NEW SUN-POWERED
CATAMARAN
Portuguese boatbuilder Sun
Concept has launched a new
catamaran powered entirely by
the sun. The 12m solar-powered
craft follows hot on the heels of
its popular 7m sibling, which has
sold 18 units since launch in 2015.
Bigger, faster and better able
to cope with offshore conditions,
the new Cat 12.0 has been in
development for more than two
years. Initially aimed at the tourist market, it
will also spawn a cruising version designed
for private leisure boat owners.
Measuring 12m long and almost 6m wide
but weighing under 7 tonnes, the RCD
Category B boat is propelled by twin Torqeedo
electric engines from 15kW to 60kW with power
supplied by up to 120kWh of lithium batteries.
Top speed with the largest engines is over
14 knots and at its recommended cruising
speed of 7 knots it gives more than 14 hours
of running time. A huge sun top is fitted with
solar panels that deliver up to 6kWh of power.
Sun Concept says that at lower speeds, these
panels generate enough electricity to run the
boat indefinitely.
Four versions are available, three commercial
and one leisure. The Cat 12.0 MT shown here isaimed at the tripper boat market, its 27m^2 deck
accommodates 25 people complete with a bar
and two toilets. The Cat 12.0 Pass is a ferry
version with seating for up to 42 people and
the Cat 12.0 Pro is for workboat or diving duties.
But of more interest to MBY readers are plans
for the Cat 12.0 Cruise. Fully enclosed, with a
galley, saloon and dining area, it has two ensuite
cabins, one in each hull. The projected starting
price for the Cruise version is around €365,000.
Sun Concept says that it plans to sell the CAT
12.0 at a competitive market price as a serious
alternative to both motor and sail boats.B E L O W This MT model
is aimed at the tripper
boat market but a fully
enclosed Cruise version
is in developmentA B O V E Solar panels
on the hard top supply
enough power to cruise
indefinitely at low speed
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