Home Goods | September 18, 2017 9:00 am

The First All-Electric Yacht Is a Silent Lake Weekend Killer

40 miles, zero emissions and guilt-free luxury

By Shari Gab

While cars have been on the fast track to electric engines for some time onw, the newly released Hinckley Dasher will welcome another locomotive indutry into the e-fold: luxury yachting.

And this boats looks like a real winner — quite literally. After its official unveiling, the Dasher took home the Green Boat Award and Best Powerboat Under 35’ at the Newport International Boat Show.

Hinckley, who have been in the boatcrafting game for some 90 years, were determined to deliver a silent driving vessel with zero emissions that could still bring the amenities,speed and range their clientele has come to expect.

E-Yacht (2 images)

“We have a long tradition of innovation in pursuit of the perfect yachting experience. From the early use of fiberglass in the Bermuda 40 in the 1960s to the adoption of jet drives on the category-defining Picnic Boat, we’ve always worked to combine the latest technology with cutting edge naval architecture to do what has not yet been done,” said Peter O’Connell, President and CEO of the Hinckley Company.

Want proof? The 28′ Dasher is powered with twin 80 hp electric motors, dual BMW i3 lithium-ion batteries and Hinckley’s proprietary Whisper Drive silent propulsion system, which combines the latest hydrodynamics, electric power and digital control tech for maximum performance handling and maneuverability.

In the recharge department, the vessel has dual 50 amp charging cables, standard on most docks, allowing for a charge twice as rapid as most popular plug-in electric cars. A full charge can be reached in under 4 hours, which gives you plenty of time to restock the cooler and snag some lunch.

Her cruise speed it set at 10 mph, with fast cruising at 18-27 mph and a range of up to 40 miles at cruising speed. Give that, the Dasher is probably more of a luxury lake boat than a high-seas traverser, for now. But all in all, it’s a step in the right direction.

Plus, she’s a looker. A looker that will, however, lighten your wallet — to the tune of $500,000 or so.