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Boat of the Week: Meet the Lightning-Fast Electric Catamaran That Just Shattered a Speed Record

More important than the 109-mph record was an electric boat streaking by thousands of fans. it gave battery power instant street cred on the water., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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Ten years ago, electric boats were mostly tiny barges that puttered for an hour around the marina. In the last year, they’ve moved fairly aggressively into the sportboat world, with dozens of new brands boasting speeds in the 30- to 50-mph range.

Earlier this week, a 32-ft. power catamaran blew past a crowd of thousands at 109 mph. That not only gave electric boats a spot in the high performance record books, but shattered the notion that battery-powered vessels are all slow boats to China.

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The Hellkat Powerboats V32 racing cat, designed to handle Vision Marine’s battery packs and twin 180-hp electric outboards, has rewritten the rules of electric boating, or at least enhanced its reputation in the larger boating world. Having five-time UIM champion and current F1 H20 World Champion Shaun Torrente at the helm certainly helped the V32’s record-breaking prospects.

Shaun Torrente at the helm of the Hellkat electric cat.  Courtesy Vision Marine

The run took place at the annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, a bragging-rights event in go-fast circles, that attracts 100,000 spectators along with dozens of high-performance racers attempting to set new speed records. Each boat runs the three-quarter-mile course for a shot at glory.

On its first attempt, the V32 hit 104 mph but reached an even faster 109 mph on the second run. It shattered the previous 88-mph record set by Jaguar with its Vector V20E back in 2008. Torrente called the event “an amazing experience to push the boundaries of what people thought was impossible.”

“We wanted to show the world that electric power is not your granddad’s electric trawler doing three miles an hour,” Bruce Nurse, director of business development for Vision Marine Technologies, told Robb Report . “It’s not a golf cart.”

The catamaran hull was a smarter, faster design than a monohull for breaking the speed record.  Courtesy Vision Marine

The speed record, while impressive, may have been more about showcasing the E-Motion brand, since running a boat at that speed for a prolonged period would instantly drain the batteries.

Still, it was an interesting exercise that shows electric’s clean-power potential in a go-fast world that most people still associate with the ’80s— “Miami Vice” Don Johnson, drug-runners, gold chains and smelly, loud engines.

Vision worked closely with HellKat on creating a catamaran that could accommodate its electric motors and battery packs, paying attention to weight distribution, and the constant banging that high-performance boats endure, while squeezing every possible mph from the boat and motors for the record attempt.

Electric speed demon.  Courtesy Vision Marine

The unsung hero for the record run was Vision Marine’s E-Motion outboard, developed in partnership with Octillion Power Systems. Vision says it’s the first 180hp outboard designed with a propulsion package that includes throttle control and monitor to enhance efficiency, speed, and of course, the all-important range.

When the outboard runs at peak power—like crossing the 100-mph-plus line—horsepower output increases to 225. The team chose a multihull over a monohull because it has less wetted surface and will therefore run faster. One of the big obstacles for the record attempt, and boating in general, was finding batteries that could fit into the 32-foot boat.

“Most electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries, which are wide and long,” says Nurse. “We tried with batteries from a Swiss car company early on, but they were too large. We ended up designing our own stackable 700V battery banks that fit into the hulls of multiple boat types.”

While breaking speed records is fun, the new 180E electric outboard will be used to power more mainstream recreational boats.  Courtesy Vision Marine

The company’s electric outboards will be appearing on different 2023 models from Groupe Beneteau, including its Four Winns H2 sportboat. “Depending on the number of people in the boat, you could probably reach anywhere between 40 and 60 mph,” says Nurse regarding the new Four Winns. But if you want any kind of range, Vision’s literature notes the boat will need to cruise at a sedate 20 mph to squeeze out 60 nautical miles before having to recharge.

Of course, speed is highly addictive and records equal bragging rights. Nurse is already eyeing up next year’s Shootout with the aim of beating this year’s record. “The purpose of this race is to showcase the power, speed and torque off the line of electric boats,” says Nurse. “We want people to know that the option is out there for a fast boat, with 90 percent less maintenance, zero carbon emissions and noiseless cruising.”

But until battery capacity improves, don’t expect to run at 100 mph for very long.

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January 3, 2022

Rey Marino’s Legacy Inspires Vision Marine

Boating industry innovator and friend of Vision Marine Technologies, Rey Marino, owner of Hellkat Powerboats has passed away in November 2021.

Boating industry titan and owner of Miami-based Hellkat Powerboats , Rey Marino has passed on.

