Silent-Yachts launches Silent Tender 400

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Silent-Yachts has launched the Silent Tender 400, which has an overall length of 4m (13ft) and features an electric drivetrain. Design cues from the Silent 60 and 80 solar-electric catamarans include the angular lines, rebated bulwark, and black-and-white finish.

A carbon-fibre lay-up ensures the hull of the sporty-looking tender weighs no more than 90kg, making it easier to lift out using the hydraulic bathing platform of a Silent 60, easier for the mother ship to carry and more efficient in terms of performance.

Michael Köhler, founder and CEO of Silent-Yachts, said: “We are very proud to present the new Silent Tender 400, which is one of the most efficient electric tenders on the market. It follows the same design principles as our award-winning electric yachts, with dimensions that enable it to fit both the Silent 60 series and Silent 80 series yachts. The hull gives passengers a really dry ride, even at speed and in confused seas.”

Designed to carry six people, the Silent Tender 400 was conceived for the Silent 60, although the model is available to anyone looking for an electric runabout or an efficient tender for a conventional yacht.

The tender has a central console and intuitive controls including a throttle, leather-padded wheel and a display showing speed, heading and depth. The driver’s seat is flanked by two other seats and there are two bow seats, all with handholds. Boarding is via a step in the lowered bulwarks midships.

Owners can choose between various inboard and outboard propulsion options. Inboard power comes via a 20kW electric waterjet, offering low draught and ease of handling. With the sportier outboard, input power is either 20kW or 30kW, depending on the package selected. The higher-rated motor can propel the boat over 20 knots.

The Silent Tender 400 fits either a standard 16kWh lithium battery or an upgraded 20kWh unit for more range, with a minimum of two hours’ drive time at 10 knots. Fast on-board charging can replenish the battery in just 2½ hours.

Silent-Yachts is also developing a 5.1m electric tender, designed to fit the garage of the Silent 80 seriesyachts.