We all have been keeping our eyes on the latest news about Hybrid cars. Now everything from motorcycles to lawnmowers are going hybrid. Yes! even lawnmowers. The real question is how up to date are you on the latest hybrid boats? Whether your a speed boat lover or a yacht lover there are options out there for just about anyone.
First for you wakeboard and ski enthusiast or even the speed lover.
Epic Wakeboats 23E
Chris Anthony, who co-founded the company producing the Aptera 2e electric car, says the Epic Wakeboats 23E burns 50 percent less fuel and emits half as much CO2 as a typical wakeboard boat during a four-hour outing on the water. It also represents a new direction for gas-electric technology in boats.The sleek 22-footer is a series hybrid that uses a small gasoline engine to drive a generator that keeps the lithium-ion batteries going as they approach depletion. It’s similar to what you’ll find under the hood of the Chevrolet Volt, and we haven’t heard of anyone using something like this in a boat. What is really amazing is that the 23E allows for a one hour wakeboarding session without burning a drop of fuel.
The 23E is powered by what’s called the Flux Propulsion EVO 8.1 Marine Drive. It produces the equivalent of 375 horsepower, enough to propel the 23E to 36 mph while burning far less fuel than comparable vessels. The batteries, which are mounted along the centerline of the boat, can be recharged from a common 110- or 220-volt wall socket, and Anthony hopes buyers will slap a few solar panels on their boathouse roofs to make the 23E that much greener. As for mixing electricity and water, don’t sweat it. Anthony says it’s perfectly safe. “A lot of people get scared when they think hybrid boats because of the combination of water and electricity, but everything about the E23 is marine appropriate,” he said. “Even if you sink the boat there won’t be a problem.”
The 23E doesn’t skimp on the amenities, either. It’s got a stereo with 10 speakers for blasting tunes when your rip’n and ride’n and a dual rudder system for quick turns. With room for 14 people, you won’t have to leave anyone back at the marina. All this technology isn’t cheap, with the boat expected to cost as much as $150,000 when it hits the water in July. Epic hopes to produce a $70,000 model by 2012, and it’s considering a diesel-electric model down the line.
Next we have a boat for everyone who enjoys a slow relaxing ride while feeling like everything you ever need is within reach.
Island Pilot DSe Hybrid
Finally we have a boat for you fisherman out there.
Scout Boats 145 Hybrid
Like mustard and hot dogs, Steve Potts, president of Scout Boats, has brought together two great ideas and produced something better than the sum of its parts.The 145 has a three–bank, 30–amp battery charger to supply the three deep–cycle batteries that power the electric drives. The joystick is a true multifunction control, more in line with an F–16 airplane control than the simple units supplied with IPS and Zeus pod drive units.
The Scout Boats 145 Hybrid is a unique new vessel that can operate using either a standard, gas-powered outboard or a pair of electronic motors mounted at its stern. The motors are controlled by a joystick and will cruise at 8 knots for eight hours, according to the company. The result is a 14 footer that is designed to be fuel efficient and highly maneuverable, and that costs less than $20,000. Within its limitations, the Scout Boats 145 Hybrid just might be the perfect creek cruiser or flats fishing boat.
Scout developed the 145 in conjunction with Lenco Marine, of trim tab fame, using that company’s 36–volt, Dual Digital Drives. These are saltwater–rated electric drives, capable of 360–degree steering with infinitely variable speed control. They also have built–in motor retractor switches to lift the drives out of the water when it’s time to fire up the standard Yamaha 20 HP four–stroke outboard and zip back across the bay to home port.
The Lenco joystick uses LED lights to display battery voltage, along with motor position. It has a cruise control that can lock in any speed or direction of thrust. It is completely waterproof (submersible to three feet), and the LED lights have an ambient light sensor that the company says will provide optimum viewing in all light conditions. Alas, the 20 HP Yamaha nestled on the transom between the electric drives is not connected to the joystick system, but is controlled through a standard tiller.
The suggested retail price of the 145 Hybrid is $17,121, which includes the 20 HP Yamaha outboard. The optional “Sport Package” – a windshield, side rails and bench cushions – would make this boat more comfortable and safer at high speeds when powered by the Yamaha. When it is powered by the dual Lenco drives, you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of electric thrust, perhaps sneaking up on bonefish in the flats or stripers in the back bay.
Sources[ Epic.com] [Scout Boats] [Boatreview.com]
