silent yacht 55 interior

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Review: Silent 55, the extraordinary solar powered yacht

• January 18, 2019

Silent Yachts is tapping into the solar zeitgeist and creating a new meaning for the term ‘powercat’.  Sam Fortescue reports

There is a slow, silent revolution under way in the yachting world. It is a revolution that is introducing tonnes of lithium and a sprinkling of silicon to the spec list of new boats. Holding out the promise of silent mobility, plus limitless domestic power on board, it made a big splash at the last Cannes Festival of Yachting – not least thanks to the new Silent 55 catamaran which debuted there.

From the pontoon side, the Silent 55 looks like a typical modern catamaran, with a big coachroof studded with windows and a flybridge helm. Except there’s no mast. Now, bear with me here. I realise that this is a sailing magazine, but we will shortly get back to more familiar territory. The unique qualities of this catamaran only become apparent from up top, where an expanse of solar panels stretches away fore and aft, embedded into the coachroof. The hard top itself carries yet more panels, and can be folded down flush to give an unshaded solar array of 49m2. During the heat of a summer day in the Med, this is capable of generating 10kW of power and up to around 60kWh in the course of the day.

But to make a solar system work in reality, Köhler had to go back to the drawing board on yacht design. The saloon and hulls have extra thermal insulation to keep air-con losses down, and the use of carbon and aramid in key areas helps reduce the overall weight to a decent 17 tonnes (a Lagoon 52 weighs 22.5 tonnes). He has tried to keep windows out of the direct sun with long overhangs and in contrast to the Lagoon’s 12 deck hatches, the Silent 55 has just two.

Holistic design

On the other hand, it has lots of opening windows, to allow a natural draught to do its job. “It’s a holistic approach – you can’t take the batteries and the drivetrain and drop it into another boat.”

Of course, using the propulsion system quickly takes its toll of the boat’s 140kW battery bank. The model on display at Cannes had two 135kW motors, giving you just half an hour of silent motoring flat-out, albeit at a top speed of over 20 knots. More reasonable 30kW engines and a single-digit speed give you greater range. Nonetheless, the electric drive alone isn’t going to allow you to outrun a storm, or race home after a day at anchor, so the boat is designed to work with a generator hidden in the heavily insulated transom of its starboard hull. At cruising speed of around 5-6 knots, Köhler says there is rarely any need to use the generator, citing an owner who has just emailed him triumphantly about a second year totally generator-free. “In the end, you have to compare it to the performance of a sailing boat,” Köhler says. “It is as fast as a sailing boat in similar conditions – after all, there is no wind without sun.” He went so far as to tell me during the sea trial in Palma, Mallorca, that he believed the majority of sailors would happily dispense with the hassle of sails and a rig if only they could enjoy silent motoring and anchoring. “As soon as people realise the incredible concept of this boat, they won’t understand why they ever did anything else.”

The market does not seem to agree with him – yet. Sales of the boat have been good – they have already sold six, five of which are already in the water. But of those, four customers have taken the sail option, which means planting a 19.7m tall mast complete with boom and rigging slap bang in the middle of the coachroof solar array. “I was a bit amazed,” Köhler admits. “The shade from the rig reduces the energy generated by the solar area, while it costs more and is heavier, so consumes more fuel. Maybe it is for optical reasons.” In fact, the shade of the rig slashes the average yield of the solar panels in half. In the Med, that means around 30kWh per day. But perhaps it figures. The typical profile of buyers is an environmentalist who has a Tesla electric car and is “an early adopter who likes to have things before others”. And at low speeds, with modest use of the air-con, the reduced energy generation should still cover daily consumption.

The performance under sail should be reasonable because of the lightweight build of the boat, its broad 8.47m beam and stub keels added to each hull. Control lines are led back via conduits in the coachroof to the flybridge helm station, to make single-handing under sail a possibility.

More interesting, I think, is a sort of halfway-house option using a kite rig. This optimises the performance of the solar panels and gives plenty of propulsion. On the smaller 55 and the 64, Silent Yachts currently recommends a 19m2 kite that costs around €25,000 – a fraction of the cost of a new mast, boom, shrouds and sails. “The sail automatically makes a figure of eight above the boat, and you can steer it with a joystick or an app on an android phone,” Köhler explains. “It can propel the 55 at up to 6 knots, even in light winds.” Perfect for an Atlantic crossing, then.

