Austrian boatbuilder Silent Yachts has introduced its latest solar-powered electric catamaran. It is a slightly longer vessel with a redesigned hull that delivers better performance on the water. A dozen more solar panels than the previous model has been complemented by an innovative kite wing for additional propulsion.
Solar-powered
The recently introduced Silent 60 comes in the wake of the solar-powered 16.8m ocean catamaran Silent 55. At 18 m, the new model is not only longer but also features a redesigned hull with a longer waterline and an inverted bow. This means the most forward point of the boat is underwater and not at the top of the hull.
Power is provided by 42 solar panels that add up to 17 kW and feed a 286 kWh battery. Propulsion is provided by a pair of 340 kW electric motors that achieve a top speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 8 knots. The vessel can reportedly travel up to 161 km per day on solar power alone.
Kite wing
Stowed in a separate box in the bow section is a lightweight and compact kite wing that are inflated in seconds using an electric pump. Once the winches and ropes are in place, the kite can be taken up by the wind from the surface of the water to turn eights at 120 m in the air.
In full flight, the kite has an area of 13 square metres and generates up to 10 times more power per square metre than a conventional sail. The kite can boost the boat's speed by up to five knots. Moreover, it reduces the load on the electric motors, increasing the range.
The boat's draft has also been reduced to less than a metre, allowing the catamaran to sail safely through shallow bays. A crew of two is sufficient, but with four guest cabins and a flexible layout, the vessel has plenty of room for entertainment. There is also storage space on board for things like SUPs and kayaks.
