Beneteau First 51
Derek, Grace, Cato and Alice all are currently cruising on S/V Potential on their way from Connecticut to California.
"Our Beneteau First 51 has been converted from a Perkins engine to dual ServoProp 15s with a hybrid power supply. The entire vessel's power system was adapted to 48V DC, with the climate control, water maker, and windlass also running on 48V DC. All systems are optimized for efficiency—within reason—allowing the vessel to cruise self-sufficiently with hydrogeneration and solar power. When needed, the generator provides all the comforts of dock life and maintains the same indefinite motoring speed as we had in the past with the Perkins engine.
With the kids on board, we often operate in hybrid mode, motor sailing on calmer passages rather than taking on conditions that provide enough hydrogeneration to meet our energy needs. Fortunately, the generator is efficient and quiet. When we need to motor for extended periods, a slightly slower speed means the generator only runs for a few hours a day, as long as we’re content with a minimum cruising speed of 5 knots."
– Owners of the hybrid Beneteau First 51, S/V Potential
Technology used in the hybrid Beneteau First 51 sailboat:
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- Boatbuilder: Beneteau
- Length overall: 15.63 m
- Displacement: 13 000 kg
- Beam: 4.55 m
- Electric motor system: 2 x Oceanvolt ServoProp 15 electric saildrive motor
- Motor system nominal power: 2 x 15 kW
- Electric motor system voltage: 48 V
- Propulsion batteries: 28 kWh Lithium battery bank
- Generator: 15kW DC Generator