For the bigger Silent 79, which will hit the water in the summer, a commercial grade Sky Sail system needs to be used – a smaller version of the ones used on cargo ships. This kite can propel the boat at ten knots, but it costs more than ten times as much as its smaller cousin. Both are capable of pulling the boat upwind. So far, so new. But outside the novel energy and propulsion system, the Silent 55 aims to do what many other cruising catamarans are trying to achieve. “Most of our clients order for circumnavigation and long-term cruising,” Köhler says. So the boat is aimed to be as comfortable and capable as possible with watermakers, TVs and an induction hob that all capitalise on the boat’s abundant energy. A flexible configuration allows owners the choice 
of between three and six cabins – the latter designed for charter. The owner’s cabin lies forward of the saloon, under the windows of the coachroof, which provide magnificent views and abundant natural light. There’s a walk-around bed and steps down into the starboard hull give access to an en-suite shower room and heads.

In my view, the best cabin lies aft of this, accessed in the traditional manner down steps out of the saloon. The king-sized bed lies athwartships and the shower is larger than that of the master cabin. There’s more space down here, better headroom and still plenty of light courtesy of the many hull lights.

When I had the chance to sea trial the Silent 55, albeit in motorboat format, I jumped at it. It was a contrary autumn day on Mallorca with 15 knots breeze – just a shame, then, that this wasn’t one of the sailing configured versions.

To start with, getting on board is made really easy courtesy of deep boarding platforms on the skirts. She feels rather square because of that vast, glazed saloon with its deep overhang, and perhaps because of the utilitarian nature of the hard top, which is really about supporting more solar panels. Nevertheless, the side decks are broad and uncluttered. The space up top is designed to concertina down flat, hence the hydraulic rams, fold-down seat back and lowering console. It makes a great sailing position, though, with all round visibility, and is also perfect for sundowners at anchor. When the rain comes down, this feels quite exposed, but there is a fully sheltered helm at the front of the saloon, and it is also possible to drive the boat from anywhere using a tablet thanks to smart electronics. Under power, the handling is superb. The quietness of the motors is astonishing, and I gather they’ll be inaudible on the next boat, which will do away with the gearbox. Even in the aft cabins, directly above the motors, there is no more than a distant hum. The boat responds instantly to the power and the wind seemed to have no impact at all. As with any propulsion system, the power consumption jumps as you pile on the speed – it was sobering to see. At 6 knots, both motors drew 10kW but at 8 knots it was closer to 30kW. I liked the huge saloon with its raised table for 360º views. And the sliding door and window gives great access aft, connecting the saloon and cockpit in fine conditions. The finish was smart and in muted tones, feeling more Scandinavian than German.

Intriguingly, at least it seems to me, Köhler has tapped into something with the concept behind Silent Yachts – but not entirely for the reasons that he expected. Buyers are opting for the sail or kite versions of the boat because they want a comfortable wind-powered craft with abundant, quiet energy on tap. It brings a whole new meaning to the 
term ‘powercat’

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SILENT Yachts

SILENT 55 – The award-winning solar yacht

In November 2019 the SILENT 55 won the “Best of Boats Award” in the “Best for Travel” category.

This special category is defined as “suitable for long-distance travel with all the amenities to live permanently on board, adapted to both inland waters and the harsh conditions at sea”.

In general, it can be handled easily by two people, which makes the SILENT 55 ideal for families who travel with or without additional crew.

General information

Trans-Ocean

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500 – 1.000 L

Dirty water

600 – 1.600 L

Solar panels

Ce certification, sunlight yachts, office mallorca.

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VIDEO: Silent Yachts 55 review

The Silent Yachts 55, with its battery bank and solar panels, is a glimpse into the future of motorboats, but is it a viable option for serious cruising?

As we gaze towards the horizon in search of what the future holds for the motor boat, solar energy and harnessing the power of electricity for propulsion loom large in our view.

