This case study was provided by our partner Victron France.
The project began at the Fountaine-Pajot shipyard, located in Aigrefeuilles near La Rochelle, France. A client was interested in purchasing an ASTREA 42 catamaran equipped with an electric propulsion system.
Since an official electric version wasn’t yet ready, and the company was moving toward a 400V solution, the client had two options: either undertake the conversion himself or find a specialized company to develop and install a fully integrated electric propulsion system.
He chose to partner with E-Nav Systems. 🙂
A groundbreaking transformation for a new sailing catamaran
Converting a new catamaran to electric propulsion involves much more than simply removing the diesel engines. While the original diesel engines and accessories were easy to remove and resell, the challenge was redesigning the entire onboard energy system, adapting it for propulsion battery charging and efficient electric motor operation.
As a distributor of Oceanvolt electric motors, Victron Energy B.V. equipment, Sunbeam Systems solar panels, and MG batteries, E-Nav Systems was ideally placed to complete this complex integration. 👌
Oceanvolt Saildrive SD15 electric propulsion system
After detailed engineering analysis, our technical team decided to install two Oceanvolt SD15 saildrive units (15 kW each, 48 VDC), supported by a lithium-ion (LFP) battery bank providing 58 kWh capacity.
Installation of these Oceanvolt saildrive units was simplified by using custom adapter kits, eliminating the need for structural modifications to the existing diesel saildrive mounts.
Power management with Victron Energy
A Victron Quattro 48-8000 inverter-charger was selected, providing powerful AC conversion as well as efficient shore-power battery charging.
Additionally, a solar array connected via multiple Victron MPPT controllers generates around 12 kWh per day ⚡️, significantly boosting the vessel’s energy autonomy.
Backup generator and auxiliary power
To guarantee full autonomy during extended passages, an 8 kW Fischer Panda generator was integrated, offering a cruising speed of approximately 4 knots when running solely on generator power.
Advanced DC distribution and onboard comfort
Victron Lynx DC distribution systems, combined with two DC-DC converters, power the vessel’s dedicated 24 VDC service battery bank (7.2 kWh). This setup ensures ample energy for onboard amenities such as a Tenderlift, electric tender, and hot water heating.
Comprehensive onboard and remote monitoring system
The integration is enhanced by Victron’s advanced monitoring equipment: a Victron Cerbo GX system connected to the boat’s internet network, coupled with a GX Touch display. This provides real-time data on battery status, solar production, fuel tank levels, and remote monitoring of the Oceanvolt propulsion system.
Finally, safety aboard is reinforced with a robust 7000 W Victron isolation transformer, providing a secure grounding solution for the electrical installation. ✅
The client is extremely satisfied, and the vessel has been actively sailing for over a year with excellent results.
⚓ Considering an electric conversion for your sailboat or catamaran? Our specialists at E-Nav Systems can advise you throughout your project.
📞 Contact us today or share your experiences by emailing us at contact[@]e-navsystems.com