January 15th, 2019

The Hudson River Maritime Museum is pleased to announce the purchase the 100% solar powered 44 foot tour boat the Solar Sal. Built by the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s restoration crew under the direction of Jim Kricker, this vessel is the only solar powered boat in operation on the Hudson River and does not require fossil fuels to operate.
 
Designed by marine architect Dave Gerr from a concept developed by David Borton, owner of Sustainable Energy, the Solar Sal is commercial in design, meeting all U.S. Coast Guard regulations for commercial passenger-carrying vessels. In late 2018, the vessel passed her speed/range endurance test under the watchful eye of Coast Guard inspectors, using only reserve battery power. The Solar Sal can travel up to fifty miles at night without the use of her solar panels. Even on cloudy days, the solar panels are so efficient that they continue to power the batteries.
 
The Solar Sal can accommodate up to 25 passengers and will allow the Hudson River Maritime Museum to expand water-based tour offerings in 2019, including lighthouse tours, school field trips, and charters. Full program schedule and ticketing information will be announced in February. Those interested in scheduling a school field trip or other private tours can contact us at 845-338-0071 ext. 16.
 
Support for this vessel comes from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Scenic Hudson, and Sustainable Energy Corp. The Hudson River Maritime Museum will be launching a community-based campaign to name the vessel in March.  If you have questions, or wish to support this unique vessel and its programming, please contact Executive Director Lisa Cline at 845-338-0071 ext. 20.