Part 1: Designing and Building Green Sailing Catamarans

Welcome to Balance Catamarans! In this video, Phil Berman (PB) explores the innovative approaches we're taking to design and build environmentally-friendly sailing catamarans. Join us as we delve into the latest developments in reducing carbon emissions, including sustainable materials, energy-efficient equipment, and eco-conscious construction methods.

As climate change concerns grow, the yachting industry is increasingly seeking greener solutions for power generation and propulsion. At Balance Catamarans, we're committed to being at the forefront of this movement.

However, amidst the push for sustainability, there's also a lot of "greenwashing" in the boating industry. We aim to cut through the hype and focus on real, impactful solutions.

We believe that true sustainability starts with conservation. By consuming less and recycling more, we can all play a part in reducing our environmental footprint. Drawing inspiration from historical figures like Henry David Thoreau, we strive to live simpler, less consumptive lifestyles.

Sailboats inherently have a smaller carbon footprint compared to power boats. The more a sailboat sails, the greener it becomes. That's why we emphasize the importance of sailing over motoring whenever possible.

At Balance, our focus is on four key principles:

Designing and Building Lasting Catamarans
Reducing Carbon Emissions During Manufacturing
Installing Durable and Energy-Efficient Equipment
Sourcing Sustainable or Recycled Products
We believe that longevity is key to sustainability. By crafting quality products that last for decades, we can minimize waste and environmental impact.

Manufacturing processes account for 50% of a boat's carbon footprint. That's why we're investing in solar power, reducing waste, and exploring alternative materials.

Our commitment to reducing fossil fuel consumption drives our choice of equipment. While lithium batteries offer advantages, diesel remains essential for long-range voyages.

We've partnered with Integrel Solutions to develop innovative hybrid propulsion systems, reducing emissions and simplifying operations.

Join us as we discuss the future of marine propulsion and our journey towards greener catamarans. Stay tuned for insights on hybrid solutions and the Balance approach to sustainable boating.

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#GreenSailing #SustainableBoating #HybridPropulsion

[patrickcrane]

Thanks for addressing this stuff, Phil. Like Alex, keen to hear what you’ve chosen for hybrid diesel electric. The ‘hydro-gen’ with feathering props is also super interesting. Because Balance boats can sail in lighter air, unless you’re racing, it could make sense a lot of the time to lose 0.75 knots of boat speed but put say 5kW back into the batteries, without ever needing to fire up the diesels. A Balance 526 is at the top of my list for a 2029 delivery, and your choices here will affect my final purchase decision. So, good on you for addressing this topic!

[SunsetWingman]

Wise words from the Hobie master himself :)

[AlexMacCaw]

Love this topic. Thank you! Excited to hear about the hybrid options.

[TonyArjona]

Good to see you, Phil. I saw another video with two other guys and was wondering what happened. Keep on keeping on! ⛵

[ottotimmons]

Thank you for your common-sense approach to the topic; that was very well said. I am excited to hear your thoughts on hybrid propulsion and Balance's new offering. By the way, those bamboo veneers look fantastic!

[dc]

Look into CIGS/Yuma panels for solar, they last 25 years and are so much more lighter than glass panels. LFP cells for batteries can last 10, 000 cycles if used correctly. The best is coming sodium batteries. They already almost caught LFP in density. The biggest thing you can do with LFP batteries is keep them in hulls under waterline so when in tropics they stay cooler since the water is always cooler than air temps usually. I see a couple boat builders have batteries like these in engine compartment which is so bad for them. Heat and C rating control is how you get longer life.

[LoanwordEggcorn]

Glass solar panels are slightly more efficient due to better cooling, but walkable solar panels are vastly more practical on a coachroof or foredeck where you might need to walk to work on sails.

Very likely the best walkable panels are made by Solbian in Italy using SunPower cells. They are used by Windelo and a majority of IMOCA 60 and Jules Verne Trophy boats.

Use more solar and more battery. Definitely look into hybrid drives.

Lithium ion batteries are fully recyclable. See Redwood Materials in Nevada, for example.

[yanassi]

I’ve never sailed, nor boated for that matter. I love the idea of sailing and considered entering that endeavor. But i’m an old guy (75) and beginning such takes a learning curve, both sailing and lots of parts requiring maintenance. So i considered powerboating for its simplicity, paying for engine service. I’m over simplifying from lack of experience. I like the idea of green sailing, and i don’t like the dirtiness of ICE. I love the idea of solar sailing. Hopyacht 30 comes the closest to solving the solar sailing concept. I planned to try one for med/canal travel in europe. But i hope other manufacturers would also try a green solar sailer that would allow only coastal and canal travel. The hopyacht has three problems, first, the best spot is the berth where i’d be unconscious. Two, the place i’d be the most is the helm which is the worst spot on the boat. Finally, the hop is good for 2 people, more becomes a squeeze (i don’t want a party, but 2 real berths). I hoped either hopyacht v2 or another manufacturer see a non-liveaboard, coastal/canal travel market viable. The technology is not at the stage for long passages, but shorter ones are possible for vacationing. Hours stopped moored, anchored, or at a marina to explore and enjoy onshore activities. To allow solar recharging the banks. A cat with a small sail plan (just a genoa) on a tabernacle mast, 4.5m beam, 1.7 draft, 3.5m air draft, smart electronics, enough batteries, enough solar on a full length roofline (everyone adds a bimini anyway), cabin venting without sunroofs, e-propulsion and a smart interior layout. Only the green hopyacht (too small) and the not-green dracan (great size) offers the size cat i’d like.

[thiagolacerda]

I’m curious how many potential buyers are drawn to ‘green sailing’ primarily for the quieter, more self-sufficient experience—enjoying fewer fuel stops and a more peaceful voyage—versus those who are motivated by reducing the yacht’s carbon footprint. As noted in the video, the environmental impact of producing and operating these yachts is already considerably lower compared to other forms of transportation.

[paulw]

Can you please elaborate on "Green Washing" from that "certain" manufacturer that you displayed in the video? Especially when one owner has has done a crossing where they had to give away fuel at their destination. They also claim using recyclables and less water in their building of their boats? Mind you - emission free boating - are they referencing actual usage/running of the boat only. So maybe taken out of context?

[usfaaartillerist]

Unfortunately the "human made" climate change is rubbish. But I like your boats. Of course as you make them more "green" the less chance I will have to ever afford it.

[donaldlovegrove]

Manufacturers who construct their catamarans and monohulls out of aluminium can rightfully claim to be green, or more green, as aluminium can be fully recycled. End-of-life composite materials are not recycled and go straight to the landfill.

[pacifickaihomesllc]

Stop with the climate change bs and just build a good boat. No such thing as green.