on 11 Feb 2021
The Austria-based builder has sold three units of its most spacious solar electric catamaran to date
Silent Yachts, Austria-based builder of solar-powered catamarans, has confirmed the sale of the first three units of its flagship Silent 80 tri-deck.
It’s more great news for the brand, which had a banner year in 2020. The company announced on November 4 that it will deliver 15 solar-powered catamarans in 2021. There are 11 Silent Yachts in the water now, with 31 sold so far. There are ten solar-powered catamarans under production in its facilities in Thailand and Italy.
Silent 80 Tri-Deck ‘open version’
The Silent 80 tri-deck, which is the shipyard’s most spacious solar electric catamaran to date, is an updated version of the company’s flagship. It features a sky lounge on the top deck (closed version) or an expansive 90 m² flydeck (open version). The flydeck can be designed as an “owner´s deck” with a vast private suite and 360-degree view and a terrace.
Both open and closed versions are among the units that have been sold.
Silent 80 tri-deck ‘closed version’
The new model will be able to reach up to 20 knots and make up to 100 nautical miles a day at cruising speed without consuming any fuel.
“We are happy that the interest to fully sustainable yachting keeps growing,” said Michael Köhler, founder and CEO of Silent Yachts. “Our latest orders are another confirmation of this trend for a much greener future. The first Silent 80 tri-deck closed version will have a master cabin in the top deck, but a lounge or studio could possibly also be placed here on future units.”
The main deck features a 60-square-metre saloon, benefitting from a 10.95-metre beam, with a galley inside, a lounge and a dining area. The lower deck is fitted with four to six guest cabins and one or two crew cabins. All staterooms offer double or twin berths, with en-suite bathrooms. Semi-custom layouts are available on request.
Because the yacht is solar-powered, there is no need for an engine room, and this space is instead given over to a large garage. On port side, there is enough space for a 5.2-meter tender with an integrated lift and launching system or an amphibious vehicle.
Exterior designer Arch. Marco Casali opted for straight lines of vast windows to allow plenty of natural light into the saloon and guest spaces while providing panoramic views. The flybridge adds sportiness thanks to horizontal air grills inspired by supercars but with eco appeal.
Due to carbon construction, the tri-deck solution does not affect performance. The new model will be able to reach up to 20 knots and make up to 100 nautical miles a day at cruising speed without consuming any fuel.
The catamaran is fitted with a pair of electric engines (150 kW each in a standard version, and up to 340 kW each combined with high efficiency carbon propellers in the most advanced version).
Solar panels from the brand SunPower can produce up to 26kWp. The yacht uses maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solar charge regulators and high-end lithium batteries from Panasonic, which provide capacity for all-night cruising, while the inverter available with up to 50 kW provides power for all household appliances.
The base price of the new Silent 80 tri-deck is €5.51 million (HK$51.81 million).
The shipyard is currently developing an even larger model and plans to release more information on this project later this year. At the end of 2020, the company announced its plans to build a solar-powered island retreat in The Bahamas.
Technical specifications:
Length overall: 24.30 m
Length waterline: 24.20 m
Beam overall: 10.92 m
Draft: 1.20 m
Light displacement: 58 tons
Water: 2 x 800 L
Wastewater: 4 x 500 L
Fuel: 3.000 – 5.000 L
Motors (electric): up to 2 x 340 kW
Solar Panels: 26 kWp
Battery capacity: 429 kWh
Cruising Speed: 6-12 knots
Top Speed: 20 knots
CE-Certification: A
