Tom is a retired aquatic ecologist and a hobby boat builder who has built 19 boats ranging from Rob Roy canoes to the St. Pierre Dory, and even a folding canoe using corrugated plastic. I built my first electric dory 23 years ago at a time when the only technology available was golf cart batteries and fork lift motors.  I also converted a pick-up truck to electric in 2006  and drove it for 8 years (until the body gave out - it was a 1987 Nissan pick-up).  As the technology of electric propulsion improved I kept updating my dories, and now am on my third one using one Minn Kota and one Caroute trolling motor. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries and high efficiency solar panels.