Some boat yards are already ahead of the curve – Greenline has been banging this particular drum for a decade, while others like Sunseeker have only recently jumped on the bandwagon by unveiling a partnership with MTU that will result in its first diesel/electric production craft in 2021.

However, neither of these yards come close to the ambition of Silent Yachts and its solar powered range of all-electric motor catamarans.

This Austrian outfit claims to have solved the concerns many boaters have about the limited range of electric boats by creating a vessel with unlimited range and little dependence on fossil fuel that is a genuine, useable alternative to a conventional motor boat with an internal combustion engine.

Nor is this simply wishful thinking based on a virtual concept – several examples of the Silent 55 have already been built and we’re here to sea trial one to see if the boat of the future has in fact already arrived.

What do we actually have here, then? One of the major attractions of the 55 is that its design isn’t particularly wacky or off the wall. To the naked eye it is a 55ft power catamaran with a pair of shafts, two helm stations and all the voluminous accommodation one would expect of a big cruising multihull.

Underneath, however, there is a lot to unpick. There are three versions of the 55: the Cruiser, which has a pair of 30kW electric motors, the E-Power tested here with a pair of 135kW motors, and the Hybrid Power, which combines two 14kW electric motors with a pair of 220hp diesel engines for those who want to travel at higher speeds for long periods.

The wheelhouse and collapsible flybridge hardtop are home to 30 solar panels with a combined output of 10kW that can either feed the two electric motors directly or keep the 140kWh battery bank topped up.

There is still one combustion engine on board but it’s a 100kW Volvo Penta generator employed as range extender and charging aid if required. This burns a mere 33lph and is connected to a pair of 800-litre fuel tanks giving around 48 hours of running time.

Read the full report in the April 2019 edition of MBY …

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Our Man On The Ground Travel and Lifestyle

Global travel and lifestyle magazine, the silent 55 all electric cruising yacht.

With all-electric cars, the likes of the Nissan Leaf and those from Tesla, catching on quickly, it was only a matter of time before the all-electric yacht made an appearance.

Silent-Yachts , an Austrian company have built and are selling the first and only oceangoing solar-electric production catamarans in the world.

This completely new type of boat opens a new era in modern yachting. The yacht uses silent electric propulsion for unlimited range without noise or fumes and minimal vibration, she is self-sufficient and virtually maintenance-free.

An extensive use of solar power via special panels, li-ion batteries and electric motors by Silent-Yachts sets a new trend in terms of ecologically oriented and careful yachting that respects nature and guarantees owners full comfort in total silence.

Purely solar-powered yachts are now becoming a commercial reality. With the builder using Sunpower panels, by far the most efficient commercially available panels on the market.  They come with a guarantee of 80% efficiency after 25 years of use a claim that dispels the myth that solar panels deteriorate. Chances are after 25 years owners will be glad to change them voluntarily, as more efficient panels will then be available for much less money.

The company’s Silent 55 model is available in several power configurations to suit a variety of cruising applications. All of them stick to the company philosophy of relying mainly on solar power for propulsion and onboard power needs.

The standard “Cruiser” version of the Silent 55 has 2 x 30 kW turnable saildrives e-motors, while a more upgraded “E-Power” version is equipped with 2 x 250 kW e-motors. There is also a “Hybrid Power” version with 2 x 220 hp diesel engines and two 14 kW electric motors. A “Sailor” version can be equipped with all the previously mentioned drivetrain configurations and is rigged with a mast and sails to provide additional propulsion in fair winds.

With 30 high-efficiency solar panels rated for approximately 10 kilowatt-peak, the Silent 55 uses maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solar charge regulators and lithium batteries, which provide capacity for all-night cruising, while a 15-kVA inverter provides power for all household appliances. The systems require hardly any maintenance and produce no fumes or noise.  Because of that, the operational costs of the vessels are substantially lower compared to power yachts using more traditional propulsion systems.

The Silent 55 is available in five different layouts ranging from three to six staterooms with three or four heads. A full-width central owner’s stateroom is the centrepiece in three of the layouts, with guest staterooms located in port and starboard hulls. All staterooms offer double or twin berths, and all heads include a separate shower. Large portlights and flush deck hatches allow natural light to flood in to the yacht’s interior.

