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from left to right: Michael Frauscher, Martin Weiss, Ralph Silverman, Mike Chrisman.

On Friday May 16th the world’s first hybrid recreational motor boat debuted at the St. Francis Yacht Club to an audience that included regional, national and international press, foreign dignitaries and State of California officials.
The new hybrid comes from renowned Austrian yacht manufacturer Frauscher who has equipped its full line of luxury boats with the breakthrough propulsion system in collaboration with Steyr Motors.
Hosting the launch was Frauscher Partner Ralph Silverman, the premier dealer in the USA of fine leisure boats with 5 branch offices in California.
To celebrate this innovation in hybrid technology, the event featured a historic signing of a Memorandum Of Understanding On Environmental Protection Between Austria And California by Austrian Consulate Martin Weiss, California Secretary for Environmental Protection, Linda Adams and California Secretary for Resources, Mike Chrisman.
On hand to witness this momentous occasion were ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX affiliates, KCBS radio and reporters from The San Francisco Chronicle, Oakland Tribune, Robb Report, Venture Beat, Veckans Affärer, and NTDTV.
The event opened with introductions by Frauscher Partner Ralph Silverman. Michael Frauscher, the managing director of Frauscher and Rudolph Mandorfer, the Chief Executive of Steyr Motors also spoke about the history of Frauscher and the importance and development of hybrid propulsion.
Following the press conference, dignitaries, special guests and the media were treated to sea trials on the sleek 757 St. Tropez. The warm weather made for perfect cruising on the bay as the crew of Ralph Silverman demonstrated the Hybrid boat’s unique features.
This environmentally friendly hybrid solution marks a new chapter in the history of pleasure craft propulsion. It not only assures zero emission and low speed maneuvering in harbors, noiseless drive on inland waters and nature reserves, but also eliminates the need for separate generator units for other onboard equipment.
The hybrid system offers a smooth, noiseless start and can move out of the marina without burning any fuel. The electric engine then smoothly and powerfully starts the diesel engine and the battery is recharged while the diesel engine provides efficient speed and acceleration.
The “zero emission” electric drive mode allows for a speed of 5 knots using solely electric propulsion and switches to the diesel engine with an easy turn of the key. The ingenious propulsion then gets “boosted” by the electric drive creating faster acceleration while lowering fuel consumption and improving response and dynamics.

Pictures: courtesy of "California Chris Chraft", San Franicsco, U.S.A.