Last winter Reuben Trane, owner of Island Pilot was contacted by the producers of Discovery Channel’s HD Theater who were interested in featuring his DSe Hybrid 12m in an episode about the world’s most expensive rides. The show’s crew met Reuben and his wife, Cheryl, in Key Largo for time on board the DSe to experience her quiet ride and hybrid technology. Episode nine in “The World’s Most Expensive Rides” series aired March 7 at 9:00 p.m. EST featuring the DSe in one of its three segments.
The DSe was introduced in the fall of 2008. Built in Zhuhai City, China, the DSe 12m combines diesel, solar, and electric technologies. The integrated nature of the diesel, solar, and electric components provides various fuel-efficient cruising options as well as the ability to be independent from shore power for days on end.
A 6kW solar array can generate enough energy to stay at anchor indefinitely. When operated in electric zero-emissions mode, the DSe can run up to five knots with additional energy supplied from the two banks of 48-volt Lithium battery arrays. For added speed, a pair of 75hp Steyr Monoblock engines supply power and can operate on diesel, bio-diesel, or 100% bio-fuel. Boat handling is simplified by the fly-by-wire system with a bridge steering station and remote control.
(www.dsehybrid.com)