With the Swordfish, France's Platypus introduces a tender that allows owners to sail on and under water.
The 12-metre Swordfish is a tender that allows passengers to enjoy not only on but also underwater. The boat features a dome that is dipped under the waves with hydraulic arms. Besides the captain, up to seven passengers, comfortably reclining, can enjoy the underwater marine environment. The dome is automatically supplied with oxygen so that oxygen masks are unnecessary for the occupants.
The Swordfish will be available in electric and hybrid versions. The former is equipped with two 500-kW motors and 400-Wh batteries and has a top speed of about 40 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots. At a speed of 7 knots s battery range is about 115 nautical miles. The hybrid version has two V8 petrol engines of 900 hp each and two 80 kW electric motors. This model offers a top speed of 50 knots and, of course, a much longer range. Thanks to the electric motors, silence can still be maximised for underwater navigation.
The design of the tender as a trimaran is striking for a vessel of this size. The hull has a core of wood and behaves excellently in waves. The underwater section resembles a stealth aircraft. The Swordfish is expected to go into production in 2021 by Platypus and L2. The world premiere is expected at that year's Monaco Yacht Show.
