Pearson Composites’ Allerion Express 33 has installed its first electric sail drive powered by Mastervolt. 


As a response to customer feedback, the builders of the popular Allerion brand have launched an Express 33 with an electric saildrive vs the standard diesel saildrive propulsion normally featured on this model. 



Allerion Expres 33
 
The system is powered by two Lithium-Ion marine batteries from Dutch marine battery builder Mastervolt.  Small Li-Ion batteries are used to power computers and cell phones and even in this much larger size are lighter and smaller than traditional lead acid batteries.  In fact, they’re 15% more efficient but can save up to 70% of the space and weight needed by wet cells and they have no memory effect. 
 
With Mastervolt's 7.5 kW saildrive system, the MLI 24/160 Li-Ion battery on a single charge gives the Alerion Express approximately 15-20 nautical mile range.  And because they are quite small, you can also install more packs if you’ll be motoring farther.



Mastervolt battery installation
 
Docking and maneuvering is easy since electric motors go full torque as soon as they are in gear and the silence of course, is golden. 


The qestion is will this become a trend with other Allerion models like the new Allerion 33 Sport that's about to be launched. 


For more information about the electric-drive Alerion go to www.alerionexp.com.  

Written by: Zuzana Prochazka
Zuzana Prochazka is a writer and photographer who freelances for a dozen boating magazines and websites. A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana has cruised, chartered and skippered flotillas in many parts of the world and serves as a presenter on charter destinations and topics. She is the Chair of the New Product Awards committee, judging innovative boats and gear at NMMA and NMEA shows, and currently serves as immediate past president of Boating Writers International. She contributes to Boats.com and YachtWorld.com, and also blogs regularly on her boat review site, TalkoftheDock.com.