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Stil 9.30 Solar review
Amsterdam tour boat company Kinboats now relies almost exclusively on solar-powered electric boats including the Stil 9.30 Solar.
March 2, 2016
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.
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.
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
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