The all-new Lagoon 420 offers a new method of yacht propulsion, using a very old idea that has already proven itself in locomotives. In essence, a diesel electric power plant includes a diesel engine connected to an electrical generator, creating electricity that powers electric motors. Traditional electric propulsion systems have been heavy, and cumbersome. Diesel electric systems are now lighter, and less expensive. Due to the ongoing effects of pollution, environmentally friendly propulsion systems are being heavily evaluated. This type of power plant is the remedy for highly polluting traditional forms of yacht propulsion. This is one of the reasons why Lagoon has chosen to incorporate this system into one of their latest yachts. Also, diesel electric propulsion is very reliable. Electric components have few if any moving parts. They can run for thousands of hours per year without having to be replaced or fixed. The Lagoon 420 only requires a bearing change after 20,000 hours. Since the engine is removed from the propeller shaft it is never under or overloaded. Spending less time maintaining your yacht will give you more time to enjoy it instead. Very few moving parts also means that noise generation is minimal. Since the marine gears are completely removed you achieve noise reduction from the standard way of mechanical propulsion. Fuel economy is greatly increased with this system along with engine room space. Turning the propellers with electric motors enhances slow-speed maneuverability by providing unrestricted minimum propeller speeds with 100 percent torque available to provide immediate power response at all times. Propeller synchronization is automatic and extremely precise. While the vessel is under way the electrical power required by can be supplied from the diesel electric propulsion system. Electrical power from the Lagoon 420s genset can be used to propel the boat, providing a built-in backup. On the contrary the prolusion system can serve as a backup for the yachts gensets. Moving into an environmentally conscience era, the Lagoon 420 is on the forefront of making a change. Since this type of propulsion system has been in existence for many years now, the concern of trying out an untested technology is eliminated. For more information, please visit http://www.catamarans.com |
