An electric motor
Janne Kjellman is the founder of Q-Yachts, a new Finnish brand of electric motor boat and totally silent. This sailing enthusiast started more than 10 years ago developing a silent propulsion system for boats. Today, he was able to develop the Q-30, a 9.3 m long dayboat thanks to the oceanVolt electric motor developed by the Finnish engine manufacturer.
This system, which combines thruster and hydrogen generator, won the DAME Award 2017 in the engine category. Janne Kiellman decided to develop a 100% electric motor boat with the same system because of its efficient use in sailing.
The Q-30 is a dayboat of less than 10 m equipped with an OceanVolt AXC20 electric motor with a continuous power of 20 kW. 30 kW lithium batteries of the same brand are installed on board with the option of increasing to 60 kW.
Hydrodynamic research
The design required a lot of hydrodynamic research and resulted in a hybrid hull with a negative V-shaped bow. The result is elegant and very modern lines and a refined design, accentuated by the white colour of the hull gelcoat. But above all, the design of the hull has been studied to gain speed. The hull and deck are made of fibreglass/foam/vinylster resin sandwich (infusion).
Thus, the Q-30 has a cruising speed of 9 knots and a maximum speed of 15 knots with a range of 42 miles (30 kW and 80 miles with 60 kW batteries). At maximum speed, range is 22 miles (30 kW) and can go up to 40 miles with 60 kW batteries. Its design and electric propulsion reduce boat noise and wake, as seen in the video below.
Bringing the sensations of sailing to the engine
"The Q-Yachts project was designed with the clear vision of bringing to market a unique boat that could offer the same experience of speed, navigation and silence as when sailing a sailboat. We managed to transport it all in the form of an all-electric motor boat!" explains Joakim Hilden, sales manager at the yard.
The aim of the yard was to develop a boat that was easy to use and to maintain, to have maximum pleasure at the helm. Here are the characteristics of the boat, as Joakim explains:
- Minimal maintenance with a low-maintenance engine and batteries
- A custom application installed on the iPad supplied with the boat to manage navigation, distance, power monitoring, lighting, etc.
- Transport on a trailer (1,500 kg and 2.2 m wide)
- One transport in a 40-foot container for cargo transport
Comfort on board
8 passengers can take place on board the Q-30. The centre console is protected by a windscreen and receives a touch screen navigation. Two seats with folding seat are integrated in the backrest of the saloon bench and allow driving either sitting or standing. On the proto, the pilot and his co-pilot only have the backrest for standing up.
Behind, a square with two benches and a table can accommodate 4 people. Finally, a double sunbathing area is located in the cockpit, facing the sea and sharing the same backrest as the rear bench seat. The cockpit is open to the sea and has a small bathing platform.
Under the foredeck, a cabin allows to rest and receives toilets and a sink. Thanks to the glazed roof, the space is very bright and allows a beautiful view on the outside.
For the moment, the Q-Yachts shipyard does not yet have a reseller in France, but is currently in discussion. The yard is also planning a presence at the Cannes boat show next September.
Price hT : 183 000 €
