solar yacht 80

Silent Yachts

Creators of the world’s first series produced, solar-powered electric yachts.

Unlimited Range

Noiseless cruising, zero emission, minimal maintenance, pioneering solar powered yachting since 2009.

The Original Solar Yacht

As the original inventors of series produced solar-electric yachts, we pioneered this innovative approach. Our first model, the Silent 64, was launched to the market in 2016, several years before any other shipyard considered the possibility of going electric.

Leading Technology

Our founders began to research alternative energy sources to power yachts during the mid 1990s. Today, the technology of our in-house developed solar-electric drivetrain has been perfected and is multiple generations ahead in terms of reliability, performance and efficiency.

Historical Track-Record

In 2009, the Solarwave 46 was launched as our first prototype of a fully solar-electric, self-sufficient ocean-going catamaran. Since then, our electric yachts have cruised many 10.000s of nautical miles, performing flawlessly during a variety of weather conditions.

Enabling Self-Sufficiency

What differentiates a Silent is the unprecedented level of autonomy provided by our yachts. Being able to produce your own energy enables a fully self-sufficient lifestyle on board. Travel the oceans sustainably while making them your infinite playground.

The award-winning entry to solar-electric yachts.

Timeless design meets state-of-the-art technology.

120 Explorer

The boldest expression of solar powered yachting yet.

What Makes Us Unique

The tranquility on board of our yachts is unique. A lack of noise, fumes and vibrations create a deep connection with the sea. Luxury and sustainability finally merged into a holistic experience, working hand in hand with nature by minimizing the impact on the marine environment without compromising comfort.

For optimal performance and efficiency, our solar-electric drivetrain integrates seamlessly with all onboard systems. Compared to fossil fuelled powertrains of motoryachts, electric powertrains have very few moving parts, resulting in minimal maintenance, maximum reliability and significantly lower running costs.

The ability to recharge your own batteries with the sun marks a new era of freedom. Depending on cruising speeds and weather conditions, a Silent has virtually unlimited range, enabling you to live a fully self-sufficient lifestyle on board. Unbound by the limitations of fossil fuels, you are free to explore the horizons.

The technology powering our yachts today has been pioneered by our founders almost three decades ago. Continuous upgrading and steady optimization of the entire system are some of the key reasons our in-house developed solar-electric drivetrain offers a comprehensive portfolio of assurances and warranties.

Why Silent Yachts

A sensible approach to yachting which works in self-sufficient harmony with nature and creates a completely new experience on board.

Tech Corner

Why a Solar Powered Yacht?

Let’s break down the advantages of harnessing the sun’s energy for yacht propulsion: solar power offers remarkable efficiency, significant environmental benefits, and an unmatched synergy with the yachting experience. Join us as we dive into the future of sustainable yachting and discover how solar-powered yachts are revolutionizing the seas.

Living on a Silent 62 Solar Electric yacht

Silent Yachts’ range is designed to harness the power of the sun, providing green energy and silent cruising. But what can owners truly expect? How much power does the Silent 62 use while cruising? In this article, we evaluate a typical day onboard the Silent 62, based on actual data from our yachts.

Silent Yachts’ shining debut at the Venice Boat Show 2024

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New Silent Drivetrain

Tech shorts 2023

Electric power event on the water

Shipyard tour Italy by Michael & Heike

“The Tesla of the seas! An amazing founding couple, a highly innovative product as well as a really cool story behind it. Furthermore, a lot of love and attention has been invested into every single detail – truly impressive!” Frank Thelen / TV Personality, Founder, Angel Investor & Disruption Expert

While the present has brought us the dawn of smart cars, I strongly believe the future will bring us solar powered smart boats – and I definitely want to be at the frontline of that journey. Michael Jost / Former Head of Group Strategy of Volkswagen Group

The idea of sailing while charging your own battery is super powerful to me – solar powered sailing is the perfect love story! Jochen Rudat / Former Tesla Central Europa Director, Advisory Board Silent Group

Elon Musk single handedly forced an entire industry to go electric, as a matter of fact if they don’t all go electric now they will soon die. I would like to see the same thing happening for boating. You are not just selling boats – you are the actual leading edge of a crucial and much overdue revolution to sustainable transport!” Klaus Obermeyer / Emmy Award Winner

I am completely excited about solar catamarans. I knew before they are great but now I truly believe this is the future. After so many boats I’ve seen in over 18 years with Boote Exclusiv, this yacht truly blew my mind. Such a silent and peaceful cruising experience – just the way it should be. Martin Hager / Editor in Chief for Boote Exclusiv - Yachts

SILENT Yachts

The Flagship

The SILENT 80 represents the flagship of the SILENT fleet. Guests on board experience premium levels of comfort, refinement and luxury. Every journey on board transforms into a story of pleasure. The interior cabins are crafted to match nothing but the best. In combination with the elegant exterior, she embodies the essence of a flagship in every possible way.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Solar power generation, light displacement.

Trans – Ocean

Certification

Specifications, interior & exterior design.

Marco Casali

Cruising speed

4 – 6 (customizable)

3000 L – 5000 L

1000 L – 2000 L

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Electric boats

Electric yachts.

• Solar Electric Boats
• Sunreef Yachts

Sunreef shows off gorgeous 80-foot solar electric luxury yacht ahead of US debut this month

Eco-responsible shipbuilder Sunreef Yachts had given the public its first glimpse of its new 80-foot solar electric yacht before it makes it US debut in Fort Lauderdale, Florida later this month. The 80 Sunreef Power Eco is a fully-electric luxury catamaran that could very well be one of the most advanced solar electric yachts built to date.

