Benetti M/Y Dagger: quality of life at the core of hybrid evolution

by Benetti 9 Oct 03:23 PDT

Benetti M/Y Dagger © Tom Van Oosanen

With M/Y Dagger (FB288), Benetti redefines the concept of the custom superyacht by introducing a vision of hybrid propulsion where technology becomes a tangible factor in enhancing quality of life on board.

Silence, freedom from vibration, and operational flexibility form the foundation of a new way of experiencing navigation and living spaces.

Benetti M/Y Dagger - photo © Tom Van Oosanen

Developed and built at the Livorno shipyard, this 67-meter vessel featuring a steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and a gross tonnage of 1,334 GT boasts a highly modular hybrid propulsion architecture. The reliability of the naval platform engineered by Benetti engages in a seamless dialogue with the sculptural exterior lines by the British studio RWD and the fully customized interiors crafted by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, all bound together by the guiding principle of adaptability. Technology adapts to the energy scenario, interiors adapt to life on board, and the Oasis Deck® adapts the relationship between the yacht and the sea. This design coherence makes Dagger one of the most mature expressions of Benetti philosophy.

Benetti M/Y Dagger - photo © Tom Van Oosanen

The path towards sustainability: The Benetti Green Route

In this context, M/Y Dagger represents the present stage of the sustainability journey undertaken by Benetti for over twenty years. A trajectory that began with the first diesel-electric propulsion system installed on a yacht back in 2006, leading to recent projects such as the B.Neos The Soul of Silence, conceived exclusively in a full-hybrid configuration.

Benetti M/Y Dagger - photo © Tom Van Oosanen

Benetti's Green Route is grounded in the work of its R&D department — a dedicated team focused on developing, testing, and validating measurable and applicable technological solutions, confirming a leadership built on continuous research, rigorous analysis, and objective evaluation of results.

M/Y Dagger validates this vision, offering a reliable and thoroughly tested technological solution engineered to deliver the finest quality of life at sea with a reduced environmental impact.

Benetti M/Y Dagger - photo © Tom Van Oosanen

The Engine Room: an integrated, modular, and reversible system

The hybrid platform of the B.Now 67M is conceived as an advanced modular system. Main engines, generators, and battery packs operate in variable combinations, allowing the optimal and most comfortable configuration to be selected for every scenario.

Benetti M/Y Dagger - photo © Tom Van Oosanen

The core of the engine room is the synergy between two Caterpillar main engines 2x CAT C32 - rated at 1193 kW @ 2000-2300 rpm and three Caterpillar electric generators (two C7.1 at 118 ekW and one C9.3 at 200 ekW). Bridging the mechanical and electrical systems are two 200 kW VEM Shaft Generators / Electric Motors (PTO/PTI)—bidirectional electrical units capable of functioning both as generators and as propulsion motors:

In PTO (Power Take-Off) Mode: they power the onboard hotel loads and recharge the battery bank by drawing power from the main engines.
In PTI (Power Take-In) Mode: they convert energy from the generators or batteries into direct thrust on the propeller shafts.

The Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) adjust blade pitch in real time, optimizing hydrodynamic efficiency and enabling speed adjustments or course reversals without changing shaft rotation direction or altering the engines' optimal RPM range.

Benetti M/Y Dagger - photo © Tom Van Oosanen

This architecture enables the captain to set different operating profiles based on the cruising scenario:

Enhanced Comfort Mode (7 knots): the vessel operates under 100% electric propulsion with the main engines switched off. The diesel generators power the electric motors while the battery bank manages load peaks (peak shaving), ensuring maximum acoustic comfort during coastal cruising or night passages.
Extended Range Mode (12 knots): cruising is performed using the thermal main engines only, with the diesel generators remaining off. The Shaft Generators cover the entire electrical demand of the onboard services, reducing generator running hours and achieving fuel savings of up to 15% compared to a conventional diesel-mechanical system.
Eco Transfer Mode (10 knots): designed for long displacement transfers, this mode runs on a single main engine supported by the battery pack, minimizing both fuel consumption and mechanical wear.

Benetti M/Y Dagger - Beach area - photo © Thomas Loof

Salt Batteries: Intrinsic safety and real sustainability

One of M/Y Dagger's most distinguishing engineering choices is the adoption of a 360 kWh Sodium-Metal Chloride (salt) battery pack featuring peak shaving capabilities of up to 150 kW.

The sodium-metal chloride chemistry delivers total safety: the non-flammable electrolyte inherently eliminates the risk of fire and thermal runaway. This safety profile allows the battery modules to be installed in existing technical spaces without requiring an isolated, dedicated Battery Room equipped with complex fire suppression systems, maximizing usable onboard volume.

Furthermore, salt batteries are immune to degradation caused by long periods of inactivity and fully restore performance upon reactivation. During daily operation at anchor, they allow the generators to be shut down completely, keeping the yacht in total silence for up to 2 hours with zero local emissions, while fully maintaining hotel services.

Benetti M/Y Dagger - Main Deck Guest Cabin - photo © Thomas Loof

Comfort at anchor and energy recovery

Onboard comfort while anchored is further enhanced by an exhaust system routed high above the superstructure to keep the air and the water around the stern clean. Integrated heat exchangers recover thermal energy from the generators for onboard utilities without increasing energy consumption.

Benetti M/Y Dagger - Main Deck - photo © Thomas Loof

Fluid architecture and onboard layout

The seamless continuity between naval architecture and interior design is reflected in a layout articulated to offer dynamic, modular spaces:

Main Deck & Oasis Deck®: life on board centers around the Oasis Deck®, featuring opening side wings (expanding the beam to 14 meters) and an integrated infinity pool. Inside, the Main Deck houses the main salon and an exclusive guest area with 6 spacious guest/VIP cabins featuring large panoramic windows.

Upper Deck: navigation management is centralized on the Bridge Deck, which houses the wheelhouse, office, and captain's cabin. This deck also features the space reserved for the Owner, complete with a Master Suite, private office, double bathrooms, and an impressive forward private terrace. Aft, a terrace opens alongside the impressive Owner's Lounge with 6-meter-long floor-to-ceiling windows.

Lower Deck: it accommodates the Beach Club / Wellness area, the tender and toy garage, and dedicated crew quarters for 16 crew members across 9 cabins.