Boatbuilding News 25.11.22 Feat. Silent Yachts, Edorado and Disney Cruise Line

?? This week's Boatbuilding News ???

?? Silent-Yachts, builder of solar-electric yachts, has revealed its first dedicated tender design — the Silent Tender 400.?

The Silent Tender 400 (ST400) is an electric tender that measures four metres from transom to bow. The boat borrows a number of the style cues from the boat builder’s much larger 60ft and 80ft electric catamarans, including angular lines, the rebated bulwark and black and white finish.

The model’s carbon fibre lay-up ensures that the hull weighs no more than 90kg. That means it is lighter to lift out using the hydraulic bathing platform of a Silent 60, easier for the mother ship to carry and crucially, far more efficient to propel through the water.

“We are very proud to present the new Silent Tender 400, which is one of the most efficient electric tenders on the market. It follows the same design principles as our award-winning electric yachts, with dimensions that enable it to fit both the Silent 60 series and Silent 80 series yachts. What is more, the hull gives passengers a really dry ride, even at speed and in confused seas.”

says Silent Yachts founder and CEO Michael K?hler.

Designed to carry six people, the Silent Tender 400 was conceived as a tender for the solar-powered Silent 60 series yachts. But the model can also make a good electric runabout or an efficient tender for a conventional yacht.

Designed with a central console, the Silent Tender 400 has simple, intuitive controls, including a throttle, leather-padded wheel and a display showing speed, heading and depth. Meanwhile, the driver’s seat is flanked by two other seats, and there are two bow seats – all provided with handholds. Boarding is via a step in the lowered bulwarks amidships.

Owners are able to choose between various inboard and outboard propulsion options. Inboard power comes via a 20kW electric waterjet, offering extremely low draught and ease of handling. With the sportier outboard, input power is either 20kW or 30kW, depending on the package selected. The higher rated motor is capable of propelling the boat at more than 20 knots.

For performance reasons, Silent Yachts engineered the boat to carry either a standard 16kWh lithium battery or an upgraded 20kWh unit for more range. At a 10-knot cruising speed, owners can expect a minimum of two hours drive time. Fast on-board charging can replenish the battery in just 2.5 hours.

???? After years of engineering and testing Dutch company Edorado is now raising €1.75M to finalise construction of its first commercial powerboat — the Edorado 8S.

This is an 8m all-electric, digitally connected powerboat with proprietary hydrofoil technology.

Edorado says its combination of retractable hydrofoils and electric twin-drive system, means the 8S quite literally takes off and drag is reduced by more than 60 per cent compared to conventional planing hulls. The boat can reach up to 38 knots at top speed, and has a range of 40NM at cruising speed.

It will also feature a proprietary Automatic Control System (ACS), whereby associated algorithms make constant adjustments to the hydrofoils for increased safety and stability, and a patented Collision Impact Safety System (CISS). The latter allows for a controlled release of the bow, and the two propellers of the ‘twin drive’ system provide precision control for docking.

“As we envisioned, the transition towards sustainable fast powerboating is finally taking off. In the past few years, our team has been working hard on the right tech to get us in prime position for this new market space. Therefore we are happy to open this bridge round, welcoming new investors on board to join the ride before we start scaling up production,”?

says Giel Groothuis, joint founder

The company is funded by a group of private investors, including technology entrepreneur Steven Schuurman.

“I was instantly convinced, particularly by Giel and Godert’s unique clarity of vision. It’s rare to have the chance to contribute to such a strong product. It’s even rarer to be part of something with so much potential. The beauty of the Edorado is that it will lead the way, pioneering innovations that can eventually trickle down into the wider industry. And providing an unforgettable ride along the way.”

says Stephen Schuurman

?? Disney has announced that it’ll be basing a cruise ship outside the USA. The fate of Global Dream was unsure, but now Disney says its acquisition of the partially completed ship will ‘bring the magic’ to new global destinations.

The 208,000-gross-ton ship is expected to be among the first in the cruise industry to be fuelled by green methanol, one of the lowest emission fuels available. Disney Cruise Line expects the passenger capacity to be approximately 6,000 with around 2,300 crew members. It’ll be adorned with Mickey Mouse-inspired colours (black and white with a splash of red).

Construction will be completed at the former MV?Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany, under the management of Meyer Werft, the Papenburg-based company that built the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish. The ship’s previous owner filed for bankruptcy before completing the vessel, enabling Disney Cruise Line to secure it at a ‘favourable price’. The project also secures employment for hundreds of former MV Werften employees and will provide opportunities for numerous maritime industry suppliers in the region.

The ship will be renamed with certain features ‘reimagined’ and is expected to set sail in 2025.

“Our cruise ships give us the unique opportunity to bring Disney magic to fans no matter where they are, and the addition of this ship will make a Disney Cruise Line vacation accessible to more families than ever before,”?

says Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.