STEENWIJK – In electric boating, there are many heroes. In the Netherlands, Steeler Yachts became a leader in 2022 when it delivered an 18.6m (61ft) motor yacht that marked a big step forward in the electric water displacement segment.
Steeler Yachts debuted a 61 S Electric at the 2023 Duesseldorf Boat Show, calling the fully electric, seaworthy motor yacht a “global first” ”and “the most spacious motor yacht in its full length.”
The yacht won a European-Boat-Of-The-Year nomination and established Steeler Yachts as a pioneer. The steel trawler, the Havgap, has electric propulsion and is suited for permanent residence. The Norwegian owner initially opted for a conventional yacht but changed course because, yes, it’s not the destination that counts but the journey.
He found in Steeler Yachts owner Hans Webbink a man who relishes challenges and has a solid track record in building stem-to-stern, flat-floor yachts that yield lots of interior space and large glass surfaces.
Webbink called in Vripack and the Studio Delta naval architects. The latter drew an optimal underwater hull with a sharp bow, a full beam and a swept aft section. Systems specialist Hydrosta developed electric propulsion.
The tri-deck yacht has a water-cooled, permanent magnet electric motor of 90 kW, fed by a LiFePo4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery pack of 460V/184 kWh. A pm electric motor manages an efficiency of over 90%, has high torque and is compact. Solar panels and rooftop wind turbines help power the battery pack. If needed, a 75 kW Volvo variable-speed diesel generator may recharge the batteries on long distances.
The battery bank consists of 18 containers with 16 cells each. That’s sufficient for four hours of sailing. The batteries are recharged in two hours, so on a full 10-hour sailing day, the generator only needs to operate for two hours.
According to the yard, the propulsion system’s efficiency is superior to a diesel engine as the main drive, even when the generator is running. The 4-blade prop has a diameter of 35 inches. The bow and stern thrusters operate seamlessly. The yacht has Humphree stabilization fins.
In terms of speed, the owner took a big step back. The speed is limited to achieve a decent range. You can go faster, but at 6 knots, the boat has an average range of 2,000 nautical miles.
The Steeler 61 E is designed for relaxing and extended stays on board. The beam-wide middle deck has no gangways and offers lots of space for the salon, galley and bedroom.
The upper deck wheelhouse has a digital dashboard and two helm chairs. The starboard steering wheel lets the helmsman step outside. Behind the steering position is a seating area with a table and French doors that lead to the upper deck. The owner’s cabin is in the bow, and on the split-level lower deck are two guest cabins with shared bathrooms.
Vripak’s interior design oozes light and stylish colors and shapes and as many sustainable materials as possible.
