Patent ID: 7047902
Filing Date: 2006-05-23
Classification: B63B,B63H,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A solar-powered watercraft comprising: a craft body including a deck; at least one pontoon having a centerline of flotation, said pontoon being disposed in depending relation from said body and comprising first and second sides, a forward terminal end toward which said sides taper and intersect at a forward terminal edge oriented perpendicularly to said deck, an intermediate portion, and an aft terminal end toward which said sides taper and intersect at an aft terminal edge oriented perpendicularly to said deck; a canopy secured to said body and disposed above said deck, wherein said canopy includes means for receiving solar radiation; at least one battery pack for powering said watercraft, wherein said pack is secured to said pontoon; and means for transferring energy from the solar reception means to the battery pack; wherein the canopy further comprises a headliner disposed substantially parallel to and in vertically spaced relation from the solar reception means to define a ventilation space between the solar reception means and the headliner, and wherein the canopy further includes means for flowing air through the ventilation space comprising a fan connected in circuit to a photocell.