Neel 43 Hybrid

Electric Propulsion According to Emeraude Multicoques

Presented at this year’s International Multihull Show in La Grande-Motte, this Neel 43 Hybrid is not an official version from the La Rochelle-based shipyard, but the result of an ambitious refit carried out by Emeraude Multicoques, a company specializing in the integration of technical solutions aboard multihulls of all brands. Based in Canet-en-Roussillon, Port Leucate, and at La Grande-Motte, Emeraude Multicoques offers tailor-made systems focused on energy efficiency, sailing comfort, and reducing the boat’s environmental footprint.

This Neel 43 Hybrid is not offered by the trimaran yard based in Rochefort on France’s Atlantic coast, but by Emeraude Multicoques, an integrator based in La Grande Motte, Port Leucate and Canet en Roussillon on the country’s Mediterranean shores.

Electric propulsion is ideal for sailing and motor sailing. Even in very light airs, speeds of 4 to 5 knots can be reached. Such speeds can be maintained for 7 to 8 hours without using the generator.

1 / 6

Practical info

Boat Test price5.00€ Inc. tax

Purchase

Boat Test price5.00€ Inc. tax

Purchase

Test location: La Grande-Motte
Conditions: Calm sea, slight easterly swell, 6 knots of wind

The Neel 43, with its voluminous central hull, lends itself perfectly to the integration of a complete electric propulsion system. “The advantage of a trimaran,” explains Jean-Noël Roux, director of Emeraude Multicoques, “Is that we can house all the technical equipment, including the motor, batteries, generator and interfaces, in the central hull, keeping the center of gravity low and without compromising the multihull’s seakeeping qualities.”

In this configuration, the internal combustion engine has been replaced by a 25-kW electric motor powered by 25 kWh of 96 V lithium batteries. The system guarantees smooth, quiet propulsion, sufficient for maneuvering in harbor and for coastal navigation at moderate speeds (around 5 to 6 knots). If necessary, the generator can be started to ensure safety when on longer passages or during extended stopovers.

5½ to 6 Knots at Half Power

On April 29, just after the International Multihull Show closed its doors, we were able to sail this boat in very calm conditions, with less than 8 knots of wind and a slight residual swell from the east. W...

To read in full, purchase the test