Brett Thoms
Campbell’s Bay Setpember 30, 2022
Steve Stanistreet, a resident of Campbell’s Bay is building a solar paneled boat.
The boat, which has yet to be named, is based out of the Campbell’s Bay dock.
“It’s an old man’s pastime, you know, to do something to keep life going,” said Stanistreet. “That’s about it. I’m a carpenter. I’m not an electrician so it’s pretty Mickey Mouse.”
Stanistreet mentioned his sense of environmental responsibility also motivated him to build the boat.
The boat has three mortars each with their own battery and two paddles. He is also working on getting a two-horse engine to put in the centre of the boat.
As of now the boat can take Stanistreet out for a few hours, but once the new motor comes, he expects he will be able to go further.
“It’s so quiet. I went over there and there was a doe and two bambis and I went right up to as close as I could go to the shore and they weren’t even bothered about me,” said Stanistreet about an encounter he had near the shore of Calumet island.
Overall he said he’s only put about $5000 in the project.
Stanistreet, who is also an avid cyclist, hopes to open an electric bike and boat shop right on front street in Campbell’s Bay, but needs a little “moral support” to get it going.
“We’re right on the north edge of the populated world. This air is clean and the air is fresh. I know how to promote the place,” said Stanistreet about the advantages of the Pontiac has and why its environment is worth protecting.
