A revolutionary new motorboat has been unveiled that will require 75 per cent less horsepower than a fibreglass boat of the same size.
A revolutionary new motorboat has been unveiled that will require 75 per cent less horsepower than a fibreglass boat of the same size. The 54ft 540SE utilises next generation carbon nanotube (CNT) enhanced prepreg Arovex® composites, and will weigh less than 3700kg.
This is approximately 75 per cent less than fibreglass boats its size and 33 per cent less than conventional carbon fibre boats, so a pair of small diesel engines, typically found on boats under 40ft in length will be able to propel the hull to speeds of over 50mph. The drastic weight reduction also allows considerably reduced emissions and extended range.
Zyvex Performance Materials, which developed the Arovex® composite, says the prototype 540SE is being built by Strategic Composites in Pacific, Washington, and will be launched in November. Although designed with defence and security missions in mind, the technology demonstrator will be a conventional civilian/recreational boat, and a recreational version using the same hull and materials is planned and should be available in early 2010 through Synergy Yachts.
