The 10.97m LOA craft generates as little noise and wash as possible.

With a design speed of 3.5 knots, it will take passengers across the lake in 10 minutes. With a beam of 4.62m and a draft of only 0.57m fully loaded, Miss Elizabeth is a Class 5 vessel for Category A waters less than 1.5m deep, although the build contract specified it be able to operate in waters as shallow as 60 cm. It is operated by a crew of two. Power is supplied by 50 two volt batteries which, when fully charged, can propel the boat on 28 pleasure trips per day, accommodating up to 1,176 passengers. The batteries are recharged overnight via a connection to the electricity grid at a cost of approximately £5.

Other running costs are negligible, as the electric motor does not require oil and there is little wear and tear on moving parts. The corrosion-free composite hull vessel has an estimated service life of 35 years.

Henry Mayhew, managing director of Ecocats said, 'Electric motors are unbeatably good value for boats that need to make short, regular trips carrying large loads, such as ferries or pleasure boats. Add to this the fact that they produce no noise or emissions, and it is clear that electricity could be superior in many situations where traditional motor boats are currently used.

Structural engineering for the craft was delivered by JB Marine Consultancy of Plymouth, while the propulsion and electrical engineering was supplied by Stelco Yachttechnic (UK) of Norwich.

Miss Elizabeth has been such a success since becoming operational in July that the client is now considering ordering a follow-on vessel from Ecocats.

This 13.4m craft will feature twin decks with disco and food preparation areas for event hire.

MJ Information No: 21116