SOLANDER 38 - CATALYST
Solar-powered Catamaran
The Solander 38 is a solar-electric coastal cruising catamaran designed by the Rising Tide Research Foundation to explore a new approach to sustainable marine transportation. In collaboration with Rising Tide Boat Works and other partners, the first vessel, Catalyst, was brought to life as a practical demonstration of what electric cruising can become.
Located on the site of a former WWII seaplane base in Ucluelet, Rising Tide Boat Works is building the critical shared infrastructure for BC’s boaters and businesses to join the energy transition.
Whether you’re looking to convert a legacy vessel, develop and test marine technology, or build new electric boats from the keel up, we’d love to partner with you to make it happen.
SOLANDER 38 - CATALYST
Solar-powered catamaran
The Solander 38 is a self-sufficient solar-electric coastal cruising catamaran designed by the Rising Tide Research Foundation. In collaboration with Rising Tide Boat Works and other partners, Catalyst, the first prototype vessel, was brought to life as a practical demonstration of what electric cruising can become.
Solander 38 - Catalyst
The Solander 38 was designed from the beginning for self-sufficient electric cruising as well as clean, quiet everyday transportation in coastal communities. The project focused on creating a vessel suited to real-world coastal use: short trips in winter, extended cruising in summer, and operation without depending on shore charging infrastructure.
Designed by the Rising Tide Research Foundation, the Solander 38 combines a lightweight catamaran platform based on the Maine Cat 38, with solar power, significant energy storage, and efficient electric propulsion. The first vessel, Catalyst, has a 110 kWh battery system and solar generation capable of supporting typical daily ranges of 30–50 nautical miles. The design provides comfortable accommodations for a family of four while prioritizing efficiency and simplicity.
Rising Tide Boat Works contributed to the realization of Catalyst by designing and fabricating the boat's energy storage system, as well as installing the majority of its electric systems. As the first Solander 38, Catalyst serves as both a capable cruising boat and a platform for learning - documenting the challenges, successes, and discoveries involved in developing practical electric vessels. The resulting designs, processes, and research, as well as comprehensive operational data, are shared openly to help advance the future of marine electrification.
Designed by the Rising Tide Research Foundation, the Solander 38 combines a lightweight catamaran platform based on the Maine Cat 38, with solar power, significant energy storage, and efficient electric propulsion. The first vessel, Catalyst, has a 110 kWh battery system and solar generation capable of supporting typical daily ranges of 30–50 nautical miles. The design provides comfortable accommodations for a family of four while prioritizing efficiency and simplicity.
Rising Tide Boat Works contributed to the realization of Catalyst by designing and fabricating the boat's energy storage system, as well as installing the majority of its electric systems. As the first Solander 38, Catalyst serves as both a capable cruising boat and a platform for learning - documenting the challenges, successes, and discoveries involved in developing practical electric vessels. The resulting designs, processes, and research, as well as comprehensive operational data, are shared openly to help advance the future of marine electrification.
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