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Faced with the growing popularity of low-carbon propulsion, more and more owners are considering repowering their sailboats or speedboats. Transfluid offers two distinct technical solutions: parallel hybrid and full electric. Each corresponds to a specific use, sailing program and type of boat. Here are the main features of these two configurations.
Parallel hybrid: maintain thermal power while accessing electric mode
The parallel hybrid consists of inserting an "electric chain" between the existing diesel engine and the reverser. It retains the range and power of the internal combustion engine, while adding the possibility of cruising at low speed without noise or exhaust fumes. This configuration is particularly suitable when you want to maintain the performance of your engine. For sailboats, it also enables regeneration under sail: the propeller turns like a water turbine, recharging the batteries.
Full electric: a lighter, quieter engine
A full-electric vehicle does away with the diesel engine and its associated circuitry (which saves space and weight). A lighter, more compact electric motor is installed, along with a battery pack adapted to the range required. This solution is ideally suited to medium-sized units used on enclosed waters, in coastal or river navigation. It frees up space on board and simplifies maintenance. On the other hand, it requires strict autonomy management.
Feedback: "Amelia", a motor-sailor from 1938
This 19.60 m boat, built in 1938 in zcier (60 tons), was refitted in 2025. Its original motorization, two 80 hp Baudouins, was supplemented by two HM2000 hybrid modules, each rated at 60 kW, coupled to a 2 x 30.8 kWh battery bank. This configuration makes it possible to sail in and out of port with electric propulsion, while retaining the endurance and autonomy of diesels for long legs.
The Océanis 411 Clipper with 100% electric propulsion
On this 41-foot cruising yacht (Oceanis 411), the diesel engine has been replaced by a 20 kW Bellmarine electric motor, powered by 20 kWh of lithium batteries. The result is a clear gain in comfort and silence. The boat is used for coastal sailing on the IJsselmeer (Holland), with hydrogen generation possible under sail and recharging at dockside with the 16A charger.
Two approaches to carbon-free shipping
Transfluid's solutions show that there's more than one way to achieve cleaner propulsion. Hybrids enable a gradual transition, while full electrics are designed for the most sober sailing projects. In both cases, the aim is to increase comfort while reducing environmental impact.
