Horizon looks to greener alternatives in the SunCat 46

by Jeni Bone on 23 Apr 2009 Taiwan-based Horizon Group is hoping to stake its claim in the eco-realm of the luxury category, developing a series of solar powered boats in cooperation with Thomas Meyer, CEO of Solar Water World AG, a German company that is known for pioneering solar powered boats.

The first boat launched in the program is SunCat 23, a 23-foot open deck catamaran. Powered by a 2.8 kW electric outboard motor, this catamaran is capable of running at 6 knots while carrying 12 passengers.

The motor is powered by four solar panels totaling 760 watts, solar panels totaling 760 watts, which charge a battery bank. On a full charge, the batteries will power the boat for a day trip, even on a cloudy day.

The first SunCat 23 has taken sea test at Kaohsiung harbour, Taiwan in March 2009 and received the good result. The boat could go easily to 7.6 km/h at 1/3 power. The speed at full throttle was about 11 km/h, and there was still about 20% power reserved. The radius of turning circle at full throttle was remarkably 12m.

Following successful tests on SunCat 23, Horizon decided to go forward with Solar Water World on a new project, the SunCat 46. The SunCat 46 applies the solar catamaran concept to a small luxury multi-hull yacht.

The layout includes a saloon with fully equipped entertainment system, a galley with electric stove and refrigerator, dinette, a helm station, and an owner’s stateroom with an ensuite head with shower.

Exterior styling of this new yacht will be provided by J.C. Espinosa, who has developed a series of successful yachts for Horizon Group. The equipment, materials and craftsmanship will be of the highest quality and will incorporate all of the state-of-the-art technologies that are used on all other Horizon yachts.

In addition to the solar power technology and an electric motor, this green boat utilizes an ultra low resistance hull design optimized for cruising efficiently with very limited power. The Horizon Group strongly believes in environmental protection and innovation. By developing this emission-free solar boat, Horizon expects to gain more knowledge about utilizing alternative resources to develop more environmentally friendly boats in the future.


Principle specifications of SunCat 23:
LOA: 23’ (7.0m)
Beam: 7’ 10” (2.4m)
Draft: 3’ 3” (1.0m)
Displacement: 2.5 tons
Motor: Krautler 2.8kW/48V
Solar Panel: Gloria GSS5-185A-E x 4
Battery: Mastervolt 12V/200Ah x 4

Principle specifications of SunCat 46:
LOA: 45’ 10” (14.0m)
Beam: 16’ 5” (5.0m)
Draft: 3’ 3” (1.0m)
Motor: 2 x 8 kW
Solar Panel: 3.2 kW
Speed: 7.4 mph (12 kph)

More at www.horizonyacht.com