Austrian company Silent-Yachts, currently the only producer of solar-electric ocean-going luxury catamarans anywhere in the world, has released new motor catamaran SILENT 55 which features 30 solar panels and lithium-ion batteries similar to Tesla, but in a more powerful configuration.
Silent 55 luxury catamaran yacht
Aft view
Aerial view
The self-sufficient motor catamaran SILENT 55 has unlimited range without burning any fuel and produces no vibrations, fumes or noise due to its electric propulsion. Minimal maintenance is required for the drive-train and household power supply, and while at anchor the air conditioning and cooling systems can run without the use of the generator: The only time the generator is used is to recharge the batteries in long-term bad weather or for extended cruising at higher speeds. At a reduced speed, the SILENT 55 can cruise non-stop throughout the day and night.
Deck areas
“Purely solar-powered yachts [have] become a commercial reality now,” explained Silent-Yachts CEO Michael Köhler. “Even if we keep a diesel generator on board our catamarans, this is for safety reasons. An owner of the SILENT 46, for instance, told me that he did not start a generator for the last two years despite [spending] the whole summer on the boat with guests cruising around Greek islands.”
Saloon
Five different layouts are available to Owners, who have the option of three to six staterooms and three or four heads with a separate shower. Each room uses a double or twin bed configuration, and a full-beam central Owner’s suite with the rest of the guest and crew accommodation in the port and starboard hulls is the general arrangement for three of the layouts.
Guest cabins
Guest ensuite bathroom
The 40m2/430ft2 combined salon, galley and helm station will be a hub of activity and allows for plenty of sunlight from all angles, and glass sliding doors to the main deck aft will create a more ambient living experience. Broadside decks will connect around to the foredeck, where there are sunbeds and two trampolines that can be used for exercise as well as sunbathing.
