Electric conversion of a classic Cranberry Island Launch

VEGA was built on Great Cranberry Island In 1936. She spent the next 84 years enjoyed by one family and stored carefully on island. She came to us in remarkably original condition by way of Maynard Bray’s “Save a Classic” Column in WoodenBoat Magazine. Her new owner was interested in perpetuating the original fabric and spirit of the classic launch, while also converting her from gasoline to electric power.

His intended use was well suited to electric power: regular joy rides, picnic excursions and cocktail cruises off his dock (with shore power) in Sorrento, with an occasional cruise to Stonington, Brooklin, or even western Penobscot Bay. The boat was a great candidate for electric, too: fine bow, long waterline, narrow beam and a not-quite submerged transom.

The conversion was a success. With one season under her belt, we learned a lot about her abilities: She can easily go from Brooklin to Sorrento on a single charge; She can make regular short cruises and re-charge on solar alone, and a lot more.

Please enjoy the wonderful video below from OffcenterHarbor.com about VEGA and her electric conversion.

LOA – 33’
BEAM – 9’
DRAFT – 2’6”
BUILDER: Seth & Les Rice, Great Cranberry Island, ME, 1936
CURRENT POWER: Electric Yacht QT20.0 (20 kW, 48 V)
BATTERY BANK – 30 kWh (6x Victron 24V-200Ah Smart LiFePO4 batteries)
SOLAR ARRAY – 800 W (4x Renogy 200 W 12 V flexible monocrystalline panels)
RANGE AT SPEEDS (examples)- 65 nm at 5 kts, 25 nm at 7 kts
SOLAR RECHARGE (20% to Full) – 5.5 days.
AC RECHARGE (20% to Full) – 10 Hrs.