Water Speed Record Holding
Electric Super Yacht Tender
Goes on Display
A sleek, swift and British Water Speed Record holding electric power boat has joined the Scottish Maritime Museum’s diverse collection of vessels on display in the vast, former shipyard engine house, The Linthouse, on Irvine Harbourside.
The electric BOLT 18 has been loaned to the Museum by the famous and respected Mylne Yacht Design company, which was established in Glasgow in 1896.
The 18 feet long BOLT 18 all electric boat and yacht tender, which is powered by a 135bhp electric motor running off a bank of lithium batteries, launched at Monaco Yacht Show and at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez in September 2012
The striking all aluminium vessel went on to set the current British Water Speed Record (Unrestricted Electric Runabout Class) travelling at 28.47 knots (32.77 mph) on Coniston Water, Cumbria, two months later.
The BOLT 18 which weighs 1,650 pounds (750kg) and can carry up to six people, was designed for yachts to use as a fast, agile tender and for watersports, towing water-skiers and wake boarders.
Matthew Bellhouse Moran, Curator at the Scottish Maritime Museum, welcomes BOLT 18 saying:
It’s hard to believe but the first electric boats were invented way back in the mid 19th century. Travelling around 6 knots (7mph), these vessels soon fell out of favour with the advance of liquid fuels which allowed boats to travel faster and further.
“With recent advances in electric and electric hybrid propulsion, there’s been a resurgence and great innovation in this field so we’re thrilled to show Bolt 18 alongside our diverse and historic collection of Scottish vessels and engineering.
“BOLT 18 is a perfect example of Scotland’s centuries old innovation in boatbuilding design and engineering, which has been so influential across the world.”
David Gray, Director of Mylne Yacht Design and designer of the BOLT 18, adds:
We’re delighted to loan BOLT 18 to the Scottish Maritime Museum.
“BOLT 18 represents a step change in the power and versatility of electric boats in the UK and Europe so it is a natural fit to show it alongside the many game changing designs and vessels on show across the Museum.”
Mylne Yacht Design developed the BOLT 18 in conjunction with US firm Regen Nautic.
BOLT 18 is included in Museum Admission.
Up to three children go FREE to the Scottish Maritime Museum with each Adult/Concession.
Due to Covid-19, visitors to the Scottish Maritime Museum are asked to book their visit in advance at www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org
Issued on behalf of the Scottish Maritime Museum by
Joanna Harrison, Mobile: 07884 187404.
