The Panther 48 is certified to CE Category A-Ocean standard, while its everyday energy use relies more on sunlight and motion than on fossil fuel.
Design and Construction
The Panther 48 uses advanced carbon fibre, helping to keep lightship displacement to 8.5 tonnes despite a maximum beam of 8.05 metres and a hull length of 14.62 metres. A lightweight deck-gear layout and sleek carbon mast reflect the Eco Panther Series’ emphasis on simple, lightweight construction.
The lightweight structure does more than reduce displacement. It enhances both performance and energy efficiency, allowing the yacht to do more with less stored power.
Rig and Handling
Above the 20.91-metre masthead, the Panther 48 carries a self-tacking headsail. Together with the carbon spar and lightweight deck gear, the rig supports a straightforward layout intended for short-handed sailing. The deck arrangement also aims to simplify sailing and maintenance, in keeping with the series’ broader focus on simplicity and performance.
With the boards raised, draft is just 1.16 metres, giving access to shallow anchorages. Lowering the boards increases draft to 2.5 metres and provides the grip a voyaging multihull needs offshore.
Propulsion and Energy
A 48V primary system powers the propulsion, winches, water maker, and other equipment. Standard propulsion comes from 2 x 15 kW electric drives, which produce zero emissions.
A 104-square-metre solar array feeds the primary bus. At a cruising speed of 7.5 knots, the yacht consumes 16.11 kW. Hydro regeneration at 7 knots returns 1,680 watts; while sailing at lower speeds of around 7 knots, the yacht can regenerate approximately 1.6 kW. At higher speeds, much more than 2 kW is easily attainable.
A discreet backup generator supports extended motoring and ensures seamless operation. On days at anchor, however, the boat can run on solar power alone, with up to a 69% power surplus. Whether anchored or at sea, the series is designed for sustainable operation.
Accommodation and Capacities
The interior is airy and deliberately styled, with satin-black finishes, carbon highlights, and grey accents throughout. Floating furniture, soft lighting, and plush EVA half-deck finishes create a chic, inviting atmosphere.
Headroom ranges from 2.0 to 2.3 metres in both the saloon and the hulls. Combined with the restrained joinery, that gives the interior a generous sense of volume. The boat carries 400 litres of fresh water and 400 litres of fuel for extended cruising.
Verdict
The Panther 48 is a coherent take on the electric cruising multihull: lightweight, rich in solar capacity, and quietly self-sufficient. Its short-handed layout and regeneration-focused energy system make it a plausible ocean-certified home for two. The only conventional concession is its reliance on a discreet backup generator during long periods of motoring.
Pros
- Advanced carbon-fibre construction keeps lightship displacement to 8.5 t
- One 48V bus powers propulsion, winches, and the water maker
- 104 m² solar array provides up to a 69% surplus on days at anchor
- Hydro regeneration starts at about 1.6 kW under sail and increases with speed
- CE Category A-Ocean certification
- Self-tacking rig and lightweight deck gear suit short-handed sailing
Cons
- Extended motoring still depends on a backup generator
- The shallow 1.16 m board-up draft limits windward bite until the boards are lowered
