Man Living Off-Grid on a DIY Solar Powered Sailboat - 100% Fossil Fuel Free
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- Опубліковано 4 гру 2021
- Simon has transformed this derelict sailboat into an epic off-grid solar-powered and fossil-fuel free cruising catamaran. He's been living aboard and renovating the boat for the past 3.5 years We're excited to show you the transformation as well as how he plans to propel the boat without the use of diesel or fossil fuels!
You can follow Finding Simon’s inspiring boat building and liveaboard adventures here:
/ findingsimon
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/ finding_simon
/ findingsimon
'Old Dog' is a 1976 Wharram Oro 47, which is a Polynesian canoe cat-style boat. Simon purchased it for $5000 CAD after it had been sitting in the same spot for 12 years (looking back he probably wouldn't have paid that much for it!).
To transform the boat to a fully electric sailboat, Simon removed the diesel engine and replaced it with an HP EV AC 12 kW engine, and installed 16 x 330 Watt solar panels (5280 Watts total), and nearly 20 kW hours of lithium battery power. He also plans to add an equivalent amount of wind turbines on the boat for days and seasons when there's less sun. And of course, he'll eventually have some sails and a couple of telescoping masts.
The living space inside the boat includes 4 berths, a mechanical room, a head bathroom with a washing machine, a massive galley, two cockpits (yet to be built), and a settee lounge area. Outside there's a great back deck and eventually there will be a space to lounge up front as well.
You can follow Finding Simon’s inspiring boat building and liveaboard adventures here:
/ findingsimon
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/ finding_simon
/ findingsimon
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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STAY IN TOUCH!
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Website: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: / exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: / exploringalternatives
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COMMENTS
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We want our channel and our comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and contribute. For this reason, comments that are inappropriate or hateful will be reported and/or deleted.
Please discuss and debate with respect, and report inappropriate or hateful comments directly to UA-cam.
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Build Footage:
Provided by Simon Stiles from Finding Simon
/ findingsimon
#catamaran #fossilfuelfree #livingonaboat - Навчання та стиль
Thanks for watching! You can follow Finding Simon here:
ua-cam.com/users/findingsimon
www.patreon.com/FindingSimon
instagram.com/Finding_Simon/
www.tiktok.com/@findingsimon
How do you take care of the poo?
Just smash it with a wooden mallet and let the rain wash it away...
Have you ever thought about a wood gas generator? That may help if you have issues with wind and solar.
Water Generator- I’m more than sure you could construct a drop down/stowaway shaft propeller that spins with the tidal direction and produce electricity. The current flow is almost constant in or out.
Might be a silly idea but I just thought it’s the most practical
@DaKermitFrog You just press a button and the bottom of the boat falls out from under the dog.
I wish I could have one friend that wanted to do things like this.
Do you have any sailing clubs in your area? You might find someone who shares your interests about building something similar
Meeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!
@@karenrouth2056 where you at? Im in Toledo OH. hopefully I'll be working on Milwaukee next week.
@@karenrouth2056 may you find 100s of friends in Jesus' name!
I'm here in New Zealand
I love this guy, he does exactly what he wants to and doesn't give a toss about what anyone else thinks about his decisions. A lot of people in the comments and elsewhere have doubted him and said that he'd never succeed and yet he continues to prove them all wrong. Good on you Simon.... carry on !
I'm the same way but I have 4 kids and a wife so I have to care what people think :P
@@DankAlchemist I recognize that, I have a wife and 2 kids, she doesn't like my open minded thinking and out outside the box solutions.
@@DankAlchemist
No U don't but U aren't Strong in Spirit like this Dude
Yes well look on the bright side at least you don't have 4 wives and a kid...
@@gregjones3660 😆
I recently became disabled and had to make some major life changes. I canceled my DirecTV for $140 a month and now just watch lots of youtube and this is why I came across your channel. I love it! I'm going to binge watch many of your videos. Thanks
Hows things😮
same but i been doing it for almost 20 years .. welcome to the cripple club
I got disabilities and run my youtube off a bucket of worms. Nice to be here.
I don't see you fitting sails on it.
Hey hey! Welcome to Cripville! I’ve been here just a little over 44 years. There’s lots of stuff I can’t do but there’s a lot of things I discovered that I can do by modifying my activities.
This guy is my spirit animal, I'm super jealous of the way he disconnected from the grind of gas, cars, property taxes, mortgage, etc.
