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Newport Beach Base Scores a First

The first hybrid (electric) performance Hunter sailboat to find its way to the West Coast is coming to our Newport Beach, California fleet! While the new Hunter e36 is best known for its “e”xtended boarding platform, this new model will also be as green as a cruising yacht can be.

The 2012 e36 will deliver to SailTime Orange County’s Newport Beach sailing operation in April. It will have the Elco Electric propulsion system with a large battery bank. When not being charged by shore power, the 8kw diesel generator will kick on when the batteries hit 50%. The generator is powerful enough to provide “continuous cruise” possibilities. Basically, the generator will power the battery bank with enough juice to run the electric motor which will run the boat at 7 knots all day and all night. This system will extend the boats range from about 350 miles with the standard diesel engine to 1100 miles with the electric/generator setup. The generator is more efficient than a Yanmar diesel engine and the Elco AC motor is 92% efficient.

Michael and Lydie, The new Owner Members, are also really excited about acquiring the performance version. This upgrade includes a “charter grade” Dacron flat top main and jib so it will last a lot longer than a carbon fiber version. This boat will not havea furling main. Hunter has a stack pack with batten car system that makes it easy to drop the main in the bag and zip it up. An electric halyard winch to raise the main has been ordered as well. The performance version has about 33% more sail area than the roller furling version, which will be helpful in the normal light wind areaof Newport Beach. Additionally, the boat is being bottom painted with a non-copper paint which is also better for the environment. Base Owner, Chris Jester, said “While this may be the first green sailboat on the West Coast, it certainly won’t be the last. Sailors especially want to make a commitment to their environment!”

Chances are, there is a SailTime sailing base near you looking to add this model to their fleet too. Why not take the time to learn more about this exciting new advancement in sailing and find out why buying a new sailboat into the SailTime fleet is the intelligent way to purchase a yacht.

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