SMOOTH RUNNING

Hull Vane offers smoother sailing, reduced fuel consumption, better seakeeping, lower noise pollution and the option for reduced engine size

Superyachts sail relatively few hours compared to other ships, and the fuel costs are only a small percentage of the operating costs, and furthermore often borne by the charterers. So is there really any interest in improving the efficiency of a superyacht with an energy saving device?

There definitely is! Take the case of the Hull Vane®, a hydrofoil-shaped appendage which reduces the resistance of ships. While it certainly reduces the fuel costs, this is not the main argument in the superyacht sector. Yachts are all about comfort, and improving the efficiency of a yacht makes it more silent, as the engines and propellers work less for a given speed. Obviously you can still go full throttle and enjoy the extra speed. The reduction of the stern wave makes a conversation on the aft deck much more pleasant.

And the Hull Vane’s effects on seakeeping (less pitching, yawing and rolling) reduce seasickness on board. This means more days on the water.

What about costs? Of course there is a cost to the Hull Vane, but contrary to other comfort improvements, such as exhaust silencers, noise insulation and fin stabilizers there is actually a payback effect from the Hull Vane. The 42m motoryacht Alive has sailed extensively for five years, and has skipped one in every five bunker stops because of its Hull Vane®. The captain’s feedback: “Why isn’t everyone already using a Hull Vane?”

On a newbuild displacement yacht, Hull Vane® allows to reduce the installed engine power to reach the required top speed and therefore saves interior space and build costs on the engines, exhaust systems and engineroom ventilation trunks – with the latter being dreaded space-eaters in the main lounge. To reach the required range, the tank capacity can be reduced, which means more headroom on the lower deck. A yacht design truly becomes smarter with improved hydrodynamics. Less engine space means more interior space.

For superyacht owners desiring the very best in ride comfort, Hull Vane BV has developed an active version together with renowned stabilizer manufacturer Naiad Dynamics. Called the Dynamic Hull Vane, this version features a variable angle-of-attack wing which dampens the pitch motions even more. It is the only active pitch stabilizer for displacement ships on the market, and it is also reduces fuel consumption. The Dynamic Hull Vane works perfectly in conjunction with other stabilizers with Naiad’s Total Ride Control system.

Superyachts with a Hull Vane have been built by Heesen Yachts, Dynamiq Yachts, Van der Valk Shipyard and Sichterman Yachts. More are under construction at a.o.Hakvoort Shipyard and SARP Yachts. Hull Vane BV already has eight repeat customers.

For more details Tel: +31 (0)317 425 818
or visit www.hullvane.com