Powered by the sun or twin 710hp lumps
What they say
“The key to the technology of the future. Solar and Formula 1 engines unite two worlds in one boat.”
What we say
The Code-X presents the helmsman with a terrible ethical dilemma. You can either use the environmentally impeccable solar/hybrid drive, which gives a cruising speed of just a few knots, or you can turn the key on twin 710hp Ilmor engines, combined with ZF Trimax propeller drives, for a considerably sexier but not-quite-so-green 90 knots. DespiteMBY’s heartfelt commitment to combating global warming, we know which we’d chose.
Either way, this ultra-modern machine is a far cry from the electric plodders occasionally seen on the UK’s rivers and canals. Controlled throughout by touch screen, the Swiss design boasts a Kevlar/carbon shell with phototropic-shaded screens and windows, one of which raises to let the cocooned passengers, or should that be astronauts, out into the fresh air.
Inside an LED illumination system “ensures optimal night viewing” and there is solar-powered air-con and a whirlpool bath. Don’t worry if you think all that black carbon is going to heat up in the Med sunshine: the deck is UV-resistant with a heat-repellent shell and you can opt for a lighter shade hull.
Code-X are also lining up a new racing series called Formula Clean. They will manufacture, at their own expense and parallel to the production of the limited Code-X leisure series, another fleet of seven boats carrying only renewable energy. Sounds like quite a fun way to save the planet.
Contact: Code-X.
Tel: 41 41 378 09 88.
Website: www.code-x.ch
At a glance
Length: 47ft 7in (14.50m)
Engine: Twin 710hp Ilmor engines and twin electric/solar drives
Top speed: 90 knots
Price: On application
