Silent Yachts 60 (2022-)

Specifications

Length Overall	59' 17.99 m
Beam	29.5' 8.99 m
Dry Weight	63,934 lbs. 29,000 kg
Draft	3' 0.93 m

Captain's Report

Silent 60

Captain’s Report by Capt. Steve

 

Brief Summary.

The Silent 60 is a 100% electric yacht with multiple ways to charge the long-range batteries, and even multiple methods of propulsion.  She garnered the award for “Best of Boats” in the “Best for Travel” category meaning that she is “suitable for long distance travels with all amenities to live aboard permanently.”  She’s offered in a 4 cabin version with or without a main deck master, has a 6-8 kt cruise speed and a top speed of 20 kts. 

 

 

Mission.

The Silent 60 is a cruising catamaran capable is transoceanic passages while being managed by only two people.  For small families exploring the world’s waters, this is an ideal scenario.  Her small draft makes her well suited for coastal cruises while her efficient hulls make her adapted for harsh offshore conditions. 

 

Major Features.

·      Three different sizes of E-motor

·      Three different sizes of Lithium battery

·      Two different sizes of generator

·      Fully automatic towing kite

·      On deck master version available

·      Unlimited range

·      Zero emission

·      No maintenance propulsion

·      Noiseless cruising

·      8-year warranty on battery banks

·      25-year warranty on solar panels

·      Lifetime warranty on E-motors

·      CE-A certification

 

Design

This is a 100% electric yacht, powered by either dual 50, 200, or 340-kW electric motors being fed by 142-, 207- or 286-kilowatt hour lithium batteries charged by 42 17 kW solar panels or 100 or 150-kW generators.  This gives the Silent 60 unlimited range, but power consumption still needs to be carefully managed.  For example, one would continually power the lithium batteries with the generator running full time, but that burns fuel and eventually stops.  Alternatively, running at 20 knots will naturally deplete the batteries faster than they can be charged. 

 

Of course, while charging there’s the kite wing propulsion.  It deploys from the bow and carves a figure-eight in the sky 120 meters up.  This will pull the Silent 60 along at up to 4-5 knots. 

 

Her speed and efficiency are possible thanks to her high-performance hull with its longer waterline and reverse bow.  With a power-savvy captain aboard, she can cruise of to 100-miles a day for weeks at a time. 

 

Boat Inspection.

The silent 60 inspection must start with the two different main deck layouts.  One with a main deck master and the other with a forward exit to the bow.  Both will offer the same main deck living space as the master is located three steps down.  The total living space of the staterooms increases from 56 sqm to 63 sqm.  Both have a galley aft and to port. 

 

 

 

Bow

There are side decks to both port and starboard, meaning that Silent Yachts saw no need to limit the design to a asymmetrical layout in order to achieve more interior living space.   And with a beam of 29.5’ (8.99m) why would they?  Gates are at the aft end of each deck and exterior sitting areas are also provided just opposite the gates… a welcome addition to the social zones.  Forward the deck is expansive and includes seats at the front corners of the bow rails.  A recessed section ahead of the cabin bulkhead has lounge seating to port and L-shaped seating to starboard.  Depending on the design selected, there may or may not be a door to the interior between the two seats. 

 

 

 

 

Cockpit

The aft deck allows for gathering aft of the glass bulkhead leading to the interior.  Seating is at an L-shaped sofa wrapping around a freestanding table.  Additional seating is aft and center-mounted, and this includes reversable seatbacks for forward or aft-facing seating.  Wide stairs to port and starboard lead to swim platforms flanking a hydraulically actuated boat deck.  Absent from this equation are rails protecting the area from straying children.  Otherwise, it’s a clear path from the deck to the water, albeit down some stairs. 

 

 

 

Flying Bridge

Still another welcoming social zone awaits on the flying bridge.  Here it’s all about seating with a large sofa surrounding a solid wood table on dual hi/lo pedestals. Forward-facing lounges are to the starboard side.  This is all near the helm making the captain always an integral part of the gathering, whether underway or not.  An upper level refreshment center is missing from the features here. 

 

The flybridge helm is mounted to port and is fully featured, including a double-wide helm seat with reversable seatback.  All of the flying bridge is protected by a hardtop with electrically actuated adjustable supports allowing the top to be raised or lowered.  This makes the Silent 60 an excellent great loop prospect, or even one for the canals of Europe. 

 

 

 

Interior

Inside the Silent 60 there’s a U-shaped galley aft and to port with refrigeration across to starboard.  Dining is ahead and either one or two companionways to starboard, depending on whether the master is forward or not.  To port is another companionway. 

 

 

 

 

 

Helm

The helm is starboard side mounted and being three-across there’s plenty of room in the panel for electronics, as well as having more eyes looking forward to assist the captain.  Naturally, an autopilot is provided as this is a long-range cruiser.  Storage is to the side and windows surround the helm station.  Thick mullions will limit visibility slightly to keep a swivel head. 

 

 

 

Accommodations

The Silent 60 is a four-cabin boat.  Choose from two cabins per side or with the master forward there will be a single cabin aft and to starboard.  With the master forward, the guest cabins are all largely identical, each with a private ensuite. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Price

The Silent 60 has an average price of $2.69m (€2.36m).  The first of these boats was built in Thailand but future units are planned to be built in Italy. 

 

Observations.

Aside from the fact that this is an electric boat, and includes unique power options, there’s also a lot to like about her amenities.  We’ve never seen a comfortable sitting area on the side decks.  Her low profile, even with a flying bridge is an attractive feature.  And she has an exemplary fit and finish befitting an upscale brand.  It’s hard to imagine a cruising couple, or a cruising family, not feeling right at home while enjoying the perks of efficient cruising.