Marvin: Eco-friendly catamaran

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Marvin the Martian: Eco catamaran
(2010)

Type
Cruising catamaran
Size
50' (15 meters)
Progress
Concept
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"Marvin the Martian" is a 50' eco-sustainable fiberglass cruising catamaran. The need of becoming "green" has become a pressing matter in boating during recent years. This project's goal was to create a boat capable of being autonomous and self-sufficient from an energy standpoint.

This type of boat is placed right between sailing and motor boating. Since sailing has always been the most eco-friendly way to cruise the seas, this project suggests the creation of a third category of boating that bears characteristics found in both sailing and motorboats. This necessity - an eco-sustainable motorboat - derives from the market's needs; in fact, only a 10% of the international boating market corresponds to acquisitions of sailing boats. The low percentage can be explained by numerous factors, not least of which is the need for a very specific instruction in order to sail. The remaining 90% prefers to experience sea life in a more indirect way so, therefore, the idea of offering a cruise yacht that does not require particular abilities or instruction, while at the same time remaining eco-sustainable - providing low gas consumption and a silent navigation - could become an intriguing alternative.

In order to achieve these goals, an abundance of design decisions had to be taken. First and foremost, the choice of two hulls. This decision allowed for less resistance in the water and therefore less propulsion energy. The boat is designed to be constructed using the most advanced technologies in the field today; vacuum infusion epoxy resins and Kevlar laminates where employed to achieve a lightweight yet inexpensive hull. The same lightweight approach was employed for the superstructure by using modern materials that conform to EU regulations. The multihull also allows for more space above deck; this provides an area of 35 sq m (380 sq f) of photovoltaic panels, supplying the vessel with enough energy to become self-sufficient.

Propulsion relies on an electric/diesel engine, presenting various options to the user; from a completely "electrical" propulsion, to a completely diesel one. The first option offers a 30Nm of autonomy at a 5 kn cruising speed, while a combination of electric and diesel propulsion can achieve a 487Nm autonomy at 9 kn, by consuming only 400 liters of fuel. Services onboard are comprised of A+ Energy Efficiency class equipment and LED illumination. The openings found on deck are strategically placed in order to provide sufficient daylight and flow of air so as to eliminate the need of A/C, which would require vast amounts of energy.

These technological innovations don't come bundled in a blunt and unimaginative shell, though. The boat's captivating lines and broad spaces, both externally and internally, create an aggressive profile, without giving up on space comfort. The catamaran can accommodate up to 8 guests in its two hulls, whilst on deck level a kitchen - with an unobstructed view of the bow, a dinette and a living room provide the relaxing space for all day-to-day activities, illuminated by large apertures in the boat's shell.

Marvin has been featured on:

- Superyachttimes: Mal-Vi Architects unveils an eco-friendly catamaran
- Charterworld: The Marvin 50 eco-sustainable motor cruising catamaran design
- SuperYachtDesign: Marvin the Martian
- Yanko Design: Yacht So Green it’s Alien
- Inhabitat: Marvin the Martian: An Eco-Friendly Solar-Powered Pleasure Boat
- Engadget: Meet Marvin, the ginormous solar-assisted catamaran
- Ecofriend: Marvin the Martian pleasure boat cruises on solar energy
- Greenlaunches: Marvin the Martian cruising catamaran powered by solar energy
- Oceanshaker: The Eco-Sustainable Catamaran Marvin The Martian
- FirstLuxe: Marvin, le cata’ à la fibre écolo