Island innovator succeeds
An eco engine for small boats has scooped its Sandown inventor a major deal with a top marine manufacturer.
Graeme Hawksley’s super-efficient propulsion system is the result of five years’ research into hybrid electric technology and looks set to go into production following a deal struck on Tuesday with leading marine engine manufacturer Beta Marine.
The partnership sees joint collaboration for the final development, testing and marketing of the system, which is due to be launched in May.
Mr Hawksley, 48, who works from home in Melville Street, said the deal would allow him to expand his company, Hybrid Marine Ltd, creating new jobs on the Island.
His system, which was short-listed for an international competition recognising excellence in hybrid innovation, uses an electric motor powered by a battery pack to drive the vessel through the water.
When the batteries are depleted, the main engine drives the boat while the electric motor automatically becomes a generator and recharges the batteries.
“For extra punch in heavy seas or to motor against the tide, the full power of the diesel engine can be used,” said Mr Hawksley.
From the Isle of Wight County Press 29/2/08
Isle of Wight Enterprise Hub Director Ken Dueck commented “The Isle of Wight has a long history of innovation in engineering design, and Graeme’s work deserves to become another business success story in this tradition.”
Of the many topics written about in Professional BoatBuilder magazine over the past 20 years, few have generated more reader feedback than one about Graeme’s work.
Opinion:
Congratulations Graeme - after all that dedicated effort!
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