Today, Soel Yachts announced the release of their new model, the Soel Senses 48. The 48-foot (14.5-metre) solar electric catamaran is described as the “ideal luxury weekend cruiser for the sustainability minded.” It contains custom battery systems supplemented by a rooftop solar array and is entirely fossil fuel-free. “The call from high-value individuals who prefer a quieter and more sustainable way to cruise is unquestionably getting louder,” said Linda Brembs, Managing Director, Soel Yachts.
Depending on requirements, multiple leisure spaces can be used independently or together. The fully enclosed salon features a central bar which links the helm station to the lounge and dining areas. With the aft bi-folding doors completely opened, the salon and rear deck become one generous space for relaxing or dining. On the foredeck, meanwhile, one finds a more private sunbed lounge area to sunbathe or take in the view. With a double bed and ensuite in each hull – plus configurable seating in the enclosed salon – the Soel Senses 48 offers enough sleeping space for eight passengers.
“We’ve developed a number of electric boats for our commercial resort clients, but recently we’ve noticed a real hunger in the market for a private leisure model, so the energy autonomous Soel Senses 48 is our answer to this,” said Joep Koster, Managing Director, Soel Yachts.
Since its inception, the Soel Senses 48 has been designed for high-efficiency electric propulsion with symbiosis between an electric propulsion system and functional architecture. It offers cruising and max speeds of 10 and 18 knots respectively, with a range of up to 56 nautical miles. The helm is fitted with doors on both starboard and portside for easy foredeck access – such access allows for intuitive mooring or anchoring as well as increased natural ventilation. An electric passerelle slides out from the foredeck to permit bow-forward mooring, increased safety, and greater privacy.
“Essentially, we’ve designed the solar electric yacht we would use personally with our families and friends,” said David Czap, Managing Director, Soel Yachts.
Soel Yachts was founded in 2011 by David Czap and Joep Koster, and later joined by Linda Brembs. In 2016/17, the SoelCat 12 was designed and built as a dedicated lagoon-cruising catamaran. The design focused on maximizing solar energy input and feeding directly into its high voltage batteries. This success was followed by the design of a dedicated Electric Passenger Vessel, the Soel Shuttle 14. This solar electric boat was designed in 2019; two are under construction and scheduled for delivery beginning of next year. All Soel Yachts boats are available for worldwide shipping – many requests come in from Canada.
SOEL SENSES 48 – SPECIFICATIONS
LWL 14.5 m
LOA 14.5 m
Beam 5.1 m
Draft 0.7m
Propulsion System:
Standard 2x Naval DC EPS-40 (Vmax = 12 knots)
Performance 2x Naval DC EPS-100 (Vmax = 18 knots)
Solar Power: 2.7 kWp – ventilated
Main Battery Bank Capacity:
Standard 2x Naval DC 355V – 71 kWh
Extended range 2x Naval DC 355V – 142 kWh
2x double cabin with ensuite
Multi-layout salon incl. bar and kitchenette
Raymarine spec’d helm station
Water Capacity: 400 L fresh and drinking water / 215 L holding tank
Further details and imagery for the Soel Senses 48 can be found via Soel Senses. The full spec sheet can also be downloaded.