Sunreef Yachts was established in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland where its shipyard and office still operates in addition to a presence in the the UAE. A year into its existence, the company was touting the launch of the world’s first 74-foot luxury oceangoing catamaran with a flybridge and has been innovating ever since.

Today over 140 Sunreef Yachts are sailing waters across the globe, and the shipbuilders clientele includes Tennis great Rafael Nadal , plus F1 champions Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg. As the company looks to delve further into electrification, its latest vessel – the 80 Sunreef Power Eco has already garnered a German Design Award 2023.

Its touting some truly unique solar technology you can see below, and if you happen to be in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area this month, you can check out Sunreef’s solar electric yacht in person.

Check out Sunreef’s newest electric yacht in Ft. Lauderdale

Top comment by dan b.

To be clear, I'm not a boater and not fond of being on water that much. In my younger days, I did have a couple boats and was on the Mississippi quite a lot as well as a larger lake in NW IL. The thing that I recall not so fondly was the smells and fuels, putting fuel in them, the spills in the water, the nasty exhaust fumes and film in/on the water, etc. That's always bothered me and I feel that the boating industry may be one of the dirtiest as for pollution along with motorcycles. The fact that boats spend so much time baking in the sun makes them totally great for solar.

So I'm happy and grateful for the fact that boats and motorcycles seem to be moving well into the EV power and using renewable energy as well. It gives me hope for the future where people can still enjoy recreational activities while greatly reducing emissions.

In addition to the new images of 80 Sunreef Power Eco above, we’ve learned that its makers are already declaring the solar yacht “world’s most advanced electric luxury catamaran,” due in large part to is emission-free in-house technology.

The 80-foot vessel is propelled by two 360 kW motors, powered by a massive 990 kWh battery bank. Sunreef says these custom-engineered banks offer an energy density less than 5.2 kg per kWh, nearly 30% lighter than the typical systems most commonly used in the yachting world today.

What may be most impressive about this electric yacht is Sunreef’s 36 kWp composite-integrated solar panels, which have been seamless placed along the catamaran’s hulls, bimini roof, and superstructure. Sunreef describes the technology as a “solar skin” around the yacht.

The interior features 4 luxury cabins and customizable layout to comfortably sleep eight guests. unfortunately, that’s all Sunreef is sharing about the 80 Power Eco at the moment, but the public can learn more at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show , taking place October 25-29. It’s there that this beautiful Sunreef yacht will make its US debut. If you happen to go and see her up close, please send me pictures. If you buy one… please invite aboard. TYSM.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at [email protected]

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Meet the Silent 80 Tri-Deck

• By Yachting Staff
• Updated: December 2, 2019

Silent-Yachts has unveiled the design for its Silent 80 Tri-Deck, a solar-electric catamaran with a projected top speed of 16 knots.

This yacht is a variation on the builder’s existing 80-foot flagship, adding an air-conditioned lounge on the flybridge.

Owners have choices in the layout aboard the Silent 80 Tri-Deck. The yacht can be ordered with four to six staterooms, with an enclosed or open top deck, and with a customizable garage.

Because the yacht uses solar power, it has more garage space as opposed to engine-room space. The vessel can carry a nearly 15-foot tender, an amphibious car or any number of combinations of water toys.

What is the Silent 80 Tri-Deck’s cruising speed? 6 to 12 knots, with a top-end speed of 16 knots.

For more information, visit: silent-yachts.com

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80 Sunreef Power ECO Sól

• Sustainable

DISCOVER THE MODEL

Description.

Sunreef Yachts launched the world’s most advanced electric motor yacht , Sol, in its Gdansk facility in Poland . The luxury catamaran is customized to the owner’s specifications and uses the latest green tech to attain the highest levels of sustainability and energy efficiency.

Apart from being equipped with two 360kW engines and a set of 990kWh batteries, this electric catamaran boasts Sunreef Yachts’ revolutionary solar power system with panels fully integrated with the composite structures. Owing to this in-house engineered technology, the 80 Sunreef Power Eco provides unrivaled solar power for extended range and a clean cruising experience.

The solar catamaran was commissioned by an experienced family of yacht owners deeply engaged in sustainability and looking for the perfect eco-responsible motor yacht. The four-cabin catamaran boasts a custom-tailored layout and décor to accommodate eight guests in full luxury. With an energy-saving air conditioning system and smart energy management, this  electric yacht  sets new standards for  eco-cruising .

To know more about the 80 Sunreef Power Eco and the entire Eco range , feel free to contact the Sunreef Yachts team.

SPECIFICATION

• ECO VERSION

Construction

Length overall

Beam overall

12+4 (crew)

Solar panels

Main engines

990 kW (700 Volts)

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Silent Yachts Has Sold 3 of Its 80-Foot, Tri-Deck Solar-Powered Catamarans

And there's an even bigger model on the way., rachel cormack.

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Silent Yachts is quietly establishing itself as a major player in the marine game. The Austrian-based builder, whose solar-powered fleet continues to grow apace, has just sold the first three Silent 80 Tri-Deck catamarans for roughly $6.7 million apiece.

As its moniker implies, this particular model is a triple-deck take on the yard’s flagship Silent 80 and is billed as Silent’s most spacious solar-electric cat to date. Designed and engineered by Marco Casali and MICAD, the multihull sports clean, straight lines, expansive windows and a distinctive flybridge that’s fitted with horizontal air grills inspired by supercars. Silent says this adds sportiness to the overall look.

