Innovative Solar-Powered Boat Transforms Lake Tourism in Garda

It somewhat resembles those Chinese fishing boats with their characteristic roofs designed to shield the boat from the sun, as seen in the GARDAMARE of Pierangelo Giacomelli.

Indeed, it originally was a fiberglass fishing boat (from Gardone), which was later launched, refurbished, and adapted for its new purpose: renting to lakeside tourists.

Nothing unusual so far—there are hundreds of similar boats on the lake—except for the fact that the roof, which in Chinese boats is only used to block the sun, here has become a fuel tank, entirely covered with photovoltaic cells that recharge the batteries powering the electric motor.

Presentation and technical specifications

The vessel was launched for the first time yesterday in the waters in front of Porto Torchio in Manerba del Garda, precisely on what was the Sun Day, the international day dedicated to renewable energies.

This boat has batteries that provide an autonomy of eight hours without sunlight, which increases to 11/12 hours on a clear sky, with a maximum speed of 10 km/h and a power equivalent to 4.5 horsepower, all in complete silence and without the need for refueling.

Certainly a great idea, destined to grow, since this boat is the first in a series; it is a prototype. Another, already in development, will be larger, built in wood, equipped for night navigation, and will be presented at the upcoming Genoa Boat Show.

Future projects and goals

An adventure undertaken with great determination and persistence by Giacomelli since last November, which finally, after many attempts and adjustments, culminated in launching the vessel into the water.

This week, it will be tested and refined on the lake; then, starting next week, it will be available for rent to everyone at a promotional price.

The goal of all this is to demonstrate that on water—more than on land—electric vehicles can already serve as valid substitutes for traditional fossil-fuel-powered means, bringing advantages both for the waters and tourists.

Those on land can avoid unsightly oil stains and bad odors; those choosing to spend a day on the lake can do so with maximum freedom, as running out of power is practically impossible.