The world of electric-powered luxury catamarans is getting bigger and bigger. Whisper Yachts, a new company, just announced that it’s building a 50-foot eco-friendly autonomous power cat that will be delivered in 2023.
The new Whisper 50 will combine electric propulsion with all the comforts of a larger yacht. Its propulsion and energy management are based on the Deep Blue system from Torqeedo, with two 100kW shaft-driven motors powered by 200kWh BMW batteries.
You also can boost the power with two 120kW motors, driving the top speed up to 18 knots for short periods of time. More energy is provided by solar panels, producing 6kWh, and a 25kW backup genset.
The company says the Whisper 50 will have unlimited range, with no pollution or noise, at 5 to 6 knots. It can cruise for five hours at 8 to 9 knots; for eight to ten hours at 9 to 10 knots using the genset, and for one hour at the maximum speed of 18 knots, also using the generator.
Whisper Yachts is a new line of motor yachts developed by Symphony Marine in France. Guy Marchal, the president of Symphony since 1996, usually develops larger luxury yachts. The Symphony website says that “Whisper Yachts caters to boaters who want to have a yacht with the same luxurious finish as the most prestigious motor yacht manufacturers, while offering much more space, stability and range than a traditional monohull.”
Whisper Yachts will develop autonomous power cats in the 40- to 60-foot range. The new 50 will have three cabins, with the option of a fourth, plus a cabin for one crew. The cat is built for cruising, while it will be easy to relax or entertain on sun pads and lounges on the flybridge, the foredeck and the aft deck.
The salon is built to resemble a penthouse and it can be partially, or fully, opened or closed via sliding glass doors. It will be bathed in natural light and have 360-degree views.
Specs.: LOA: 49’2″; Beam: 21’6”; Draft: 2’3”; Disp.: 30,600 lbs.; Fuel: 40 gals.; Water: 185 gals.: Power: 2x100kW electric motors. Read more:
