"A 7.5 m long pleasure boat consumes 12 to 18 times more fuel than a family sedan." It is from this observation that the Swedish company Candela Seven Boats started to develop an electric boat, but efficient. Indeed, electric propulsion has a reputation for low performance and limited range.
Since 2015, the manufacturer has therefore been working to find a way to manufacture an electric boat that is efficient both in terms of autonomy and speed. At the end of 2016, the prototype developed was able to cover 50 miles at a speed of 25 n?uds?! "An autonomy 4 times greater than the best electric boats on the market today and close to, or even similar to, that of a thermal motor boat of the same size," explained the shipyard.
At the end of 2018, the company launched serial production of the Candela Seven, a 7.5 m long electric boat equipped with foils that reduce friction and therefore save 50% energy.
To support itself, the Candela Seven is equipped with two foils. A unique U-shaped foil at the front called "p" and a small T-shaped foil at the back. The two masts of the first one ensure the rigidity and lateral stability of the whole and are connected by a sail, the horizontal part of the foil that supports the boat.
The foils offer a special mode for shallow water, but can also be retracted, especially for towing and storage. The front foils retract vertically and the rear foil folds into the bathing platform.
In addition to a 95% lower operating cost per mile than a gasoline boat of the same size, the Candela Seven also offers limited maintenance costs.
Concerning navigation, once the boat is supported, it frees itself from the waves and sails in silence. It will still be necessary to reach a speed of 17 knots to take off. A flight controller controls the boat's roll and stability, as well as the lifting and landing phases, which are carried out automatically. A 12-inch screen displays all navigation data: speed, fuel consumption, navigation lights, bilge pump, etc.
The Candela Seven recharges via a standard socket outlet - 230 V - or 110 V in about 12 hours. With a 50 kW engine, the yard announces a maximum speed of 30 knots, but recommends sailing between 19 and 23 knots to remain efficient.
To increase lightness and compensate for the 230 kg weight of the battery, the manufacturer has opted for ultra-light carbon hull materials. With a hull weight - with a step - of 180 kg and a deck of 60 kg, the boat and all its equipment weighs only 1?000 kg. If it is light - a fibreglass boat of the same size generally weighs 1?500 kg - it will also be more sensitive to impacts.
The Candela Seven is available in nine different colours, including three standard colours: blue, white and grey. The upholstery is custom. As an option, the boat can be equipped with a bimini and sold with its trailer. The basic rate is 245?000 euros excluding VAT with an 8-year battery guarantee.