On the Silent 55, the interior layout is centred on a shared onboard space, a huge 40 m² combination of saloon, helm and galley, with enough space for the crew to gather. The skipper will never be lonely at the lower helm as plenty of companion seating and an aft galley will keep the crew around.

Three of the layouts feature a forward owner stateroom that capitalizes on the 8.46-metre beam of the yacht for a spacious layout with a walkaround double berth. With wide side decks for safety moving fore and aft, the Silent 55 has a spacious cockpit sheltered by a large hardtop overhang, and enormous open foredeck space. In addition, the flying bridge promises to allow helmsman and guests to enjoy time together underway with superior lines of sight all around the boat.

Because the Silent 55 is designed to range everywhere as a true ocean-going cruising yacht that is self-sufficient, she is equipped to keep her crew happy and comfortable for virtually any voyage. It starts with the benefits of the propulsion system. The Silent 55 can cruise efficiently for up to 100 miles a day for weeks.

Under normal, average holiday conditions, the boat is self-sufficient with unlimited range without burning fuel. But perhaps even more importantly, the time under way is spent enjoying the sounds of wind and water, with no fumes or vibration, with no noise but the laughter of friends and family.

Authors’ Bios:

Frances and Michael Howorth are an award-winning team of travel writers specialising in coverage of luxury yachts both large and small and are our yachting correspondents.

Photographs courtesy of Silent-Yachts

• Electric Boat
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• Silent-Yachts
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Silent Yachts

The tesla of boats: silent yachts ramps up production of its electric catamarans.

Silent Yachts, which has been described as the “Tesla of the seas”, is ramping up production of its electric catamarans.

The company now has 10 boats under construction and they are increasing production capacity to be able to produce dozens of electric boats a year.

That may not sound like a lot, but boat production can be a slow process and is difficult to deploy at scale for larger vessels like the Silent Yachts electric catamarans.

They have been delivering electric catamarans for years and now have a full line up of three boats: 55-ft, 60-ft, and 80-ft.

These boats are all powered by solar power and batteries.

Depending on the size, they can produce between 10 and 26 kW of solar power and be equipped with 150 to 532 kWh of battery capacity.

The latter is the equivalent in energy capacity of more than 5 Tesla Model S sedans.

Silent Yachts can be solely powered by clean energy with the solar panels and batteries feeding electric motors or use a generator depending on your type of use.

Here the company produced a video showing a typical use case of a Silent Yacht:

Silent Yachts has now delivered 11 electric yachts that are currently on the water, but they are seeing strong demand and ramping up production.

Plugboats reports:

“To meet demand, Silent-Yachts has new shipyards in Thailand and Italy. The Asian yard, about 220 km from Bangkok, is led by Swiss entrepreneur Philippe Guénat and is the largest privately-owned shipyard in South East Asia. In Fano, Italy, a series of Silent 60s are now under construction and a second line is being set up to provide capacity for building 15 Silent 60s a year.”

On top of those 15 Silent 60s, the company is currently building one Silent 55, its entry-level boat, and 4 Silent 80s, its biggest vessel.

Starting at roughly $2 million, we are not talking about cheap boats, but the price is actually competitive with non-solar/battery vessels of that level of capability and luxury.

Here are a few picture of the Silent Yacht 55:

Silent Silent Yacht 55 Exterior

Silent Yacht 55 Interior and Deck:

Electrek’s take.

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of living on a boat, but I could never live with the idea that I’d be burning fossil fuels in our beautiful oceans.

Enters electric and solar-powered catamarans. A game changer that enables you to match the romantic boat lifestyle with a clean, zero-emission experience.

Something is captivating to the core about the idea of traveling the world by sea purely on solar power. It just feels right to me. After all, this entire planet is naturally solar-powered. Why shouldn’t our lifestyle be the same?

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Fred is the Editor in Chief and Main Writer at Electrek.

