We are putting together a biodiesel boat and are planning to sail the Great Loop with it.  We need some help and we hope that the forum can help us.

Are there any good kits out there for Marine Diesel engines?  Most likely we will either have a Yanmar or a Volvo diesel with the possibility of a Ford Lehman. 

We are also looking for advertisers or partners.  We know that feed stock is very expensive right now so most producers are on a tight budget.  Any seggestions.  

We will be presenting mini seminars on the docks and at yacht clubs, along with getting into schools to do simple experiments and trying to increase awareness to young people.  We will be using local media to maximise our exposure and to attract attention to our boat.

Any help will be very appreciated.  I will keep you updated to our progress. 

The Earthrace boat did something similar. You might want to search the threads or web. There was substantial negative backlash against the group. Personally, I see no need to support advertising and education of industry that is already growing faster than it can deal with, particularly when it's the opposite of what we really should be emphasizing - conservation.

 I'm looking forward to hearing more.

There is a Marine section here if you care to detail .. or include your website link. We'll probably move this thread after it gets a little exposure here ... or at least until you come back so you know it has moved to the Marine section.

I'll be happy to help with PR and can probably connect you with a few 'sailing' oriented celebrities who might be interested in increasing your exposure. We can discuss here, or you can connect with me off list by sending me an email. 

ebztz:

The Earthrace boat did something similar. 

And doing again starting on the 29th of March. (link to topic here on BDNow)

 Thanks for the quick replies.

The reason for our emphasis on education is that we feel like most people still at not fully aware that this technology (and other technology such as solar and wind energy) is currently available.  We will not completely limit ourselves to biodiesel.  Part of our message is that with the current technology available people will not have to change their lives completely to live an environmentally friendly life.  We can conserve with just some simple change of habits.  By having a boat with a low environmental foot print we will be leading by example of how easy it is to do.

Thanks for the offer for PR. We are both teachers so we understand the teaching, education, and research part but we need help with the PR. We will be contacting you shortly to see what we can do.

I am aware of the Earth Race boat and I hope that they break the record. I don't think that it is very relatible to most people. We will be purchasing a pleasure boat next month and be spending the summer outfitting it and testing for the cruise. Our Journey will officially begin in mid October.

 

 If that's your mission, I do hope you are "sailing" and not motorboating the entire voyage? If "leading by example" and "having a boat with a low environmental footprint" is what you are trying to "teach" ... a sailing vessel will make the biggest impact toward your goal. Stintpots, burning biodiesel for pleasure -- although enjoyable and better than petro burners -- are not the best PR  for your demostrating "an environmentally friendly life."

Just IMHO.

 Touche.  I guess I didn't explain that the way I wanted.  Our educational program will be centered upon using environmentally practices and keeping your same lifestyle.  Our project revolves around power boating.  You are right if it trully was a zero footprint experiment then we would be sailing as much as possible.  I think that people get that.  The big problem is power boaters.  They have an attitude of not caring what they do to the environment.

We want to show that power boating can be fun, and environmentally friendly.  Hopefully in the end we can show that it is also cost effective to use BioDiesel. 

Bryan:

The big problem is power boaters.  They have an attitude of not caring what they do to the environment.

We want to show that power boating can be fun, and environmentally friendly.  Hopefully in the end we can show that it is also cost effective to use BioDiesel. 

I agree with that. We do have a significant number of recreational power boaters and demostrating a better way is appropriate. (personally I'd love to convert a few power boaters to sail ... but then thats just my personal opinion. )

 I love sailing and used to race when I was in high school.  My wife on the other hand gets a little intimidated by the seeming complexity of the rigging.

Man, a way to sail around the world on someone elses dime.  I wish I had thought of this.  I've already got the biodiesl sailboat and everything!!!  Good luck to you!