NEW GEAR
Oceanvolt
ServoProp
This saildrive with a patented variable-
pitch propeller and electric motor
also acts as a hydrogenerator that will
produce up to 1kW of power at boat
speeds of 6-8 knots. It’s an impressively
neat and small unit, taking up a fraction
of the interior space that a conventional
diesel engine would need. For new builds
that frees up the possibility of using the
interior space in different ways, including
revised aft cabin arrangements. In
addition, the system weighs only 65kg
without batteries.
A key feature of this product that
impressed the DAME jury is the variable
pitch of the propeller – the propeller
blades turn more than 180° – and the
way in which this is controlled. The
ServoProp will automatically set its
blades at the optimum angle for efficient
charging. The correct pitch is selected by
the system’s software.
The variable pitch is also an important
benefit when under power – exactly the
same amount of thrust is generated in
reverse as when forward gear is engaged.
The system will also select different
pitches depending on whether the boat
is in flat water, or is motor-sailing against
a heavy head sea. This, combined
with the efficient torque profile of an
electric motor, where maximum thrust is
generated at low speeds, mean that
a 10kW electric motor can be used
as a direct replacement for a 30hp
inboard diesel.
Overall, compared with a more
conventional set up, the system is
claimed to produce 30 per cent more
forward propulsion, 100 per cent more
reverse propulsion and a 300 per cent
increase in hydro-generating power.
The DAME jury said: “As pure electric
propulsion moves from novel concept
to more widespread use, [we] welcome
efforts to improve the efficiency of theaward winning gear of
THE DAME DESIGN AWARDS ARE THE BIGGEST PRIZES FOR MARINE EQUIPMENT AND, IN TURN, SHOWCASE
SOME OF THE BEST OF THE LATEST AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY. RUPERT HOLMES AND TOBY HODGES
CHOSE THE MOST INTERESTING PRODUCTS THAT WON OVERALL PRIZES OR SPECIAL MENTION AWARDS
installation.” With battery technology
improving and the price of high-capacity
lithium-ion batteries falling, thanks to
hugely increased volumes
for the motor industry,
all-electric propulsion
is becoming
increasingly feasible
at sea. Granted the
batteries are expensive, but
Oceanvolt says you should see
that upfront cost as buying you ten
years of diesel.
The system is offered with either 10kW
or 15kW electric motors and is suitable
for monohull sailing yachts of up to 50ft,
or catamarans of up to 60ft. That 40
boatbuilders around the world already
offer the Oceanvolt Servoprop as an
option shows the scale of the acceptance
of this type of system.
Price: Oceanvolt SD10 with ServoProp
€19,700 ex VAT. http://www.oceanvolt.comThe propeller’s pitch is
selected by software for
efficient performance¤19,700 ex VAT
88 February 2018