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Garcia 45 Exploration | Shaman (hybrid)

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Boat name

Garcia 45 Exploration | Shaman (hybrid)

Dimensions LxWxH

45″

Year of construction

2016

Type of project

Hybrid conversion

Status

completed

Motorisation

Volvo Penta D2-75 / Combi EPS Hybrid 25kW

Battery pack

7 x E-WERF LiFePO4 48|100 total 35kWh

Load switching Integration NMEA

Victron Multiplus II 48|5000 via Victron Cerbo GX - Monitoring over B&G MFDs

Shore power steering

2x 16A Double control position (outside and inside)

Other

Entire system floating and corrosion-resistant applied Dismountable and easy to service.

First step: designing the hybrid powertrain

After the initial discussion with the client, we quickly set to work on developing a technical proposal. Our goal was to design an efficient and reliable hybrid powertrain that would be both powerful and flexible for longer voyages. The first version of our proposal was soon on paper, but we knew we could only validate the design by seeing the ship for ourselves.

User-friendly installation for worldwide application

The aim of this project was not only to create a powerful hybrid system, but also to make it as practical and user-friendly as possible for the sailor. The Garcia 45 Exploration is a sailing yacht designed for long distances and adventure travel. The hybrid system therefore had to be not only reliable, but also easy to maintain, even in remote areas.

By making the system modular, we have ensured that the Shaman owner always has access to the main components of the driveline, such as the engine, shaft seal and tanks. Also, any repairs or replacements can be done quickly with minimal downtime. This gives the owner extra peace of mind during long voyages at sea.

First tests and positive feedback

After installation, we tested the system extensively. The Shaman has now covered the necessary nautical miles, and the initial reactions are very positive. The hybrid system functions as planned and provides not only reliable propulsion, but also a stable source of energy, which is crucial for long voyages.

 

The owner of the Shaman informed us that he is very satisfied with the performance of the new system. The combination of the electric motor and the hybrid engine offers flexibility and allows the vessel to sail efficiently even in difficult conditions. We have since written a separate post further detailing the experience of motor sailing and the owner's feedback. You can read this post here.

Technical challenges and innovative solutions

Two months after the initial design, the Shaman, as the ship is called, arrived in Amsterdam. We immediately started installing the system. Although we had drawn up a detailed plan in advance, it soon became clear that the limited space on board presented more challenges than expected. To make this yacht ready for long voyages and get the hybrid system fully integrated, we had to come up with creative solutions.

 

The biggest challenge was fitting the large battery pack. Despite the fact that the Garcia 45 Exploration is a large sailing yacht, the available space remains limited, especially in the engine room and other technical areas. To solve this, we designed the whole system to be fully dismountable. This ensures that all parts, such as batteries and engine components, are easily accessible for maintenance or in case of emergencies.

 

In addition, we have mounted the hybrid engine so that it can be easily removed from anywhere in the world with a minimum of tools. This is an important advantage for the customer, as it allows maintenance to take place faster and more efficiently, regardless of the vessel's location. We even thought about details like the drive belts. These are positioned so that they can be replaced quickly, without having to detach the entire engine.

Conclusion

Installing a hybrid powertrain in the Garcia 45 Exploration was a challenging and rewarding project. We managed to design not only an innovative and powerful system, but also a solution that is practical and user-friendly for long voyages at sea. Working closely with Combi EPS and our experienced team, we were able to overcome the technical challenges and deliver a successful result.

 

This project demonstrates that the combination of sustainable technology and high-quality engineering can provide solutions for even the most complex marine installations. We look forward to taking on more such unique projects in the future and further developing our expertise in the world of hybrid propulsion systems for sailing yachts.

Interested in hybrid boating?

Hybrid boating is tailor-made. No two boats are the same so we are happy to think along with you about the possibilities. We warmly invite you to visit us. We can show you what we do at our yard. On the basis of completed projects and our experience, we can then advise you on the best hybrid solution for your boat so that you can also sail hybrid.

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