Elco Motor Yachts displays hybrid propulsion system at IBEX
TAMPA, Fla. — Alternative power systems have been one of the leading innovations in the marine industry in the last few years, with motors being powered by electricity, propane and even natural gas.
“It’s an elegant, clean propulsion solution and many people in the industry are speaking very highly of it and are anxious for it to come on the market. This right here is the prototype,” Elco senior project manager of customer service Neil Satterly told me as he showed me the various components as he stood in the motor compartment in the saloon of the trawler.
The single-shaft, parallel system couples the Cummins 6.7-liter diesel to the Elco motor. The boat can reach a top speed of 20 knots under diesel power and can cruise at 5 to 6 knots under electric-only power.
