Torrente To Attack Electric-Outboard Watercraft Speed Record In 32-Foot Hellkats Catamaran

Established on Coniston Water—a famed hotbed of water-speed records in United Kingdom—in 2020 by a Jaguar V20E racing boat designed and built by the British car builder and Williams Advanced Engineering of Formula 1 fame, the current electric-outboard-motor-powered boat speed record stands at 88.6 mph. That will change if two-time tunnel-boat world champion and current offshore racing Super Stock-class competitor Shaun Torrente of Shaun Torrente Racing in Southwest Florida, Miami-based Hellkats Powerboats owner Rey Marino and the team at Canada’s Vision Marine Technologies have their way as today they announced a collaboration to create the world’s fastest electric outboard boat.

An accomplished powerboat racer, Shaun Torrente plans to pilot a 32-foot catamaran powered by twin 180-hp electric outboard motors to a new electric-outboard boat speed record. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

Marino and the Hellkats crew are providing the vessel in the form of a 32-foot Hellkats Super-Sport Widebody catamaran. Vision Marine Technologies is handling the twin 180-hp, 160-kilowatt E-Motion electric outboards for the 32-footer. Not only will Torrente drive the cat in the record attempt, he’ll work with VMT and Hellkats to design the lower unit section of the engine, help with fabrication and rigging and handle setup of the boat.

“I’m pleased to be working with Vision Marine Technologies and Hellkats Powerboats on this advanced new project,” said Torrente in a joint press release from all three companies. “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.”

According to the release, the 180 E-Motion outboard is the company’s flagship engine and 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 the electric motor design utilizing extensive control software.”

The principals said they hope to field a record attempt by the end of the year. A formal timeline for the project completion and record attempt has not been released. But when the project is finished, Torrente will be more than ready to go.

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

Torrente To Attack Electric-Outboard Watercraft Speed Record In 32-Foot Hellkats Catamaran

Address

Quick Links