You can send tips on Twitter (DMs open) or via email: [email protected]

Through Zalkon.com, you can check out Fred’s portfolio and get monthly green stock investment ideas.

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SILENT YACHTS 55

SPECIFICATIONS

• Length Overall 54' 8
• Max Draft 3' 9
• Displacement 34,400 Lbs.
• Water Capacity 264 Gallons
• Fuel Capacity 422 Gallons

The Silent Yachts 55 is an ocean-going catamaran that meets the highest ship building standards, respects the enviornment, and makes no compromises regarding luxury cruising at the same time. This yacht is powered by solar energy. In the standard configuration, the two 30 kW electric motors achieve a maximum speed of 12 knots.

With a Silent Yacht, it is possible to cross the oceans with pure and clean solar energy, without giving up any comfort from a conventionally powered yacht. Imagine silent cruising every day with an inspiring sunrise as well as a breathtaking sunset.

Up to eight guests can enjor four luxury staterooms on board the Silent 55. Each suite is equipped with air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom. Thanks to the 27' 7" beam, the Silent 55 has a massive platform to create an incredibly comfortable and spacious interior.

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Silent Yachts 80

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Boat of the Week: This Solar-Powered Electric Catamaran Can Cruise Silently and Emissions Free

Minimal emissions from a solar-powered, 60-foot motoryacht is a very big deal. but we found other big features that could be improved., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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John, Paul, George and Ringo singing “Here Comes the Sun” would make the perfect anthem for Austrian-owned Silent Group’s newest 60-foot power catamaran, the $3 million Silent 60.

Why? Without sunshine, you won’t get very far.

Thankfully, the searing Florida sun is beating down as we take to Fort Lauderdale’s bustling Intracoastal Waterway to try-out this eco-friendly Silent 60. With its roof and foredeck crammed full of solar panels, the sixty-footer is humming along at a leisurely six mph on just zero-emissions battery power.

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The batteries are recharged by solar panels that occupy nearly every available square foot of exterior space.  Courtesy Silent Yachts

Just as its name suggests, the ride is hushed, with just the gentle, soothing sound of water bubbling-up in the wake to interrupt the peace and quiet.

“Silent running is top of the list when it comes to what appeals to our customers. They don’t want to hear engines or feel vibration,” Silent Yachts ‘ in-house designer Juliana Miguel told Robb Report , during the run.

“These days it’s also about fuel costs,” adds US sales director, Philip Bell. “One customer ordered a new 60 after getting tired of using his 80-foot Italian motoryacht for weekend trips to the Bahamas and spending $12,000 on fuel each time.”

The 30-foot beam delivers strong interior space and wide social areas on the outside.  Courtesy Silent Yachts

The Silent 60’s claim to fame? Quiet, zero-emission, electric-only cruising at 7 to 8 mph for up to nine hours, or roughly 100 nautical miles a day. Throttle back to 4 mph, and the company says you have the possibility of near perpetual motion.

We’re sampling the third hull of the constantly evolving Silent 60 series that launched last summer. Silent has been the leader in inventing the solar-powered electric-cruiser niche. Replacing the original Silent 55, the 60 has been such a boat-show hit that more than 30 are currently awaiting construction at Silent’s yards in Fano, Italy and Istanbul, Turkey.

The yacht we’re on is an original folding-hardtop version, with its cantilevered roof panel that, at the push of a button, lowers to cover the small, open flybridge area. Tastes, however, are evolving.

The boat’s 30-foot beam allows for an apartment-sized, open salon.  Courtesy Quin Bassett

According to Bell, most of the new 60s currently in build are “tri-deck” models, featuring a significantly larger flybridge area, a fixed rather than folding roof (also covered with solar panels), and the option of a fully open flybridge, or glass-enclosed “sky lounge,” designed for additional entertaining space or even a master suite.

At the dock, given its 30-foot beam, the 60 looks humongous. To our eyes, it’s not going to win any beauty contests. Towering, vertical hull-sides, a fairly-shapeless upright bow design, and straight up-and-down cabin sides give the catamaran a square-edged, boxy look. All function with little form.

