We go on a winding river Beaulieu in the direction of Bucklers Hard on the Hybrid cruiser Greenline 39, moving almost silently. A slight hum of the motor, the rustle of the water flowing around the hull and going over the stern, the only sounds that violate the morning silence. Passengers of oncoming vessels staring, trying to figure out how we do it: the boat goes down and diesel is not audible…
Ice + electro
The key is the motor Mahle power of 10 kW and a 220-horsepower diesel Volvo Penta D3 torque total propeller shaft. Choose between them with a switch on the dashboard and drive the boat all the same wheel and handle, and the display shows the charge of lithium-ion batteries and the distance traveled. The maximum speed that we have developed are — 6 knots, which corresponds to the range of about 10 miles; but at a speed of 4.5 knots the range increases to 20 miles: enough for a walk for a day or two.
The batteries are charged in two ways: from diesel (about 90 minutes) and using shore power (more than 6 hours). Standard with a hybrid setup (£ 30 000) you get a pack of four photovoltaic panels (1200 watts) built into the roof of the superstructure, control system, automatic inverter and battery. Solar panels — an effective way of recharging the batteries for the operation of refrigerators and other household devices when the absence of power supply from the shore. In addition, when the electric motor is not used to movement, it acts as a powerful generator (7 kW) to fuel more energy-consuming onboard systems such as air conditioners reverse cycle.
The price of such a complex hybrid system is about 10% of the cost 39 Greenline Hybrid, but the system looks more reliable than the previous diesel-electric installation on early models of Greenline. The shipyard worked much on it, but only time will put everything in its place.
- The folding transom is operated by remote control, the process is short, and the benefits of such a huge transom
What about the old diesel? If you need more speed and do not care about the noise, switch to D3-220: he quietly disperse a boat up to 16 knots. Not a record, but quite good. The steering is fairly “tight”: the boat changes course not instantly that is characteristic of most single-shaft buildings with the contours of the transitional regime. There is an option — Yanmar 370 HP, which, as they say, the speed reaches up to 25 knots, but with this diesel hybrid system is not available.
Water test day was calm, so the seaworthiness of the boat could not be assessed; but the case felt sturdy and reliable, although the spray on the windshield prompted the thought: what will happen in terms of sea waves?
The view from the helm
This easy to drive the boat requires trim tabs for leveling trim tabs, although the shipyard is planning to raise the seat at the helm, so as not to stretch your neck, peering over the steering console. But this largely depends on the build steering. In General, control is quite decent, even if the dashboard does not boast a refined finish. Along with its convenient layout, he draws the top two hatches with electric drive ventilation and the side door next to the seat at the helm. Another useful solution for future models — port on the bulwark of the cockpit on the starboard side, adding convenience and practicality.
- Although the steering console is high, it is quite comfortable. Information on the Chartplotter and indicators battery easy to read
- Window caboose lifted manually and fixed, so it can be kept open
The deck is asymmetrical: the passage on the starboard side deep (cockpit) wide and partially covered by a roof overhang, whereas on the left side and is narrow on the side. It is quite justifiable sacrifice, as the door from the wheelhouse is also on the starboard side. The folding transom is a usual trick Greenline — in the lower position plays the role of a platform for swimming on one with the cockpit level. In addition to operational convenience, it helps to save a little money by Parking in the Marina. And in the cockpit below deck there are two large lockers for storage, say, fenders. This layout deck considering becoming a platform transom gives free exit from the interior directly to water that can not offer many models.
The habitability and usability
The layout with the galley aft of the salon, as well as lifting the hinged window and a fragment of the countertop — successful solution, borrowed from previous Greenline models. Designers found inside a place for a fridge with a freezer on the starboard side opposite the galley. And he galley module was quite spacious with a large sink and plenty of storage space for supplies.
The cabin light; with one hand, thanks to the finishing of bleached oak, but mostly because of the large side Windows and one-piece windscreen, the size of which allowed to do without a mullion.
In the master Suite (downstairs, in the fore part of the body), as in the saloon, very light: daylight comes here through the elongated glazing on the sides at eye level and skylight. The cabin has a berth equipped with a new scissor mechanism, and separate access to the only onboard bathrooms. Guest cabin would fit under the salon, which is reflected in the height of the room. However, after our test Builder dropped the level of the soles and a raised ceiling, adding cabin comfort. But with the storage and on the test boat was good.
The overall quality of construction is quite high: the boat is safe, not overloaded with details, not fussy and practical. In the absence of claims for a touch of glamour to her many pleasant details, such as sturdy hinges of doors cooking area of the unit: when pressing the door gently closed.
On the way back through the Solent to Southampton I’m starting to better understand the hybrid system, which, frankly, felt to a greater extent advertising course type sticker on the Board that attracts people’s attention at exhibitions. Those who expects that the hybrid will improve fuel economy, I am disappoint. However, if you enjoy the journey, Sunny day in almost complete silence and if you are not in a hurry, that is another matter.
- The mechanism of the “scissors” for beds the master cabin makes the room more versatile and comfortable in different situations
On the approach to Southampton near the mouth of the river Hamble I translate the handle of the engine in neutral, turn off the diesel and flip the switch to start the motor. Top hatches and doors to the cockpit opened, and the sound of water flowing over the body, soon covers the murmur of the motor. In places like the Solent, the opportunity to develop 16 sites, and then when you get to the calm water, go to the electric propulsion and pleasure yourself slowly move your course very attractive. Cruising range of 20 miles might not be so great, but if it’s not one stage, and the sum of the parts of the route, there is a reason. For example, traveling through the canals of France, where you could charge batteries at night in the Parking lot… Great!
The verdict
It seems that those who sat on a motor yacht sailing, love this cruiser: on Board of the feeling that go under sail, enjoying the peace and quiet, and diesel is always “at hand”. The reliability of such hybrid systems of new generation — is the big question, and some people think all this is overkill. However, by giving up the opportunity to go in complete silence, you will lose one of the less attractive qualities of this Greenline 39, that gives the boat in a certain sense unique, and something that is devoid of most of its competitors.
Length 11.99 m Width 3.75 m Draught 0.90 m
A displacement of 7.0 t (empty)
Fuel capacity 700 l
The supply of water 400 l
Power 220 HP/10 kW
RCD category “B” (10 pers.)
What do you think?