, communing with nature, lulled only by the sound of bird song and the gentle ripple of the water, is one that will have attracted many to life or holiday on board. The harsh reality is that this idyllic trip down a canal or river is more likely to include the smell, noise, and emissions of a diesel engine, with the corresponding impact on the environment, fuel costs and system wear and tear, which may take the gloss off the picture. However, today, with new advancements in technology and the development of electric drive systems perfectly suited to inland waterways craft, more owners are realizing that hassle-free electric propulsion and plentiful electrical power is a valid aspiration, rather than a pipe dream out of their reach. System manufacturers and suppliers are offering a range of systems to suit different requirements, with the certainty that electric drive will be the preferred solution for many more canal boats and similar vessels in the years ahead as the move to alternatives to traditional petrol or diesel drive systems accelerates in all sectors.

At Fischer Panda UK, we have been customizing and fitting electric drive systems on a range of different boats for several years, answering demand from owners looking for the most viable eco-friendly, cost-effective and low maintenance systems on the market. A large portion of these inquiries relates to inland waterways craft, as ideal applications for electric drive systems due to the low cruising speed. Electric power, usually generated by a hybrid system combining different technologies, can provide all the power needed for cruising and onboard appliances – fridge, oven, washer/dryer, heaters, and so on – greatly improving safety and convenience.