Electric Philosophy is a solar electric catamaran designed for comfortable, extended self-sufficient cruising by a couple and one or 2 guests. The concept for Electric Philosophy grew out of the owners’ use of solar electric power on their Airstream travel trailer, and visits to the Wooden Boat Festival where the idea of independent solar-powered propulsion on a boat was presented as a possibility.
Electric Philosophy is a custom design and built by Devlin Designing Boatbuilders, in collaboration with the owner, Ed Pauley, who designed and built the solar electric propulsion system. The construction is traditional Devlin stitch and glue wood/epoxy while the catamaran boat form was driven by the requirements for a large solar array and large battery banks. After a year and a half of construction, it was launched in July 2021 and began extended coastal cruising in the Pacific Northwest. As of June 2022, it has traveled over 1500 nm in Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. Future plans include British Columbia and the Inside Passage to Alaska. Typical travel speed in calm conditions is 5-6 kts, max is 8.5 kts. It is designed for continuous use without shore charging because all power needs are supplied by solar charging the large battery banks. Without any solar input (due to weather or darkness), it is capable of 2-3 days of travel on battery capacity alone.
The need for a large unobscured roof for solar panels (9500W array) drove the catamaran size and shape and placement of the radar pylon. The hulls are dedicated to the four independent Lithium Iron Phosphate battery banks (two 24V banks for house needs, two 48V banks for propulsion) and twin electric motors. The hulls also provide ample room for large fresh water and holding tanks. Propulsion is provided by 20kW motors in each hull. All living accommodations are on deck level, with a queen master berth, convertible queen dinette, electric galley, and separate head and shower. The solar roof provides covered walkways and cockpit area.