1 of 6
Templar Marine Group
2 of 6
Templar Marine Group
3 of 6
Templar Marine Group
4 of 6
Templar Marine Group
5 of 6
Templar Marine Group
6 of 6
Templar Marine Group
Words by Steve Fennell
From Tesla sport cars to a range of new start-ups in the marine industry every year, electric vehicles now commonly extend from the highways to the waterways as more manufacturers design and implement non-combustion engines, changing the way we travel on the water.
Following the announcement of the prototype Cruiser C26 and series of electric models from Templar Marine Group in early 2018, the company is now in full production at its Kelowna, BC manufacturing facility, offering recreational boaters a fossil fuel-free option to further enjoy the boating lifestyle.
Based on a hull platform designed by renowned high-performance boat manufacturer Vector Powerboats, the Templar series offer five models for the recreational and commercial markets. These include the Sedan S26, Cruiser C26, Water Taxi T26, plus two additional models designed specifically for ambulatory care and light cargo transport. No matter which you choose, however, all models incorporate the acclaimed Torqeedo 10.0 Cruise RS propulsion systems designed to offer speeds between seven to 11 knots, depending on load and conditions.
“There are a number of electric boat manufacturers out there on the market today, yet no one is doing what we are doing,” says Mark Fry, founder and CEO Templar Marine Group. “Our models are designed for a range of applications and the series of recreational boats are targeted primarily at baby boomers – boaters who no longer wish to experience white-knuckled rides and speeds, but rather enjoy relaxing silent cruises with family and friends around a lake in an easy, safe and zero carbon footprint way.”
The recreational models are based on market research in recent years, and Fry and his team eventually designed the prototype of the Cruiser C26 in early 2018. Following a year of refinements to designs and water testing, the well-built and feature-rich Cruiser C26 was the result. Four additional models are now following in its wake.
Hand-made and built from the ground up on a laminated fibreglass hull, deck liner and stringer system, then topped with a high gloss- UV gelcoat, the flagship Cruiser C26 has a LOA of 29 feet, beamy width of nine feet, six inches, and trailerable weight of just 5,100 lbs (thanks to the elimination a traditional fossil fuel engine and fuel tanks), making it suitable to tow with many medium-sized SUVs. Inside, too, is just as refined.
The cockpit, which can be completely open or fully enclosed with an all-weather polycarbonate enclosure, has a clean fit and finish highlighted by a series of appointments to include:
- Teak flooring
- Sunbrella marine canvas
- A large custom wood table
- A 36-quart insulated built in cooler
- Spacious head with six feet of headroom, a sink, mirror, electric Sani flush head, 16.5g holding tank and discharge pump out.
- Interior LED and dome lights
- Central heating
- Fridge
- Six USB ports
Some other key features include an ample seating layout, which can accommodate a crowd in comfort thanks to the marine-grade vinyl and backrests. If you want to spend a night on the hook, accommodations are found in the bow with a berth, head, sink, night stand, and cabinet. The Cruiser C26 is also boarding-friendly with integrated side steps and a rear swim platform for easy entry either from the dock or water.
“Basically, we wanted an easy-to-use and maintenance-free electric boat that could be enjoyed all year,” says Fry. “We’ve accomplished that by providing the full enclosure, diesel electric heater, and a plug-in electric propulsion system that requires little to no maintenance and no winterizing required so you can enjoy boating all year round”. It’s not an ocean-going vessel, however, and purely designed for calmer, inland waterways yet its plumb bow can go straight through waves with ease.”
Fully-electric, eco-friendly, and quiet (with no winterizing necessary), the Torqeedo power requires approximately seven hours of charging time, from fully discharged state, and the light weight, lithium batteries can run for seven hours at speeds of about five to seven knots. Extra lithium batteries are available to achieve a longer range as well as a solar add-on options.
While the Cruiser C26 and its sister boats are currently in production and available factory-direct, the Sedan S26 will be available soon.
“Basically, the overall concept behind the Cruiser C26 is that they are easy to operate and maneuver given it’s standard bow thruster and ability to meet many applications going forward,” added Fry. “Plus, the Cruiser C26 and Sedan S26 are great for entertaining and can offer excellent cruises in a quiet, efficient manner. Most importantly, the Torqeedo power is eco-friendly, efficient, and maintenance-free.”
For more information on Templar plug-in electric boat line-up check out their website at www.TemplarMarine.com