Samar 50, the yacht that generates 30 kWh per day with solar panels
The boat functions like a solar home capable of producing up to 30 kWh per day. This is a limited amount of energy for gliding, but more than sufficient for sailing at a slow, quiet, and relaxed pace. What was not possible on land becomes feasible at sea, where energy consumption is different and the philosophy of use changes completely. At the forefront is the Samar Yachts shipyard in Mallorca, which, by honoring the island’s historical heritage and the traditional Mallorcan llaut boat, built this solar boat that won the “Best Electric” award at the Best of Boats Awards.
Panels providing 5.8 kW of peak power on the Samar 50
The Samar 50, a yacht designed from the outset around electric propulsion and inspired by the traditional Mallorcan llaut, is not only an effort to revive and honor an icon of local maritime tradition — built by craftsmen using wood until the 1980s — but also a reinterpretation that combines the efficiency of historical designs, starting with the hull shape, with electric power options.
The propulsion system is modular: there is a hybrid version with two electric motors and two diesel engines, as well as an electric version equipped with a generator for use when necessary. The boat can be fitted with 50 kW engines powered by a 139 kWh battery pack, which in turn is supported by a “solar roof.” In fact, the hard-top is entirely covered with integrated solar panels providing a peak power of 5.8 kW, equivalent to about 30 kWh per day.
What we saw at the Genoa Show
An amount of energy that enables fully electric coastal navigation, thanks in large part to the solar panels.
This configuration is designed for slow sailing, where the engine’s quiet operation promotes a quieter social atmosphere on board and greater immersion in the natural surroundings. The 50-foot (about 15 meters) Samar 50 can accommodate up to 12 passengers for daily outings, in addition to the crew, featuring a protected main deck, a movable bathing platform, and an outdoor shower. In addition to excursions, overnight stays are also possible thanks to two cabins—one main cabin and one for children—holding up to four guests.
Award: Best Electric Prize
The Maiorca shipyard’s Samar 50 won the Best Electric award at the Best of Boats Awards. It’s interesting to read the jury’s reasoning. “The ‘Best Electric’ award seeks cutting-edge performance, ease of use, and system safety, with sustainability in mind — and the Samar 50 was designed from the start based precisely on these criteria, rather than being adapted later. Its efficient hull, 139 kWh battery, and integrated solar system combine low energy consumption with exceptional silence and comfort, so its usability is fully aligned with its environmental credentials.”
To continue: “By prioritizing silent and sustainable navigation over pure speed, it keeps the electric technology deliberately almost invisible to those on board: the propulsion is fully integrated into the experience rather than being the obvious focus.” It’s a bit of philosophy, but the message is clear: a boat designed not for athletic performance but for socializing and immersing oneself in nature.
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