3 ms·
Most sea going sailboats, and many others, are perfectly capable of sailing around the world, without any fuel. Solar panels are only needed to charge batteries
by pomian 5y ago
Most sea going sailboats, and many others, are perfectly capable of sailing around the world, without any fuel. Solar panels are only needed to charge batteries, that are only needed if you want the extras: GPS, radio, other communications. 2 panels and 2 batteries are good enough for most boats, for 1 to 4 persons, traveling for anywhere around 1-2 months across the seas. The limitations are water, and food storage. The solar and batteries are good for years, easily up to 5 years. Humans need other things though. It's not the boats or the technology its the price that limits. (You can buy an ocean cruising bust for 20k USD, easy.) But, it is a life style commitment!
- zapdrive 5y agoFood can be stored longer by refrigeration, which requires power. Similarly water can be desalinated, which again requires power. Solar & batteries can help with both of these.
- jacquesm 5y agoOn a typical sailboat space is very much at a premium, even de-hydrated foods occupy quite a bit of room.
- jacquesm 5y agoThat's the entry fee. And then the real cost starts to roll in. There is a reason so many Youtube channels and Patreon accounts are being used to fund otherwise unviable life-styles of people sailing full time.