by Gonzalo Coterillo
•
2 September 2023
The electric llaut Medvolt M7 was presented at the Palma Boat Show 2022, a year and a half after its presentation, there are already 6 of them sailing in different parts of the Balearic Islands and the Mediterranean coast and we are manufacturing the 7th one. For a family shipyard like ours it is a great success, and what makes us most happy is the positive feedback from everyone who tries it. Apart from being a boat that offers a silent and emission free navigation, its wide deck with a classic look offers a very comfortable and quality experience. It is perfectly adapted to the most demanding customers, 2 Llauts M7 are working exclusively with 5 star hotels and the feedback from customers who enjoy it could not be more positive. The manufacturing secret of our M7 is the judicious choice of the best materials and suppliers. We have conscientiously chosen each component to ensure they are durable, practical, sustainable and offer a premium experience. For example, on the deck we use Flexiteek installed by Extreme Marine Solutions, in our opinion the best synthetic teak on the market. These days it is not easy to find teak wood and be sure that it is sustainably and ethically sourced. Much of the teak wood comes from countries that are being illegally deforested. Alternatively, Flexiteek offers a very similar feel and look to teak, if you don't look closely it looks like teak, but offers great longevity with minimal maintenance, it can be easily cleaned without chemicals. And for every 10m2 Flexiteek sells, they plant a tree, so they keep their carbon footprint low. For carpentry and woodwork, such as the gunwale, rodas, rudder, mast, etc, we rely on Maestro D'Aixa Sebastià Vidal (Barques de Fusta), a renowned craftsman from Mallorca, with extensive experience in the construction and repair of traditional llauts. We always choose wood with sustainability certificates. For the pulleys and the rigging of the lateen sail, we have opted for the "jewels" that Joan Ramón Bordoy, an expert in the traditional navigation of Mallorca and its culture, creates in an artisan way and with renewable energy sources. As for the shaft and propeller, we have worked hand in hand with Vetus to develop a propeller specially optimised for electric motors, with 4 blades and adapted to work at the optimum speed for electric motors. We achieve the best performance with minimum vibration and turbulence. For the upholstery we rely on Cerberus Boats, using top quality materials for the bench cushions and for the deck sundeck. Very comfortable, durable and tailored to the tastes of our customers. For the lateen sail and the traditional awning, we have always relied on Velas Matheu, who with more than 35 years of experience ensure a classic and quality product. Another controversial element is antifouling. The function of antifouling is to prevent the growth of algae and organisms on the hull of the boat, as they slow the boat down. Traditionally, paints with biocides or heavy metals have been used, i.e. paints that are harmful to organisms. But the same active element to prevent algae growth is continuously released into the marine environment. Generally the antifouling "wears out" within 12 months, and has to be reapplied every year. Internationally these products are starting to be regulated because of their environmental damage. As an alternative we have chosen Hempel Silic One antifouling, a silicone based product, which instead of "killing" the algae, prevents it from sticking to the hull, and allows it to be easily cleaned with a sponge or rag. In addition, there is no need to repaint it every year, as it offers a durability of 2 years or more. With regard to the latest generation of motors and lithium batteries, we have Torqeedo batteries, Water World motors and recently we have incorporated inboard motors and ePropulsion batteries, from the expert hand of Sole Iberia. And our supplier par excellence for fittings and other components is Marine Point, a large selection of products always in stock. Medvolt would like to thank all our suppliers, without their effort and trust in the project we would not be here. Innovating and creating something different is never easy, but with our team and the help of our suppliers everything is possible.