Marino originally broke into the boating world with his 30-foot Spectre sport catamaran, which was immediately praised by boaters alike around the South Florida area. With great persistence, Marino utilized his vast network and infectiously joyous personality to grow the Hellkat business into becoming one of the industry’s top-of-the-line manufacturers.

Over the past few years, a camaraderie between Rey and Vision Marine had been built over a shared passion for boating and a determination to inspire the world of powerboating to defy expectations and break barriers.

The success of the first Hellkat inspired the idea for him to expand the hull and create a new flat deck to bring to market an exotic 32-foot catamaran.

Over the last year, Vision Marine had been hard at work with Marino to accompany a specially built 32’ Hellkat Super-Sport Widebody Catamaran with our groundbreaking E-Motion™ powertrain system . This would be with big plans to break the electric boat world speed record previously held at 88.61mph (142.60 km/h) by Jaguar Vector Racing in partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering’s Formula E technology.

For this accomplishment, British powerboat racer and Jaguar Vector co-founder and technical director Peter Dredge   sped across the UK Lake District , which included the two legs of the famous 1km course on Coniston Water, England. Malcolm Crease, CEO of Jaguar Vector Racing, called this “a great first step in bringing the power and versatility of electrification to the marine industry.”

For Vision Marine’s task of setting a new world record, we have teamed up with a dynamic US-born powerboat racer and 3x F1H20 World Champion, Shaun Torrente . Torrente will attempt to break the world record at the 2022 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout by going a jaw-dropping 100 mph (160 km/h).

The prestigious 33rd annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout , held in Sunrise Beach Village, Missouri, is the largest unsanctioned boat race in the US. and has been called one of the nation’s eight “must-see” boating events by Powerboat Magazine. At the 2021 Shootout, we set a new criterion by beating our own world speed record in our very own Bruce 22 electric boat, going a then incredible 49 mph using our 180 hp E-Motion™ outboard motor.

Racing since he was 15 years old, Torrente is revered around the boating world as a tremendous success. He expressed his excitement on his partnership with Vision Marine and Hellkat saying, “I’m pleased to be working with Vision Marine Technologies and Hellkat Powerboats on this advanced new project. Technology and innovation are at the core of my racing team and manufacturing business. I’m excited to partner with companies that share those attributes.”

“I’m extremely competitive, so I relish the opportunity to set a record in the world’s fastest electric boat.” Torrente continued. “With the team, we’ve assembled, and the commitment of the partners, I’m confident in our odds.”

This will mark the anticipated first collaboration between Vision Marine Technologies and Hellkat Powerboats, as it will be fitted with Vision Marine’s technologically disruptive E-Motion™. This specialty boat, which also features an exotic fiberglass infusion of the hull, will surely be the most anticipated star of the Ozarks.

Mongeon and his team are filled with excitement for their return to the Ozarks in big fashion, stating “Rey’s commitment to excellence commanded respect from his peers and we are excited to carry on his legacy in the most thrilling way possible.”

“Rey’s commitment to excellence commanded respect from his peers and we are excited to carry on his legacy in the most thrilling way possible.”

This will also mark the first collaboration between Vision Marine and Octillion Power Systems . Showcased in the Hellkat that Torrente will be racing will be the first battery pack made specifically for the maritime industry, designed by Octillion. This same battery pack will also be mass produced and sold in conjunction with the E-Motion 180.

Octillion is a Tier 1 supplier of electric vehicle battery systems focused on designing and building lithium-ion battery systems. They have delivered more than 300,000 electric vehicle batteries for the global market, specializing in cars, trucks and buses. With Octillion entering the electric boating world, it will be remembered as a seminal moment in the maritime industry.

.A world of new opportunities, and Vision Marine is leading this revolution in environmentally friendly solutions to better the waterways for our Earth’s future. As the recreational electric boating industry continues to rapidly grow, our technology, coupled with other leading innovators of the industry, gives way to a new experience of higher speeds, longer range, immense power, and torque, while also offering no pollution, no emissions, and a noiseless environment.

The future is already here!

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Sneak Peek: Hellkats 32 Super Sport Widebody Catamaran No. 2

In what could reasonably be called an instant hit, Rey Marino—the owner of Miami-based Hellkats Powerboats —reportedly has nine new 32 Super Sport Widebody ordered, the second of which he expects to be finished by the end of the month. Hull No. 1 debuted in April and the orders have been coming in ever since.

But while the first 63-inch-tunnel 32-foot cat was powered by Mercury Racing 300R outboard engines, the Fond du Lac, Wis., high-performance marine engine and accessories company’s sole naturally aspirated and least-powerful outboard, 32-footer No. 2 will be equipped with a pair of Mercury Racing 450Rs.

Fresh from Doug Harrell’s paint booth, the second Hellkats 32 Super Sport Widebody catamaran will be powered by Mercury Racing 450R outboard engines.

Marino said he expects the cat to top out between 127 and 130 mph. It was dressed by Florida-based graphic designer/painter Doug Harrell.

“I just picked it up from Doug,” Marino said. “The boat will be in Miami for about a year so it can participate and be showcased in Keys Island Runners events and Florida Powerboat Club poker runs before it goes overseas to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.”

The 32-footer will be called Ay Vida , according to Marino, which literally translates to “is alive.” But its meaning, he explained, is greater than a joyful celebration of life. It’s a celebration of survival .

“The client for this boat was shot seven times with an AK-47 for some jewelry,” Marino said. “When he woke up, he requested that the build go on. ‘Ay Vida’ basically means ‘Oh my life.’ It will be a fully custom build with no expense spared.

“I’m looking forward to getting feedback from the boating world,” he added.

According to Marino, six of the nine 32-footers are already in some stage of construction. One will be powered by electric outboard engines.

“I’m just waiting for batteries,” he said.

The second sultry 32-footer should be finished by the end of the month.

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Vision Marine powers world-speed-record Hellkat electric boat

Posted by Kevin Jost | Aug 29, 2022 | Electrification , Motorsports , Vehicles

Over the weekend, Montreal-based Vision Marine Technologies , in partnership with Hellkat Powerboats , reached a historic milestone by shattering the 100-mph speed barrier for an electric watercraft. They smashed the world record for the fastest electric boat, achieving a top speed of 109 mph at the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout 2022 in Missouri.

The Hellkat V32 32-ft catamaran hull was specifically designed to accommodate the battery banks to power a pair of Vision Marine’s flagship E-Motion electric outboards to break the record.

“The results we observed from this weekend’s race are only the tip of the iceberg,” said Xavier Montagne , Vision Marine’s CTO & COO. “This accomplishment is the fruit of many years of close technical collaboration with our European and American partners. We worked hard on optimizing the electric motors, the 700-V batteries, the cooling circuitry, and the hardware and software integration, which are quintessential to our success as a leader in the electric marine propulsion industry.”

Vision Marine’s internal engineering team and Shaun Torrente , President of Shaun Torrente Racing , rigged and tested the V32 in Florida over several months. A unique battery pack was developed by Vision Marine in partnership with race-sponsor Octillion Power Systems . Verso Capital -backed   Nextfour Solutions , a large industrial technology and design agency based in Finland, supplemented the vessel’s monitoring systems. Pat Weissman of Traction Products , Inc.’s Weisman Marine LLC, the maker of racing transaxles and transmissions, engineered the outdrives.

“It has been an amazing experience to push the boundaries of what people thought was impossible,” said Torrente. “In the past two days, we proved that the limits of electric propulsion are only in the minds of those that have not followed Vision Marine and our project.”

“We are at the forefront of revolutionizing the boating industry; we are pushing the limits with our innovative technology,” said Paul Beach , President of Octillion Power Systems. “I praise Octillion’s engineering team, who worked closely with Shaun Torrente and Vision Marine’s in-house R&D team to design a state-of-the-art battery pack to nourish the E-Motion propulsion system rigged on the V32.”

Commercial ambitions

While breaking the speed record was exciting, Vision Marine’s management, led by its CEO, Director, and Co-founder Alexandre Mongeon has bigger ambitions for the commercial boating market. The company’s leaders believe there is a dire need for a performance electric outboard that can accommodate a wide range of vessel applications.

The company says its flagship E-Motion outboard powertrain is the first fully electric purpose-built outboard powertrain system that combines an advanced battery pack, inverter, and high-efficiency motor with proprietary union assembly between the transmission and electric motor design using extensive control software. The powertrain systems engineering is said to improve the efficiency of the outboard powertrain, enhancing both range and performance.

Vision Marine also designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance electric recreational power boats to customers. The company says the design and technology applied to its own boats results in enhanced performance, with higher speeds and longer range.

It also shares its technology with others.

In July, Vision Marine announced a partnership with Groupe Beneteau , which will integrate the E-Motion system into models across its brand portfolio. A global market leader thanks to its Boat Division’s 11 brands, Groupe Beneteau offers nearly 180 recreational boat models serving diverse navigational needs and uses from sailing to motorboating, monohulls, and catamarans.

“After the construction and thorough testing of a first, jointly developed prototype in early 2022, the objective is to bring to market a 100% electric boat and propulsion package,” said Erik Stromberg , Power and Motor Yacht Product Director at Groupe Beneteau. “The key to electrification is to have a full analysis of the customer use case. Many of the boats in our portfolio fit perfectly with a 100% electric solution. This solution is complementary and fully compatible with our other propulsion packages.”

