Sleek and stylish, the Hinckley Dasher is the world’s first fully electric luxury yacht—and with a stack of bells and whistles, it’s something you’d only dream of seeing in the movies.
If you feel like channeling your inner James Bond, then don a tux, pour some Veuve Clicquot and jump aboard the new Hinckley Dasher, the ultimate driving machine—on the water. Designed by Michael Peters, this sleek 28-footer was built from the ground up for electric propulsion but that’s the least of its wow factor. Have a look for yourself in our First Look Video we shot at its first release at the 2017 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
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This boat is so streamlined, it’s downright minimalist, but far from simple. This classy newcomer is mostly definitely skating on the bleeding edge of technology. Picture 3D-printed components like various shardware (engine throttles for example) that are styled in brushed titanium to not only appeal to the eye and hand, but also to minimize overall weight. In fact, this resin infused build mixes epoxy and carbon fiber with a synthetic core so it weighs in at only 6,500 pounds. And that’s key when your silent running is completely electric.
Hinckley also made sure there were no organic materials used in the construction of the Dasher. That’s right, even the “artisanal” teak is faux wood that was hand painted to look like grain-matched true wood trim. That makes the onboard materials durable, lightweight and presumably, completely sustainable.
Beneath the Dasher’s retro styling and uber-classic design, lies a ton of technology that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. Nifty details on this center console ride include hidden cup holders that slide out with just a tap and a windshield that lowers electrically so the driver can converse with her guests seated in the bow. A table may be installed in the bow and the dual helm seat looks more like a fore and aft-facing mid-century modern sofa than a boat settee. The proprietary touchscreen navigation and digital switching system is as discreetly integrated as everything else.
The Dasher has a deep-V hull with a plumb bow and is propelled by twin 40 kWh BMW i3 lithium ion batteries driving 80 hp straight shaft inboard motors. These are the same batteries used in the BMW i3 automobile and should last 9 years or 9,000 cycles. (Hence, the “ultimate driving machine”—get it?)
As you run to escape the evil Spectre, expect to reach 23 knots of top speed. You can also just cruise at a leisurely pace so as not to spill your champagne, around 8.5 knots. The maximum range at 20 knots will be 40 miles and the best part is, it’ll be completely silent and stealth.
The Dasher, named for the first Hinckley Picnic boat ever built, has a 30-amp shore power setup but can also charge with dual 50 amp connectors. With the latter, four hours is all that’s needed to charge from zero to full, which may be a little faster than a Tesla.
Of course, you don’t have to be 007 to drive the Dasher. Maybe you just want to cruise lakes where only electric propulsion is allowed or zip from your superyacht to a waterfront sushi restaurant in the ultimate statement tender. Whatever the circumstances, your arrival will be stylish and noted.
Specifications:
Length…28’6”
Beam…8’7”
Draft…1’11”
Displacement…6,500 lbs.