Retrofit by Boon Boat
Structural Solar Glass for Heritage & Coastal Craft

SUSTAINABILITY MEETS ELEGANCE

Unlike typical retrofits that mount solar panels on top of a structure, we design the solar to be the structure.

Bespoke semi-transparent PV-glass integrated into marine-grade aluminium framing carries load, provides shade, preserves sightlines and delivers power - proven on Boon Boat.

Combined with a ballast-to-battery conversion, you gain efficiency while retaining the vessel’s heritage lines.

CREATING A MODERN CLASSIC

Before:

A 1930s Gentleman's Thames Day Launch. This vintage wooden boat has been used for leisure cruises and even featured in a film. Note the original lines, classic charm. Vintage character intact, but diesel dependency.

After:

Heritage preserved, lines enhanced: a semi-transparent PV-glass canopy and quiet electric drive deliver sustainable, minimalist luxury.

Same soul, smarter body- structural solar glass and discreet LFP batteries keep the craft timeless and effortlessly modern.

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IMMERSIVE AESTHETICS AND FUNCTION

Swap ballast for smart batteries. Replace stainless arches with load-sharing PV glass canopies. Keep your boat’s character—gain quiet, low-carbon range.

Integrated structural PV glass, not stick-ons: Semi-transparent panels in bespoke aluminium frames: shade + strength + power.
Ballast → Battery: Engineer a like-for-like mass replacement using marine LFP to maintain trim and stability.
Aesthetics first: Canopies that fit 1930s launches and vintage tourers - clear sightlines, period-sympathetic geometry.
Electric drive integration: Shaft or outboard packages sized for 4–8 kn eco-cruise with day-tour range.
Exclusive tech: In partnership with Glass, Light and Power Ltd - Boon Boat is the exclusive marine distributor of this framing PV system.

What we retrofit

1930s–1960s pleasure launches & river/costal tour boats
Harbour shuttles & lake fleet craft
Classic cabin day-boats (timber/steel/GRP)

What you get

Feasibility & stability pack - weight audit, ballast removal plan, battery mass placement (low CG), trim & GMt calcs.
Canopy concept & sightline model - semi-transparent PV layout (VLT zoning), aluminium frame nodes, mounting points, rain-runoff plan.
Electrical architecture - PV strings/MPPTs, DC bus, battery spec, charge sources (shore, regen), protection, isolation plan.
Propulsion spec - motor class, prop sizing, controls, expected kW @ cruise, estimated day-tour energy.
Compliance checklist - wiring & bonding, fusing, isolation, signage, emergency procedures; insurer documentation.
Fabrication & install - canopy and mounts, cabling, drive install, commissioning.
Owner ops pack - charging profiles, seasonal energy tables, maintenance & cleaning.

Why structural PV glass?

BESPOKE

One component, three jobs: Shade, structure, power. No extra arches, no exposed wiring, no clutter.
Solid construction and finish, all-weather marine grade.
Passenger experience: Light-filled, semi-transparent cover keeps heritage lines visible.
Energy daylighting: Mid-day tours can be net-energy neutral at low speeds.

Our process

Site visit & scan: hull, ballast, deck fixings, route options.
Retrofit concept (2–3 weeks): video renderings + numbers (kW, kWh, kg, CG).
Sign-off & class liaison.
Custom fabrication (aluminium canopy, PV glass modules), install & test.
Handover (ops training, paperwork for insurers/regulators).

Technical notes

PV glass: laminated, marine-sealed; VLT zoning (e.g., roof 5 - 10% for power, passenger bands 30–50%).
Frames: marine grade paint finish, marine grade aluminium with dielectric isolation; drain channels or pitch faciliated drainage.
Batteries: LFP with BMS, thermal plates, IP-rated enclosures; fire detection/suppression options.
Motors: shaft or outboard electric, sized for your requirement.
Safety: RCD/UKCA and electrical standards adherence; e-stop, lock-out/tag-out, signage.

Packages

Concept & Feasibility (from £2,950): survey, render design service, all components, comprehensive energy & stability numbers.
Design & build guide - frame and solar unit only (small craft from £12,500): fabrication drawings, schematics.
Turnkey Install (POA): canopy, PV, batteries, drive, commissioning.

ENHANCE - RETAIN CHARACTER

Why Boon Boat?

Pioneering in the UK: The first UK small motor craft to integrate semi-transparent solar glass as structure, not cladding-delivering shade, stiffness, and power in one.
Proven continuous motion: Gen-1 demonstrated continuous daylight motion ~2.9 kn under semi-transparent BIPV—evidence that structural solar can meaningfully move boats, not just run hotel loads.
Backed by Innovate UK: R&D grant winner with live sea trials and an active 2026 roadmap (AR Seascape GPS and AI-optimised power management).
Founder credibility: Led by Andre Shoman, UK Climate Champion of the Year (Unlock Net Zero), with award-winning AI in retrofit (Project A.I.R).
Exclusive award winning technology partnership: In collaboration with Glass, Light & Power Ltd, we specify bespoke marine-grade aluminium framing systems for semi-transparent PV glass- engineered to marine loads with drainage, isolation, and serviceability.
Only with us: We are the exclusive marine distributor for this framing PV system and offer a unique retrofit service package and rates-from feasibility and stability to fabrication, install, and commissioning.

Boon Boat brings structural, semi-transparent solar to heritage and coastal craft-grant-backed, sea-trialled, and offered exclusively.

FAQ

Will it handle salt & wind?
Yes. Our frames are specifically designed for marine environments, we enclose the solar array and use marine grade aluminium and finishes; all fasteners isolated; glazing is laminated with marine seals and drain paths.

Will it ruin the look of my boat?
We will enhance the design with a modern luxurious feel, the geometry to echo original lines; semi-transparent glass preserves sightlines and creates an immersive experience for tours and pleasure use.

Can I replace ballast with batteries?
Often yes. We calculate trim and place battery mass low and central to maintain stability.

Do I need to go fully electric?
We focus on 100% electric power

Warranty & aftercare?
PV glass and frames carry manufacturer warranties; we offer annual inspection/cleaning and performance checks.

FOUNDERS

BBQ location across Portland Marina and harbour

Retrofit by Boon Boat Structural Solar Glass for Heritage & Coastal Craft