Silicon Valley startup Navier has partnered with the renowned Maine shipyard Lyman-Morse to build its 27-foot, all-electric, hydrofoil-equipped boat.
Founded by MIT engineers Sampriti Bhattacharyya and Reo Baird with the goal to increase the efficiency of small powerboats by 90 percent, the zero-emission Navier 27 will be capable of a range exceeding 75nm, and is set to premiere at next year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. According to its founders, it will be the longest-range electric boat on the water.
“Very few shipyards have the extensive experience, in-house capabilities, and deep interest in high-tech projects as Lyman-Morse,” said Bhattacharyya in a statement. “Plus, Maine has a long history in boat building, which makes it a special place to build Navier 27.”
In addition, Bhattacharyya credited Lyman-Morse as the ideal partner due to its experience building high-tech, carbon-composite boats.
“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.
Lyman-Morse is contracted to build Navier’s pre-production vessels and limited-production editions of Navier 27; first-year customer delivery will be in the second quarter of 2023.
“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 of yachting in this type of market,” said Lyman-Morse president and owner Drew Lyman. “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…are extremely proud of our ability to implement advanced systems and technology [and] this is exactly what the Navier project embodies!”
