The solar-electric boat-building industry continues to thrive as Dutch company, Stilmotion announces that it has delivered 15 new solar-powered vessels to Amsterdam tour boat company, Kinboat, inside just five months.

Though Stilmotion’s sustainable approach to marine recreation has seen the development of a Falcon line of sailboats, the builder (whose slogan is ‘Responsible Boating’) also now offers a range of four powerboats, the largest of which (the Stil 9.30 solar) now forms the hub of Kinboat’s operations.

Stilmotion 9.30 Solar

Stilmotion has delivered 15 of its range-topping 9.30 models to Kinboats of Amsterdam.



 

Despite the 9.30 being equipped with a solar roof large enough to generate 100% of the energy required to drive its electric engine, the expansive windows enable big views on both sides; and a vertical clearance of just 1.8 metres enables it to fit beneath even the lowest of Amsterdam’s bridges. More crucially, despite a modest length of less than 31 feet, a 10ft beam has enabled the 9.30 to achieve certification to carry no fewer than 40 people.

It is possible operate the Stil 9.30 solar (Stil means "silent") for a day and a half without hooking it up to shore power - and according to company claims, the efficient hull shape and low-waste electric engine make it possible to use the optional 35kW power bank backup to deliver substantial quantities of electricity back to the grid, supporting the electricity network during blackouts or network dips and helping mitigate expenses.

Stil 9.30 solar – 100 per cent sustainable commercial vessel

The solar roof supplies 100 per cent of the energy required by the electric engine.



 

The central helm console comes with plenty of room for nav and comms equipment and is orbited on all sides by peripheral seating in two equal sections – one forward and one aft. There is also a private heads compartment at the bow and easy boarding steps with grabrails amidships. All boats are equipped with heavy-duty rubber bumpers for the bumps and grinds of close-quarters operation; and while these particular ISO9001-approved vessels were conceived with commercial tour work in mind, their space, minimal running costs and low-maintenance durability makes an uncommonly powerful case for private recreational ownership.

If you're interested in boating "off the grid", take a look at: Vripack V20: the start of the solar racing revolution? and read all about the new Solar Cloth System at number 10 in our 20 hottest new items of sailing kit for 2016.

 

Stilmotion 9.30 Solar: specifications


LOA: 9.39m
Width: 3.10m
Vertical clearance: 1.80m
Weight: 3,500kg
Draught: 0.85 m
Engine:  48V - 7.5kW

Stil 9.30 solar – rated to carry 40 people

Despite a length of little more than 30ft, the Stil 9.30 solar is rated to carry 40 people.

Written by: Alex Smith
Alex Smith is a journalist, copywriter and magazine editor with a long history in boating and a happy addiction to the water. He’s worked on boats, lived on boats, bought boats, sold boats and – when he’s not actually on board a boat – he can generally be found in his Folkestone office, tapping away at the computer and gazing out to sea.
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