Silent 62 3-Deck: fill up with the sun!

The idea of an electric boat is definitly attractive: it’s eco-friendly, quiet, and there is no smell of diesel… 

Let us be honest: the practical implementation of the idea of electric yachts leaves a lot to be desired. Today they are either very compact in size, or have a really modest speed, or quite a small range, or most often, a combination of all of these. The reasons are quite objective: it takes a lot of energy to make a large vessel move quickly. To store this energy, there is a need for a large battery bank. The larger it is, the more space it takes up, and the more it weighs. And so it turns into a vicious circle, as the batteries have to carry the batteries themselves. 

However, in this respect, the new Silent 62 3-Deck, designed and built by Italian Silent Yachts shipyards, is one of the best examples of electric vehicles on the water both in terms of energy consumption and storage. 

Concept

Silent 62 3-Deck is a three-deck motor catamaran, propelled by twin electric motors of up to 340 kW each. However, the shipyard offers a wide range of motors, starting from 50 kW. The more powerful the motors, the larger the battery bank that powers them: up to 286 kWh. Liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries boast higher energy density, greater capacity and faster charging rates. 

The catamaran’s cruising speed of 6-8 knots is quite decent for an electric boat, while her top speed varies depending on the power package and can reach 12 knots. As for autonomy, the boat may have a transatlantic range, which can be extended wkth the help of a diesel generator and fuel capacity from 1000 to 1900 litres. The generator will also charge the batteries in case of bad weather, or lack of the sun, to be more precise, as the sun is the Silent 62 3-Deck’s key driving force. 

Free fuel 

Traditionally, solar batteries are considered to be additional and rather modest sources of energy. But in case with the Silent 62 3-Deck, it is not so. With her beam and huge horizontal surfaces, this catamaran is perfect for collecting sun rays. If you look at the Silent 62 3-Deck from above, she looks like one huge solar battery: the entire hard top over the flybridge with an area of about 60 sq.m is covered with solar panels. Another section of panels is fitted to the overhang of the superstructure forward, above the upper deck. These are the places, where solar panels can work most efficiently and generate around 100kWh per day. It is enough to cover much of the daily hotel load, that is the energy necessary for powering onboard lighting and other onboard systems and devices. The rest of the energy is stored in the batteries. 

For the most daring and eco-mindful, there is also an option of a kite sail system. Its area may vary from 9 to 12 sq.m, and it floats rather high in the air, so as not to shade the solar panels. 

Interior and layouts 

Multihulls have always been a good option for the owners who want more space onboard, which is one of the reasons the demand for them keeps growing. Catamarans can offer almost twice the space of similar length monohulls. Thus, with a length of 18.86 m, the Silent 62 3-Deck offers 240 sq.m of usable deck space. Moreover, this space can be easily transformed to meet the owner’s individual needs.

Upper deck

The name of the model implies that the boat has three full-fledged decks, while the upper one can be both open and enclosed. The first option is good for warm climate like in Florida or the Mediterranean. The vast hard top fitted with solar panels protects the deck from the sun, while the four poles supporting the top, don’t obstruct an almost 360° view. The owner is free to arrange this space the way they want: a lounge, a dining area, a bar, a gym, a jacuzzi – everything is possible. And there is certainly an upper helm station. 

For cooler climate and all-season operation the upper deck can be turned into an enclosed sky lounge. In addition to the saloon, the space can be used as a cabin with a panoramic view or in any other way. 

Main deck 

The main deck is home to a huge main saloon of 50 sq.m. The galley located aft allows one to serve both the main dining area inside and the al fresco dining area in the open cockpit. However, it is easy to enjoy fresh air inside the saloon, too, by sliding the aft doors and the glazing open.

The main helm station is located forward of the saloon. One of the layout options offer a front door, providing direct access from the saloon to the foredeck with an open lounge. 

The main deck offers about 80 sq.m of open space. Steps lead down to the swimming platform of 8 sq.m. Its central part can go down below the water level and raise up to 500 kilos, which makes it both a lift and a place for storing a tender and water toys. 

Lower deck 

The lower deck can offer lots of layout customization options, too. The yard offers three to five cabins, as well as up to five bathrooms and one or two crew cabins. The standard four-cabin layout includes a master suite of 20 sq.m, a spacious VIP cabin and two guest cabins, each of which can be fitted as a double or a twin in accordance with the owner’s preferences. 

There is also another interesting option for a master cabin that involves part of the main deck. In this case the cabin will not only be more spacious, but with a very good headroom, as it gets the second-level space thanks to the raised window section. However, one will have to sacrifice the lounge on the foredeck in this case. But then sun loungers can be arranged on top of the superstructure above the master cabin. 

The first Silent 62 3-Deck unit offers contemporary interiors featuring a neutral colour palette: cream-colored leather headlining, grey and white upholster, natural wood, with accents of blue, mustard and ochre. Althought the choice of stylind and finishing materials is a matter of choice for each owner. 

Verdict 

What can definitely please almost any owner is the abundance of storage space. Taking into account the Silent 62 3-Deck’s crusing potential, this factor is a real asset. There are lockers, racks and shelves all over the boat, but the biggest area is the 11 square meter storage that takes up the entire bow. Lots of various gear could be stored here: from paddleboards and SeaBobs to spare parts and a kite sail, if you decide to use it as an extra propulsor. 

In general, all these characteristics are a promise of long exciting journeys. The Silent 62 3-Deck is not a classic explorer that can take you to high latitudes, but it is a superb solution for exploring remote sunny island waters. 

Silent 62 3-Deck specifications

Length: 18.86 m

Beam: 8.99 m

Draft: 1.26 m

Fuel capacity: 1000 – 1900 L

Water capacity: 1000 L

Motors: 2 x 50 кВт - 2 x 340 kW

Top speed: 12 knots

Guests: 12

Crew: 2

Category: CE A