ALVA Yachts, the fairly new German builder, just introduced its new 78-foot solar/electric cat with transatlantic range.
The new ALVA is called the Ocean Eco 78, and it’s a luxury cat with a wide stance; indeed, the beam is a full 39’ 3”, or half the boat’s length, providing a lot of space throughout the yacht. For more, a bulwark “terrace” folds out of each side of the main deck.
The solar/electric power starts with an array of solar cells on the rooftop that provide up to 26kWp (Kilowatt peak), feeding a battery bank that holds up to 490kWh. All that stored power drives twin 217kW electric motors up to a top speed of about 15 knots. The Ocean Eco 78 also has two diesel generators that produce 100kW/DC each.
The new cat offers a combination of luxury, safety, and performance. You can enter via the twin swim platforms and go up to the cockpit with plush U-shaped seating for eight guests. The penthouse-style salon is a large, flowing entertainment area. The galley there would be appropriate in a waterfront vacation home with a full-size fridge and freezer and a separate island bar with stools. A dining table on the starboard side seats eight.
The helm station has an L-shaped observation area that provides commanding views. Two companionways amidships lead down to the lower accommodation deck, where a large master suite is set in the starboard hull, with a walk-in wardrobe and large en suite head. An additional double guest cabin with its own head is on the starboard side. A double cabin and a twin cabin are on the port side with their own heads and showers.
The foredeck is a massive social space with two separate seating areas and oversized sun beds.
For the interior colors, fabrics and materials, owners can choose one of five moods: Mountain, Forest, Desert, Dune or Sea. Read more:
