A new electric-powered boat is set to launch on Lake Memphremagog next spring, offering complimentary cruises for people and families dealing with cancer. The vessel, named Floating Grace, is a 22-foot Duffy boat powered entirely by batteries, giving off no noise, vibrations, or exhaust.
Spearheaded by Chris Johansen of Newport, the project aims to provide a quiet reprieve from the daily challenges of cancer treatment. “An electric boat is an entirely different experience than a conventional gasoline or diesel-powered boat, it’s silent. No sounds, no vibrations, no exhaust,” Johansen said. “The only thing you hear is the lapping of the water as the hull moves through the water.”
The boat can accommodate up to 12 passengers and will operate by appointment, with morning, afternoon, or evening trips lasting about two hours. The route can be chosen by the family. All cruises are free, thanks to volunteers and donations.
Funding has come from several sources, including Vermont Electric Co-op’s Community Fund. Organizers are also raising money for additional skippers, maintenance, and extras like gift baskets.
Floating Grace tops out at six knots and can run for six to 10 hours depending on speed, recharging overnight. During test runs last spring, Johansen noticed that birds did not flee the boat because it was so quiet.
More information is available at floatinggrace.org or by calling 802-323-8424.
NEK will be looking into how the boat’s operations are funded and whether similar initiatives exist in other parts of the Northeast Kingdom.
Photo: James Mirakian via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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