The first collaboration between the two companies will be the launch of the fully electric 22-ft Four Winns H2 OB (outboard) runabout. It will be shown at the IBEX 365 boat show, owned and produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association ( NMMA ) and RAI Amsterdam , in late September in Tampa, FL, with deliveries expected in Spring 2023. The technology will also be rolled out by other brands within Groupe Beneteau, both in North America and Europe.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to power the Four Winns boat with our E-Motion 180E technology and look forward to a long-standing partnership with them,” said Mongeon. “We continue to showcase our technology and rig the E-Motion powertrain on numerous third-party boats in order to formally move towards scaled production of our E-Motion technology for commercial usage.”

That E-Motion technology is adapted from the automotive market. The 180E powertrain system puts out 180 hp (135 kW) and has a battery capacity of 70 kW·h aimed at day boating. Its power and torque output is designed primarily to propel powerboats such as pontoons, center consoles, and catamarans.

As Vision Marine execs see it, traditional electric outboard technology has been low power and low voltage—therefore low performance. They believe that there is currently nothing comparable to Vision Marine’s high-performance and eco-friendly E-Motion electric outboard motor even close to being market-ready. Though many major OEMs have developed their own electric outboards, none close to high-performance technology, they believe that the gate is left open for Vision Marine to step in.

“The E-Motion propulsion system is not only a motor and a high-voltage battery but also a fully optimized powertrain system designed to increase performance and reduce maintenance,” said Montagne. “We have worked hard with McLaren Engineering and its parent company Linamar Corp. to design a very secure and easy-to-use system. This will change the way consumers go boating.”

In addition, the company claims that the system can contribute to a more than 90% reduction in energy cost and has a highly competitive total cost of ownership, compared with ICEs (internal combustion engines), due to the marginal amount of required maintenance. It points to a fully sealed electric outboard motor, which has few moving parts, no oil to check, no spark plugs to replace—and no gasoline to burn, which continues to be extremely expensive.

The E-Motion does not need any special charging infrastructure or equipment—just a 220-V outlet, which is already present in virtually every marina’s infrastructure. Similar to electric passenger cars, since most boats are charged overnight when they are not being used, this allows for ample time to get a full charge for many hours of usage the next day.

The 180E powertrain system can be rigged and custom fit into virtually any 18-29 ft boat. It is designed for a 15-nmi range, which the company says is more than enough to cover the average family’s day on the water—generally around 9 nmi. On average, the cost to charge that 18-29 ft electric boat for a full family outing is about $5-6 per day, as opposed to as much as $200 per day for an ICE-powered boat.

Partnering for production

Many of the world-record partners are also onboard with Vision Marine for production.

Perhaps most strategic is the partnership with McLaren Engineering, which will manufacture and assemble Vision Marine’s E-Motion technology supported by testing, parts, tooling development, and designing the union assembly for mass production. Vision Marine says that the large, global presence of Linamar/McLaren enables it to scale production to levels expected from OEMs due to increasing consumer demand.

A high-voltage battery is required for marine vessels to easily reach speed. For this, Vision Marine formed a venture with Octillion Power Systems, the latter’s first-ever marine industry partnership. It is developing a customized high-voltage 35-kW·h high-density battery pack for use within the recreational boating market—and by Vision Marine exclusively. The E-Motion powertrain uses two battery packs.

Vision Marine is partnering with Traction Products/Weismann Marine on the custom lower unit assembly that accommodates the high torque generated by the E-Motion outboard. This higher torque requires creating a lower unit capable of cooling the motor and maintaining a low-noise operation.

A partnership with Nextfour Solutions resulted in the Q Display, the smart center console “infotainment” system included with the E-Motion powertrain package. The plug-and-play multifunctional device integrates an onboard computer for features such as an advanced maritime navigation, mobile connectivity, weather forecasts, real-time speed and fuel economy, an entertainment system, and regular software updates. In addition, an automatic logbook records routes and provides trip history information, and a “guard functionality” alarm system protects it from theft.

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About the author.

Kevin Jost is the Editorial Director, Founder & CEO of Futurride, which covers the latest in global news, reviews, analysis, and features on sustainable mobility, connecting the industry with consumers on cleaner, safer, more convenient and equitable technology in cars, trucks, boats, bikes, motorcycles, and aircraft. He is also Executive Editor for Autonomous Media’s Inside Autonomous Vehicles and contributor to Inside Unmanned Systems and Inside GNSS. Previously, he was the Editorial Director of BNP Media’s Autonomous Vehicle Technology, and before that the long-time Editorial Director & Content Strategist at SAE International for magazines, books, IP, content partnerships, & technical papers.

