VENMAR B


uilt by the Italian boat builder Venmar, Respiro is the first vessel to be available with Yamaha’s HARMO electric propulsion


unit. Founded in Venice in 1969, Venmar specialise in the design and production of both water taxis and unique private vessels. The heritage within the Venmar brand is evident in every boat through their range and up to the 12m private boats. Even today, these boats are handcrafted using traditional techniques and an exquisite attention to detail, making them an ideal partner for the Yamaha HARMO. Respiro itself is crafted from carbon fibre and mahogany creating a monolithic hull which is incredibly


The boat was recently awarded ‘Boat of the Year’ at the 2022 Venice Boat Show by a distinguished panel of judges, including Eng. Paola Gualeni (Professor at the University of Genoa), Carlo Nuvolari (Nuvolari & Lenard), Giorgio Gallo (Rina) and Gianni Darai (Assonautica).


The carbon, linen-fibre and mahogany vacuum infused hull makes the Respiro extremely light at 700kg and combined with the engine it generates about 225 pounds of thrust, or about the same output at a 10hp petrol outboard.


The HARMO (short for harmony) is mounted on the transom in the normal way, but the steering all takes place under the water with the drive leg rotating up to 140 degrees side to side, while the unit above the water remains fixed in place. It’s great for tight spaces and small marinas and allows the boat to be completed rotated within its own length.


Unlike for other engines, the HARMO does not have a propeller, instead it uses an encased impeller that acts and looks more like


stiff, and light weight at just 700kg gross weight. But don’t just take our word for it, the vessel is already winning prestigious awards. During last month’s Venice Boat Show 2022, Venmar won the prize “Boat of the year”. Awarded by the Italian magazine “Vela e Motore” with the judges: Eng.Paola Gualeni (Professor at the University of Genoa), Carlo Nuvolari (Nuvolari Lenard), Giorgio Gallo (Rina), Gianni Darai (Assonautica). A great honour especially as it was in their home city and one the whole team were very proud of. For more details visit www.venmar.it


a bow thruster. In theory, the impeller is safer than an equivalent exposed prop would be and the leg can be raised up to keep it out of the water when not in use, or if ever you wanted to beach the boat on a shallow gradient shore.


According to Yamaha, HARMO can be run as a single engine on vessels up to 21 feet or used in a twin configuration to push boats up to 32 feet.


The Respiro is a low-speed, displacement hull and is clearly not designed for the rough and tumble of ship to shore guest transfers, or for towing inflatable toys around! In fact it’s more about enjoying the peace, quiet and serenity of the journey itself, perhaps an important life-lesson in there for all of us.


We shall surely see more electric and hybrid tenders hit the market over the coming years and we are pleased to see many ‘traditionally’ gasoline engine manufacturers getting involved with their own electric engines and enhancing the battery technology, so watch this space.


54 | SUMMER 2022 | ONBOARD


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