Navier Partners with Lyman-Morse to Build Foiling Electric Boat
Navier, a Silicon Valley startup that’s building technology to increase the efficiency of small powerboats, has partnered with Lyman-Morse in Thomaston, Maine, to build the initial year of production for the company’s first boat, the Navier 27.
High Technology
Navier says it’s going to produce a limited number of boats in its first year under what it calls the Pioneer Program. Lyman-Morse will build the pre-production vessels and the first year of limited production of the Navier 27 that will be 2023 model-year boats. The company says the first one will be unveiled at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and that the first year customer delivery will be in the second quarter of 2023.
Navier says it chose Lyman-Morse because the yard is one of the few in the United States with as much experience in high-tech, carbon composite boats. “Very few shipyards have the extensive experience, in-house capabilities and deep interest in high-tech projects as Lyman-Morse,” said Navier co-founder and CEO Sampriti Bhattacharyya. “Plus, Maine has a long history in boat building, which makes it a special place to build Navier 27.”
Navier 27 is a 27’ (8.23 m) foiling boat with an 8’6” (2.59 m) beam and she draws 2’ (.61 m) with the foils retracted and 5’6” (1.68 m) with them extended. She’s powered by twin 50 kW electric motors and her top speed is estimated at 30 knots, while Navier says the boat has a range of 75 km at 20 knots.
She will be built as a fully enclosed cabin model or as an open-cockpit model with a hardtop. Among the features of this boat are active foil control, advanced autopilot, assisted docking, a hazard alert system and remote monitoring via a smartphone.
All-Star Team
“What has me — and all of us at Lyman-Morse — excited about the partnership with Navier is that we are developing something that is cutting edge and certain to be the future or yachting in this type of market,” said Drew Lyman, president and owner of Lyman-Morse. “To build a carbon fiber, foiling, all-electric boat fits well with what we do at Lyman-Morse, plus it’s a boatbuilder’s dream project. We (Lyman-Morse) built a reputation for beautifully crafted boats, and we are extremely proud of our ability to implement advanced systems and technology. This is exactly what the Navier project embodies.”
Spearheaded by two MIT engineers, Navier is teaming with talented minds to build the Navier 27. In July 2021, the startup announced that America’s Cup engineer and foiling expert, Paul Bieker, is leading Navier’s naval architecture and mechanical design. Lyman-Morse will tie together the technology mechanics, construction and manufacturing.
“There’s a lot to be said about working with a shipyard beyond skills and capabilities. Lyman-Morse is outfitted with the best machines, tools and technologies that will help Navier reach production goals. Drew has enthusiasm for our vision and his team truly cares about sustainability,” said Bhattacharyya. “We’re grateful that Drew and his team are excited to make Navier 27 a reality with us.”