Italian boatbuilder debuts electric inboard boat at boot 2023
Italian boatbuilder Capoforte is showcasing its new Capoforte SQ240i with a 50kW Molabo ISCAD electric inboard motor at boot Düsseldorf this week.
This is the first time this 7.38-metre electric model, with capacity for 10 passengers, has been displayed with an inboard engine. It previously made its debut at the Genoa Boat Show in 2022 with a Yamaha HARMO electric outboard motor, which remains as an option.
The lightweight (45kg) ISCAD combines motor and controller into one unit, making it easy to integrate onboard, reducing wiring and space required for installation. With no high voltage safety measures required, the company says integration and maintenance are simple, while the low-voltage (48V) components use the battery’s energy efficiently, achieving a system efficiency of over 95% in optimum operating conditions.
A winner of the Design Innovation Award 2022 in the Motorboats up to 10m category, the Capoforte SQ240i was designed specifically for electric drive. “From an engineering point of view, a specific type of lamination was chosen, suitably designed to achieve the best performance in terms of efficiency, with this type of propulsion,” explains designer Christian Grand.
“The relaxed and convivial atmosphere on deck is enhanced by an extremely versatile layout, in which a large folding table can make room for an additional cushion. In the second configuration, the entire bow section of the boat is transformed into a full-beam sundeck for maximum comfort.”
The central console is said to make it easy to move around safely, while the presence of a large central sundeck at the stern offers easy access to the full-width swim platform.
Yamaha HARMO electric outboard motor option
The Capoforte SQ240i was designed to house the 3.7kW HARMO Yamaha outboard propulsion system, which is equipped with rim-drive technology for efficient electric propulsion, when compared with a propeller of the same size.