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The 80-footer is also equipped with an additional 970-square-foot deck that sets it apart from its predecessor. This space can be set up as an open-air sky lounge (open version) or enclosed and used as an owner’s suite, lounge or studio (closed version). Among the three sold, there are both open and closed versions and the latter will have a master cabin in the top deck.

The open model.  Silent Yachts

Elsewhere onboard, the main deck offers a generous main saloon that spans more than 640 square feet, along with a galley, lounge and dining area. The lower deck, meanwhile, can accommodate four to six guest cabins and one to two crew cabins depending on the owner’s preferences.

Outside, the aft and forward decks feature sofas and sun pads for al fresco relaxation. Since there’s no big engine room hogging space, Silent claims the cat is fitted with the largest garage in its class. The vessel can hold a 17-foot tender, along with an integrated lift and launching system. The hydraulic swim platform could also potentially store a gyrocopter on floats.

One of the vessel’s biggest drawcards is its eco-friendly edge. It’s predominantly decorated with recyclable materials that are stylish yet sustainable. It’s also equipped with 70 solar panels on the roof of the flybridge that generate 26kWp of power. The green energy is then stored in lithium batteries to power the onboard amenities and enable the vessel to cruise at night.

The closed model.  Silent Yachts

Speaking of cruising, the catamaran is fitted with a pair of powerful electric engines that offer up to 340 kW each in the most advanced version and give the vessel a max speed of 20 knots and a range of up to 100 miles per day. That means you can sail silently sans emissions to pretty much anywhere you please without consuming fuel. (The vessel also comes with a generator if you’re in a pinch.)

“We are happy that the interest in fully sustainable yachting keeps growing,” Michael Köhler, founder and CEO of Silent Yachts, said in a statement. “Our latest orders are another confirmation of this trend for a much greener future.”

Indeed, the shipyard is currently developing an even bigger model and will release more information this year. It’s also partnered with Volkswagen to install the same electric powertrains currently used in VW’s ID.3 and ID.4 in an array of ocean-going multihulls. Like we said, major player.

Check out more pictures below:

The owner’s suite.  Silent Yachts

The galley.  Silent Yachts

The dining room.  Silent Yachts

The saloon.  Silent Yachts

The master ensuite.  Silent Yachts

The master cabin.  Silent Yachts

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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SILENT 80 Silent Yachts

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If you have any questions about the SILENT 80 information page below please contact us .

The SILENT 80 luxury catamaran is a solar-powered model constructed by Austrian shipyard Silent-Yachts offering an LOA of 24m/79ft. The naval architecture is the work of Enrique Castilla from Insenaval while Marco Casali from Too Design created the interior and exterior styling. The flexible accommodation layout can provide for 8-12 guests over 4-6 cabins respectively, with a crew of four to provide stellar service throughout the cruise. The yacht's launch date is in 2020.

NOTABLE FEATURES OF SILENT 80: ~Solar-powered vessel ~Flybridge Jacuzzi ~Abundance of outdoor living space ~Large and airy cabins ~Excellent stability ~Shallow draft for close beach access ~Air conditioning ~Wi-Fi

Each hull has a swim platform leading from the water to the main deck aft, and a hydraulic swim platform allows for the easy launch and retrieval of tenders.

The main deck aft cockpit is shaded by the flybridge overhang and contains a stern sofa and elevated dining table along with a port side wet bar and a starboard alfresco dining table and sunbed/sofa. Walkways to each side lead to the foredeck, and a sofa placed amidships allows guests to take in the views in privacy. The foredeck has a C-shaped sofa wrapping around two drinks tables where guests can take in uninterrupted forward views. A sunpad is placed either side of the seating, and the spacious bow can be furnished with sun loungers or left clear for a social event.

The flybridge is accessed via a port stairway and there is a C-shaped alfresco dining area to starboard and a helm station and sofa placed centre. A Jacuzzi is placed aft and centre, with the area directly behind left clear for sunbathing.

The hardtop is covered in solar panels and when the flybridge is not in use, it can be moved down to lie flush with the rest of the solar panels to avoid casting shadows.

The hulls host the guest and crew accommodation, leaving the central section for a shared social space.

The salon is comprised of an aft lounge, a formal dining area and a galley, with a wet bar nearby for drinks to suit the occasion. Full-height glazing tapers into smaller windows farther forward, creating naturally illuminated environments for any social occasion.

As a solar-powered vessel, there is no need for an engine room and the space is instead used to store tenders and water toys.

SILENT 80 Specifications

The SILENT 80 motor yacht comes in a standard 50kW cruiser version and a more powerful 250kW E-power version, the latter option capable of a top speed of 20 knots and silent cruising at 7-8 knots with a range of around 100 nautical miles per day.

Yacht Accommodation

The SILENT 80 luxury catamaran model offers a flexible accommodation layout and is able to sleep between 8 guests across 4 cabins or 12 guests over 6 cabins. The Master suite has a private office and in all arrangements, there is at least one VIP stateroom. The crew of four will ensure that every guest is well taken care of throughout the cruise.

Amenities and Extras

We do have available further amenity, owner and price information for the 23.95m (79’) yacht SILENT 80, so please enquire for more information.

SILENT 80 Disclaimer:

The luxury yacht SILENT 80 displayed on this page is merely informational and she is not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor is she represented or marketed in anyway by CharterWorld. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and informations are displayed in good faith but CharterWorld does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

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New Silent Yachts For Sale

Silent yachts are the industry leader in ocean-going production yachts that are completely solar sustainable and powered by solar energy. seaworthy, luxurious, and built to impeccable standards, silent yachts are already desirable without its solar capabilities. with the abundance of solar panels on board each boat, every silent yachts model is able to cruise for 100 nautical miles in complete silence. even while at anchor, the solar-powered generators keep the yacht powered quietly for an unprecedented boating experience. enjoy all the benefits of a power catamaran with the addition of solar energy..

Silent Yachts

Silent Yachts 80

Silent Yachts 55

Speak To A Silent Yachts Sales Professional

Silent Yachts offer an environmentally conscious choice when it comes to owning a yacht. Silent Yachts currently offers three solar-powered power catamaran models including the Silent 55, Silent 64, and Silent 80. United Yacht Sales is proud to be the U.S. distributor for Silent Yachts and can assist you in your search for the world's first solar-powered yacht. For more information, please contact United Yacht broker Darren Sell at (561) 351-7333 or by email at [email protected] . 

Where are Silent Yachts built?

Silent Yachts are built through two different shipyards depending on the model. The Silent 55 is built at the world-class shipyard of Mazarin German Yachts which also has a production site located in China. For over 70 years, Mazarin has been a leader in quality yacht construction with over 400 yachts delivered. Mazarin are experts in innovative construction processes that are able to produce light weight yachts.

The Silent 64 and Silent 80 are produced at the Italian-based shipyard Consorzio Navale which is a prestigous consoritum of builders and sub-contractors in the industry. The group has serviced many of the major Italian yacht brands such as Ferretti Yachts and Riva Yachts . Additionally, the Silent Yachts 80 features styling and design by Marco Casali and naval architecture by Insenaval.

Are Silent Yachts really completely solar-powered?

The short answer is yes. Owners can choose to go 100% solar-powered or install diesel engines should higher speeds want to be achieved over longer distances. Silent Yachts can cruise up to 100 miles per day by power acquired through its solar panels. Every day the solar panels are able to generate more power than the total consumption needed for propulsion at cruising speeds plus powering all of the appliances on board. 

How does the solar power work? 

The Silent Yachts power system feeds the electric propulsion of the power cat and all of the energy it needs to run the A/C, refrigerators, and other household appliances. Light-weight lithium batteries provide an ample amount of energy for everything on board. The lithium batteries used in Silent Yachts are the most expensive ones on the market, but also the most reliable, safe, and have the longest life span.

Solar panels are integrated to the roof of the flybridge hardtop sections instead of just being bolted on top, resulting in no wind load or resistance againest them. Below is a video explaining how the system functions and operates back when Silent Yachts were originally called "Solar Wave":

Who is the team behind Silent Yachts?

Heike and Michael Kohler have sent almost their entire lives on a boat. After more than two decades of using various boats, cruisers, and sailboats on multiple oceans, they became dedicated to finding a better energy source for the propulsion of yachts. Between the years of 2005 and 2009, Heike and Michael tested a number of a multitude of various alternative energy sources. In 2009, SolarWave 46 was launched as a proof of concept for their design. While there are many boats and yachts built that use solar power in some fashion, the Solarwave 46 was the first ocean-going yacht to use solar energy to power everything on board from engines to appliances.

What else is different about how Silent Yachts are built?

Certainly the solar-powered engines and generators are the distinguishing characteristic, but there are a lot of other features that make each Silent Yacht unique. For example, the molds were created using a CNC-milling machine that is able to contruct particular shapes for an optimized design. The materials used in the hull include a carbon compositie that is then resin-infused for a light-weight, but very strong platform. Every hull is fully insulated and the long-term durability is exceptional thanks to the high-quality resin used in the infusion process.

What propulsion systems are recommended by Silent Yachts?

Silent Yachts recommends the 2 x 135 engines as the best solution. If the owner is making frequest trips from Point A to B (Say Miami to the Bahamas for example) the faster hybrid is recommended. The main differentiator here is cruising speed. If the owner is living on the yacht for an extended period of time, rarely pushes the engines to top speeds, and stays below 12 knots, then the E-Power is recommended.

When the generator is running, does the 100Kw go to charging the batteries (which run the 250 Kw e-Motors) or directly to the e-Motors?

All of the enery consumers and producers are connected to the bus bar. If there happens to be more power produced than consumed, the excess power goes to re-charge the batteries. If for some reason more power is required than what is produced, the needed power comes from the lithium batteries.

What is the sustained speed if both 100 Kw generators are running?

This answer really depends upon sea condition and the weight of the boat (for example components, additional equipment, water toys, etc.). The sustained speed on average though is between 12 and 14 knots, 10 knots with one generator running. It is possible to cruise at 10 knots without a generator running when using the Solar E-Power.

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80 SUNREEF POWER

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The new 80 Sunreef Power is a universal multihull yacht for long cruises in ultimate comfort. Taking luxury and seaworthiness to a new dimension, this dynamic and elegant craft enters the Sunreef Yachts range, redefining the authentic electric catamaran design. The 80ft yacht ’s dynamic hull and superstructure stretch the living spaces to the extreme, offering infinite options for a bespoke layout and décor.

With a bold, contemporary hull styling, the 80 Sunreef Power incorporates classic stainless steel portlights, teak sole decks, high bulwarks, and subtle ambience lighting. Her massive garage combined with an aft platform allows this luxury catamaran to take her dinghy, numerous water toys, and jet-ski anywhere she goes. Easily accessed from the saloon, the yacht’s full-beam bow terrace is a vast, soothing retreat with amazing amounts of space for sunning and lounging. The 80 Sunreef Power’s immense flybridge offers enough breadth to house a spa pool, a wet bar and generous seating all around.

One of the most spectacular features on board the 80ft yacht is the master suite which can be set up in the bow section of the main deck. With a double bed facing the bow terrace, a bathroom with a walk-in shower, dressing and desk, the suite is bathed in sun from the skylight glazing. The same space can also be used to install a large lounge with ample seating and access to the foredeck.

The main saloon opens wide onto the aft cockpit to combine the electric power catamaran ’s dining space with the outdoor relaxation areas, where more seating is available along with a wet bar. The fully customizable saloon can also accommodate a large galley, depending on the layout selected and houses an elevated interior navigation station.

The immense volumes in the hulls of the luxury catamaran give plenty of room to tailor every unit’s layout to the most specific requirements. The crew quarters along with the galley and crew mess can be accessed directly from the aft cockpit for more privacy on board. Multiple layout configurations are available to set up luxurious guest cabins for a supreme level of comfort on board.

Do not miss out on the 80 Sunreef Power Eco, a solar catamaran that excels in performance with its vibration-free, fume-less, and ultra-silent operations.

SPECIFICATION

• ECO VERSION
• CLASSIC VERSION

Construction

23.8 m / 78.08 Ft

Length overall

Beam overall

1600 l (422.68 US gal)

Water capacity

Sunreef Yachts

Naval architecture

2 x 5000 l (2 x 1320.86 US gal) - 2 x 8000 l (2 x 2113.38 US gal)

Fuel capacity

2 x 800 HP - 2 x 1200 HP

1.7 m / 5.6 Ft

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80 Sunreef Power ECO Sól

80 Sunreef Eco Athena Too

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80 Sunreef Power Pronto

80 SUNREEF POWER MANTA

80 Sunreef Power Nauti Nickel

80 Sunreef Power Mocre

80 Sunreef Power Kokomo

80 Sunreef Power Great White

80 Sunreef Power OTOCTONE 80

80 Sunreef Power Aria

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LET THE LIGHT IN

Sunreef 80 eco: the comfy cat with solar panels galore, sunreef’s 80 eco model combines catamaran comfort with an impressive list of green tech – including solar panels on every surface, says sam fortescue.

SUNREEF YACHTS

There are those who seek their thrills in fast boats, but, perhaps surprisingly, Formula One driver Fernando Alonso is not among them. “When I’m in a boat, I want to be in slow motion, relaxed,” he tells a throng of journalists jostling in the saloon of Sunreef ’s latest creation, the 24-metre 80 Eco. “I need to go fast in the car for the adrenaline, and in this I need to go slow. In life, you need both.”

A murmur of agreement ripples over the press pack, which is somehow managing to make the cavernous interior of this sailing cat look full. Then again, we must be around 100 strong. It’s not really the dynamic for which this yacht was designed: a dozen seated in exceeding comfort, 100 mingling across the two decks, cocktails in hand.

True to his word, Alonso is looking very relaxed. He has just bought his own Sunreef catamaran and is here to tell us about it. He actually went for the smaller 18-metre power cat, but nonetheless spent a holiday on the 24-metre sailing version and is enthusiastic about its capabilities. 

“The Sunreef 80 Eco proves sustainable yachts do not need to compromise on luxury”

“I’m in love with catamarans because of the space – it’s like having a villa on the water,” he says. “I like to spend time with my family and friends – and a cat gives possibilities that a monohull cannot offer. There’s also the stability. I sailed the Sunreef 80 in Greece for 10 days; it was a little bit rough and we were the only ones out there. They were dream holidays and an outstanding experience.”

But to dwell on the catamaran form of these Polish-built boats is to miss the point, as Alonso says. Renewable power is the name of the game here, and the 80 Eco generates its own electricity by the kilowatt, tapping the power of the wind, waves and sun.

“On a sunny day, the Sunreef 80 Eco owner doesn’t need to use a generator at all” 

While any talk of a 24-metre carbon composite toy being “eco” should be taken with a hefty pinch of salt, these Sunreefs come closer than most. Besides the renewable power and the electric propulsion, founder and CEO Francis Lapp tells me that the yard has slashed waste, introduced more sustainable woods and fabrics and is experimenting with the use of natural linen fibres in its composite. It is even building a hydrogen-powered sailing yacht. “The Sunreef 80 Eco proves sustainable yachts do not need to compromise on luxury,” he says. “The all-electric [catamaran] is a fully autonomous craft using revolutionary green tech for fuel-free cruising in total silence and luxury.”

Just to be clear on what he means by autonomous, Sunreef says that the boat can run for days, weeks or even months without burning a drop of fossil fuel – enough to cross an ocean. Having sails is the biggest single factor here: a powerful 200-square-metre, fully battened main and a 155-square-metre jib. The boat is no lightweight flier, so top speeds of nine knots upwind and 11 to 13 knots downwind are the norm, but that is enough to cover 250 nautical miles in the course of a good day, for fast passage times.

Hydrogeneration – the harvesting of power from the water moving past the hull as the boat sails – is not new, and has existed in small sailing boats and ocean giants like Black Pearl for more than a decade. But it is the smart integration of this system that marks Sunreef out. The two large variable pitch propellers turn the prop shaft backwards, rotating the 180kW electric motors so that they act like giant alternators. “The energy obtained is used to power both the propulsion and the house appliances,” says Lapp.

“The system will be able to generate more than 15kW while sailing above seven knots.” That’s a whopping 360kWh over 24 hours – far more than the efficient air con and mood lighting could consume.

After the autumn boat shows, the Sunreef 80 Eco set sail for Istanbul, Suez, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Dubai. Although rated at 180kW each, the electric motors consume just 25kW at cruising speed

Solar panels are the other weapon in the renewable energy armoury, and Sunreef has pioneered a strikingly new approach by embedding the solar cells in almost every surface of the hull, superstructure and mast. If you go all out on solar, the cells cover 160 square metres with a maximum power rating of 34kW – far more than the average home solar array can manage. It’s a theoretical figure that they will never reach, even though the sea reflects extra light into the vertical panels, but Sunreef says that 100kWh per day (equivalent to 10kW of power for 10 hours) is a reasonable expectation. “On a sunny day, the Sunreef 80 Eco owner doesn’t need to use a generator at all,” says Lapp.

Back to Fernando Alonso for a moment, because he put this theory to the test during his Greek jaunt. “The performance under sail was perfect for me – we didn’t start the generator for 10 days,” he says. “Then to sail with no noise... I could work out on the flybridge.”

To manage and then store all this energy is no mean feat, and the Sunreef 80 Eco is packed with up to 550kWh of batteries – that’s more than 2.5 tonnes. Naturally enough, they’re no ordinary batteries – they’re special, lean lithium-ion packs that have been engineered to save around 30 per cent weight compared to off-the-shelf varieties. And they contain enough power to motor for eight to 10 hours at eight to 10 knots on a single charge. 

When you’re talking about batteries on this scale, you can’t simply plug in to the shoreside power and recharge. And in any case, this is a boat that’s designed to stay offshore for days at a time. Instead, it carries its own battery-charging system with it in the form of twin 80kW diesel gensets.

“I’m in love with catamarans because of the space – it’s like having a villa on the water”

SUNREEF YACHTS The main saloon includes a full-size piano keyboard under the pop-up television

If you need to motor for longer than 10 hours, these would fire up automatically to replenish the depleted batteries. “When not under sail, you need the generators on for four hours per 24 hours in total. It might be two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening,” says Lapp. “There is no need for the genset when not motoring.” 

Attractive as they are, renewable power and silent cruising are not enough to sell yachts. The reason Sunreef has sold more than 40 Sunreef 80 sailing cats (including 10 of the 80 Ecos off-plan) is its understanding of comfort.

The styling for the 18- to 30-metre Eco lines is almost exclusively done in-house by Sunreef’s 14-strong interior design team. All the joinery and upholstery is also typically done by the shipyard workforce, which has ballooned from 830 people to 2,000 in three short years as the order books have grown longer and longer. It is not the way most superyachts are fitted out. “We are open to any client enquiry, although we need to admit that it doesn’t happen often,” admits Lapp, when I ask whether Sunreef works with exterior designers. “Most of our owners decide to work with Sunreef designers, as they go to great lengths to make clients happy and support them with advice. Every single catamaran is uniquely designed to the wish of our clients.”

"The configuration is down to the owner – a whole hull could be turned over to a large bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and private lounging area"

On the first hull, which was built for Lapp himself and used to tour the globe as a showboat, the styling is a grey scale study of light upholstery and headlining, with dark, moody joinery and silvery wall panels with lots of gleaming stainless-steel work. “The finishing materials are fairly dark,” agrees interior design director Aleksandra Schade. “As guests will spend most of their time in the sun, the interiors are to provide a relaxing environment with a colour palette that will ease the senses. There are no natural leathers used and all the fabrics and furnishings are made of durable materials that will keep their visual appeal over the years.”

Bottom left: the first hull has four guest cabins with double berths. The on-trend ribbed wooden panelling and sophisticated lighting show the quality of finish that the yard can achieve. Top left: bright pea green is an accent colour throughout, including on the flybridge’s Paola Lenti seating. The muted grey colour scheme is a deliberate contrast to the bright outdoors

The finish quality is extremely good, but it is really the use of the space that is noteworthy. The saloon alone covers 54 square metres with flush access from the aft deck through doors that slide completely back into the bulkhead. The sheer spaciousness is impressive, notwithstanding the two U-shaped sofas lining the interior and pop-up television amidships.

Wide side decks lead forward to a spacious foredeck lounge. Like many of the smaller catamarans that fill Port Pierre Canto in Cannes, there are netting “trampolines” between the bows, which add a pleasing nod to early catamaran design, as well as being fun features in their own rights. 

But the 54-square-metre flybridge is the boat’s natural hub. There’s a sophisticated helm console here and access to the mast foot winches forward, without the impediment of any bimini supports. There’s easy lounging and dining, potential for a bar, spa pool and grill, as well as plenty of space for gym equipment – all protected by a hard bimini.

Solar panels cover 160m 2 of the hull, superstructure, mast and hardtop with a maximum power rating of 34kW. An extended bimini option would provide an additional 3.6kW. To make the build more sustainable, Sunreef is starting to use alternative fibres in non-structural areas, including flax and basalt. The latter is made from melted chunks of volcanic rock

Four double en suite cabins provide accommodation in the hulls. The head of the bed is always oriented against the inner part of the hull for ocean views out through the port lights. Configuration is very much down to the owner, and a whole hull could be turned over to a large bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and private lounging area. Another option that has already been studied is to put the owner’s cabin on the main deck. There is room for four crew – two in forepeak cabins and two aft.

Renewable power, silent motoring and luxurious volumes – it all adds up to a pretty compelling package. Sunreef has made this space its own over the last decade, now building a semi-custom 18-metre, 24-metre and 30-metre model in motor and sail varieties. Its superyacht credentials have been further buffed by the sale of two jaw-dropping 43M Eco sailing cats, and it has a 46-metre sailing project on the books with renowned designer Malcolm McKeon. 

The shipyard is located in Gdańsk, which is known for its boatbuilding skills, and Sunreef has harnessed this to engineer and produce almost every element of its boats in-house. And as Alonso says, there is real pleasure to be had in that. “It is an amazing experience to build a yacht,” he says. “It was a new experience to be so much involved with small decisions, like plugs or lights – that was a nice surprise to have. You can build something unique.”  

The 54m 2 flybridge is replete with sunning and lounging areas A pair of treadmills up top allow for a workout with a great view

The saloon’s aft doors open fully to make one large indoor-outdoor space

The galley is down on the first hull, but could be incorporated into a corner of the main saloon

More stories

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The Best Solar Powered Catamarans (2023 UPDATE)

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Catamarans are incredible boats, and making one solar-powered really makes my little engineering brain go wild. In this article, I discuss some of the coolest solar-powered catamarans out there!

Here are three of the best solar-powered catamarans:

• Sunreef’s 80 Sunreef Power Eco Yacht
• Silent Yachts’ Silent 80
• Soel’s Senses 48

There are soo many variables that it’s tough to say one is better than the others. No matter which you board, you’re going to have a luxury experience. The benefit of these solar cats is that the experience can be had while maintaining a sustainable lifestyle and contributing to the betterment of the environment.

The diesel engine is dead, Long live electric power. Sort of…

Table of Contents

Solar Catamarans: Luxury Yachts

Before we look at each of these, let’s take a few paragraphs to talk about catamarans in general. First of all, when many people think of cats, they think of a relatively small craft barrelling across the water, one of its hulls in the air with a swashbuckling daredevil hanging off the side of it high above the water.

That’s not the kind of catamaran we’re talking about here. We are, instead, looking at yachts or cruising catamarans. These share one commonality with the other type of cat, and that’s the twin hulls. But that’s it. Cruising cats are slower, more stately boats. Also, on one of those little, quick ones, there’s not room for much of anything, and you won’t likely be doing any cooking or sleeping on it.

We’re also looking solely at solar-powered catamarans here, and although they have much in common with their diesel-drinking brethren, there are some key differences, which we’ll also address.

Perhaps the main difference (and one of the most significant selling points for a solar-powered catamaran) is the noise level. Gabo

Anyone who’s been on any boat with a combustion engine (diesel or petrol) on board has had to deal with the noise and smell.

But the drone (or roar, depending on the engine’s size and location) can be far from relaxing, which is one of the main reasons to get on a boat, off the mainland, and out to sea. Even if you’re marlin fishing—not the most peaceful undertaking man has ever attempted—you’re still out on the water and hope for some peace and quiet.

Eliminating that engine noise is a pretty big deal.

How Solar Catamarans Work

The biggest key to the success of the solar-powered yacht is not the solar panels – although those are great, as they look terrific and are well integrated into the ships. But the unsung hero here is the battery system.

Solar energy companies continue to perfect their industry. By making their solar batteries denser and denser, they create batteries that can store more solar power for more extended periods in smaller spaces.

And that brings us to an aspect you probably haven’t thought of:

Solar-powered yachts have more interior room because the battery system takes up less space than a conventional engine would.

Space customarily used by an engine room gets freed up for other uses.

Since most solar catamarans are nearly infinitely customizable, it’s hard to say what you might use that extra space for, but it’s available because of the solar power system.

The yachts have solar cells in all sorts of places, most notably on the roofs of the boats, but some companies build them in over large swaths of the hull, so they look as much like a design choice as a power source.

3 Best Solar-Powered Catamarans

Let’s be honest—if you’re dropping more than a couple of million dollars on a boat, two things are likely true: you have a lot of money, and you like nice things. All of the yachts listed here are lovely things, so it’s going to be hard to go wrong. 

As a result (and since these aren’t exactly accessible for test drives), it’s difficult to say which one of these is actually the best ; ergo, this list is in no particular order. They’re all glorious specimens.

Incidentally, where the price is listed, that number is an extremely general estimate. As these vessels are all entirely customizable and each choice below is available in different lengths and configurations, the cost can vary wildly.

To better understand what is a good price of a solar-powered cat, they should be compared to performance cruising catamarans or larger catamarans for families .

80 Sunreef Power Eco Yacht

This may be the most remarkable boat you’ll see for a long time. Sunreef has been in the yacht-building business since the turn of the millennium, winning awards along the way, and in the last few years, the company began work on its Eco line.

While there are shorter (and one longer) versions of this ship, the 80-footer (24.38 m) is pretty iconic. It offers electric motors to push it over the water and to do so with little noise, vibrations, and zero smell of fuel or exhaust.

As mentioned earlier, this is the yacht with solar cells pretty much all over it. They dot the sides of the hull and add to the overall look of the ship. With these cells and the panels on the roof, this yacht carries 200 square meters (2152 sq ft) of solar cells generating up to 40kWp (that’s 40 kilowatts peak, meaning under the best conditions, like on a bright, sunny day). Sunreef makes cats that run under sail, as well.

