on 27 Mar 2019
The Silent 55, is a luxurious, silent, self-sufficient yacht with several power configurations
Silent-Yachts introduces the Silent 55, the first and only ocean-going solar-electric production catamaran in the world. The yacht uses silent electric propulsion for a unlimited range with no noise or fumes and minimal vibration, she is self-sufficient and virtually maintenance-free.
The Silent 55 is available in several power configurations to suit a variety of cruising applications. All of them stick to the Silent-Yachts’ philosophy of relying chiefly on solar power for propulsion and onboard power needs.
The Silent 55 that was on display at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2018 is an “E-Power” version with 2 x 135 kW motors and can reach up to 14 knots. The model can be equiped as a “Cruiser” version, with a pair of 30kW motors or a “Hybrid Power” version with 2 x 220 hp diesel engines and two 14 kW electric motors. A “Sailor” version can be equipped with all the previously mentioned drivetrain configurations and is rigged with a mast and sails to provide additional propulsion in fair winds.
With 30 high-efficiency solar panels rated for approximately 10 kilowatt-peak, the Silent 55 uses maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solar charge regulators and lithium batteries, which provide capacity or all-night cruising, while a 15 kVA inerter provides power for all household appliances. The systems require hardly any maintenance and produce no fumes are noise. Because of that, the operational costs of vessels are substantially lower compared to power yachts using more traditional propulsion systems.
Michael Köhler, Silent-Yachts CEO, said “What this represents to the yachtsman, among other features, is the ability to cruise for many hours at normal speed and throughout the entire day and evening at reduced speed. Silent-Yachts sets the standard for an entirely new dynamic in yachting: No fuel. No maintenance. Pure solar-powered luxury.”
The Silent 55 is available in five different layouts ranging from three to six staterooms with three or four heads. A full-width central owner’s stateroom is the centrepiece in three of the layouts, with guest staterooms located in port and starboard hulls. All staterooms offer double or twin berths, and all heads inlude a separate shower. Other layouts are available on request.
The Silent 55 is build using vacuum-bagged resin infusion to create a lightweight glass-sandwich composite construction that has sound- and temprature-insulating qualities. The hull is reinforced with carbon fibre at stress points, and uses vinylester resin to prevent osmotic blistering.
Because the Silent 55 is designed to range everywhere as a true ocean-going cruising yacht that is self-sufficient, she is equipped to keep her crew happy and comfortable for virtually any voyage.
It starts with the beenfits of the propulsion system. The Silent 55 can cruise efficiently for up to 100 miles a day for weeks. At the same time, the arrangement of the components enables the system to power all onboard systems without need of fuel to power a generator. because of her revolutionary design, the Silent 55 travels just with the sound of the wind, and the water streaming past the hull, with no smoke, noise, or vibration of engines.
“The generator is only used to recharge the batteries in the rare case when higher speed is required for longer periods of time or if the weather is bad for several days,” Köhler says.
In addition to the ergonomics of the living spaces, the Silent 55 – thanks to her advanced conveniences – offers a comfort level that sparks peace of mind. A water-maker powered by the solar-electric system, produces enough water to supply a full six stateroom company with reasonable rate of consumption. On the Silent 55, all onboard appliances operate on the 220/110-volt system, to which her crew might be used to from their homes. The galley has a refrigerator and freezer space to sustain the crew and an efficient induction cooktop, precluding the need for carrying propane.
“Under normal, average holiday conditions, the boat is self-sufficient with unlimited range without burning fuel,” Köhler says. But perhaps even more importantly, the time under way is spent enjoying the sounds of wind and water, with no fumes or vibration, with no noise but the laughter of friends and family.