![Seeking DIY boat designs for a custom catamaran to explore Canadian inland waterways, [Phil]...](/en/img/2025/05/29/1669724/jpeg/4-3/1200/75/image-description.webp)
High-Tech Catamaran Navigates Canada's Inland Waters by Sea
In search of a DIY solution for an electric-powered catamaran to navigate Canada's inland waterways, [Phil] embarked on a project to modify existing plans. Unsatisfied with designs that lacked electric motor options, he adapted a popular one to incorporate not just electric propulsion, but a host of unique features as well, as showcased in a series of instructional videos.
Not to be overshadowed by his previous solar-powered monohull boat, [Phil]'s latest creation boasts improved stability and a shallow draft. Anticipating challenges from his first solar boat—top-heavy and unstable—he opted for a catamaran design. The boat's propulsion system was adapted from the monohull, but mounting solar panels on the roof was an easier task given the new vessel's retractable roof and additional mosquito netting for cabin enclosure.
Additional amenities include a head (bathroom) situated within one of the hulls, with doors designed to fit seamlessly into the retractable roof structure. For navigating the tranquil canals of the Rideau Canal or the Trent Severn Waterway, the Trent Severn Waterway being a popular destination for [Phil], this solar-electric catamaran promises a peaceful journey.
As the summer season approaches in the northern hemisphere, enthusiasts may soon spot other solar-electric boats on the water—ranging from electric-assisted kayaks to solar-powered houseboats.
In crafting an electric-powered catamaran, [Phil]'s project marks a prime example of carefully modifying DIY boat plans to match specific requirements. The process entails selecting a suitable plan that can accommodate electric motors and desired features, designing and integrating an efficient propulsion system, strategically placing batteries for balance, and eventually testing and refining the boat until all components function harmoniously. With patience and meticulous planning, boat enthusiasts can recreate this unique vessel to enjoy a personalized and eco-friendly boating experience.
This DIY catamaran project by Phil showcases a fusion of lifestyle, technology, and sports, as he modifies an existing plan to create an electric-powered boat suitable for navigating Canada's waterways. Integrating solar panels, a retractable roof, mosquito netting, and a bathroom (head) within the hulls, this boat promises a peaceful, eco-friendly, and comfortable boating experience, resonating with sports enthusiasts and contributing to a sustainable DIY lifestyle.
