ZEN Yachts just announced that they’re making a revolutionary new 50 all-electric power cat, with an optional wingsail, that is totally fossil free. There’s not even a generator for backup power.
The new ZEN50, with a 26’ 7” beam, is meant to be a luxury motoryacht that’s totally emissions free. Indeed, the company says it’s the first truly emissions-free 50-foot power catamaran on the market today.
With a huge solar panels on the hardtops over the flybridge and the foredeck, the cat is built to be self-sufficient. Even the tender uses electric power only and can be charged by the mothership.
The ZEN50 is driven by two 40kW electric saildrive motors. It has a 160kWh main battery, with a 10kWh backup. Two large arrays of solar panels provide a peak output of 16kW. The company says the cat can cruise forever at 4.5 to 5 knots without drawing on the battery. Top speed under electric power: 10 knots.
Julien Melot, the cat’s designer, says the optional wingsail “is a range and speed extender.” With the sail, top speed jumps to 14 knots. The sail is automated, and requires no sailing knowledge or experience. Two sail sections on the free-standing mast raise and lower electronically; they are trimmed automatically.
ZEN is offering the 50 in three versions: Racer, Cruiser, and Explorer, each designed for a different use and owner profile. Owners also can customize their yachts.
The basic boat has six cabins and five heads. Since there are no large engines or generators to take up space in the twin hulls, the cabins are all large; the master stateroom in the starboard hull is designed to be particularly luxurious.
The cat also has three dining areas, one galley and what the company calls two wet kitchens. There are two helm stations, one on the flybridge and one in the cockpit.
The hull uses lots of carbon fiber and Corecell sandwich construction for light weight and strength.
ZEN is a new company, started last year in Malta. The first ZEN50 is being built now outside Barcelona, Spain.
Specs.: LOA: 51’6”; Beam: 26’7”; Draft: 4’3”; Disp.: 32,000 lbs.; Fuel: 0; Water: NA: Power: 2x40kW electric motors. Read more:
