Electric Boats? Maybe This One Won't Sink (My Bank Account)

You know those classic 1950s yachts, the ones that whisper "old money" louder than a shout? Imagine someone squished one of those with an electric motor. That's basically what Stephens Waring Design cooked up with their new custom boat, "Isobel."

Stephens Waring Yacht Design, based in Belfast, Maine, has a rich history in crafting stunning and innovative vessels. They're not some fly-by-night operation jumping on the electric bandwagon.  These folks specialize in "Spirit of Tradition" yachts – boats that blend classic design with cutting-edge technology.  They've built everything from elegant sailboats to powerful motor yachts. Turns out, going electric is just their latest way of pushing boundaries in the boating world.

Here's the deal. Some wealthy soul – with a vacation home on a remote Maine island, naturally – wants to commute to the mainland in style. Two whole miles! But this person hates polluting and the racket of regular boat engines. Okay, fair enough.

So, the answer? A 28-foot (8.5-meter) electric runabout. Because who doesn't love a boat that sounds like, well, nothing? They crammed a 40kW (54 hp) electric motor in there and a hefty 55kWh battery. That's good for a thrilling top speed of 22 knots (25 mph) – fast enough to get your hair wet, or ruin it, depending on your styling situation.

Don't think electric means no range, though. Isobel will zip from island to mainland six times on a single charge (at full throttle!). Need more? Slow down a bit, and you're golden. It even charges super-fast - hey, at least you won't be bored for too long dockside.

Aside from being absolutely gorgeous - and electric - she's surprisingly practical. Storage space? Check. Room for multiple passengers? Absolutely. You won't be sacrificing creature comforts for the sake of going green. Plus, with her shallow draft, she's perfect for navigating those tricky Maine shorelines. No running aground and ruining the whole "lifestyle" thing.

Apparently, this thing is lightweight too – fancy wood construction, like a floating Ikea shelf (but hopefully less likely to collapse unexpectedly). All very eco-friendly... unless you factor in the price tag. Building this baby will likely cost more than my first car, house, and divorce settlement combined.

But hey, gotta say the Isobel looks amazing. Smooth, elegant, it practically screams "I winter in Monaco." They even added a swim platform in the back for when you inevitably get bored with the slow-mo boating and want to feel some actual speed.

So, an electric yacht. Am I convinced? Well… But I'll admit, gliding around silently, not stinking up the pristine Maine coastline... it's got a certain appeal. Actually - it has a lot of appeal. Now, if only someone would invent an electric wallet to go with it.