Sailing Uma · video

What this video covers

The crew charters a Voyage 590e hybrid-electric catamaran in the British Virgin Islands to compare its systems, maintenance, and ease of use against a standard diesel-powered catamaran.1:03 The 59-foot vessel features electric propulsion, a C-Zone digital switching system, and an electric-ram-operated salon window.11:45 The boat utilizes Navionics charts and includes a hydraulic-free, electric-winch-operated swim platform for dinghy launching.10:27 During a week-long cruise, the crew provisions in Road Town, British Virgin Islands, noting the convenience of the boat's cable-steered autopilot system compared to the hydraulic autopilot failures experienced on a previous charter vessel.17:20 Despite light winds requiring motor-sailing, the crew manages the vessel's electric propulsion and battery banks using onboard monitoring displays.9:42 The experience highlights the operational differences between hybrid-electric and diesel charter catamarans, specifically regarding fuel consumption, system complexity, and handling characteristics in calm conditions.24:33

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