But what the owner gets are huge interior spaces. Inside, it feels like a floating apartment, with a cavernous salon, spacious galley, large dining area, and huge aft deck. Down below are choices of three or four spacious en-suite cabins in the hulls.

A good boat for the sunny canals of Fort Lauderdale.  Courtesy Quin Bissett/Silent Yachts

But the quality of the interior doesn’t track with the boat’s $3 million-plus price tag. Thin cabinet doors, dull-looking fabrics, gelcoat fiberglass on the salon ceilings, faux-wood vinyl flooring, and an inside helm station that was little more than an upholstered board with instruments that looked haphazardly arranged, were all below par, considering the upscale market Silent is targeting.

Miguel says the interior will change with the next generation of 60s arriving towards the end of the year, with a big step-up in terms of quality of materials, attention to detail, style, and fit and finish. So, why didn’t they wait to unveil the boat to the media before they got to that point?

The man at the helm is Silent Yachts’ delivery captain and chief tester Kyle Miller. With a jiggle of a joystick control and a touch of bow-thruster, he maneuvers the 60 out of its tight, side-on slip and eases into the busy Intracoastal Waterway.

All function, no form? The 60-footer’s boxy shape is out of synch with other cat manufacturers that use more curves in their superstructures.  Courtesy Silent Yachts

The yacht features Silent’s E-Power propulsion package, with twin Dana TM4 200kW or 268 hp electric motors and 207kWh lithium-ion batteries. They’re good for an 8 mph cruise speed and claimed 16 mph top speed. There’s also a base version with twin 50kW or 67 hp motors juiced by a 143kWh lithium-ion battery bank. Even Miller admits this is short on power.

The best, and of course the priciest, option is the E-Power+ package, featuring twin 340kW 455 hp motors and 286kWh batteries. It’s said to be good for tide-punching bursts of up to 20 mph.

“For anyone who wants to dash around at 17 knots all day long, our recommendation is to buy a different boat,” says Miller. “The Silent 60 is designed for relaxing on the move, gliding from one anchorage to the next, and being self-sufficient on the hook.”

Open space on the flybridge.  Courtesy Silent Yachts

As we discovered, the 60 isn’t always a Tesla of the seas. Running over 6 mph will necessitate firing up the Hyundai diesel generator for one of every three hours of running time to keep the batteries charged. And that’s not silent.

While ambling along at 6 mph is fine for laid-back cruising, we also had concerns about a lack of reserve power for tackling strong currents and adverse tides.

Even our test boat’s twin 200kW motors struggled to keep the 60 under control when maneuvering against a fast, incoming tide under Lauderdale’s narrow 17th Street Bridge. The bigger 340kW motors are definitely the way to go for running in fast currents or tidal waters.

Galley and dining area  Courtesy Silent Yachts

Without doubt, this new Silent 60 showcases the appeal of electric power on the water. The way it efficiently and effectively harnesses the sun’s rays, its largely zero-emissions running, coupled with its huge and versatile interior space, is impressive for a family cruiser.

Just don’t plan on getting anywhere in a hurry—and beware of fast-running tides.

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Silent 60 launches new era for Silent-Yachts

• February 24, 2022

Yacht Style was invited to cruise aboard the first Silent 60 from her home base at Port Adriano in Mallorca, where the Thailand-built solar-electric catamaran showed off her spectacular towing kite option. By Lucie Gardiner.

Now based in Spain, hull one of the Silent 60 was built by PMG Shipyard in Thailand

The Silent 60 is the first in a new wave of models by Silent-Yachts that build on the brand’s 55 and its earlier 64, the first solar-powered production yacht to cross the Atlantic. Conceived by company founder and CEO Michael Kohler, the Silent 60 was designed by Pattaya-based Dr Albert Nazarov and constructed in nearby Rayong by PMG Shipyard ( Shipyard, Issue 61 ).

The Silent 60 is a true bluewater vessel that offers a cruising speed of 6-8 knots with any of its propulsion options along with a draft of just over 3ft, less than her predecessors and ideal for exploring shallow bays.

