By Andrew Bedggood
The Greenline 39 Hybrid with the company’s 6th generation hybrid propulsion system is a window into the future of recreational boating.
This hybrid has a diesel engine (Volvo Penta D3 220 hp), in line with an electric motor and gearbox, turning the propellor shaft. The electric motor is connected to a sophisticated energy management system (EMS) which controls the flow of electricity throughout the boat. When the diesel engine turns the propellor shaft it also turns the electric motor, causing it to generate electricity. The EMS channels the electricity, and that from the four rooftop solar panels, to recharge an array of lithium polymer batteries. When the diesel engine is shut down, and disengaged from the electric motor, the EMS directs electricity from the batteries to the electric motor to propel the boat. The change from diesel to electric propulsion is done at the helm station. After throttling down and stopping the diesel, the ‘hybrid’ switch is simply turned from ‘diesel’ to ‘electric’.
Under electric power the Greenline 39 can travel at 5-6 knots for about 20 nautical miles – running silently, except for the swish as you cruise through the water. This is ideal for navigating residential canals and marinas quietly and without diesel fumes. Cruising under diesel power at 7 knots, a range of about 700 nm is possible.
With the EMS channelling electricity from the batteries to an inverter that powers the onboard appliances, you are always comfortable while cruising, and there is no need for marina power when moored. Depending on conditions, a small family could enjoy a couple of days at anchor without having to run the diesel for power.
The lithium batteries’ charge needs to be monitored, however, and for efficiency, should be kept between 25% and 75% of capacity, so that they can easily be fast charged by the diesel engine if required. From a practical perspective, every detail of this boat has been considered – from the electric winch controlled tail gate aft, which extends the deck for swimming and sunbaking and closes for security when not in use, to the sunpad forward of the windscreen on the bow, where you can fully stretch out, while enjoying protection from too much sun with an integrated bimini.
The engine in the 39 has been shifted forward, enabling the space below the aft deck to be used for storage of water toys, fenders and other equipment that is best kept outside the living compartment. Designed as a ‘galley back’ configuration, and with a hatch that can be raised to link the galley with the aft lounge area, you can prepare food and refreshments while socialising. The galley includes a full-size refrigerator, induction cooktop and a convenient wet bar.
The walkarounds are asymmetrical, with the port walkway being narrower, creating additional space inside the living area, whereas the covered starboard walkway is wider for making your way to the bow. Surrounded by large windows, the living areas are filled with light which accentuates the internal timber accents throughout the vessel.
At the helm station, a sliding door allows access to the starboard deck for easy docking, two electrically operated sunroofs can be opened to allow fresh air to flow through the entire space. The console has twin Simrad displays, bow and stern thruster controls, throttles for the engine and, of course, the electric/diesel switch and battery monitoring displays. The energy management system is accessed by a hatch under the helm station.
There is a generous master cabin forward with twin beds which can be separated as a V-berth or joined as a queen bed. The cabin has excellent storage and an abundance of natural light through horizontal upper deck level windows high up on three sides and another lower down on both port and starboard flanks offering water views. Additionally, there is a quite compact guest cabin with similar bedding options. The master has internal access to the ensuite which has a basin with vanity cabinet and mirror, toilet, and enclosed shower.
These facilities are shared with the guest cabin.
Greenline has been manufacturing hybrid boats in Slovenia, central Europe, since 2009. The Greenline 39 Hybrid is a unique recreational boat that meets the expectations of modern boaters who are becoming increasingly sustainability-conscious for the good of our planet.
Published in print August-December 2024
