Allan Witt, has been preparing the design of an electric river launch suited to sheltered waterways. The design fits into the new paradigm that is quiet, comfortable and so easily driven that a diesel generator is the backup supply of power rather than the primary one. It does mean cruising along at speeds not in excess of nine knots. In this new paradigm, the journey is just as important as the destination. Boating is a bit like cars. By and large, most journeys would be met really well by a pure electric car and rarely need a hybrid.
The river launch is designed for up to four people to enjoy a weekend or a week on waterways like southern Tasmania’s playground that extends from New Norfolk, through the Channel and up to Huonville. This, of course, could be any number of wonderful places from the Murray to Pitwater to the Clarence River and so on.
The generous live-aboard space has full headroom throughout due to the cabin profile that also satisfies the need for a generous area of high efficiency solar panels. The cabin has two separate living spaces with a marvellous amount of light and vision. Importantly, the forward living space includes the helm position so that whoever is stearing does not miss out on being part of the group.
Allan is collaborating with a naval architect so that the boat can meet survey requirements – making it ideally suited to the hire market with low operational costs and excellent manouverability – courtesy of the bow thruster. The design references classic river launches but will be built using current technology for lightness, strength, durability and low maintenance. It will be locally built and fitted out to a very high standard.
Allan and shipwright Anthony Croome are available to discuss the design, build plans, and any custom options.
Enquiries are welcome. Would you like a boat like this for private use? Maybe you would like to have access to an elegant launch like this and have a hire operator lease and look after it for the times you are not using it. Whatever your reason, Allan can be contacted using the contact details at the bottom of this page or on 03 6273 0254.
Quiet and comfortable