The more people that do this the more the governments will make laws against it.
seems like hes grinding more than most with all the different work he is juggling
@@James-zw4tn with boat you can move to another country
I met Simon at the RTR he is a very tall slim man that's just the most polite chill guy you would like to meet. He is one hell of a cook. Enjoyed his cooking videos he used simple black iron skillet.
Wow. I’m finally watching a DIY restoration that’s NOT ten years old! Great job.
I love it! enjoy your sailing
SImon is such a brave, hard-working, multi-skilled and most of all chill dude! The catamaran looks great!
As a fellow liveaboard living in the same area as Simon, I thoroughly enjoy his channel. Outstanding job on his cat.
@Rob Wilton not a youtuber, but love to follow people like Simon.
Cat? Dog? Ooooo catamaran... 😅
You're doing great, buddy, and you have your buddy with you, which you can't beat
this is awesome! Well done Simon. I think most people would be stoked to live on that boat
100% live aboard electric boats will definitely become more of a thing, especially if marine hydrogen fuel cell systems become more mainstream which gives you the option to store lots of energy. The Energy Observer vessel is the ultimate personification of the concept traveling around the world.
Hydrogen doesn't make much sense for a few reasons, for one you are putting a LOT more energy into creating then storing the stuff than you will ever get out of it. And for another storing it requires significant volume per unit energy so a boat with limited space isn't going to hold as much energy in hydrogen as it will in a more conventional fuel. So "lots of energy" isn't exactly accurate.
@@DrewLSsix There is nothing hypothetical about it. Like I said, look at the The Energy Observer which is a hydrogen fuel cell ship that traveled around the world with a crew.
I think the only good thing the hydrogen could be used for is for cooking and heat. One can use the excess solar to put into hydrogen production. Or alternatively maybe running a fuel cell as an extra reserve, but maybe one would just go for more batteries, idk.
renewables are an addition to. If you travel and do normal things you won't make it off renewables alone in 98% of the world where it's not pure sun or wind
Batteries are probably pretty much always the more cost effective energy storage method in this context.
I have been following Simon for years and have always enjoyed his channel!
did u go to his boat
I love your story. But you have convinced me to build a wood stove. Never even considered it and you barely mentioned it but now I'm obsessed. Thank you for planting that seed. I appreciate you
Props to this guy. Living the dream
Glad to see Simon's happier on his barge than he ever was in his van though I did enjoy his travels with his dog and whoever had joined him for company.
NIce! I have been following Simon since 2014. I am so happy to see his progress from van life to boat life. : )
With these subscribers he can easily afford a nice yacht…Respect for your life😊
salute those of you who are persistent in fighting for a dream ship to be perfect even though the process takes a long time every day but you manage to keep your spirits up
I've been thinking of something like this for years ..
The roof on a houseboat is plenty of room for solar panels.
This is an awesome project.
Yay Simon! Been watching his project for about three years now. Hope this vid gives him a big subscription bump. Nicely put together!
This little film gave me hope for exploring my dreams and moving on. I've watches it over and over again.
its one of my dream to live like this
Man I totally love your boat you built , I’m inspired , I have built small boats but nothing like yours , wow you did an awesome job on that , well done love it.
So cool to see your progress! What a journey from the times of Degnen Bay! We used to see you all the time at Kenny’s, with your dog, heading to your boat and back.
So very much to be said for living the life fit for “you” not anyone else just you, very fulfilling and well worth living. Well done Simon, best wishes on your life’s journey mate
Simon, I'm blown away by what you have done, not just with this catamaran, but with the way you live your life. If you ever swing by the Spanish banks in Vancouver where I park my '87 Class-C Motorhome alot of the summer, look me up! I'm bursting with questions on the solar kit you have built, not to mention your water maker.
My camper is really just a step toward my dream of a boat, and I even pretend its a boat. Lord knows it drives like one.
😂
Been following Simon since the first video you guys made of him with his van! Thanks for all you guys do!
That's awesome! Thanks Spencer :)
Looks great Simon, I'm very happy for you. I wish you continued success
Love this boat. 👏👏👏
I remember Simon from years ago. From the vanlife era, he was one of the ones that got me inspired into my life and bus life
Very nice & economical
Simon, quite amazing. I just happened upon one of your videos today. You got it going on buddy....keep it up. The first step is the hardest.
I am 61 and considering the same. Will be watching your videos for inspiration. I like the fact your so upfront about your experiences.
