Pleasure Boat Silently Cruises Okeechobee Waterway

By Nena Bolan

Glades County Democrat

GLADES/HENDRY – Green technology has become an important issue on a world-wide level, and locally it has affected people in glades and Hendry counties.  Residents and businesses have seen the seasonal price of gasoline increase every day for more than a month.  Fuel prices and the sluggish economy cause people to travel less; and electric and hybrid vehicles have sparked public interest.

On June 21, an electric hybrid yatcht carried its designers, Nancy Frainetti and Jeff Stringfield, along the Caloosahatchee River, which is the western section of the Okeechobee waterway.  The 24-foot family pleasure boat, Endeavor Green, left home port in Tampa bay several days earlier, and stopped at rivers Edge motel in LaBelle, and River Forest Yatching center in Ortona.

Mr. Stringfield and Ms. Frainetti took in the scenic river view of Moore Haven’s historic section before entering Lake Okeechobee.  They cruised under the landmark bridge that spans the Caloosahatchee, and observed the future site of the Marina Project near First Street.  Their green boat trip will end at Stuart, on the Atlantic coast.

The hybrid is an alternative to loud noise, exhaust fumes and continuous boat engine repair.  It provides a quiet ride similar to sailing, but without the sails.  The average speed of 5 m.p.h. is a comfortable ride for all ages.

The boat’s builders kept the environment I mind when they designed the Endeavor Green plans at home on their kitchen tables.  The propeller is manatee-friendly, the quiet motor does not scare away wildlife, and the nearly wake-free progress will not disturb bank fishermen.  The cost of electricity is about $1.50 a day, according to Nancy Frainetti.

The designers planned for the electric hybrid to cater to people who love recreation and travel.  They have traveled about 8-10 hours a day and have not worried about running out of energy.

“You will poop out before the boat does,” said Nancy Frainetti.

The electric hybrid features a 48 volt/13 horsepower propulsion motor with a solar or diesel hybrid option, automatic battery charger and 8 propulsion batteries.   It has a recessed swim ladder, and an optional private head, or toilet, that pops up and looks like a closet.

The Gulf coast to Atlantic coast boat trip has been eagerly monitored by conservation and environment groups.  While in Moore Haven, a submerged manatee rose to the surface and churned the water with its flippers, as Ms. Frainetti was explaining the manatee-friendly propeller.

Their electric journey will benefit what About Blue, an organization concerned about waterways and the global water crises.

For more information see www.whatabout-blue.org and www.electricmarina.com

Staff writer Nena Bolan can be reached at nenabolan@yahoo.com