US-based fibreglass boat builder Chris-Craft debuted its first zero-emission, all-electric concept boat at the recent Miami International Boat Show.
Chris-Craft’s concept Launch 25 GTe shows considerable promise in the yacht tender segment, with its fully electric propulsion system eliminating the need for yachts to carry petrol for the tender.
The company’s concept, Launch 25 GTe, utilises a 420hp-equivalent electric motor turning a sterndrive unit. Chris-Craft president Steve Heese described the vessel’s debut as an important step for the iconic boatbuilder toward integrating an electric powertrain in its luxury sector.
“The Chris-Craft brand has always been synonymous with the finest quality and craftsmanship in the industry, and today we unveil an all-electric concept boat that meets those same standards,” Heese. “The Launch 25 GTe is our exploration into the burgeoning electric boat space and our next step on a continuous journey of bringing innovation to the marine industry.”
He added that the company would continue developing and testing the concept before bringing it to market. The concept’s battery capacity of 133 kWh should allow the vessel to achieve a top speed of 50 mph with a run time estimated in the range of two hours, giving the Launch 25 GTe significant potential as a large yacht tender.Â
The Launch 25 GTe is being developed in collaboration with electric propulsion system provider EVOA Propulsion and parent company Winnebago’s Advanced Technology Group (ATG), which is presently fully engaged in developing fully electric campers.
Chris-Craft also used the Miami show crowds to debut its all-new Calypso 32 model. Measuring 9.3m, the Calypso 32 features a patent-pending, manually lifted centre windshield which stows out of sight to provide an unobstructed view when open. The vessel’s fibreglass top includes a motorised SureShade sunscreen, Seakeeper Ride stabilisation and lithium-ion battery powered HVAC systems. Standard power will be twin Mercury’s V-10 outboards with joystick piloting.
