Esc.Key

Esc.Key is a new solar electric river boat recently launched by Denman Marine.

The initial design brief was for a river launch that was similar in concept to the early 20th century Noosa River putt putt boats which had a hard top to keep the harsh Queensland sun at bay.

The boat is constructed from strip plank western red cedar on celery top pine structural timbers. Fit out is Tasmanian blackwood and Huon pine. Decks and sole are laid teak. The hard top is 25mm core cell foam/western red cedar and celery top pine.

She is powered by a Mastervolt Drive Master ultra 3.5kw 48V AC motor which pushes her along at a nice cruise speed of 4.5kts with max speed 6.5kts. She has a 450Ah 48V AGM battery bank which is fed by 1000 watts of thin film, high output Solbianflex solar panels on the hard top. At full charge, the boat is energy neutral at 4kts.

The engine was small enough to have it completely below the sole and it is amazing to cruise along with no noise/fumes or the smell of diesel.

Definitely the way of the future.

She has a beautiful birds eye Huon pine table aft that lowers to form a day bed for those lazy afternoons.