There is so much to learn even though I used to be able (in my distant youth) to handle up to about 40' foot of sailboat solo thanks to my father. All maintenance too...stinkpot backup power....yep!? Moving them in and out of the water...pain in the u kno what!! Stepping the mast....fun I can do without.
But, this independent lifestyle appeals to so many in this currently crazy world. Much to learn from you about the technical aspects of "off the grid". Watching, listening and doing work best for me and others like me who have a hard time reading technical data.
Thank you!
Mike.
Lake Erie ...Ohio side ; )
Simon, I wished more people took not only the interest but the inspiration and motivation to do something like this .❤
well, boats are a TON of work, and even when all the work is done, new work pops up constantly. They are money and time-sinks people really don't understand until they get one, and realize they can't keep it afloat all alone or without massive $. For those that can or are willing to learn and do it all, it's pretty cool.
Love what your doing.
Right on ! I wonder if he is ever in Gibsons, Id love to check out his boat.
This is so awesome!! Can’t believe all the work he’s done 👍👍👍
Closed down all coal powered plants! Yet rely on batteries for your green new deal boat.. Wonder how all those sanders worked.
Hey Simon, your a pretty neat guy. Nice boat.
glad to hear you say you would put sails on it, i was just thinking as i started watching having sails on the boat while supplementing it with the solar would likely be ideal and compliment each other nicely. This is 2 years old though.
I’m definitely going to sub to his channel, I have some much respect for individuals that want to do things for the better for our planet, to share experiences and living off the grid.
Yep same here. Just subbed...
I need subbs 😬
@@professionalguy9346 buy a boat then 😂
@@iMann_iFail lol, I’m building mine from scratch.
Love Simon’s channel!
Would have never gotten rid of the diesel. Doesn't have to be fossil fuel. They do run vegetable oil. Very good compact heaters. Good for generators too. Either way this is awesome and I support anyone else's opinions and dreams. Food bank chef. That's giving back. I respect that.
Wait till you see the modern versions of atmospheric electricity using all the new modern inventions we have today. I was considering putting an array flexible solar panels as a square rigged sail. However the new innovative rigid sail is better. You are learning the skills that you will need when you are ready to voyage. Really good points about the zen aspects of sailing.
Very unique and interesting as always! Thank you!
Thanks Phil!
whoa; the lifestyle commitment of this guy is commendable!
In addition to all of his other cost saving measures; it's cool how he saves money by only getting half of his hair cut!
Cool. Its amazing to see this guy actually living off grid... truely Sustainable.
Been waiting for this.
Wow! Amazing dedication to forging your own way in life - truly inspiring stuff. If you're going to claim '100% fossil fuel free', though, I need to point out that those batteries, solar panels, really anything plastic/rubber is going to be produced from fossil fuels. I think this is an important point - which does not take away from this mans incredibly inspiring story and truly uplifting message - because we need to be realistic in our understanding of what benefits we reap from using fossil fuels. I believe the world is too obsessed with being driven away from fossil fuels in a misguided (and greedy) way instead of putting an emphasis on balance between energy sources.
All that being said, I hope to one day meet Simon and shake his hand!
absolutely agree; no man is an island. :)
lets not forget the 100% fossil fuel rubber dingy with an outbord motor...
@@JWINDSOR shhhhhhhhhh! ;)
or the fact he uses a fire.... as well which obviously releases carbon...
@@warmage247 that’s weird and nit-picky.
You very creative my friend.i proud of you
He is very modest about his cooking abilities. He is a real chef. Watched him prepare incredible meals using his little black iron skillet.
Simon you can run South instead of paying to heat a boat.
Great looking boat! perfect for sailing the bays of pacific northwest. Not sure if I would do an atlantic or pacific crossing on it tho.. but definitely looks like a nice houseboat
U seem like u’ve got it together man(smart, articulate, willing to learn, enviro, self-reliant…etc)! I really enjoyed this vid! Good luck!
Super impressed with your creativity and your DIY (Do it yourself) boat transformation!
Once I get out of college, I want to get a home near the water and make a solar boat like this.
I appreciate the amazing info, your efforts are outstanding and I hope this journey continues and you have great success. Your pointers and advice are very well appreciated thanks and good luck 👍🏽
great story , that is how I would like to live....