The Silent 60 features 42 powerful 17kWp solar panels on the roof of the superstructure and flybridge

The first hull is based at Port Adriano, the Philippe Starck-designed marina on the southwest coast of Mallorca, the biggest of Spain’s Balearic Islands. Silent-Yachts selected Port Adriano as the Mediterranean hub for the brand, opening its office there last year and inviting Yacht Style for a tour aboard its newest model.

“Mallorca is an increasingly popular destination for Silent-Yachts owners and there will soon be a fleet of Silent vessels based in Port Adriano including a 55 and this brand-new 60, while a Silent 80 will also have her homeport here when she’s ready,” Marketing Director Franz Bose told Yacht Style .

SURPRISE PACKAGE

On a very calm, sunny Mallorquin autumn afternoon, the view of the Silent 60 from the dock was impressive, with her generous beam of 9m (29ft 6in) exactly half her overall length.

The large hydraulic platform can hold a tender of up to 4m and 350kg

Aft, the large hydraulic platform can hold a tender of up to 4m and 350kg, while the swim platforms either side are sizeable yet there’s an option for extended versions on the Silent 62, which are able to carry a pair of electric jetskis. On the hull sides, the long, clean window stripe is as elegant as it is practical, flooding the interior spaces with light.

Stepping aboard, the aft cockpit is partially shaded courtesy of the flybridge overhang and has thoughtfully designed social spaces that include comfortable seating and dining for eight guests.

The easily adjustable aft sofa can face forward or aft

Furniture includes an aft sofa with an adjustable backrest that can offer seating with unobstructed views out over the open water. The adjacent drinks cooler means you don’t have to leave your seat to enjoy refreshments while taking in the view. A little further forward, both port and starboard side passageways have cosy, recessed upholstered nooks for relaxing.

Venturing up, the flybridge features a helm station, more upholstered seating, a foldable coffee table and huge sun pads.

The covered flybridge provides a beautiful vantage point

There’s also the best view of most of the 42 powerful 17kWp solar panels on the roof of the superstructure, which power the twin 250kW high-efficiency motors that keep this impressive eco-cruiser and all her systems moving.

The Silent 60 is the first build from Silent that offers a Wingit kite wing option, which enables to the yacht to harness the power of the wind as well as from solar energy. Stowed in the bow, the kite wing can pull the vessel forward at 4-5 knots, further reducing the consumption of the electric motors.

Stored in the foredeck, the Wingit kite wing on hull one helps tow the yacht, adding an extra 4-5 knots

Plentiful storage, which proves to be another key feature throughout the vessel, is even evident in the aft cockpit where hatches conceal deep lockers to easily stow additional water toys.

CHOICE SALOON

Sliding glass doors welcome you into the saloon, where the focus is on open-plan living. The Silent 60 is available with two main-deck layouts.

Doors slide wide open to connect the cockpit to the interior, which features a full-width galley aft

As seen on hull one, the front-master or ‘closed’ version has a full-beam master suite forward, while the front-exit or ‘open’ option has a larger saloon and a foredeck door, with all cabins in the hulls.

Stepping inside the first Silent 60, noticeable immediately in comparison to the Silent 55 is the huge amount of extra headroom, which reaches a lofty 2.3m, giving the already generous 520sqft saloon and galley an even more expansive feel.

The bright main-deck interior features a galley, saloon, helm station and forward master cabin

The full-width galley is well equipped with an electric powered induction hob, oven with grill and microwave, coffee maker and a huge American-style fridge freezer with ice-maker to starboard.

Upping the sustainability ante even further, drinking water is on-tap courtesy of an on-board water maker. No plastic bottles wanted here!

The raised lounge and dining table to port enjoys good views all around

To port, the large, comfortable L-shaped seating area and dining table is ideal for sociable family-style meals and can double as a workspace. To starboard, the main helm station has a 360-degree view and seating for two.

COMFORTABLE CABINS

Forward, the luminous, full-beam master cabin is an expansive 215sqft and includes a king-size bed, vast amounts of storage, hanging space, shelving and a vanity with an oversize mirror.

The forward master cabin has steps down to its en-suite bathroom to starboard

To starboard, stairs lead down to a generous en-suite bathroom that houses a large shower, cushioned seating, basin with mirror and ample storage.