• Unlimited cruising
• No emissions
• Silent running
• Solar panels on the sides of the boat may not appeal to everyone
• Price: $8 million USD and up (new)

Silent Yachts has several versions of each of its catamarans. This eighty-footer (24m) is available in a loft or a classic version, but you get large spaces and incredible luxury no matter what you choose. The bathrooms alone on these things are pretty enough to live in.

Like Sunreef, Silent Yachts offers various lengths of these yachts, but they refer to the 80 as their flagship, and with good reason. Also with good reason, this yacht has been called “the Tesla of the seas.”

Three power options exist, each allowing higher maximum speeds for longer periods on the water than the last, but all three offer cruising speeds of up to 8 knots.

Its rooftop solar panels generate 26kWp of power . While that’s a significant step down from the comparable Sunreef vessel, the company claims unlimited range. Theoretically, it makes sense—solar power is even easier to come by on the open sea than on land, and with an endless supply, you ought to be able to cruise forever (as long as the sun shines).

All that power gets stored in batteries, and when it’s time to use it, the boat does so silently through its electric motors, on which Silent Yachts gives a lifetime warranty. While that warranty wouldn’t give you much peace of mind if you were on the float hoping for rescue, once you got it back home, whatever the problem was would get fixed, and you’d be ready to go out again.

Like any electric motor propulsion system, the Silent 80’s requires almost zero maintenance. Compare that to the ongoing work you do on your big, loud, smelly diesel engine. Not having to change the oil alone seems worth the investment.

• Recommended maintenance schedule happens after the end of most yachts’ lifespans, meaning you may not ever have to do any maintenance at all on this one.
• Kite available for additional propulsion (up to ten times more efficient than a sail)
• Its five-and-a-half-foot draft is pretty deep.
• Smaller kWp capacity than comparable makes.
• Price: $4.6 million and up (new).

Soel Senses 48

This is a smaller yacht (a little more than half the size) than the first two. However, Soel has built a beautiful boat that is entirely sustainably powered. The 12 solar panels on the roof generate 2.7 kWp of electricity stored in two batteries that can be configured to hold up to 142 kWh of stored solar power.

This, like the others, makes for a boat that glides over the water without rattles, without fumes, without noise. Unlike the others, its cruising speed tops out at 10 knots —faster due to its smaller size. Its top speed runs at 18 knots, but with significantly less kWp on board, the ship won’t run at that top speed for extended periods.

The company lists the ship’s range at between 30 and 56 nautical miles (55 – 103 km) , and the fluctuation will come from various options and choices available in operational modes.

• The boat’s 2.3-foot (70.10 cm) draft is shallower than the larger boats here.
• Orders of magnitude more affordable.
• This is a smaller boat and won’t comfortably sleep much more than 10.
• Limited range means this is a weekend cruiser, not a circumnavigator.
• Price: $600,000 and up (new).

Other Choices

These next couple of catamarans are newer and smaller, but they bear mentioning for various reasons, which we’ll be sure to point out with each one. Again, at a certain point, a yacht is a yacht, and if you can fit your friends and family on it for a fun trip, everything else is just gravy.

Smaller than Silent Yacht’s Silent 80, this one is a product not only of Silent Yacht but one made in conjunction with Volkwagen and Cupra, a Spanish car company.

Volkswagen has become a significant player in the electric motor game, so the company brings its Modular Electric Drive (MED) to this vessel, allowing for an even more efficient electric propulsion system than the one on the Silent 80. 

Cupra’s presence in the project seems to be solely on the design side of things. The Silent 50 is a vessel built with an eye toward a world in which water travel creates zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Aquanima 40

Azura Marine , based in Singapore, recently announced a solar-powered yacht whose biggest feature may have been its six-figure cost. According to Azura Marine, the ship can cruise indefinitely with a 10 kW solar power system and a 60 kWh battery pack. That is a smaller battery pack than the others, but it’s also a smaller craft.

This cat is a terrific combination of price and features.

Choosing the Best Solar Catamaran for You

This will be a personal choice and one you’ll want to do a lot of research on (which is presumably why you landed on this page in the first place). Since solar-powered catamarans sell for sums of money with at least seven digits in them, this will not be an impulse purchase for very many people.

Any of the choices listed here will be well-built, beautiful, luxurious places to lay your head or sip your mimosas while you’re on the water. It may come down to aesthetics, range, or speed, but all of these models offer incredible specimens that everyone—landlubber or old salt—will treasure.

The luxury yacht world is an exclusive one, but it doesn’t have to be wasteful or ecologically irresponsible. The yachts listed here are some of the best in the world in terms of combining luxury with solar power and providing emissions-free yachting that’s quiet and relaxing.

New yachts can be purchased from the manufacturers, allowing for customization, and various online yacht brokers are willing to help you find a pre-owned craft that’s right for you.

Finding the right yacht for you will depend on your wants and needs, but we can all agree that environmentally sound, sustainable power on these vessels is valuable.

• Electrek: This $500,000 electric yacht can cross oceans on just battery and solar power
• Forbes: Volkswagen Unveils 50-Foot Solar-Powered Catamaran In Partnership With Silent-Yachts
• Kite Boat Systems: Kite controller for sailing boats
• Plugboats: New 48′ solar electric catamaran from Soel Yachts
• Robb Report: Solar-Powered Yachts Are Taking Over. Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing.
• Silent Yachts: Silent 80
• Soel: Soel Senses 48
• Sunreef: 80 Sunreef Power Eco

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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