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Photo by Jim Raycroft |
The solar array covers approximately 180 square feet and needs to be kept free of salt to maximize efficiency. |
But all-electric is by far the most compelling of the DSe's operational modes. While full-tilt performance engendered a mere 45 minutes of run time at 7.3 mph with a power draw of 175 amps per half battery-bank, backing off to 75 amps decreased our speed only slightly, to 6.2 mph, and increased our run time to more than two hours. And yes, our run times (and therefore range projections) are "slightly optimistic," according to the engineers at Enersys (manufacturer of Odyssey batteries) who calculated them and suggested power might start to decay at 80 percent of each run time's total. But it's important to remember that none of these numbers takes into account energy absorption from the solar array while underway, an unfortunate and somewhat misleading circumstance engendered by the absence of an onboard metering device for the array.
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The conclusion's still stunning, though: Based on data I recorded while operating in all-electric mode, as well as theoretical run-time projections and array capabilities, it seems fair to say that a full day of sunshine might easily yield a full day of solar-powered, 30-amp 3.9-knot cruising. Indeed, just two-thirds of the solar array's rated 6-kW power (4,000 watts) could keep up with the 2,880-watt drain on the main battery bank at such speed, figuring the drain at 60 amps (30 amps per Steyr Hybrid motor) x 48VDC, in accordance with the formula: Watts = Amps x Volts.
If cruising for free and for fun, even if limited to periods of intense sunshine, has a lovely, unorthodox ring to it, you're gonna love the actual operation of the DSe. Running the boat from the helm station in the wheelhouse felt quite normal to me, whether she was in primary-diesel or all-electric mode. Visibility was excellent except for directly over the bow where it's adumbrated by the solar array on the coach roof, a situation Trane's addressed with a forward-viewing Raymarine video camera that gives the helmsman a reasonable (but not great) picture of what lies ahead. The twin helm seats were comfortable (they're positioned so a helmsman can sit in either), the Tecnautic digital engine control with fly-by-wire, dial-type steering worked smoothly, and there was plenty of seating for passengers.
Docking the boat in all-electric mode was a bit challenging, however, at least while doing so from the foredeck with the Tecnautic remote (with motor-control levers on either side of the steering dial) in hand. Because of wind noise, I was unable to hear changes in the Steyrs or feel them in the Tecnautic's control levers due to a lack of significant detentes. Thus, I had difficulty discerning whether the boat was in forward, reverse, or neutral at any given time, a daunting difficulty with a stiff wind blowing, at least to this neophyte all-electric boathandler.
The edginess of the DSe's technology and performance is nicely matched by the unusual nature of her design and layout below decks. The master forward (with en suite head and separate shower) has a unique and inviting forward-facing queen-sized sleigh bed offering a wraparound view of the foredeck and beyond. The aft guest stateroom (also with en suite head and separate shower) offers mattresses that can be easily configured as twins or pushed together to form a queen. And the "deckhouse," between the master and stairway up to the wheelhouse, proffers a galley with a top-notch Hitachi refrigerator/freezer and Cooktek induction-type cooktop, a modern entertainment center, and a couple of UltraLeather-upholstered settees (one that converts to a berth) with an intervening hi-lo table. Machinery spaces at the rear of each sponson are dealt with creatively. On the starboard side, there's room to stow a standard all-electric Segway PT while to port, the box-like, easily disassembled engine enclosure is cleverly blended into the cabinetry that supports the guest berth.
Of course, design and layout below decks are not what the Island Pilot DSe's all about, and neither is the distinctive, angular styling of the vessel's exterior. The real story here is that Island Pilot's come up with a cutting-edge propulsion system.
And the luxury of spending quiet, sunny, free-as-the-wind, Huckleberry Finn-type days on the hook?
Well, yeah, it's part of the deal.
For more information on Island Pilot, including contact information, click here.
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This article originally appeared in the January 2009
issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.
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