Superyacht tender specialist Patterson Boatworks and the two-person design studio Van Geest Design believe hybrid propulsion isn’t just for motherships. That’s why the Lucent 44 tender/dayboat series they’re preparing for debut later this year will feature that power, plus other compelling features.
Measuring 45’9” (14 meters), the Lucent 44 will have diesel engines coupled to a lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery bank. Like lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, Li-S batteries are rechargeable. However, Li-S have higher energy-storage capabilities than Li-ion batteries. In fact, they’re said to have three to five times higher energy density. Aboard the Lucent 44, the battery bank should maintain a 35- to 90-percent charge thanks to the diesel engines. The batteries in turn will reportedly permit the Lucent 44 to cruise at 20 knots and top out at 26 knots, far quieter than other tenders. Van Geest Design further determined that at cruise speed, the Lucent 44 will see a range exceeding 200 nautical miles, plenty extensive for harbor hopping all day. The design studio also determined that the boat will consume 21 gallons (80 liters) of fuel at that speed.
Assisting in that performance, of course, is the Lucent 44’s overall design and construction. Patterson Boatworks is employing carbon fiber, for light weight. Even at the higher speeds, the Lucent 44 should keep guests dry, thanks to raised bulwarks in the cockpit. Photovoltaic panels on the hardtop will provide power for some onboard systems as well.
While technology certainly attracts interest, looks typically do the trick first. To that end, the Lucent 44 should turn heads, thanks to her an all-glass transom. Picture yourself cruising around while enjoying the sensation it creates. Part of the transom can also fold down, for an extended swim platform. Further intriguing, the Lucent 44 features translucent corking between the teak decking, vs. the traditional black seams. Pieter Van Geest, one of the firm’s partners, explains that there’s also light beneath the decking, which shines up through the translucent corking. The effect should be particularly notable at night, as shown above on the swim platform.
The rest of the layout should also please buyers, featuring lounge seating aft, a table accompanying it that converts to a dining table, plus a bar and barbecue. The Lucent 44 interior can be outfitted with a V-berth, dayhead, and even a galley, or simply with more seating.
Pricing starts at £850,000 (about $1.33 million) plus VAT.
Leave a Reply