Electric boat rolls out for Loch Lomand rangers

Rangers will be seen, not heard, in the new electric addition to the Loch Lomond and Trossach’s Park Authority’s fleet. Designed and built by Water Witch in Liverpool UK, to service Loch Lomond, the custom-built 100 per cent electric 8.0m x 2.5m maintenance boat is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK.

It will be used as a general multi-purpose support vessel and to maintain hazard buoys across the Loch.

The aluminium ‘VersiCat’ vessel is sustainably built and is equipped with a 12-kilowatt motor from Torqeedo, allowing her to easily make the 7 knots required by the client. The motor is powered by Power48 lithium batteries. The vessel’s electric controls feature a built-in GPS, an on-board computer and display for information such as speed and input power, state of charge and remaining range, and an advanced communication system that links user’s Bluetooth and App technology to the complete system. The four Power48 batteries easily provide six to eight hours of service per charge.

Unlike the distinctive hum heard from traditional diesel boats, the VersiCat is almost silent as it glides through the water. Tests saw it sail the length of the Loch – some 20 miles – on a single charge.

In March 2021, the Park Authority set the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. Simon Jones, the Park’s director of environment, says about 40 to 45 per cent of all the Park Authority’s emissions come from its transport, so reducing that is key to hitting their 2030 net-zero target.

“I think it’s going to make quite a big difference, really, because the previous vessel we were using is a diesel boat. So obviously, there’s more pollutants with a boat like that,” says park ranger Matt Dale. “This boat is zero-pollution, really. So, I think it’ll be a lot better for us.”

The workboat is fitted with a large work deck, recessed storage under deck, and a lifting frame. With the lifting frame and electric windlass the vessel is equipped to handle a variety of tasks: maintenance of installations, towing of boats, personnel transport, rescue missions, as well as the possibility to assist in oil spill operations. A customised road trailer was also supplied to allow the vessel to be easily deployed to different sites, and the A-frame is removable for transportation.

Jackie Caddick, director of Water Witch, says there has been a huge increase in enquiries for all-electric vessels, with some existing owners even looking to upgrade their current vessels. “We’ve kept with the outboard configuration to make installation quick and cost-effective, and maintaining the ability to keep our hull configurations to a standard design, which reduces manufacturing time and costs. It also allows us to retrofit the fuel-free, electric drive option easily. With over 85 of these vessels currently in service worldwide, we expect to see an increasing demand for the zero-emission option with clients looking to improve their carbon footprint.”