The launch of the Steeler 61S Electric is a watershed moment for yachting.
Designed by Vripack and built by Steeler, it is the world’s first electric fully loaded steel trawler for a sustainably-forward, live aboard owner.
At 18.6m in length, the Steeler 61S falls into the pocket yacht category. Delivered in the summer of 2022, it is the Norwegian owner’s second Steeler of a similar size. But this time, he wanted his yacht to be full custom, electric and double the volume. Of utmost importance was an open plan, single level, supersized living area, which Vripack achieved by eliminating the side decks.
“A key stipulation from the owner was to ensure the main living area fell on one level,” says Bart Bouwhuis, co-creative director at Vripack. “He was really focused on creating an architectural style home at sea, and with 80% of the interior given over to his living space, that’s what the Steeler 61S provides.”
The full-beam layout, which extends from the swim platform forward, gives the owner full command of the saloon, galley and master bedroom on a single level middle deck. Stretching over the entire length from fore-to-aft, without any stairs or height differences, it provides a waterline connection to the outdoors.
“He was really focused on creating an architectural style home at sea, and with 80% of the interior given over to his living space, that’s what the Steeler 61S provides.”
On the top deck, the wheelhouse enjoys an asymmetric helm close to the starboard door. It allows the owner – who self-pilots the boat – to step outside and look over the edge. Likewise, the aft cockpit with a fold-down transom hatch bleeds directly into the main salon. This allows for direct access on and off the tender, while mounted fendering make the boat super practical when mooring and docking. On the split-level lower deck, there are two guest cabins with a shared bathroom.
On taking delivery, the owner enjoyed a shakedown voyage around Holland before heading up to his homeland of Norway to cruise the fjords. In true Viking style, there is a (heated) plunge pool on the foredeck, while the interior takes on a Scandinavian vibe. Understated cabinetry and joinery provide a framework to the great outdoors, with a floating staircase and slatted wall panels that shine natural light into the interior and allow guests on the main deck to maintain a connection with the helmsman.
“The Steeler 61S Electric gives me all the physical comfort of a noise and vibration-free home along with the emotional comfort and warmth of being amongst nature at sea,” says the owner. “I’ve waited a long time for a sustainable liveaboard boat, and the Steeler 61S more than delivers.”
Sustainable materials, such as steel, wood, leather and composite teak decking, give a nod to the owner’s determination to employ a lighter carbon footprint, though the biggest sustainability breakthrough lies with the boat’s propulsion and slow boating efficiency. Though equipped to run a 75kW diesel generator, the Steeler 61S Electric is also equipped with a 90kW electric propulsion motor and can run on shore power.
“The owner was determined to have the most sustainable boat possible, and one that can adapt as battery technology develops,” says Hans Webbing, owner of Steeler Yachts. “To date, the owner regularly enjoys eight hours of continuous sailing at 5 knots on batteries alone, with normal energy consumption onboard and without needing to engage the diesel genset.”
When cruising at 6 knots, the boat averages a 2000 nautical mile range. Solar panels and windmills mounted on the roof help to feed the 184kWh battery pack.
“I have sailed 2000nm without using more than 40kW on the electric drive line,” says the owner. “Added to that is the special feeling of cruising in total silence for hours when there is no wind at all. It’s like a new way of moving at sea where you blend in with Mother Nature.”
The high quality live aboard trawler features an integrated crane on the upper deck for easy deploy of the tender. There is also a large practical storage box for the owner’s mountain bikes and a second hatch under the aft deck to store kayaks. Providing safety, stability, strength and durability, the Steeler 61S Electric is fully prepared for the future of boating, including permanent stays on board.
“The owner is a passionate boater who truly believed in his own vision,” says Bouwhuis. “The Steeler 61S Electric is no ordinary boat, but one that truly gives him the comfort of a land-based home on water.”