A similar theme runs throughout the guest cabins, all of which are well lit, have en-suite bathrooms and contain generous amounts of cleverly designed storage to maximise the space and comfort. In this layout, here are two guest doubles on the port side and a larger VIP cabin with sofa at the aft end of the starboard hull.

Guest cabins comprise a VIP to starboard (pictured) and two twin cabins to port

This cabin is the master suite in the ‘open’ main deck layout, which has private stairs for both cabins on the starboard side, while the two cabins to port – the larger one is forward – share a staircase. However, cabin configurations are flexible and Silent-Yachts offers an extensive options list and opportunity to customise.

Due to demand, the Silent 60 is in production across shipyards in Thailand, Italy and Turkey along with its sister model, the 62 3-Deck, which has a full 540sqft flybridge that can either be open or partially enclosed.

The first Silent 60 heads back to its base in Port Adriano

And with the first units of the Silent 80 and 80 3-Deck also launching in 2022 and the first Silent 120 in build, Silent-Yachts’ biggest challenge is delivering on the fast-growing demand for zero-emissions yachting that it’s helping popularise. www.silent-yachts.com

Silent-Yachts expands production facilities, business lines The solar-electric catamaran builder has a new production partner in Turkey and is now part of Silent Group, umbrella company for multiple Silent-related businesses.

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Silent Charter

Silent Chartering is the easiest way to experience the calmness, tranquility and comfort of our solar powered, electric catamarans. Welcome to the magical sound of silence.

Destinations

Great Exumas, Bahamas

The Bahamas is an enchanting archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, stunning coral reefs, and white-sand beaches. Comprising 700 islands and thousands of islets, it’s a popular tourist destination offering vibrant culture, water sports, and a relaxed island atmosphere, making it a tropical paradise for visitors.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia, a Mediterranean haven, boasts sandy beaches, azure waters, and rugged peaks. Its history unfolds through ancient ruins and medieval architecture, while the cuisine delights with aromatic flavours. This vibrant island harmoniously blends age-old customs with modern living, offering a unique and inviting escape. (Available in 2024)

Mallorca, Spain

Set in a turquoise sea, the largest of the Mediterranean Balearic Islands is a paradise for solar yachting. Mallorca’s numerous small bays, beautiful beaches and perfect snorkelling areas combine seamlessly with the island’s rich culinary and cultural attractions. Together, they create the perfect getaway for an unforgettable holiday aboard a Silent.

Florida, U.S.

Known as the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale blends a semi-tropical climate with pleasant year-round ocean breezes and a wealth of nautical adventure. Its rich variety of natural beaches are complemented by 165 miles of inland waterways, creating an idyllic scenery for exploration with our electric catamarans. (Available in 2024)

Charter fleet

The multiple award-winning successor to the iconic Silent 64. With three cabins, all ensuite bathrooms, uninterrupted views from the flybridge and enormous salon space. A bright interior full of light combined with the most advanced solar technology.

Combining the solar-electric drivetrain with compact dimensions and 4 cabins, the Silent 55 is ideal for families looking for their first experience of solar powered yachting. She took the win at the prestigious Best of Boats Awards in the category “Best for Travel”.

This electric yacht made history as the first ever solar powered production yacht to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Highly developed and technically optimized, she is equipped with a huge cockpit, spacious fore deck, retractable flybridge and three cabins, all ensuite.

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Silent 62 3-Deck

By adding a fully equipped panoramic sky lounge to the Silent 60 Series, the 62 3-Deck offers a superyacht atmosphere with alfresco dining capabilities. Four guest cabins with ensuite bathrooms make here the ideal choice of larger family’s or groups. (Available in 2024)

About Silent chartering

Cruising the waters powered by the sun is a magical and unforgettable experience. Chartering our solar electric yachts is the best way of experiencing its calmness, tranquillity comfort. Here is your guide to go yachting the Silent way.

If you would like to receive more information about electric charters or talk to a member of our team, please click on the button below.

Explore the full Silent Yachts model range

Our electric catamarans range from 60 feet to 120 feet in various deck and solar powertrain combinations.