As in the automotive sector, more and more boats are being developed with electric and hybrid drives. This is also the case at Boarnstream Yachting in the Netherlands. The shipyard comments: "Boarnstream Yachting is the first yacht yard to produce steel boats with hybrid drives in series. The Boarncruiser Elegance Hybrid is identical in every respect to the diesel-powered Boarncruiser Elegance, with the major exception of the hybrid system." Our test boat is a 1280 Elegance, but other Boarncruiser models can also be equipped with an electric motor.
Back to our test boat: The normal drive consists of a Volvo Penta D3-150 with reversing gear. A "Hollix-Electric-Propulsion" is connected to the propeller shaft via a belt unit, which is powered by a 33 kWh battery pack.
We leave the shipyard harbour in Jirsum with the normal diesel drive. The shipyard installed a bow (standard) and stern thruster (extra) on our test boat to make casting off and, above all, mooring easy.
The Boarncruiser 1280 Elegance Hybrid in pictures:
We drive towards Grou and take our photos and manoeuvres on the Pikmar. The Boarncruiser behaves safely in fast bends. The hull does not lie on its side, but stabilises itself immediately. Nothing flies off the table or rattles in the cupboards. Another plus: the hydraulic steering is precise and smooth. The hull runs straight on fast and slow courses. We can reach a maximum of 8 knots with the diesel engine, which is not exactly economical with a consumption (from the Volvo Penta curve) of around 3.5 l/sm.
If you are travelling at around 6 knots, the range looks quite different with a range of 480 nautical miles plus 15% reserve. At a slower speed of 4.6 knots, the range increases again by around 300 nautical miles. This speed is exactly the maximum speed we measured in electric mode. Here we read 4.6 knots on the GPS and a current of 203 amps on the display of the electric unit.
Quiet in e-mode and when driving with a combustion engine
From this, we calculate a range of around 13.5 nautical miles with 33 kWh less 15% reserve. If we take the reduced speed of 3.0 knots, we read 75 amps on the display, which gives us a range of around 23.5 nautical miles. These are not huge distances, but this is one way of travelling relaxed, quiet and environmentally friendly (when charging with green electricity). The measured noise values show that the electric drive is particularly quiet, ranging from 38 dB/A (1.8 knots) to 47 dB/A at full load. By way of comparison, the driving values with the combustion engine are also quite quiet: 52 dB/A (3.3 knots)-66 dB/A (full throttle).
Both engines are operated from a well-divided control station in the saloon. The diesel engine is operated via the electronic Volvo Penta gearstick, and the electric motor can be operated via a small lever on the side of the driver's platform. Switching between the two systems takes place on the other side in a recessed box with a door. The motors can be accessed via a floor hatch in the saloon. Everything is tidy and securely fastened down there.
Folding corner seat with and against the direction of travel
Living on board: The cockpit is covered by a long roof that extends aft, with a wide, cosy sofa with a table in front of it and two free-standing chairs extending the seating area. At the side of the stern bench, two passages lead to the spacious bathing platform, which on our test boat has a large bathing ladder with handrail. A wide, fully folding stern door leads into the saloon. The well-equipped galley is located on the port side of the entrance area. Behind this is the comfortable saloon seating area. A special feature of the seating area: the backrest can be folded forwards and backwards. On the one hand, the bench can be used as a passenger bench facing forwards and, on the other, as a bench for the saloon seating area. The cabin area with washroom is located between the bench and the driving position. This is practically divided and can be accessed from the vestibule and the forward cabin.
The owner's cabin is equipped with a double berth, while the guest cabin has two single berths. Another special feature: the 33 kWh batteries are also used to power the appliances on board. When the batteries are fully charged, the shipyard says: "You can lie free for 3 days and 4 nights before you have to sail again." Charging is carried out either by the electric motor (switched as a generator) while the diesel is running or by the charging unit (1x or 2x 3.5 kW) at the berth with a power connection. Solar cells (55 A/day) are on the accessories list.
Test result Boarncruiser 1280 Elegance Hybrid
Driving and manoeuvring
- + travelling quietly with the electric drive
- + Good range with the diesel
- + Good manoeuvrability with bow and stern thruster
Processing and technology
- + good workmanship
- + Cleanly installed technology
Security
- + two independent motor systems
Comfort on board
- + Long anchoring times possible without battery recharging
Conclusion
The Boarncruiser 1280 Elegance Hybrid is a comfortable boat for travelling. It is a comfortable boat for a family of four. The Boarncruiser is also ideal for couples who like to take visitors with them. With its hybrid drive, it is a trendsetter when travelling. The workmanship and installation are of a high standard.
Technical data Boarncruiser 1280 Elegance Hybrid
The boat
- Shipyard: Boarnstream Yachting/NL
- Type: Boarncruiser 1280 Elegance Hybrid
- CE category: B
- Hull and deck: Steel
- Length over everything:12,67 m
- Width: 4,36 m
- Weight: approx. 17 tonnes
- Depth: approx. 1.05 m
- Clearance height (disc folded): 2,85 m
- Fuel tank/batteries: 800 l/33 kWh
- Water tank: 600 l
- Holding tank: 250 l
- Cabins: 2 + Salon
- Berths: 4 + 1
- Standard motorisation:Diesel inboard 1x 110 kW (150 hp)
- Test motorisation:1x Volvo Penta D3-150, 110 kW (150 hp) + 10 kW Hollex E engine
- Price (standard with diesel and electric motor): 568.451 €
- Shipyard address: Boarnstream Yachting, Wjitteringswei 3, 9011 WJ Jirnsum (NL)
The motors
- Manufacturer Diesel: Volvo Penta
- Type: D3-150
- Performance: 110kW (150 hp)
- Rated speed: 3000 rpm
- Cylinder: 5 in series
- cubic capacity: 2,4 l
- Fuel: Diesel
- Cooling: Water/double circuit
- Gear ratio: 2,43:1
- Test propeller: 4 sheets, 22" x 17"
- Manufacturer E-motor: Hollex
- Type:10 kW/48 V
More info: www.boarnstream.com