This is the best boat video I've seen on UA-cam so far. I lived off-grid on a self-built solar rig for 8 years, so I have some basics, and I'm interested in Wharram designs and catamarans in general, and I'm simplicity-oriented, but I also appreciate your calculations and real-world example of just how many panels needed, given electric propulsion, etc... and I DOUBLE appreciate that this is not some consumer-boatshow-oriented $$$$ vaporware that we may "one day see" out of our price range. I can begin calculating some things, thanks to your video.
Have you looked into 1) the Wharram wingsail designs 2) schooner or at least mast-per-hull with the former? Just digging into the Wharram design book now... You must have intimate knowledge of how your boat was built, by now, as you rebuild it constantly!
What a delightful video! A true adventurer! Best wishes for happiness!
Just started watching. I really hope you get it sailing. You should look into those electric motor things where the prop charges your battery while you’re sailing. I can’t remember right now but there’s a sailing couple that has a UA-cam channel that has one. I really hope you get some sails on it soon!!
Watt and sea hydrogenerator the channel is called sailing lucky fish and it's awesome
this guy definitely owns a directors cut dvd of water world
Winter heat is the wood stove, I know you’d like to get rid of it but reliable heat is better than freezing. Stock up your wood supply before the cold weather hits your area. If you half to bury the boat in firewood, better that than freezing.
Food for thought
This is awesome! Lots of good ideas! This shows us how well we can live more sustainably, independent and self-sufficient. And in connection with nature.
Thanks for sharing this awesome story, along with Mat's incredible music! Having an ugly boat is probably a good thing, pirates won't even give it a second glance! :)
Yeh probably ought to find a way to camouflage all those sun reaping devices; all those panels sorta wreak a faint aroma of money/power. Pale pink camouflage Live Oak prolly look real nice but I couldn’t call that boat ugly now. Just saying.
Yeah, prolly a blue tarp over them thar panels, ought to do the trick just nicely
Awesome video. Guy is so down to earth. That's paradise on the water.
Sitting in the same spot for 12 years. What fantastic craftsmanship to still be functional.
I've been watching Simon for a couple of months. I love the islands on the USA side and hope to visit the Canadian islands one day. His dog Honey is so cute.
Agreed, the islands in the upper left are very nice
We applaud you! Your eco practices are exactly what our boating community needs to be inspired for green boating!
You want truly 100% green boating you will need to build your boat by hand using all natural materials.
Green boating is an oxymoron if I ever heard one.
Avg temps fluctuate worldwide. Stop your goofy green lies
While the Wharram's original design was for sailing, the absence of a mast and sails makes the boat a powerboat and not a sailboat. My wife and I have converted our 40' sailboat to electric propulsion and are powered my solar energy. Our primary propulsion is wind, since we are a sailboat but our auxiliary power is comprised of two 10kw electric motors, delivering about 40hp to the propeller shaft. At anchor, we live like kings, just like an apartment. Underway, we can maintain 3.5 knots indefinitely, with bright sunshine. We haven't had an electric bill in 7 years and we occasionally run our air conditioned, always have ice in the freezer, and frequently watch movies projected on the bulkhead screen. It's a great way of life, if you can handle the upfit. The advantage to your design is the real estate across the top. The advantage to our design is that we can easily move at a moment's notice without regard for our state-of-charge and can regeneratively charge our battery banks while sailing.
I had a 52 ft Gibson house bout. WINTERS WERE BRUTAL. And I’m in Oklahoma. Good luck bro. Looks like you have it going on.
When this guy hits bad weather he'll understand why diesels are still a thing.
You would think so. Believing he's saving the planet is a misconception. There is no climate emergency. There is the fear of climate brought about by the non stop propaganda from the MSM.
@@kevinpelletier7053 Correct. And for over 50 years I have seen no change in climate. I have seen significant increase of propaganda. I have traveled to Europe twice to hike in the Alps for a month, to Alaska, and the high arctic( Resolute Bay, Iqaluit, and Somerset Island). I have seen the remnants of Thule huts in the high arctic. Thule thrived year round in the high arctic hunting whales in ice free arctic almost 700 years ago. Then the little ice age came and the whales stopped coming that far north and Thule disappeared. Thule could not survive in the harsh arctic conditions existing there today.
@@kevinpelletier7053 August 15, 2020
Anchorage - Highest Temperature
Max °F Date Max °C
78 August 15, 2020 26
Wow, what an amazing journey Simon has been on! Hope you'll be checking back in with him when he's got his sails on.
Passion & Determination. Awesome.
Awesomeness
Happy Utility Independent’s day !
This is such a cool project. Must be awesome to work on it and live in it.
