Electric boats lie in theTrend. Not least due to the many new engine types (see also our market overview in BOOTE 5/2016 from page 56), more and more shipyards are offering their boats as E-versions on. One of these, the Voyager for 2, is the subject of this test.
Electric dual motors and hydraulic steering leave nothing to be desired
The boat itself is not new. The German Holtkamp and Partner OHG produces the Voyager in various versions withdifferent motorisations. What they all have in common is their unusually large amount of space in relation to the length of the boat.
Mockers may say "you can tell by looking at the boat",PractitionerAs we say: "Form follows function". As the name suggests, the Voyager for 2 is designed fortwo persons designed. The boat is around 8.6 metres long and has enough space for longer trips on the water.
The boat drives and steers well, the directional stability is perfect
In addition to the large and, above all, generously glazed cabin, there is also a wet room with pump toilet and washbasin as well as a small galley with fridge and single-burner induction hob. The headroom in all rooms isjust under 2 mwhich is rather the exception on boats of this size.
The cockpit offers enough space for a table and two chairs next to the driving position. The driving position is clearly laid out, the only thing that bothers us is the lack of a backrest on the driver's seat.
The deliberate omission of side decks is unusual. The foredeck of the Voyager is accessed via a well-dimensioned "front door" in the saloon. This designer trick widens the usable boat width by around 30 cm, which benefits living comfort.
However, the highlight of the Voyager-for-2 version we drove is its drive.
Two Torqeedo electric motors, each with an output of 2 kW (Cruise 2.0 R), easily bring the boat up to its theoretical hull speed of just under 12 km/h. This is enough to reach its destination on inland waterways, such as the Müritz, or on canals.
However, the electric Voyager is neither intended nor suitable for fast-flowing waters. The Torqeedo motors are powered by a 300 Ah battery with a voltage of 24 volts. The actual usable capacity is around 240 Ah.
If you believe the manufacturer, you can achieve a journey time of around 6 hours with this combination. According to our measurements, the battery capacity at 8 km/h is sufficient for around 4.5 hours of cruising plus the obligatory 15% reserve.
The range is then 36 kilometres. If the boat, like our test boat, is equipped with the optional 1.5 kW solar panels, there is theoretically no limit to the range at low speeds, as indicated by the range display with the abbreviation "TTG: infinity".
Example: On the test day, the solar system delivered around 15 A in overcast conditions, which roughly corresponds to the consumption at 6 km/h. The handling characteristics of the Voyager can be categorised as good-natured, weight shifts have no influence on the directional stability. As the engines are synchronised, they cannot be engaged in opposite directions (as is usually the case), but the turning circles are still only around 1 ½ boat lengths to either side, typical values for this boat class.
Our conclusion
The electric Voyager for 2 is a successful, albeit visually unusual, touring boat for sheltered inland waters. The range is enormous with solar panels and the handling characteristics are good-natured.
Data sheet: Voyager for 2
Shipyard: Woterfitz
Type designation: Voyager for 2
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 8,60 m
Width: 2,55 m
Displacement: 1,80 t
Price: 89.900,00 €
