Twiel Z7The boat of the future?

Jan-Ole Puls

 · 27.09.2024

The design reflects the sporty character and elegance of the Twiel
Photo: Hersteller
With a striking design and an environmentally friendly electric drive from ePropulsion, the Twiel Z7 represents a bold vision for the boat design of tomorrow. The first thing that catches the eye is its extraordinary front section.

The new Twiel is powered by two electric motors from the Chinese manufacturer ePropulsion, each with an output of 20 kW. The electric drive makes the boat particularly attractive for use in regions where combustion engines are prohibited. The manufacturers had one German body of water in particular in mind when developing the Twiel Z7: Lake Constance. The southern German company Mizu Marine, headed by Michael Zupritt, has identified the second largest lake in Central Europe as the ideal location for the boat. By 2040, the neighbouring countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland have committed to making shipping on Lake Constance completely emission-free.

With its twin-hull construction - a catamaran design - and a total output of 54 hp, the Twiel Z7 is not only efficient, but also fast. Although it has comparatively little engine power, the lightweight construction ensures that the boat cuts through the water as a glider. The shipyard uses plywood to build the Twiel's frame.

Twiel Z7: A boat that cannot be overlooked

The design of the Twiel Z7 is as unconventional as it is striking. The flowing, undulating lines give the boat an almost sculptural elegance. The patented hull shape ensures that the catamaran glides almost imperceptibly and gently through the water. What makes the Twiel special is the way in which the two hulls are concealed in the outer hull. From the outside, the boat looks like a monohull, which reinforces the elegant, almost classic impression and skilfully conceals the catamaran superstructure.

The front of the boat is a particular highlight. It radically breaks with the functional principle of "form follows function". Here, the bow grows into a bold design decision that is orientated towards aesthetics rather than utility. This bold design makes the boat unmistakable and gives it an independent character. The beak-like shape is also reminiscent of historic supercharged sports cars from the 1930s - an unusual but fascinating nod to automotive history.

Retro meets the future

With the Twiel Z7, Michael Zupritt combines the worlds of retro-classicism and modernity. The twin-hull principle of the catamaran not only ensures stability and efficiency, but is also cleverly integrated into the design so that the construction is barely noticeable at first glance.

Despite its sporty design, the Twiel is not a racing boat. It is primarily designed for relaxed cruising pleasure. The cockpit, which is deliberately kept simple, offers space for up to six people and invites you to enjoy cosy outings with friends or family. Traditional boat materials such as pine and mahogany are used, giving the boat a touch of retro charm while at the same time equipping it with state-of-the-art technology.

Technical data Twiel Z7

  • Manufacturer: MIZU
  • Model: Twiel Z7
  • Design: Catamaran
  • Torso length: 7,90 m
  • Width: 2,55 m
  • Depth: approx. 0.60 m
  • Displacement: 1,6 T
  • Hull type: Glider
  • Material: Wood, abachi, pine, mahogany
  • Number of licenced persons: 6 persons
  • Drive type: Electric / Shaft
  • Motor manufacturer: ePropulsion I20
  • Engine power: 2 x 20 kW

The Twiel Z7 will be presented at boot Düsseldorf in January 2025.


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Jan-Ole Puls

Jan-Ole Puls

Editor Test & Technology

Ole Puls was born in Schleswig in 1999. He quickly swapped the football pitch for the Schlei and grew up sailing a wide variety of dinghies and tall ships. From his grandfather's self-built wooden opti and a Europe to a 49er and an X362 Sport, there was a lot to choose from. After leaving school, Puls decided to train as a boat builder at the high-tech shipyard Knierim Yachtbau in Kiel in 2016. He successfully completed his training in 2020 and stayed at the shipyard as a bachelor. In 2022, he decided not only to build boats, but also to test them. Since then, he has been working for Delius Klasing Verlag in the Test & Technology section of BOOTE magazine. The training he received and the eye for detail and quality of workmanship he acquired help him immensely today. Even though he is a regatta sailor with heart and soul, he feels right at home on motorboats and enjoys separating his professional and private lives and yet combining them. Because we all know one thing: there is simply no better place to be than on the water.

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