Unique Fuel Smart Catamaran – Way of the Future?

by Sail-World Cruising on 21 Feb 2007 An Australian couple who completed a six year circumnavigation visiting 72 countries have now created a unique fuel smart catamaran which could point the the way of the future for environmentally conscious yachties world wide.

Allan and Gerardine Lear used their blue water experience along with Allan’s vast international oil field work to give them many of the ideas for the building of 'Black Gold'.

This is a boat that can reprocess waste oil or vegetable oil into a useable fuel within its port hull, as well as blend that fuel at suitable rates with diesel fuel to maintain perfect ratios. This innovative fuel smart boat can make and consume its own fuel and is set to take the marine industry by storm.

The result is not only a state of the art in comfort and luxury, but this 21mt alloy catamaran also has, in the starboard hull, a fully fledged workshop which includes welders, milling machine, lathe, press and sandblasting equipment.

Incorporating the best of both worlds, 'Black Gold’s' air conditioned, impressive two deck interior sleeps eleven offering satellite phone and satellite TV’s. The amphibious vessel and jet boat on board provide support for oil spill response or other expedition and research requirements.

The innovative oil reprocessing facility which is supported/partially funded by AusIndustry, and Allan says 'Black Gold is the ultimate water world boat and a reality well beyond my expectations'.

According to www.sccd.org/biodiesel/facts.shtml ,Biodiesel provides numerous environmental and economic benefits:
· Biodiesel reduces nearly all forms of air pollution compared to petroleum diesel. In particular, biodiesel reduces toxic contaminants and cancer-causing compounds, along with the soot associated with diesel exhaust.
· Biodiesel also reduces greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. Lifecycle analysis of biodiesel production, distribution and use show that biodiesel produces 78% less CO2 than petroleum diesel fuel.
· Biodiesel has a positive energy balance, producing 3.2 units of energy for every unit of energy used in production. In contrast, diesel fuel produces on .89 units of energy for every unit of energy used in production.
· Biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable.
· The use of domestic, renewable sources of energy reduces our dependence on imported oil, thereby improving our nation's energy security.
· The domestic biodiesel industry provides jobs and economic development.
· Biodiesel is easy to use and can be used in existing diesel vehicles and engines.