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Category: Projects

  • ANCHOVY

    ANCHOVY

    ANCHOVY

    23′ Harry Bryan “Trout” garvey (2024)

    A pristine Maine pond + A cherished family cottage + a private floating dock in a quiet cove = a perfect opportunity to engage in low impact electric boating. More and more, we are encountering boaters for whom electric propulsion is the priority, not just a consideration. There are few existing production boat hulls that are suitable for maximizing the potential of electric propulsion, so there’s an opportunity for custom builders like us to design and build efficient displacement hulls to make the most of recent advancements in electric propulsion technology.

    While we are designing and building you a boat that provides a noninvasive experience in a special place, we mustn’t pass up the opportunity to reference that place in the lines and details. Let’s draw from the natural environment with bare native cedar and dark green topsides. Let’s plan on at least three generations and guests and build in lots of seating. Let’s add a touch of elegance in a brass wheel and varnished coaming.

    ANCHOVY in the water at sunsetPhoto: Nick Parson
    ANCHOVY on the waterPhoto: Nick Parson @thesearesomephotos

    In this busy bright buzzing world many of us are grasping for peace, quiet, immersion…authenticity. I can’t say a custom electric boat is the answer to anything, but it’s an opportunity to get closer to something we are yearning for.

    For our latest electric boat ANCHOVY we found an existing garvey design from Harry Bryan that was well suited to electric power and the pristine pond she will call home. Long, low and narrow with a non-immersed transom, the hull is inherently energy efficient. Those same qualities and her honest workboat origins make for a boat that is both wholesome and striking as she makes her way quietly across the pond.

    Particulars

    LOA23′
    LWL19′
    Beam6′ 6″
    Draft2′ 6″
    Disp.2700 lbs
    MotorePropulsion Navy 6.0 Evo (6 kW, 48V)
    BatteriesePropulsion E-Series (6 kWh)
    Top Speed6 kts
    Cruise4.5 kts
    Range14 nm at 4.5 kts, 7 nm at 6 kts
    AnchovyPhoto: Nick Parson
  • VEGA

    VEGA

    VEGA

    31′ Cranberry Island Launch (1936, 2023)

    VEGA was built on Great Cranberry Island In 1936. She spent the next 84 years enjoyed by one family and stored carefully on island. She came to us in remarkably original condition by way of Maynard Bray’s “Save a Classic” Column in WoodenBoat Magazine. Her new owner was interested in perpetuating the original fabric and spirit of the classic launch, while also converting her from gasoline to electric power.

    Photo: Nick Parson
    VegaPhoto: Nick Parson

    His intended use was well suited to electric power: regular joy rides, picnic excursions and cocktail cruises off his dock (with shore power) in Sorrento, with an occasional cruise to Stonington, Brooklin, or even western Penobscot Bay. The boat was a great candidate for electric, too: fine bow, long waterline, narrow beam and a not-quite submerged transom.

    The conversion was a success. With one season under her belt, we learned a lot about her abilities: She can easily go from Brooklin to Sorrento on a single charge; She can make regular short cruises and re-charge on solar alone, and a lot more.

    Particulars

    LOA33′
    LWL31′ 6″
    Beam9′
    Draft2′ 6″
    Disp.8500 lbs
    MotorElectric Yacht QT20.0 (20 kW, 48V)
    BatteriesVictron LFP (30 kWh)
    Top Speed9 kts
    Cruise5 kts
    Range65 nm at 5 kts, 25 nm at 7 kts

    VEGA – An Electrified Classic Wooden Launch
    Video by Off Center Harbor

  • AUK

    AUK

    AUK

    Point Comfort 23 (2020)

    In early 2020 AUK’s owner asked us to propose an existing Hylan design that we felt would maximize the potential of the latest electric outboard technology. Doug offered his Point Comfort 23 as the best candidate, and with the help of Ocean Planet Energy we selected a Torqeedo Cruise 10.0 motor powered by a pair of their 48 V 5000 Wh batteries (later upgraded to a Cruise 12.0 and third battery). With access to 120 V service the batteries can be charged from flat in about 6 hours with the Torqeedo fast charger. For charging on the mooring and extending range, Ocean Planet Energy recommended (4) Solbian SR+ 116 panels.

    As a platform for the latest electric propulsion system, AUK has lot to offer. With her plumb bow she has a long waterline for her size which makes for better performance at lower speeds. When speed is a must she planes easily with her shallow V back aft. In general the historically-inspired design represents a measure of balance that is often missing in the inefficient overpowered “Clorox bottles” that populate most of our harbors in 2020.

    Cockpit of electric boat

    AUK’s aesthetic is also derived from a carefully struck balance. Her vernacular Chesapeake work boat roots mingle with a modern minimalism that modestly references the technology driving her. It is truly fun to watch her underway and consider how her far flung elements emulsify into something altogether new.

    But the fun of watching her is nothing compared with the thrill of being aboard. As you cast off and navigate the harbor the silence slowly dawns on you. After a few minutes underway you will begin to understand that this isn’t just a new kind of boat, it’s a new kind of boating! One where we’ve regained our senses, where we can enjoy the moment not just the destination, where we can appreciate the world around us without actively degrading it. Here’s to the future of electric boating!

    Auk out for a ride

    Particulars

    LOA23′ 1″
    LWL21′ 10″
    Beam6′ 10″
    Draft7″
    Disp.1500 lbs
    MotorTorqeedo Cruise 12.0 (12 kW, 48 V)
    Batteries(3) Torqeedo Power48 (15 kWh total)
    Top Speed14 kts
    Cruise5-6 kts
    Range35 nm at 5 kts, 15 nm at 14
    AUK line drawing