This paper presents an overview of the SeaBeavl project which began in the fall of 2006 and culminated in the ocean testing of a 10 kW direct-drive wave energy conversion system in the fall of 2007. The SeaBeavl project was an interdisciplinary effort bringing together researchers from electrical, mechanical, and ocean engineering. A systems design approach was used to develop the taut-moored dual-body wave energy converter concept with the detailed design focused on production and ease of maintenance. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.