Alerion's new electric-drive Express 33 is silent, "green" and consistent with builder's environmentalism.

Pearson Composites, llc., has just launched an Alerion Express 33 with a Mastervolt Lithium-Ion electric saildrive system. This maintains the silence that sailors appreciate even when motoring if the breeze fails or docking in close quarters. And this solution provides further evidence of the builder's commitment to a cleaner, quieter environment.

The application of this technologically advanced propulsion system in the already highly regarded Alerion Express 33 was spurred by a customer who did not want to spoil the quietness of the intimate, nature-filled waters he prefers for sailing near his home in Vancouver, Canada. His query whether the diesel saildrive, which is standard in this model of Alerion, could be replaced with electric propulsion resulted in this launching.

Mastervolt, a Dutch specialist in marine electrical power, had been investigating the potential of Lithium-Ion batteries for marine use. These batteries, which in smaller sizes power mobile phones and laptop computers, are highly desirable for their compact size, light weight, low rate of self-discharge and lack of "memory effect." After extensive R&D, Mastervolt had developed a high-capacity Li-Ion battery, tailored for marine use, that is 15% more efficient and saves up to 70% of space and weight, compared to typical lead-acid boat batteries.

Mated with Mastervolt's 7.5 kW saildrive system, their MLI 24/160 Li-Ion battery on a single charge gives the Alerion Express approximately 15-20 nautical mile range - which can be greater or less depending on speed, number of crew, wind and weather conditions. Installing additional MLI 24/160 packs, which are relatively small and lightweight, permits those who might face longer motoring situations to still use this system.

Maneuvering, especially in docking or leaving a slip, is made easier because, with electric motors, full torque is available the moment the motor is put in gear. So, acceleration and stopping power are noticeably stronger than with conventional power. Yet, the most noted attribute is the silent operation. One experienced sailor remarked, "I just wasn't prepared for how this affected me. It made me realize how noisy all my boats have been, and how far that is from what I love about sailing. Now, I won't be content until I have one of these."

Pearson Composites, builder of Alerion Express sailboats, pursued this project as a natural extension of efforts through the years to improve the environmental "greenness" of their products. The company pioneered the use of the patented SCRIMP process, whose closed-system infusion makes the most efficient use of materials and eliminates the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air during manufacturing. The company was also one of the first builders of windmill blades for generating electricity.

For more information about the electric-drive Alerion or other aspects of Alerion Express and Pearson Composites, go to www.alerionexp.com.

Australian contact:

Hybrid Energy Pty Ltd

http://www.hybridenergy.com.au

andreww@hybridenergy.com.au