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Vision Marine and Hellkats Powerboats pursue electric boat speed record

Vision Marine will partner with Hellkats Powerboats in rigging a Hellkats 32’ Super-Sport Widebody Catamaran to pursue the electric boat world speed record, which currently stands at over 88 miles per hour.

“My team and I are extremely excited to partner with Hellkats,” stated Alexandre Mongeon, co-founder and CEO of Vision Marine. “This is the perfect opportunity to showcase the capability, reliability and power of our E-Motion powertrain.”

The world record run will take place in November, with the goal of surpassing 100 miles per hour.

Currently, the world’s fastest electric boat is the Jaguar V20E racing boat developed by the British automobile maker and Williams Advanced Engineering of Formula 1 fame. That boat hit a top speed of 88.6 miles per hour over a one-mile stretch of England’s Coniston Waters lake in 2020.

After the Vision Marine and Hellkats Powerboats record attempt, a company press release says the boat will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to select charities tied to furthering the awareness and clean up of waterways globally. 

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Body of missing boater found by friend days after accident

Amanda Batchelor , Digital Executive Producer

Liane Morejon , Reporter

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – The body of a missing boater was found early Friday morning, three days after he went missing while test driving a boat he had just sold, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed.

According to the FWC, the body of Reynier Marino, 36, was found by a friend who was out searching for him around 3 a.m. near the Julia Tuttle Causeway.

U.S. Coast Guard officials said Marino was reported missing Tuesday night after he boarded the 32-foot boat.

Relatives told Local 10 News that Marino has just sold the boat and the client who had purchased it was waiting for him at Pelican Harbor Marina, but he never showed.

Authorities said the boat was later found north of the Julia Tuttle Causeway, but Marino was not on board. Photos taken of the boat after it was found show that it had damage to the front side.

According to loved ones, Marino was an avid boater who owned his own boating business called Hellkat Powerboats.

“Our deepest condolences extend to the family and friends of Mr. Marino. The FWC will conduct a thorough investigation into this boating accident,” the FWC said in a statement.

Multiple agencies took part in the search for Marino, including the FWC, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Miami-Dade Police Department and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

On Friday night, a group of family and friends met at the Pelican Harbor Marina for a ceremony in his honor. They left candles and flowers in his honor.

Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

About the Authors:

Amanda batchelor.

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Liane Morejon

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.

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Avid boater still missing after 2 days lost off miami, authorities search for missing boater near julia tuttle causeway, local 10 news saturday @ 9am : mar 16, 2024, local 10 news saturday @ 7am : mar 16, 2024, local 10 news saturday @ 6am : mar 16, 2024, local 10 news saturday @ 5:30am : mar 16, 2024, local 10 news @ 11pm : mar 15, 2024.

Watch CBS News

Boater Reynier 'Ray' Marino Goes Missing In Waters Near Julia Tuttle Causeway

November 11, 2021 / 5:44 AM EST / CBS Miami

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says a massive search to find a boater that went missing near the Julia Tuttle Causeway has been paused.

FWC said they received a call around 11 p.m. Tuesday about a boating incident and a missing person.

A boat with significant damage was found and brought to shore, but it's unclear what happened.

At the Pelican Harbor Marina, boats have been launching to assist in the search for 35-year-old Reynier "Ray" Marino, the founder of Hellcat Power Boats in west Miami-Dade.

Friends said he is an experienced boater who left Pelican Harbor around 7 p.m. Tuesday night. They said Marino took out a boat he had just sold and was testing it.

The new owner, who was waiting at the marina, said when Marino did not show up, he alerted friends. His 30-foot boat with damage to its front starboard side was found near the Julia Tuttle Causeway between Miami and Miami Beach.

Multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, were involved in the search, which was being led by FWC.

"It's weird because he knows everything about boats and water. It's really sad," said Marino's friend Julio Labrada. "He is a good person, he helps a lot of people, he's a hard-working man."

Labrada told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "I feel depressed about this. He has a company that he created named Hellkat Powerboats. It would mean a lot to me of course if they found him."

Kent Ogilvie, who says he has been a boater for 50 years, says this is a reminder about how careful you have to be on the after.

"Basically it is like driving a car because you have to watch out for the other person. Boating can be very dangerous. Even a very experienced person can be caught off guard."

If you know anything about the missing man's whereabouts you should call Coast Guard Miami Sector at (305) 535-4472.

The search is set to resume Thursday morning.

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