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Not AvailableA multipurpose solar powered boat suitable for inland water bodies including aqua farms has been designed and introduced to promote the renewable energy utilization. The boat made of FRP is suitable for fishing such as gillnetting and hook and line; for aquaculture farms and for recreational purposes. Selection of vessel specifications was based on studies conducted by ICAR-CIFT on energy consumption of small fishing craft. The main particulars of the vessel are LOA, 3.63 m, Breadth, 1.75 m and the propulsion power was 1.2 kW for attaining a speed of 3.5 knots. The boat was constructed as per Kerala Inland Vessel Rules-2010, inspected, tested and certified by Department of Ports, Government of Kerala. It meets the prescribed standard stability and safety parameters. Trials of the solar boat for gillnetting and line fishing in different locations of the Cochin backwaters indicate substantial energy conservation. A small boat of similar size consumes 2 l fuel per day for operations and on an average, has 200- 250 fishing days a year. The fuel cost of approx. Rs. 25, 000 can be saved in a year if solar powered boat is used. Besides significant difference in fuel cost, the emission impact to the atmosphere which is catastrophic and attributed to conventional boats can be reduced through the use of solar energy. Thus, the results of the trials showed that solar boat with electric motors which reduce carbon emission and noise during operation, can replace the conventional smaller boats powered with outboard motors (OBM). Since it is free from fossil fuel and noise, the boat is non-polluting and ideal for aqua farms for feeding and transportation purposes.Not Availabl