The E-40 PowerCat Earthling Promises a Revolution in Maritime Cruising
Listen up, sea enthusiasts. Imagine a futuristic motor purring like a cat that just found the sunniest spot in the house. Now, turn that mental image into a sleek, elegant watercraft, and you've got yourself the E-40 PowerCat Earthling. And, it promises to be more revolutionary than deciding the left Twix is better than the right one.
Developed by the innovative John McGettigan, the E-40 PowerCat is more than just a boat; it's an emblem of sustainable boating. And let's face it, if we're going to enjoy the open waters, we might as well do it without offending Mother Nature.
German Molabo electric motors smoothly drive the Earthling. Silent as an awkward dinner date, these babies are fed by a humongous coachroof-mounted solar array. And if that sounds like techno-mumbo jumbo, just think of it as an endless fuel supply delivered straight from the sun.
Hold up, what's that you say? Range anxiety? That gnawing feeling you get, wondering if you'll run out of juice midway? Been there, done that. But John has a solution. Earthling runs on a 45kWh Lithium batteries system (that's the techno-wizardry I mentioned), coupled with two 8.5kW Whisperpower DC Charge Genverters. No, it’s not a typo - Genverters are generators with integrated inverters, saving up on space and increasing efficiency - simply eeking out every last electron from the battery bank.
This boat, with a full charge, boasts a range of up to 40 nautical miles at leisurely speeds, approximately 20 nautical miles at 8 knots, and 18 nautical miles at 10 knots. The cherry on top? If you're sailing under the sun, the batteries can recharge themselves in about three days via solar panels. Shore power? You're looking at a quick two-hour refill.Ever heard of a hybrid that can speed things up when you really need it? Yep, Earthling offers a comfortable 10 knots cruising speed, but don't be fooled. When the need arises, it has the might to ramp up to 18 knots. That's thanks to the two Molabo electric motors that can supply up to 50 kW of energy continuously.
Yet, it’s not all about brute power. The efficiency is in the fine-tuning. Large propellers – a whopping 600 mm in diameter – deliver optimized performance at a 10-knot sweet spot. It's like having a finely-tuned sports car but for the seas.
Earthling boasts a design based on the Stealth 36 Powercat, an Aussie marvel by Alan Carwardine. The ship's hull, built from core composite foam with carbon fiber inserts, ensures that the extended 12 m cat weighs in at a mere 3.6 tonnes.
John didn’t stop there. He integrated an innovative system named ‘E-Thos’ that oversees every aspect of the boat. Everything, from monitoring and navigation to recharging and "hotel stuff", is at your fingertips. And let's face it, having technology that tells you, "Hey, something’s off here!" instead of playing the guessing game? Priceless.
As for space? The Earthling doesn’t disappoint. A single-level flow-through layout ensures you have ample space to move around. The helm station offers unmatched visibility, with quick access to either the front or the aft cockpit. And when you're not on the move, the boat can comfortably accommodate a sizable party. Just last Christmas, it had 14 adults on board without breaking a sweat!
The E-40 PowerCat Earthling isn't just a boat; it's an experience. It's about rethinking how we engage with the open waters while being mindful of our environmental footprint. Plus, with its modern aesthetic and cutting-edge tech, it turns heads wherever it docks.
So, if you're in the market for an elegant, efficient, and eco-friendly maritime adventure, John McGettigan's creation should be at the top of your list. And remember, cruising the blue expanse sustainably isn’t just a choice; it’s a responsibility.
