Project Sea Silent is the retrofit of a 50–60 ft vessel into a series-hybrid diesel-electric liveaboard. The drivetrain follows a locomotive-style architecture: the diesel engines drive generators rather than the propellers, and electric motors turn the shafts, powered by the generators and an onboard battery bank. The result is quiet running, extended range, and a working case that older vessels can be given a second life instead of being scrapped.
The conversion is engineered around common, commercially available components, so the finished vessel isn't a one-off — it's a documented, repeatable blueprint for the wider fleet of aging trawlers and motoryachts. The build is documented publicly from day one, and once complete, the vessel tours North American boat shows as a live demonstration of hybrid propulsion.
The studies behind the design decisions — published as they're completed, updated with measured data from sea trials.
How sponsorship negotiations are structured: what the project owns, what sponsors own, and what can be licensed.
The Sea Silent channel documents the full arc — hull search through refit to the show circuit — on YouTube.
The build is documented publicly from day zero — this site, the engineering appendix, and the Sea Silent YouTube channel are live, and sponsor outreach is underway.
Major funding secured; a suitable 50–60 ft vessel sourced and purchased.
Full refit: series-hybrid diesel-electric drivetrain, battery bank and solar array, engineered ventilation and corrosion control, and the liveaboard interior.
Sea trials and shakedown cruises — performance, efficiency, and acoustic data collected and published as measured.
The North American boat show tour: the vessel as a live, in-person demonstration platform.
Sponsorship and partnership inquiries: drmurray@seasilent.com