Wow! You’ve really made something happen here! I’m an old mech eng and built a cottage 20 years ago - with solar, wind, solar thermal, a solar powered barge etc…love what you are doing!!! As I’m sure you’re aware the key for heating is to overdo the insulation on your cabin - I heat my house near Toronto with heat pumps, but I insulated to the hilt (e.g. 2x8 walls)
I doubt his walls are 2" much less x8!
Will there is a rocket stove just put in YT " wood burning stoves - super efficient rocket mass heater " well worth the time to check out.
Wow that's really nice battery the solar & those two motors setup 😁👍
You did it pal. Congratulations
I admire his admission to not knowing everything and much still to learn. Solar, Wind, and battery banks are newer technologies if you consider recent improvements in efficiency.
A sailboat with no sails. Nice!
What a dude! Best wishes from Ireland
Watching a video of his from 3 years ago you can bear how much slower he talks. So much zin.
They don't need all those panels, it's the battery bank that should be beefed up, not panels.
He needs both, hes in higher latitudes so he only gets a lower % of the full outputs.
Great way to go....
And what experience are you going off of here lol? Look at all the current electric proper power cats. Exactly the same setup
Tell me you know nothing about electricity without telling me you know anything about electricity...
It’s not a sailboat anymore. It’s a solar barge.
That's what I was thinking, it's a barge that needs the sun, a lot like jelly fish.
Wow man, what you've done and build is just Awesome, all the power and luck to ya.
Hell yeah brother, live free and happy, live with what you need and always be happy. 🤙🙏
3 years now I've been living on a self converted retired skoolie. Best decision I've ever made.
Looking forward when robot can make houses in minutes!
Yes, me too - Boxabl is a good start in that direction
Sails? Good idea.
Much respect to you my friend
Solar and Wind turbines, perfect for the pacific north west where in Vancouver we have LOTS of grey cloudy days but that means there is consistent wind for him.
This is a GENIUS design. Also a catamaran design is more resistant to capsizing adding to the safety.
So, when he says "fossil fuel free", he's only talking about moving the boat. Not the construction and maintenance and other products used on the boat.
guess he doesn't understand what 100% means
5:08 green propane bottle on the left counter...
I don’t see any “SAILS” on that non-sailing, “sailboat.” A sailboat with our sales, isn’t a sailboat. It might be a sailboat in the future, with the addition of a mass and some sails. But, it’s not a sailboat, now!
I was going to post the same. It's no sailboat !
It was once a sailboat. Now its actually more convenient for his particular cruising grounds. Prolly need sails if you decide to take it to the open ocean. But why bother, your current cruising grounds look like you could spend a lifetime exploring.
It shows that you haven't checked his channel yet, he just got the masts!!!
Things can be defined by form, or function, The form of that boat is 'sailboat' . I t was built as a sailboat. It doesn't function as a sailboat, at this time. And everyone except titeass word pricks will accept that it is a sailboat.
Now, if I am in the woods, and ask someone for a hammer, they will pick up a rock and hand it to me. Defined by function.
Thanks for sharing
Yea, that outboard on your dingy is clearly powered by love and good feelings.
When you boast about living fossil fuels free, but use Ton’s of fossil fuels to build and maintain it.
Was thinking the same thing.. solar panels are a real problem when it comes to recycling them. + Fiberglass doesn't seem natural. As for lithium batteries that's next level.. I don't know why he's bringing up fossil fuels but then goes on to say that he was touring the country for 6+ years.. I wonder how much fuel he used to do that..he is doing the solar panel thing because it's cost less money in the long run. If he was able to serve money using fossil fuels I would guarantee he would do it. To live the way he lives you must save as much money as possible. Or join the rat race to pay your bills
"Derelict Catamaran Transformed into EPIC Solar Powered Derelict Catamaran"
- fixed the title for you, you're welcome.
Simon !!!!!! Chillest dude I met at the 2017 RTR Quartzite AZ. Tall slim accomplished chef too he cooked incredible meals with his little black skillet. I'm glad I didn't know who he was when I met him. I think I would have been a little star struck. Also got to meet a lot of other YT channel pilots.
Waterworld yeah! This sounds so amazing as long as you have some seeds, dry land in pots and water filtration that can be maintained
Get me that ⛵
He calls it a sailboat, but it has no sails?
You should listen better to his words in the video. He explains it.
@@royalrhino1146 you're right, thanks!
oh my god it's a sailingboat 😱