1. Conceived August 2017:  Marc Hawxhurst searched for the answer to a simple question.  What is the best application of electric motors? Answer: power catamaran 35+ feet with a solar array roof.
2. Fall 2017: Unable to afford the yacht himself, he teamed up with respected business associates Cary Quinn and web designer Justin Benner to market the yacht to find investors or a buyer.  The company Nova Luxe Yachts was born.
3. Spring 2018:  While researching the costs of all components, Shelly at Atlantic Tower introduced Marc to Peter Weil.  A longtime sailor, Peter had just purchased an Aquila 44 Power Cat.  As an environmentalist he was worried about the pollution two Volvo Penta diesels would produce over its lifetime.   He was planning to convert the boat to all electric and was researching possibilities.  His initial design was with Annapolis Hybrid Marine which consisted of two 40kw electric motors.
4. Mother’s Day 2018:  Marc flew to Bermuda to meet Peter.  Negotiations lasted through the night, the next morning a deal was made and contract signed. Peter would use the Nova Luxe design which was anchored with two 60kw motors and a complete electric management system from Torqeedo.
5. Summer 2018: Skeptical of the project, MarineMax would not sell the yacht without engines never mind install the Torqeedo system at the factory.  This decision cost the client over $150,000 in unnecessary expenses. Undeterred, the client moved forward with the project. “It’s important this project happens now; the technology is ready and being first is never easy nor cheap”
6. January 2019: Boat arrives at the MarineMax facility in St. Petersburg Florida and the work begins. Charley Johnson of JTP Marine was hired by the client to perform the electrical work.
7. April 2019:  Boat was dropped in the water to test the Torqeedo system.  Solar Array is not finished so the boat is 2,000 lbs light.  Top speed reached was 9.5 knots, at 6 knots the engines use 22kW.  This is an important figure as the generator can produce 25kW meaning the yacht can run at 6 knots for about 5 days on generator alone.  For a typical day’s use, the captain would likely run on battery power alone. All the figures match the projections from the start of the project! Client wanted 5.5 knots on generator alone and we beat it!

Next Steps:

1. Paint the top, add the solar panels and connect them to the solar chargers already installed (~2 weeks from completion)
2. JUNE 1st, take prospective customers out for a sea trial so they can experience silent power yachting! Sign up on the website today as space is limited. https://www.novaluxeyachts.com/events/electric-yacht-sea-trial