New version of solar electric Silent 55 to debut at Fort Lauderdale show

Oct 24, 2019

• Silent Yachts, the producer of the first ocean going solar-electric production catamarans in the world says the new SILENT 55has a completelyrevised drive-train with significantly more battery power, e-motors that are twice as powerful and with structural improvements.

• Solar-powered propulsion and household power is pure silence thanks to electric propulsion with clean environment, no vibrations or fumes. No generator is required for air conditioning or cooking at anchor; the generator is only used to recharge the batteries in rare cases.

The Silent 55 is self-sufficient with unlimited range without burning fuel.

The boat carries a pair of 250 kW e-motors. The shipyard has also enhanced noise reduction and made structural improvements to ensure that Silent’s emphasis on luxury and comfort continues throughout its product line.

FlybridgeWith 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 for all-night cruising, while a 15-kVA inverter provides power for all household appliances. The systems require minimal maintenance and produce no fumes or noise. Because of that, the operational costs of the vessels are substantially lower compared to power yachts using more traditional propulsion systems.

SalonThe Silent 55 that will be at the Fort Lauderdale Show has a standard layout with large airy saloon on the main deck and four spacious cabins below decks, including a full beam master suite in the bow area. The boat 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 centerpiece in three of the layouts, with guest staterooms located in port and starboard hulls. All staterooms offer double or twin berths, and all heads include a separate shower. Other layouts are available on request

PRICING

The base price of the new Silent 55 is1.4 million euro. Many options are delivered as standard “no-cost” items on all Silent yachts.

Silent55 – Specifications

Length overall: 16.70 m (54 feet 10 inches)

Beam overall: 8.46 m (27 feet 8 inches)

Draft: 1.20 m (3 feet 11 inches) Light displ. (EC): 19tonsWater: 500 liters (132 gallons) Wastewater: 2 x 475 liters (2 x 125gallons)

Fuel: 2 x 300liters (160gallons)

Solar Generator: 10.000Wp

Battery capacity: 210 kWh

E-Motors: up to 2 x 250k

Generator: 100 kW

Cruising Speed – 10-12 knots

Top Speed: up to 20 knots

CE Certification: A


Starcraft SV 16 OB

By Craig Ritchie

Photos by Starcraft Marine

Building great boats has always come down to a mix of art and science, and that’s particularly true when it comes to meeting the biggest challenge of all—creating an appealing yet affordable family runabout. Buyers want a boat that is affordable but not stripped to the bare bones.

Enter Starcraft and its delightful SV 16 OB, an all-new-for-2025 family deck boat that elegantly balances comfort, amenities and affordability.

Read More


Destinations

The Erie Canal – An Extraordinary Waterway

By Mark Stevens

Photos by Sharon Matthews-Stevens

As I shift our chartered canal boat into neutral, I’m soothed by the soundtrack of bird calls, the occasional plaintive horn of a distant train and the hum of our engine.

I reach for the VHF to radio the lockmaster in charge of Erie Canal’s Lock 32 dead ahead. Our boat spins gently in the current like a maple key in a mud puddle.

“This is Onondaga,” I say. “Headed westbound and requesting passage.”

Read More