[PCW] Island Pilot DSe hybrid

[hclews at aol.com]

In a message dated 1/22/09 8:33:38 PM, georgs at powercatamaranworld.com writes:

As an engineer and sailor, Henry, what's your take on the Island Pilot DSe?   
-- Georgs

My observations:   From a layout standpoint, the ($600,000) DSe seems very 
successful. It features a walk-around queen-size bed at deck level (something 
you'd have to pay $689K for in a PDQ) as well as a large aft cabin cleverly 
convertible from a queen into 2 singles.   The interior looks classy and is (not 
surprisingly) very reminiscent of the Island Pilot 395, lots of rich wood trim 
and large home-style appliances.

Like the Endeavour & Manta, there is a single, semi-enclosed helm position 
aft of the main cabin.   But unlike the others, close-in forward visibility is 
somewhat limited by the flat solar panels atop the cabin.   This might be 
annoying if the bow rose substantially at speed, but I gather this doesn't happen.

Which brings me to my next observation, this boat is really SLOW!   It 
appears their early numbers were a bit optimistic.   They are now saying 6 knots 
tops on electric power alone, but only 3.9 knots "steady state", in other words, 
with sunlight keeping pace with the electric draw of the motors - and this is 
assuming bright sunlight.   Under diesel power (with twin 75-hp Austrian Steyr 
engines), top speed is a mere 8.7 kts; cruise speed, about 7 knots.   In it's 
present configuration, this is strictly a displacement cruiser.   As such, 
except for increased stability, I'm not sure she benefits much from her cat
amaran configuration.   Clearly, hull number one (which this is) came out somewhat 
heavier than anticipated.   You can tell, if you look closely, that she's 
floating two to three inches below her design waterline.   When I asked Ruben 
(Trane) about this, he said plans were already in the works to add a few inches of 
depth to future hulls to make her ride a bit higher.

Lest I sound too negative, I am really quite impressed by how far they have 
come with what, for most builders, would have proven an overwhelming challenge. 
  As it stands, this boat might best be described as a "Solarsailer".  Akin 
to a motorsailer, but using the sun instead of wind as its alternative power 
source.   Performance is not unlike a typical motorsailer, and like a sailboat, 
range is potentially unlimited.   For someone wishing to explore the islands 
in an unhurried manner, she could provide a comfortable and self sustaining 
package.   (As long as you keep everything working.)

On their website (www.dsehybrid.com), there is performance data including a 
link to an article in the January 2009 Power & Motoryacht magazine.   
Surprisingly, they have yet to test and gather data on what seems to me, a most obvious 
operating mode for this boat - combined diesel electric.   With one diesel 
engine running and the other electric motor running, the diesel engine could 
supply power as needed to the electric engine and you could have a balanced, 
neutral helm and, I assume, excellent cruising economy.   I asked why they hadn't 
tried this yet; they said they planned to do it in the near future.   I guess 
one practical impediment is the limited power of the electric motors (10 hp).  
 I've heard Steyr will soon be offering a higher hp version of their hybrid 
diesel, which would help.

I continue to be intrigued with this design, but it's clear that early owners 
will need to be pioneers willing to accept some development responsibilities 
that will be necessary to bring this concept into full production.  So far, 
these folks have been few in number. (As I understand it, the buyer of hull #1 
backed out at the last minute, and I'm not aware of any others at present.)   I 
just hope Island Pilot can hang in there long enough to make a go of it. 

Sorry Georgs, that's probably more than you bargained for!
Henry - in Jensen Beach, FL
www.snodoglog.com


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