At the Düsseldorf Boat Show, the entire editorial staff was impressed by this Elling E4, a 15-meter Dutch boat designed to cope with whatever weather conditions may be found on the long cruises for which it is intended, without sacrificing the luxury of a yacht.
Elling E4
But what are the features that make it unique? Let’s look at them together:
- It is constructed entirely of Kevlar, an expensive material usually reserved for racing hulls, which need high strength without overdoing the weight.
- It is self-righting, just like lifeboats. This means that the entire superstructure, once closed, is completely waterproof to provide that reserve of buoyancy needed to get it back in trim.
- She manages to hold fuel economy that, combined with her tank capacity (1500 l standard, increasable up to 2000), guarantees ocean-crossing mileage. At 7.5 knots it consumes an enviable liter per mile, but, thanks to its semi-planing hull, it can reach a top speed of 18 knots.
- The secret to this efficiency is the inboard diesel engine, which is, of course, shaftline, the most reliable and easily repairable drive system there is. A single engine for an offshore boat? To ensure safe return home in case of failure, it has a sa ildrive back-up engine, with associated fuel tank and rudder both independent.
- It cannot miss the stabilization system, but instead of the classic gyroscope, it uses a Magnus system, which is lighter, energy efficient, quick to deploy, and takes up less space below deck.
- A single engine and simpler, less cumbersome solutions, such as stabilization by Magnus effect, free up space below deck. The effect is incredible: the boat is entirely usable from bow to extreme stern, all on one level.
- This is a boat that exudes solidity and safety in every detail: an emergency ascent ladder is provided in the hull mold, the emergency raft is placed on the ready-to-use stern platform, and the gangway-crane haul-out is a heavy-duty one.
In short, a true long range cruiser that, at a starting price of 1.3 million, offers really interesting solutions.
Link to the shipyard’s website: Elling E4 – Elling Yachting
