Hawaii Island-based sailing charter company Kohala Blue recently announced it has gone electric, and upgraded its 34-foot sailing catamaran with two electric propulsion motors that are powered by sun and wind.
The catamaran operates out of Kawaihae South Small Boat Harbor, and can sail up to six passengers on its voyages, which take place within the protected waters of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The components used totaled around $60,000, according to Kohala Blue owner Shaun Barnes.
"The labor cost is hard to say because we pretty much did a complete overhaul while we were doing the electric conversion," Barnes told PBN in an email. "There was definitely a steep (expensive) learning curve, as no one had undertaken a project like this before. We predict it will take at least two to three years to recuperate our costs. Of course, sooner would be fine but we’re not counting on it!"
Benefits of the electric propulsion motors include reduced engine noise, vibration, air and water pollution, and fumes associated with diesel power. Electric motors are almost silent underwater and are better for marine mammals like humpback whales and dolphins, according to the announcement.
“Sailing is an environmentally-friendly way to enjoy the ocean, but a charter boat needs a motor to stay on schedule. Diesel and gas engines are noisy above and below the water and are not environmentally friendly,” Barnes said in a statement. “Switching to clean and quiet electric propulsion motors powered with wind and solar is a game changer for the industry, our passengers and our marine environment and we are proud to help lead the way."
