The Revolution Marine Group, based in Ft. Lauderdale, announced this week that they were launching a new 60-foot power catamaran that will be electric and solar powered. This is a market segment long dominated by Silent Yachts, but it looks like the new Oceanwalker S60e, will give them a run for their watts.
The S60e will be powered by twin 200-horsepower electric motors that will deliver a top speed of 12 knots and an economical cruising speed of 8 knots. The motors will be powered by a sophisticated lithium-phosphate battery bank that not only will run the motors but will also power all onboard electrics and electronics, including air conditioning.
Given the square footage of a large cat with a hard top over the flybridge, this propulsion system can be kept topped up by a 10kW solar array that runs through a state-of-the-art charge controlling system.
The solar-electric system will be sufficient for short-hop coastal sailing and long periods at anchor or in a marina. For longer cruises, the S60e will also have two 45 kW diesel generators that will give the cat 800 miles of range.
“Currently under construction at the Fujian Sky Walker shipyard in Zhangzhou, China, the Oceanwalker S60e is being crafted with meticulous attention to detail,” said Edward Sacks, CEO of Revolution Marine Group.
“Our engineering experts are closely overseeing every stage of the build process to ensure the highest standards of quality, performance, and durability. While we are delighted with the introduction of our initial solar electric catamaran, we continue to focus on staying ahead of the market when it comes to new and innovative technologies. Soon we will also introduce a larger model.”
Hull number one is destined for the Club Ki’ama Bahamas on Elizabeth Island near Great Exuma in the Bahamas. This high-end resort has been conceived to be virtually self-sustaining with buildings and all hotel and resort functions powered by solar panels.
The inclusion of a 60-foot cat in this solar-driven resort project reinforces the Club Ki’ama sustainability brand that is so popular with Europeans and a growing segment of the U.S. population.
https://revolutionmarinegroup.com/
