SmartShip is driving the shift to zero-emission waterways. We prove, source, and share best practices and products for electric boat conversions—backed by over 13,000 miles of real-world, off-grid ocean sailing.
‍
Boaters face high fuel costs, volatile oil supply chains, and significant environmental impact, yet many assume electric marine power isn't viable for serious cruising. The Proof: We built SmartShip #1 (Cinderella), converted a 70s sailing yacht with a broken down diesel to a DIY electric drive, and sailed 13,000 nautical miles across 7 countries burning zero drops of diesel. The Solution: We turned that success into an open-source framework with the idea of a global partner network—connecting boaters with proven components like 48V systems, carbon foam batteries, and MPPT solar controllers to make clean, self-sustaining marine transition the new status quo.
‍
Our vision is to make it totally normal for boats of all kinds to run on clean, renewable, solar energy.

Aotearoa New Zealand, with its strong maritime culture, green ethic, and spirit of innovation can be the incubator that will change the industry.

Smart Ship was born from the Sailing Cinderella Project.

In 2016 we converted our 35 foot sailboat named Cinderella from dirty diesel to DIY clean electric drive, refit her into a cruising boat / tiny floating house, and started a most excellent adventure: to sail around the world on our little electric boat!

‍We wanted to prove an electric boat could do it. That we could create a life of energy freedom, seek epic adventures and learn more about the worlds of the Pacific Ocean and beyond! All on a budget.

In four years we have burned ZERO drops of diesel, visited the beautiful shores and amazing humans of 7 countries and clocked 13,000 nm under the keel, with ZERO emmissions, people!We converted to electric drive and set sail in 2017 from Seattle, WA. Over 3000 nm and 7 countries with ZERO drops of diesel.

We know how awesome enjoy Energy Freedom while cruising offshore and living at anchor. We decided everyone should live this free!

We created an open-source platform called the Sailing Cinderella Project dedicated to pushing boundaries in sustainable sailing. 

We made the blueprints for our electric drive system available for all to learn from, and to use on their own conversions. 

Our goal is to contribute to the greater hive mind of innovations to promote clean green tech for marine environments. 

We’re Pajo and Ava—sailors, innovators, and full-time ocean dwellers aboard Cinderella, SmartShip #1.

Pajo is the technical mind behind SmartShip, having engineered our custom DIY electric drive and off-grid 48V marine power system.

Ava is our storyteller, design wizard, and salty first mate, managing the SmartShip brand and connecting innovative partners with our growing community.Together, we proved that clean marine transit is possible right now by converting our 35-foot sailboat from dirty diesel to 100% solar and wind power. We’ve since logged over 13,000 nautical miles across seven countries—making Cinderella the first zero-emission electric sailboat to complete the Pacific voyage from Seattle, Washington, to Aotearoa New Zealand (that we know of!).

‍Together, we’re showing the world that zero-emission cruising isn’t just a dream—it’s already underway.

The SmartShip goal is to showcase leading-edge tech and connect boaters with proven products for electric conversions and integrated systems. We’re collaborating with innovators and industry leaders to share knowledge, accelerate marine electrification, and make zero-emission boating accessible to everyone.