Whisper 50 (15 m), the electric catamaran like a house on the sea

There are shipyards that, at times, stand out more than others for their commitment and mission in imagining and bringing to life a more sustainable boating, a boating that is different, in part, but still focused on the main objective of offering owners hulls that are consonant with their needs: comfortable, functional and suited to meet their needs. Among these shipyards is Whisper Yachts, engaged in designing and building electric and renewable-powered catamarans. Among its latest creations, just to offer an answer to owners looking for full-electric cruisers, is the new Whisper 50, a 15-meter catamaran designed for sustainable cruising. Strong with 3 or 4 cabins and propelled by a pair of 100 kW electric motors, it not only lends itself to typical cruising needs but, thanks to large photovoltaic surfaces, also offers the added bonus ofvirtually infinite range when at 5/6 knot speeds.

Whisper 50

Spacious outdoor lounge areas, hard-top flybridge, and spacious, cozy interiors are certainly elements that make a hull a great cruising option, but range is always the hard core. Limit exceeded when the technique is applied, as in the case of the new Whisper 50. Of course, the speed regimes will not be able to be compared to those of an offshorer, but the comparison is superfluous when the intended use and philosophies are so far apart. And, by the way, 15 knots of top speed is not to be underestimated, especially when achieved sustainably and on “a hull” (two) that, almost literally, is little less than a moving mansion on the water… But, to better understand the new Whisper, here is our preview.

Whisper 50 – Exterior

Sustainability and technologies set aside, it is the volumes, layout and spaces that, primarily, bring a cruising boat to life. And, on this front, usually catamarans have a remarkable ace up their sleeve: totally different spaces and over far greater areas at the same length with a monohull. And, right here, we see the results well, with the 7.5-meter maximum beam of the Whisper 50 having its say.

Looking at the complex, the wide beam immediately emerges as a well-utilized volume, not only amidships, but also in the stern, where a flush plancha joins the two hulls, creating a large stepped beach area over which a huge sundeck soars. In the bow, the situation does not change, and indeed the volume between the two hulls is exploited to provide a remarkable lounging area, with double sofas recessed into the deck, creating a sea-facing terrace that can be reached either from the walkways or from a glazed hatch cut into the windshield of the main deck.

The entire central body of the hull, however, is taken up by the main component, the on-board living area, surrounded by 360-degree windows and jutting into the cockpit with the extension of the upper fly. Here, in a protected space above, an outdoor convivial space comes to life, with table and seating, however, in direct communication with the interior. Above, the flybridge offers additional open space, complete with not only a second wheelhouse but an entire lounge area, including a wet bar. All of this, shielded from the sun by a hard-top entirely covered with photovoltaic panels, essential, on the Whisper 50, for powering the electric power units.

Interior

With exteriors more than suitable for outdoor living, the role of interiors becomes critical to cruising livability. Responding to these needs, the main hall immediately intervenes, with its 43 square meters of open space, rich with lounge areas, convivial spaces and full kitchen.

Turning instead to the two hulls, this is where the sleeping areas find their place, divided, in the case of the Whisper 50, into three separate cabins, including a master, a double double and a twin with single beds. Optionally, a 4-cabin configuration is available, while, in any case, there is also dedicated accommodation for possible crew.

Motorization and performance

Finally, but not with any less important information, we come to the component related to motorization. Needless to say, the Whisper 50 is powered by a pair of electric motors, each 100 kW but capable of generating up to 120 kW in boost mode. In terms of performance, the pair is able to offer, via the PV system, a theoretically limitless range with no CO2 emissions at low speeds (6 knots), while, again with no emissions, up to 5 hours of range is offered at 9 knots. It increases the range to 8 hours with the assistance of the two 20 kW generators, while offering an average speed of 10 knots. At top speed, however, the Whisper 50 touches 15 knots, again taking advantage of the pair of generators on board.

Whisper 50 – Data Sheet

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