A few years ago I got interested in efficient motorboats and wrote several articles on the subject. At the time there were almost none around, with the exception of the FPBs from our friends Steve and Linda Dashew that cost millions, and a first try from a budding designer in New Zealand that still cost more than most of us can afford, and since then his boats have got bigger and way more expensive.
Other than that the market was, and mostly is, all huge barge-like trawlers so inefficient that some 47-foot examples have 300 HP engines, and even with that power and horrendous fuel burn can’t get out of their own way.
But at last that seems to be changing, with two new efficient motorboat offerings. I will write about the other in another Tip, but check out the 32-footer from Pogo that can cruise all day at 10 knots and top out at 15 knots, driven by just 50 HP!
And all of this brand new for €130,000 (US$138,672).
Of course this is not an offshore boat, but totally fit for coastal cruising and staying aboard for a week or so while doing it.
They also make an outboard version and are promising a 40 footer.
While the mission is very different, the idea of focusing on doing one thing really well, while stripping away all unnecessary complication, is very like the Adventure 40—love it.
We need more of this kind of thinking.
Thanks to member Richard for the heads-up.
Hi John and all,
I have kept my eyes open for power boats that appeal for years as I am clear I will move that way as I approach my “dotage”.
I also felt the Pogo has great appeal and have been in contact with Pogo and it appears they do not have any North American dealer or presence.
Another “narrow” boat is the Seapiper (https://www.seapiper.com/), but I am unsure its narrowness translates into an easily driven hull and fuel efficiency. And, I think I would have to spend some time aboard to feel whether its creative, but funky design elements, would work for me.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
Hi Dick,
Good point. I wrote about the boat some years ago: https://www.morganscloud.com/2016/05/18/offshore-motorboats-and-an-ideal-geezer-boat/
That said, I also went for a run on one and was not as impressed as I had hoped I would be.
Hi John,
Do you remember what your misgivings were?
With its underbody, I was wondering whether it was prone to excessive roll when underway with a beam sea or at anchor with a bad swell angle.
Thanks, Dick
Hi Dick,
It’s several years ago so my memory is hazy. I did notice that the boat dragged her stern more than I liked, and after being aboard I feel that an aft cockpit would work better. And yes, sure she will roll as any boat this narrow will, although I did not have a chance to check this since we were in a calm river, but we intentionally got beam on to some wakes and it was not terrible.
So, nothing terrible that should put you off checking out the boat for your own needs.
Another efficient powerboat offering is from an old acquaintance of AAC, Phil Lambert of the Outbound boat series. He is now involved with a new project called Rangeboat which is a Nigel Irens design. His website is http://www.Rangeboat.com. The boats are lean, efficient and can be fast if weather or schedule requires. I looked over his boat last month and was impressed.
Hi Curt,
Good point. Phil wrote to me last week about the boat and your comment reminds me I need to get back to him. I agree, very cool.
Hi John,
Since the motor boat industry has seen the writing on the wall, in the form of Teslas influence on the car industry, it seems clear that a lot of change will come very soon. Models suitable for electric propulsion will need to be very efficient, at least for the foreseeable future.
That means the trawler barge wave maker machines and similar brain dead designs will be sorted into the group they belong to, with steam engines, square rigs and dinosaurs: Extinct. Only historical value.
I think the Pogo will soon be followed by many others. Some have even already been around a while. At least there’s a Swedish version. Also too small for a liveaboard, but the thinking is right. My guess is they will remain high end price wise, but for those who can handle the sticker shock, running costs should be a small fraction of the current norm.
I will remain a sailing fanatic, and will keep bullying motorboaters, (cars that fell in the water, but sadly didn’t sink). 🙂 Still I do look forward to following this development.
Hi Stein,
I always enjoy and often learn something from your comments, so thanks. And sometimes they bring a smile to my day: as when you say you “will keep bullying motorboaters, (cars that fell in the water, but sadly didn’t sink).”
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
Hi Stein,
I too remain a sailing guy, but I do think this is a good trend. I guess some would argue that any motorboat is irresponsible these days, but I think that’s impractical. After all most sailing cruisers motor quite a bit. Also, a general move to more efficient motorboats will save a huge amount of fuel and carbon, because most existing trawlers are so horribly inefficient. To me this is classic example of not letting perfect get in the way of way better.