Travelling with your own boat is the best way to explore and get to know the most diverse waters. Our test boat, the Prua al Vento Elektra, is just such a discovery boat. The special thing about this cabin cruiser is that it runs on electric motors powered by lithium-ion batteries. A way of travelling that is accompanied only by a gentle whisper, especially at slow speeds. Of course, you can also set off to the nearest restaurant or café with a jetty or go for a swim with family and friends.
For the latter, the Prua al Vento has a large bathing platform and a ladder that can also be easily operated from the water. If you then want to enjoy a dip in the sun, you can do so on the huge, comfortable sun lounger on the foredeck or in the cockpit area on the equally comfortable cushion unit. There is plenty of storage space under the benches. This open-air zone not only invites you to relax, but also to chat at the table. If the sun gets too hot, you can quickly open the bimini cover and sit in the fresh air protected from the UV rays.
A marine toilet is available for travelling and longer excursions. It is located below deck in a wet room to starboard, which has a shower and washbasin in addition to the toilet. On the opposite side is a cupboard with sink, fridge, worktop and plenty of storage space. A convertible seating area (berth for two people) with a table and comfortable upholstered surfaces is located forward.
The Prua al Vento has everything a driver could wish for
A staircase leads back to the cockpit, where the shipyard has installed three sports seats (1 x driver and 2 x co-driver) on a solid console. A bench is then installed in the back of these seats, on which you sit in the opposite direction to the direction of travel and, together with the L-shaped bench aft, create the aforementioned cosy lounge area. The driver's seat is designed as a bucket seat and offers plenty of lateral support. The same applies to the passenger seats, which have grab handles and tubular frames on the tinted windscreen to hold on to.
All three are well protected behind the windscreen, and the driver has the rudder and gearstick under control with the two levers. Two Oceanvolt monitors display the motor and battery data. These are the recorded power, engine speed, remaining battery capacity (in per cent) and remaining travel time. Below the two displays is a monitor from Lorenz-Marine for navigation. Next to the sports steering wheel there are easy-to-use rocker switches with symbols. The installation of an easy-to-read analogue compass at the top of the dashboard also deserves praise.
The circuit requires a sure instinct
With the smooth-running steering and gearstick, we cast off from Friedrichshafen harbour and head for Lake Constance. The gearstick needs to be operated with sensitivity, as the pressure point in the neutral position can hardly be felt. On Lake Constance, we push the levers forwards quickly and reach the top speed of just under 11 knots after a few seconds. At the stern of the Elektra there is a fairly high wave, which is much smaller at a speed of around 6 knots.
In this situation, the two motors each draw 5 kW and can travel just under 38 nm with full batteries minus 15% reserve; at full speed it is around 11 nm. The noise levels are around 70 dB/A at full load and around 59 dB/A at a good 6 knots. The boat runs straight ahead well and the bow only lifts moderately at full speed. With the engines engaged in opposite directions, the Prua al Vento Elektra can be steered well and moored in the harbour without any problems.
The motors each consist of three modules
The centrepieces of the boat can be found under the cockpit floor. To access them, simply lift the aft hatch (secured with two solid gas pressure dampers) in the cockpit floor and climb down into the large, spacious room. The battery packs are securely fastened to the sides and next to them (pulled into the centre) are the two motors with shaft drives. And here is the special feature: The motors are not encapsulated in a single motor housing, but are assembled from three 10 kW modules. Instead, the Oceanvolt AXC 10 modules sit in a row one behind the other. The shipyard specifies four modules as the maximum pairing. This means 80 kW in total (2 x 40 kW version).
The lithium-ion batteries are charged using two Victron chargers, which are also housed in the large engine compartment. To ensure that this is also as well protected as possible, the shipyard has installed two fire extinguisher units there. A fire extinguisher - practically housed in a trough under the triple bench - is also available for fighting fires in the cockpit and cabin. The shipyard has laid and fastened the cables appropriately. A control centre for the electrical system is located on a switch panel at the cabin companionway.
The Prua al Vento is a fully-fledged boat
Non-slip deck structures and a wide side deck on the port side ensure safe movement. A solid railing and handholds round off the safety concept. The finish of the gelcoat surfaces, protective coating inside and fittings is good, an impression that is further emphasised by the solid cleats.
Summary: The Prua al Vento Elektra is a cabin cruiser with the same design as its combustion-powered sisters. From the outside, you don't even notice that it's an electric boat - until you see the Elektra lettering on the side. Travelling and other tours are easily possible, you just have to check the range every now and then and, if necessary, go to the nearest power socket - be it in the marina, water hiking spots, at the restaurant jetty or at the jetty of the holiday home.
Technical data Prua al Vento Elektra
- Shipyard: Cuarascio Group/I
- Type: Prua al Vento Elektra
- CE category: C/14 persons
- Length over everything:9,99 m
- Width:3,10 m
- Weight:2500 kg
- Berths: 2
- Motorisation: Oceanvolt, 2 x 30 kW
- Batteries: 2 x 36.8 kWh
- Price: on request
- Contact: www.prualvento.it
