Carbon Yachts joins MERC, leading the way in electric boating innovation
by Carbon Yachts 18 Oct 2024 09:36 BST
The Electric Candela C-8 foiling with an iconic backdrop © Candela
Carbon Yachts is proud to announce its Maritime Emissions Reduction Coalition (MERC) membership, reinforcing its commitment to advancing sustainable boating technologies.
With electric vessels now beginning to surpass petrol-powered boats in many key areas, Carbon Yachts is helping drive the shift toward cleaner, high-performance solutions that are transforming the maritime leisure industry.
Chris Hrones, co-founder of Carbon Yachts, commented: "Electric vessels are no longer just an environmentally friendly option—they're starting to outperform petrol-powered boats in many key areas. This isn't just a trend; electric propulsion is a fundamental shift in the future of boating."
The electric boats in Carbon Yachts' portfolio demonstrate the growing benefits of electric propulsion. The Candela C-8, for example, leverages electric hydrofoiling technology to provide a smooth, quiet ride without the noise, slapping, and seasickness typical of traditional powerboats. Its maintenance demands are low, with battery servicing required only every 3,000 hours—far surpassing the upkeep of petrol engines.
The ASTenders 340 Revolve is another standout, featuring a Mitek electric outboard that swivels on its own axis, eliminating motor overhang and making it easier to store. More broadly, electric outboards offer a significant advantage by allowing recharging on a transom or in a garage, eliminating the need for petrol refuelling and avoiding the safety risks and unpleasant fumes that come with traditional outboards.
The Saffier SE 24 Lite is also showcasing new capabilities in electric sailing. With its solarpowered electric drive system, it could theoretically remain on a mooring indefinitely
without refuelling while still providing the ability to motor as needed.
The MERC movement, started in 2024 by Angus and Christine McDonald, has garnered support from key players across the maritime industry, including large commercial operators like Sealink Tourism, Aus Ships Group, and NRMA Ferries. This growing commitment highlights the importance of driving meaningful change across both leisure and commercial maritime sectors.
Carbon Yachts has been instrumental in raising awareness of the advantages of electric boating. A recent PR campaign promoting the Candela C-8's arrival in Australia reached over 9 million people, with extensive coverage on Weekend Today Show, National Nine News, Channel 7 National News, The Sunday Morning Herald, and across all NewsCorp publications. This campaign played a vital role in showcasing the potential of electric vessels and Carbon Yachts' role in leading this industry transformation.
As part of MERC, Carbon Yachts remains committed to furthering the adoption of electric propulsion technologies that combine sustainability with high performance. Through its innovations and ongoing educational outreach, Carbon Yachts is helping shape the future of maritime leisure, ensuring that electric propulsion becomes the new standard for boaters.