The Pogo 30, an ideal candidate
The Pogo 30 is a fast and comfortable cruising boat which, since 2013, has sold nearly 120 units. The power of the hull and the lightness of the materials (2800 kg) allow it to glide with only 15 N of wind, from the right full/through wind.
These are, no doubt, the characteristics that seduced this English customer, an engineer by training, who came to Structures to ask them to study an all-electric motorization.
In fact, when you're looking for a boat with an electric motor, you have to find the one with the fewest brakes on the water in order to have a motor with reasonable power.
Also, it is necessary to find a boat capable of sailing as often as possible, it is still the best way to avoid the use of the engine.
10 years of experience in electric motorization
The Structures yard is not new to electric propulsion, having built an all-electric Pogo40 as early as 2007. More than 10 years after this first one, the technology has evolved a little, but above all the prices have dropped.
The Pogo30's delivery time, less than one year, allowed the Structures design office to analyse the feasibility, coherence, cost and implementation of such a change of motorization on the Pogo30. Thus after several months of design, construction and implementation, the 100% electric Pogo 30 has taken its first steps.
Electrical installation
Sylvain Lucas, project manager at Pogo, explains the technical implementation of the Li-ion motor and batteries:
"OEM installation allows us to make maximum use of the space previously dedicated to the engine and its tank. Instead of the traditional thermal engine, we have integrated a 4KW Torqeedo electric Pod.
For energy storage, a fleet of 2 Torqeedo batteries of 48V each, fills the freed-up engine hold.
Two 700W chargers complete the installation for shore power, while photovoltaic panels ensure recharging at sea and at anchor."
Electric motorization: 200 kg of gains
This electric Pogo 30 allows itself to be much lighter than the 20hp diesel version, with a gain of 200 kg announced by the shipyard.
We imagine that performance must be further improved, especially in light airs. In addition, the absence of engine snore in the cockpit and inside the boat should considerably increase comfort.
Limited, but improvable autonomy
However, not surprisingly, it is the autonomy that takes a beating. With the standard version, you'll be able to withstand the buzz of diesel for at least 200 M. While the electric version will delight you with its discretion for less than 60 M, in the best conditions.
According to the curve provided by the shipyard, the electric Pogo 30 has a range of 15 miles at 6 knots at maximum speed, and more than 40 miles at 4 knots at low speed.
But let's remember that the electric Pogo 30 has lost 200 kg, thanks to the weight gain it is surely possible to integrate more batteries to increase the autonomy.
A very reasonable price
The Structures yard offers an electric version of its Pogo 30 with this option available in the catalogue. The price of the option amounts to approximately 14 000 euros including tax, or approximately 10% of the price of a Pogo 30 ready to sail.
Certainly for a client with a tight budget this may not be the most pragmatic choice. But for a yachtsman wanting to buy a modern yacht equipped with a modern motorization, the extra cost of the option is very reasonable and moreover it lightens his Pogo in a spectacular way.
