A new 30kW engine takes the full electric Magonis Wave e-550 across the sea at 22 knots

by Magonis 11 Nov 2021 02:52 PST

Magonis Wave e-550 © Andrea Muscatello

Until now, electrically powered boats have mainly been used for lake navigation, particularly on lakes where internal combustion engines are prohibited. But as clearly shown by the automotive world (always a forerunner in motoring developments), environmental awareness is increasingly pushing towards electric drives. Thanks to shipyards such as Magonis, boating can be in step with the times.

With a 30 kW Mag Power engine, the Wave e-550 reached 22 knots in the open sea
After the success of the 10kW Torqeedo Cruise version at the Venice Boat Show, the new Magonis is now also ideal like superyacht tender
Prices from 33,845 euro to 68,960 euro, VAT included

Magonis Wave e-550 - photo © Andrea Muscatello

The signs are very promising all things considered, from the approval the boat received at its world debut last spring at Venice Boat Show to the tests in the sea in Sabaudia.

"The Venetian Arsenal and the canals of Venice were the ideal setting for the world debut of the Magonis Wave e-550," explains Mathieu Quintart, COO of the Italian-Spanish shipyard. "The passionates and the industry have appreciated and perceived the project's philosophy: comfort, efficiency and respect for the environment, combined with details that give the boat a strong personality. In addition to all this, there is electric propulsion on a hull designed for these engines and not simply adapted, as shown by the specific study of weight distribution to accommodate the batteries. This is a significant difference. In Venice we established a lot of contacts and started major relationships with possible distributors. We did so by presenting the Wave e-550, which has the second smallest motor among the four that we have on the list, the 10 kW Torqeedo Cruise. However, most requests were for the more powerful versions."

Magonis Wave e-550 - photo © Andrea Muscatello

So, after the positive Venetian debut (which is significant, also considering the city's goal of completely electrifying all boats by 2028), it was important to test the potential of the Wave e-550 with the most powerful engine, the 30 kW (about 40 hp) Mag Power, especially in open sea. Testing took place in the sea off Sabaudia, the shipyard site the Magonis was built in, confirming that the data developed in the design phase were absolutely realistic: 22 knots of top speed with a range of 10 hours at 3 knots. On a typical day at sea, cruising at speeds ranging from 3 to 22 knots, the Magonis Wave e-550 provides almost two and a half hours of continuous navigation, with 18% battery power remaining at the end of the day, ensuring safety.

Magonis Wave e-550 - photo © Andrea Muscatello

The behaviour of the Wave e-550 at sea further revealed the boat's excellent features, confirming the quality of its design and hull lines, which proved highly seaworthy even in rough sea conditions. Essential for this performance is the low displacement (335 kg), obtained through the vacuum-infusion construction of the exclusive Light X Pro technology, developed by the Magonis team of engineers and designers.

Magonis Wave e-550 - photo © Andrea Muscatello

"These trials confirmed that the possibilities of use of the new Magonis can be greatly expanded," continues Mathieu Quintart. "Its name, Wave, is intended to emphasise its versatility, on a lake or at sea and in all weathers. With just 0.30 m depth of immersion, it is possible to venture almost to the shore in complete silence thanks to its electric propulsion, reaching the small coves that boats with internal combustion engines are banned from. In conclusion, the Wave e-550 is not only a fun and exclusive daycruiser - it is also a luxury tender for large superyachts: the six-person capacity guarantees good loading capacity in a refined and exclusive environment."

An international project

The shipyard, with its headquarters in Barcelona and production site in Sabaudia, Italy, has drawn on different influences: Catalan creativity and exuberance combined with Italian taste and technology. They have merged to create a boat that, in its 5.50 metre length (4.96 m at waterline) and 1.98 metre width, has all the ideal comforts for an enjoyable day cruise. The bowrider layout offers a bow area that can be transformed from a cosy dinette into a usable sundeck, while in the cockpit the comfortable seats and protective windscreen guarantee comfortable and safe navigation.

Magonis Wave e-550 - photo © Andrea Muscatello

Standard equipment includes a 4kg stainless steel dolphin striker and anchor, a bathing ladder with four large steps, four designer stainless steel cleats. Stainless steel is used for the forward rail and windscreen uprights. There are plenty of optional features: telescopic table, full teak deck, refrigerator, shower, anti-theft device and an 8-square-metre XXL awning supported by carbon uprights.

An impressive feature is the instrumentation, which has been replaced by a suitably waterproofed 13" iPad that owners can carry with them at all times. There is also a dedicated slot for charging smartphones, while music is provided by a 120 W Fusion system.

Magonis Wave e-550 - photo © Andrea Muscatello

In addition to the two engines mentioned above, the (strictly outboard) range also includes the 4 kW (approx. 6 hp) Torqeedo Cruise or the 18.0 kW (approx. 24 hp) Mag Power. Even in terms of price, the Magonis Wave e-550 manages to impress considering the quality of the finish and the electric propulsion: from 33,485 Euro with the Torqeedo Cruise 4.0 RL to 68,900 Euro with the Mag Power 30.0, VAT included.