Treading lightly with Zogo

Posted by Grace Ombry on 3 February 2010 | 0 Comments

Zogo underway.                  Photo by Billy Black

The 29’ hybrid launch Zogo has graceful, classic proportions and modern aesthetic appeal. The boat was designed by Stephens, Waring & White Yacht Design of Brooklin, Maine around a 75hp integrated diesel/electric propulsion engine from European manufacture Steyr-Motors. Zogo’s narrow beam and light displacement allow for this relatively small engine to push her to a maximum speed of about 14 knots. She burns only 1.5 gallons of fuel per hour at a cruising speed of 10.5 knots.

Under electric power, Zogo draws a 48 volt DC current from eight batteries which will take her to a maximum 7  knots in virtual silence. The cockpit is sheltered by a lightweight carbon fiber canopy which also provides a mounting platform for a sizeable array of solar panels to help recharge the battery bank.

Zogo's bow.  Photo by Billy Black

WEST SYSTEM 105/205, G/flex and G/5 epoxies, as well another venerable Gougeon epoxy, PRO-SET, were all used in the boat's construction. Her cedar strip plank hull was vacuum bagged and sheathed with unidirectional carbon fiber. She will be proudly exhibited at the Maine Boat Builders’ Show in March, 2010 by her builder, French & Webb of Belfast, Maine.

Zogo may be only the tip of the iceberg in high-efficiency, low-impact power boating. The technology can be applied to both pleasure-boating and commercial watercraft.  Expect Stephens, Waring & White plan to continue leading the way in the development and promotion of greener watercraft.

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