Charter Yacht Electrification: The Amazing Benefits and State of the Industry Today

The trend toward electrifying yachts is accelerating and will bring huge benefits to charterers, including lower cost, less pollution, and quieter cruising

If you’ve been around boats, you know the sound and smell of diesel engines. They are almost synonymous with yachting. But while diesel engines and generators are currently the norm, electification is beginning to change the yachting industry for the benefit of us all.

Electrification is no longer a niche idea. From hybrid propulsion systems to fully electric yachts, nearly all yacht manufacturers are actively developing electrified yachts. This is in response to dramatic technology and cost improvements and the acknowledgement that electification will bring huge benefits to yachting: lower cost, less pollution, reduced noise and vibration, and more torque when needed. And, importantly, you can now cruise quietly and avoid hearing the roar of generators all night if you want air conditioning!

The Sunreef ECO 80

What Is Yacht Electrification?

Yacht electrification refers to electric propulsion and onboard energy systems (including solar panels and battery packs) that ultimately will replace traditional diesel engines and generators. This can take several forms:

Hybrid yachts use diesel generators to drive electric propulsion motors, often complemented by solar panels and battery storage. This setup allows for fully emissions-free operation within battery range, while still offering the extended cruising capability of a traditional diesel yacht. Electric motors also deliver instant torque, improving maneuverability, particularly at low speeds and in tight marinas.
Fully-electric yachts, powered entirely by batteries, solar, and wind. Technically, some fully electric yachts can cruise forever without using a drop of diesel.
Electric onboard systems, such as air conditioning, hair dryers, and other onboard electronics that are powered by batteries and renewable sources, as opposed to diesel generators

All of these reduce fuel consumption, emissions, noise, and operating costs while improving the onboard experience.

One of the most immediate benefits of electric propulsion is silence.

Electric motors provide:

Near-noiseless cruising
Reduced vibration
A more peaceful onboard environment

Guests notice the difference instantly, as they can speak normally and hear nature while cruising. It also provides benefits at anchor, where generator noise has long been a key issue aboard traditional yachts. You can again hear the gentle sound of water lapping against the boat while sleeping in your cool cabin!

The Current Status of Yacht Electrification

While electrification is advancing quickly, the industry is still in its early stages. Market Reports World reports that in 2024, about 18% of newly chartered yachts were electric or hybrid-powered, up from 11% in 2022. While we don’t have data yet for 2025, our visits to yacht shows, such as the Monaco Yacht Show, make it clear that the industry is moving quickly in this direction, for all of the benefits mentioned above.

At present, most electric yachts are hybrids. This reflects the reality of current battery limitations, especially for long-range cruising. Battery technology is advancing rapidly, however, and solid-state batteries are just around the corner and expected to be in mass production in 2027. These batteries will double the range of electric yachts, improve charging time, and greatly reduce the risk of fire. Look for many more electric yachts when solid-state batteries are plentiful.

Fully Electric Yachts Are Available NOW

Boatbookings features several all-electric charter yachts, including SILENT DREAM and 100% from the industry-leading Silent Yachts line. Sunreef Yachts, renowned for its luxury sailing and power catamarans, has launched its innovative ECO series, which can cruise without diesel thanks to solar panels seamlessly built into much of the yacht’s exterior, paired with electric motors and large battery storage. Voyage Yachting also offers fully electrified catamarans, including the sleek Voyage Electric 480.

Soel Yachts also offers an all-electric power catamaran, and superyacht leaders, including Benetti Group and Lurssen, offer hybrid propulsion options that provide fully-electric operation when needed. Electrification is impacting all types of yachts, and new options are arising, including hydrofoils, that cruise with incredible smoothness. Please see our selection of electric yachts available for charter here.

What This Means for Yacht Charter Clients

For charter guests, electrification brings a new kind of luxury:

Cleaner, quieter cruising
Silent nights at anchor
A modern, forward-thinking yachting experience
Lower fuel costs

As more hybrid and electric yachts enter our charter fleet, sustainability will become an increasingly visible part of luxury charters.

Think Electric for your next charter!

Boatbookings is proud to be a leader in sustainable yachting since our founding in 2006! We have a wide variety of electrified yachts available for charter, and we will be happy to recommend the right one for your next charter. Please contact us to find the electric yacht that’s right for your needs.

Posted on February 5, 2026 by Dev

British Virgin Islands 2024 Charter Report – What’s new in the BVI?

We recently toured the BVI to see what had changed for 2024 and what had remained timelessly and thankfully the same!

Timeless BVI – What hasn’t changed?

The good news – almost everything that makes the BVI the world’s most special charter destination is timeless and unchanged. We’ve been going to the BVI for over 30 years, and all the things we love – the gorgeous islands, pristine beaches, the snorkeling, the beach bars and restaurants, the amazing sunsets, all bring the same wonder and beauty as they have for decades.

A charter that starts in the Bight on Norman Island, passes through the Indians, the Caves, the Wreck of the Rhone, the Baths, Virgin Gorda’s North Sound, Anegada, Sandy Spit, and the beaches of Jost Van Dyke is still as amazing as ever. When we first bareboated in 1992, we visited Willy T’s, the Pirates, The Bitter End, Foxy’s, and the Soggy Dollar Bar, and, while they all were renewed after Irma’s destruction, we were thrilled to enjoy each one again in this year!

What’s New?

It’s a cat’s world, we’re just sailing in it. The most obvious change in the BVI chartering world is the size and type of yachts. While there are still plenty of monohull bareboats sailing the waters, the BVI is now a catamaran world. And the catamarans have become so much larger and more luxurious! Another change: whereas there are still plenty of Lagoon cats around, Bali catamarans are literally everywhere. Charterers are drawn to their walk-through salon that goes directly to the large foredeck, and their high-quality fit and finish.

We were lucky enough to spend a week aboard WINDWARD, with the delightful Aussie Crew of Jon and Tracy. The salon, kitchen, cabins, and decks were all spacious, comfortable, and impeccably cared for. Consider a Bali catamaran for your next BVI (or anywhere) charter, you’ll be impressed.

Power to the People. Not only have the catamarans become the predominant type of yacht, and much larger than 10 years ago, powercats are everywhere as well. Charterers choose these for their excellent comfort and fuel efficiency, without needing to hoist sails. Five years ago a powercat would be an anomaly, today they can be found at every anchorage.

The e-revolution is coming. Dropping in on our friends at Voyage Charters in Sopers Hole, we saw their take on the future of catamaran electrification. I think we can all agree that diesel generators are the most annoying part of sailing yachts – their noise, pollution, and smell are completely incongruous with the fundamental concept of sailing, yet every yacht currently needs one (or two) generators to power the aircon and amenities such as hair dryers. Diesel motors are also noisy and belch smoke when there is insufficient wind to power the boat.

Voyage has redefined this with their new series of electric catamarans such as the Voyage 480 Electric. The diesel motors have been replaced with virtually silent electric engines driven by batteries that can be recharged by solar panels, plugged in ashore, or by onboard generators. Generators are only used when the batteries are below 20% charge, meaning that you will not always need to hear the generator when you’re sleeping, even if you have the aircon on.

We also saw the impressive SOL Sunreef 80 Eco electric power catamaran. She’s gorgeous and virtually silent, with an electric drive train and solar skin. While she also, at times, resorts to backup generators, much of the time cruising and sleeping on SOL is virtually silent.

We expect to see much more of this in the future, as climate-conscious charters are demanding more sustainable options, and hope that soon all sailing yachts will be powered either by the wind or quiet electric motors.

Other Updates and Useful Information

Not crowded over Xmas. We arrived in the BVI on the 19th and finished on the 27th. Surprisingly, it did not seem crowded – the big crowds appear to come after Christmas. We also had no Christmas Winds, making it highly enjoyable to be there, although we sailed less than expected.

Amazing Sunsets on Anegada. It never seems to fail – we’ve been to Anegada countless times, and we’ve always had stunning, nearly hour-long, sunsets. This held true this year. Maybe it’s because of Tortola and JVD off in the distance that creates a weather pattern ideal for sunsets, but Anegada seldom disappoints!

Posted on January 12, 2024 by admin

Is the Electric Yachting Era Finally here?

While car manufacturers unveil new electric car models on what seems like a daily basis, the yachting industry has been slower to adopt this trend and remains nearly 100% diesel-based. Thankfully, this is rapidly changing. If you attend any boat show, you will feel a palpable buzz about all the new models and technologies being announced as the yachting industry strives to electrify.

