Azura Marine just launched the first boat in a new line of solar-powered, blue-water cruising catamarans in Bali, Indonesia, called the Aquanima 40. The new cat is designed to be self-sustaining, and the company says it can complete “non-stop ocean voyages powered only by sunlight.” And it costs about $540,000.
Based in Singapore, Azura was started in 2012, and has been building solar-powered ferries and dive boats ever since. The Aquanima 40 is its first entry into the recreational market, and the company says it will launch a 45 before long.
The Aquanima 40 has 602 square feet of solar panels mounted on the coach roof, providing power to twin 10kW electric engines and feeding a 60kWh battery pack. It has a top speed of 10 knots. The company says its range is virtually unlimited at 4 knots. On solar power alone it can cover 100 nm in 24 hours; on battery power it has a range of 50 nm.
The boat generates all its power from the solar panels during the day. The solar power is stored in the batteries to be used at night to drive the boat and power the house systems.
The solar/electric power means the boat is almost silent under way, with no vibration or smoke or carbon emissions. On the coach roof, the solar panels are embedded, rather than bolted on, and they double as a huge catchment system for rainwater.
Built in Bali, the Aquanima 40 has a simple, straightforward design, with a highly efficient hull. It has four cabins for eight guests, and is fully equipped with air conditioning, a water maker, ice maker, stovetop and sink. The head and shower are on the main deck for easy access.
The first boat is made of fiberglass. Subsequent boats will be made from marine grade 5083 aluminum.
Specs.: LOA: 43’4”; Beam: 19’6”; Draft: 2’1”; Disp.: 14,000 lbs.; Water: NA; Power: 2x10kW electric motors. Read more:
