Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Pagurus, a solar-powered amphibious catamaran capable of moving also on land

Italian yacht design firm Lazzarini has presented yet another innovative watercraft called the “Pagurus” or the “Crabmaran”. The solar-powered amphibious Crabmaran should be 25 meters long and be able to navigate the land as well as the water.

Still, in development, this catamaran has cylinder screws with long threads under the hulls, which provide electricity and propulsion in the water at a speed of up to 24 knots (28 mph or 44 km/h). In mud and sand, the extended screws can accelerate the catamaran up to 35 km/h (22 mph). Energy is obtained from solar panels on the deck.

Pagurus, a solar-powered amphibious catamaran capable of moving also on land.
Pagurus can accommodate up to 8 passengers, plus 4 crew members. Credit: Lazzarini

The Pagurus Catamaran divides the living spaces into two lateral hulls, connected to each other by a steel bridge structure. The twin hulls, also in steel, can be configured on each side with 2 or 3 bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Pagurus can accommodate up to 8 passengers, plus 4 crew members.

The amphibious catamaran‘s propulsion is obtained with two propellers at the stern, coupled to two 890 hp diesel engines, capable of moving the vessel at an estimated maximum speed of 24 knots. An electric motor and a large area of solar panels are also planned. The central platform has a large freight elevator powered by four winches; it is possible to disembark vehicles.

Pagurus, a solar-powered amphibious catamaran capable of moving also on land.
The Crabmaran is able to navigate the land as well as the water. Credit: Lazzarini

Specifications:

  • Material: 69% forged steel, 31% painted dry carbon fiber
  • L.O.A: 25 meters (82 ft)
  • Beam: 9.2 meters (30 ft)
  • Height: 5.2 meters (16.5 ft)
  • Engines number: 6 – total power on board 3540 hp
  • Engines water mode: 2x Caterpillar (890 hp each)
  • Engines terrain mode: 4x Yanmar diesel (440 hp each)
  • Hybrid propulsion: transfluid transmission
  • Draft/immersion: from 1,600 mm to 1,800 mm (screws out)
  • Dry displacement: 52,000 kg (114,640 lb)
  • Weight : 52,999 kg (116,842 lb)
  • Cruising speed (water): 18 knots
  • Max speed (water): 25 knots
  • Cruising speed (terrain): 20 km/h (12.5 mph)
  • Max speed (terrain): 35 km/h (22 mph)
  • Electric motion max speed (water): 6 knots
  • Electric motion max speed (terrain): 15 Km/h (9.3 mph)
  • Fuel: diesel
  • Fuel tank capacity: 8,000 lt
  • Water Capacity: 1,000 lt

The company claims that the Pagurus Catamaran will take two years to build. The price for the base model will be €6,580,000 ($7,948,311), while the Crabmaran version will cost €24,000,000 ($28,990,800). This curious boat was first thought of as a military vehicle, but it ended up being devised as a superyacht for various reasons.