What are the benefits of electrification?

Electric propulsion systems are highly energy efficient, utilizing power more effectively than traditional engines. With the ongoing advancements and development in battery technology, electrification is now becoming viable. Yachts are implementing electric systems with larger batteries that minimize range anxiety.

Not only does electrification result in greener chartering through lower carbon emissions, it also offers a better charter experience that includes:

Silent cruising from the use of electric motors
Reduced vibrations throughout the yacht
The ability to run aircon at night without the use of a generator, which often is loud and impedes upon the tranquility of a night in a beautiful anchorage
No diesel fumes from engines that often belch smoke out of the aft while you are enjoying water sports
Greatly reduced fuel cost. If you’re powered by the sun, you will feel the savings in your wallet! Might as well spend that money on great dining and activities.

A sparked interest from innovative yacht builders

When it comes to embracing electrification, several boat builders have emerged as pioneers showcasing both the benefits to customers (virtually no noise or fumes and much cheaper cruising) as well as their commitment to sustainability. Here are a few of our favorite examples:

Silent Yachts: Based in Austria, they specialize in designing and building solar-powered catamarans that operate solely on electric propulsion systems. We have a range of c rewed catamaran charte rs from Silent ready to charter.

Sunreef: We also have a wide selection of crewed catamaran charters from the renowned Polish catamaran manufacturer. Sunreef has made waves with its electric range, powered by advanced electric propulsion systems that include solar panels and high-capacity batteries.

Voyage: All systems onboard these crewed catamaran chart ers are quietly powered by large-capacity batteries and recharged by solar, hydro generation, and a high-efficiency generator.

What else needs to happen?

The development of sustainable technology has been evident. However, there still needs to be increased investment in the infrastructure and onshore support. One obstacle is the current limited infrastructure of charging, establishing a network of charging stations, marina infrastructure and reliable power supply is crucial for the integration of a fully electric fleet.

Transitions take time, but we are excited to see what has happened so far and what is on the horizon. This transition offers enhanced efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and improved onboard experience.

Book and Electric Yacht today with us

At Boatbookings, we have long been leading the charge on this electric yacht revolution and are excited that we can now offer you a range of clean and silent yachts that are all-electric. To charter some of our best sustainable electric charter catamarans, contact the Boatbookings team today. We can also arrange to offset your carbon emissions so that you can charter net zero with any boat from our fleet.

Posted on May 31, 2023 by admin

Electric Yachts are coming – and Boatbookings is offering them for charter!

The news is full of stories about the accelerating transition to electric vehicles, but until now, the boating/yachting world has been literally 100% mired in diesel-based propulsion (outside of wind, of course!). This is finally beginning to change! We’re seeing innovative developments in electric sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts of all types. This is driven by advancements in battery technology, solar, and massive demand from buyers and charterers for yachts that are more ecologically sound.

The best electric yachts available for charter today!

Sunreef Yachts has announced an entire “Eco” range of catamarans (sail and power) that have solar panels embedded in the hull, top, and mast, Voyage Yachts offers the first fully electric charter catamaran in the Virgin Islands, the Voyage 480 Electric. New electric tenders and dinghies are being announced daily. And we’re even seeing large motor yachts that are going totally electric, such as the 58-foot Greenline yacht pictured above. Imagine cruising on a motor yacht with little or no engine vibrations!

Besides being better for the environment, electric boats are quieter, offer better acceleration, and are easier/cheaper to maintain. They are also less “stinky”. Virtually every marina is well-equipped with ample electric outlets, making charging infrastructure less of an issue than it is for cars. And many new yachts rarely need to be charged at all if there is ample sun – their solar panels charge the batteries instead.

We’ve compiled our worldwide knowledge on the advances in electric boating on our “Electric yacht and e-boat revolution” page, updated regularly to give you all you need to know in one place.

For charters, we have a listing of electric charter yachts that will help you find the right one for you. Yachts such as the Sunreef E Supercat. If you are interested in “green” chartering, please contact us and we will find the most ecologically conscious yacht and crew available that fits your needs. We’re looking forward to the day when yachting doesn’t involve diesel fumes, vibrating boats, loud generators, and oily waters in marinas!

Posted on June 17, 2022 by Tom Virden