Jack Sullivan / Island Institute
Pendleton Yacht Yard's Take Charge
July 28, 2023
A Maine boatyard has an electric boat it says could energize the working waterfront
Jack Sullivan / Island Institute
The vessel Take Charge is powered by a 40-horsepower Flux Marine electric outboard, and charged with solar power. While the boat is in use, data is gathered using a “baseline usage device” to help inform improvements in future electric-boat hull design.
An Islesboro boatyard has unveiled a fully electric boat that it says could have implications for Maine’s working waterfront.
Pendleton Yacht Yard teamed up with the Rockland-based Island Institute to show the features of the e-boat, appropriately named Take Charge.
The owner of the boatyard, Gabe Pendleton, gave a demonstration of Take Charge Thursday in Rockland Harbor.
“We’re just beginning to appreciate the benefits of electric propulsion and look forward to sharing what we learn from this demonstration project with other businesses in the midcoast,” Pendleton said in a release from the nonprofit Island Institute.
Take Charge is powered by a 40-horsepower Flux Marine electric outboard, and charged with solar power. While the boat is in use, data will be gathered using a “baseline usage device” to help inform improvements in future electric boat hull design.
The boatyard uses the boat for service calls, moving marine equipment and materials and other duties.
As part of its partnership with the Island Institute, the Pendleton Yacht Yard will host sea trials for other businesses and individuals interested in electric propulsion, “offering first hand experience with this emerging technology,” the Island Institute said.
The Island Institute, which is helping Maine islands and coastal communities adapt to climate changes, sees e-boats as one solution.
Courtesy / Nicole Wolf
Kimberly Hamilton, president of the Island Institute
“We have a vision for a fully electric working waterfront in Maine,” said Kimberly A. Hamilton, president of the Island Institute. “It’s right for the environment and right for business resilience. This partnership with Pendleton Yacht Yard, and others in the works, are important steps in moving our state towards its climate goals — seeing is believing.”
Electric outboard motors offer benefits that include significantly reduced Co2 emissions (even when charged with non-renewable energy sources), less water pollution, more predictable operating costs and quiet operation, the nonprofit said.
In addition to funding the partnership with Pendleton, the Island Institute’s Center for the Marine Economy is working to advance the electrification of Maine’s working coast including creation of an introductory course on electric boats, working with Maine Community College System and Mid-Coast School of Technology. It is also addressing possible solar energy installations at wharves and docks, as part of an effort to build up charging infrastructure on Maine’s coast.
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