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Electrification is making headway on cruising yachts, but not just for main propulsion. At Baltic Yachts 48 V becomes a central architecture, capable of powering both maneuvering systems and hybrid assistance in port or at anchor.
Low-voltage 48 V, a compromise between safety and power
The Finnish shipyard is working with Bavaria-based Molabo to integrate 48 V electric motors that are "safe to touch", i.e. easy to handle without the constraints of high-voltage systems.
Molabo's ARIES range delivers high torque at low voltage. We're talking about power ratings of up to 50 kW at 48 V. The result is immediate response, precise rpm control and a significant reduction in noise and vibration compared to an auxiliary power unit.
Above all, installation is simpler than with a 400 or 800 V system. No cumbersome high-voltage certification procedures, and no specific maintenance infrastructures. For owners or crews on long voyages, this is a major advantage.
Electrified functions beyond propulsion
On recent Baltic models, these 48 V motors are not just used to turn the propeller. They also power hydraulic systems for sail handling, bow and stern thrusters, and even some keel, rudder and trim actuators.
For a fast cruising sailboat or performance cruiser like the Freedom 67, this means less reliance on the internal combustion engine or generator for routine manoeuvres.
"Electric auxiliary systems are a logical evolution for blue water yachts" explains Kim Kolam, Senior Electrical Engineer at Baltic Yachts. "When navigating, 48 V motors allow you to operate essential systems while limiting the running time of the main engine and generator set."
In practical terms, the high-capacity battery pack provides power for equipment at anchor, without the need to start the diesel for a windlass or hydraulic winch.
Parallel hybridization and assistance under sail
Baltic has also implemented 48 V parallel hybrid configurations for port maneuvering and anchoring.
But perhaps the most interesting use for sailors in a hurry remains sailing. By injecting a small amount of power, on the order of 200 to 500 W, it becomes possible to maintain headway in light airs.
This discreet supplement acts on the boat's speed, and therefore on the angle and pressure of the apparent wind. As a result, laminar flow is better maintained on the sails, trimming is more efficient and, on certain hydrofoils or semi-foils, you can stay "on the daggerboard" longer.
We're not talking about transforming a cruiser into an IMOCA, but about optimizing a light wind regime.
For which browsers?
This 48 V electrification is aimed primarily at long-distance cruisers and high-performance boats, where energy management becomes a central element of the program.
Advantages: increased safety due to low voltage, reduced noise, better integration of auxiliaries, operating flexibility at anchor and in port.
Limitations: battery capacity to be finely sized, thermal management and higher initial cost than a conventional diesel system.
But the trend is there. And at shipyards like Baltic Yachts, the 48V is no longer a prototype. It's becoming the technical backbone of the shipyard, in response to growing demand. So, what do you think? Fad or real craze?
