– Benjamin Franklin

With the majority of work around the world at a standstill, now is a good time for detailed planning. 

How much will it cost to convert? Is the most common question we get at Nova Luxe.  This single question can only be properly answered after we determine what electric system works best for the catamaran and the customer. What type of hybrid are you interested in? Two electric motors with a DC generator as a range extender or a single electric motor replacing one of the two diesels?  What are the speed and range expectations?  Full electric can match the speed of diesels when burning 10 gallons per hour.  A diesel engine and electric motor combination allows for higher speeds. How large should the solar array be?  Where is the yacht located?

Once those essential questions are answered, we have a good idea of what the cost will be for your custom conversion.  Still, continuing forward with the design and planned implementation of all parts will bring us to the best cost estimate.

Nova Luxe is working with a few potential customers in various stages of the design phase and we have capacity for more as designs are completed.  Working on designs, parts lists, and implementation plans will ensure we are ready to go when business activity re-opens.  Also, this allows for more feedback on design/functional elements like the solar array.

At some point business will resume as normal, our lives will become more hectic and the always essential planning phase may not get the attention it deserves.  Now is the time to design the boat of your dreams!

Sincerely,

Marc Hawxhurst

President Nova Luxe

PS. Living in NY, I was exposed to Covid-19.  The first day of Quarantine, March 16th I became ill.  The day started at 4:00 am which is very unusual for me.  I started the day, not feeling well but not horrible.  My symptoms that day and the next was a slight headache, hot and cold chills and general feeling of unwell, no fever.  Two days later I felt congested, not the normal nasal congestion or runny nose.  This congestion seemed to be at the top of my trachea.  This constriction was akin to being at the top of a mountain in Colorado or landing in the city of Quito, Ecuador.  Sure, I could breath, but I was not getting as much oxygen as I expected.  On the third night, as I laid in bed, I consciously took each breath.  It was scary, not bad enough for me to check into the hospital but the thought crossed my mind more then once. 

Thursday and Friday, I was feeling better.  Not well, but good enough to sit at home and work on the computer. Saturday night, six days from when I first had symptoms the virus came back in full force.  I spent two days with little to no activity, time was spent focusing on something we all take for granted, breathing.  It was a tough experience and I understand how it could be much worse for other individuals. 

After three days of no symptoms, I left my home for the first time.  Staying at home for over two weeks then leaving for the first time is a strange experience in itself. 

At the time, NY was only testing individuals who were in contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19.  Not knowing who exactly gave me the virus, I was not able to be tested.    I am in my mid 30’s and generally healthy.