...NEWS...
Hybrid Yachts - Eco Friendly Yachting
Yachting. As a pastime or even a lifestyle, there is no better way to experience the vast majority of Planet Earth covered by water. Whether a short weekend cruise to a nearby destination or an extended voyage to exotic ports of call, nothing brings humanity and the aquatic environment into more extended contact than yachting.
For most, it’s the involvement with the natural world that creates some of the most precious moments afloat. A stunning sunset in a silent wilderness cove. A flock of wild birds swirling overhead. The chance sighting of a whale, and orca, or a dolphin. Fishing or crabbing for dinner.
As involved with nature as one becomes on a yacht, the nagging reality is that the yacht itself can be considered an intruder. There is no such thing as a “wild yacht” (certain parties excluded, of course). Rumbling engines and generators, creating a fog of diesel exhaust, were long considered inescapable when cruising among or anchored within islands and inlets of nearly paradisical beauty.
Most people enjoying the yachting lifestyle have had occasion to wish that somebody would design and build a more eco-friendly yacht. Someone has. Greenline Hybrid Yachts facilitate yachting into a natural environment with minimum of disruption.
What is a Hybrid Yacht?
Hybrid yachts are essentially diesel-electric vessels. Each prop shaft is driven by an electric drive motor as well as a highly efficient, low-emissions diesel engine. For short cruises, and within marinas and anchorages where a “no wake” speed is appropriate, a large bank of lithium-ion batteries propels a Greenline Hybrid Yacht in majestic and emissions-free silence. When greater speed and extended range are desired, the diesel engine takes over. Running on the diesel engine turns the electric drive motor into a generator, converting mechanical torque into electrical power and recharging the battery bank.
Solar assisted yachting
Sunlight. It’s available free of charge for hours at a time pretty much anywhere. Greenline Hybrid Yachts feature roof top solar panels, typically capable of keeping the drive batteries fully charged while still producing enough power to supply a vessel’s demand for lights, appliances, entertainment, and other electrical needs when at anchor. In an era when human beings are more concerned than ever about environmental responsibility, Greenline Hybrid Yachts have almost made the auxiliary generator obsolete. No rumbling, fuming, annoying generator need violate the sanctity of a wilderness anchorage. Although equipped with long inventories of the most modern systems and accessories, most Greenline Hybrid Yachts are ordered without generators.
Additional benefits
While the environmental benefits are both obvious and substantial, owners of hybrid yachts enjoy additional and important advantages. The price of diesel fuel is increasingly a consideration when yachting and the option to use electrical propulsion for at least a portion of a cruise takes some pressure off the fuel budget.
Diesel engines will last longer on a hybrid yacht. Diesels are not in use at all during slow-speed operations, (where diesel engines are typically thought to be less efficient and produce more pollutants). Lower engine hours per year can extend the intervals between oil changes and other hours-based maintenance expenses.
Resale values are likely to be higher on a hybrid yacht. The engine hours will be lower. As consumer awareness of and demand for an environmentally responsible way to enjoy yachting continues to grow, “old-fashioned” yachts with only petroleum propulsion could easily become less desirable.
Not to be overlooked, the ultimate in redundancy and improved safety. Should either the electric or the diesel drive system ever fail, owners of a hybrid yacht have another means to make it back to port.
Time tested concept
There are in fact several builders jumping Johnny-come-lately into the hybrid yachts arena. They recognize a good idea and respond to a growing demand for yachts that facilitate a more responsible and eco-friendly way to be out on the water. In some cases, their hybrid boats are literally still on the drawing board and most have not produced enough boats to establish a “proof of concept”.
Owners of Greenline Hybrid Yachts aren’t involved in any experimental startup. The very first Greenline Hybrid Yacht was designed in 2008 and launched in 2009. To date, about 700 Greenline yachts have been delivered to buyers all over the world; positioning that boat as the best-selling hybrid yacht of all time from any manufacturer.
Greenline Hybrid Yachts are currently offered in the following size: 39, 40, 45, 48, and 58 feet. As with any top-caliber builder, Greenline searches for every opportunity to make small adjustments or incorporate emerging technologies to maintain product quality as well as their reputation as a leader in the field of hybrid yachts.
Conclusion
Hybrid yachts make it possible to both enjoy and better preserve the natural beauty of our cruising environments. For owners, this provides a superior ownership experience. More fun, less guilt, less pollution, and at less expense.
When considering hybrid yachts, the acknowledged leader in the field is Greenline; the first and by far still the largest builder of hybrid yachts.
Contact Ocean Pacific Yachts Today
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
Contact Us
Office: (206) 659-0710
Fax: (206) 659-4293
Ocean Pacific Yachts
1001 Fairview Ave. N. Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98109
(Directions)
Social Media
