Jake Kavanagh
A former editor of Motor Boats Monthly magazine and a life-long boating enthusiast, Jake Kavanagh has spent 35 years as a full-time marine journalist. As IBI’s technical editor, Jake honed his skills as technical editor on several leading UK boating titles, including Practical Boat Owner, European Boat Builder, Sailing Today, The Marine Professional and Superyacht Business. He is also an author and illustrator, specialising in marine themes.
- Green Technologies
New Green Hydrogen plant in Japan paves the way to upscale global production
Four modules at Kawasaki are being tested under ‘real world’ conditions, including operation during maintenance periods and from low power supplies at night
- Outboard engines
The Stealth Switch. One motor, multiple voltages
US-based Stealth Electric Outboards has develope version where the motor can be upgraded from 24V to 96V simply by adding extra batteries in series.
- Electrifcation
Recreational e-boats to feed the grid?
New Virtual Bunkering for Electric Vessels (VBEV) concept under test in the UK
- Battery Technologies
‘Engine shaped’ fuel cell could be a retrofit package for boats
The development of a much smaller heat exchanger and other compact parts has made the IE DRIVE fuel cell the most compact and powerful in its class, with an output of 157kW.
- Green Technologies
Green hydrogen can be made using wastewater from whisky distillation
Scottish researchers use nano tech to make the wastewater suitable for electrolysis
- Electrifcation
Vita Power's new integrated ecosystem to fast track boat builders' electric ambitions
Engineers at Vita Power’s UK factory create all-electric powertrains for new boats and assist OEMs to effectively convert existing models. IBI was given a tour, and a sea trial
- Green Technologies
Custom sealing materials accelerate hydrogen roll out
Marine industry targeted for accelerated development, along with chemical processing aerospace and road transport
- Battery Technologies
Battery prices fall by 90% in the last 15 years
Whilst the upfront cost of batteries for electric boats remains a major barrier to greater take-up, the good news is that prices have been falling steadily and are likely to continue to do so.
- Stabilisation
The self-levelling yacht - CMC Marine spearheads use of advanced sensor tech
Harnessing artificial intelligence with powerful and responsive actuators and hydrodynamic comtrol surfaces can eliminate much of the movement associated with seasickness
- Paints and Coatings
Latest trends in topcoats and antifouling
The marine coatings sector is moving towards products that have a longer life with improved gloss and durability, whilst a biocide approval bottleneck has led to big move towards silicon-based antifoulings
- Decking
Template-free designer decks
UK-based AquaDeck demonstrates a new way of designing non-slip panels that greatly enhances accuracy and reduces waste
- Green Technologies
Highlights from the Green Tech Boat Show
With a focus on green tech, last weekend’s South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show in Southampton, UK, attracted some 4,000 visitors. Two initaitves in particular caught IBI’s eye
- Foiling
Insight | Foiling and range extension
How foils combined with the latest drone tech are extending cruising range
- Paints and Coatings
Topcoats and antifouling - Real wood? No, it’s paint
Motorboats built by Breedham Yachts feature the classic look of real hardwood trim.
- Paints and Coatings
Topcoats and antifouling - The issue of isocyanates
According to the UK’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE), isocyanates are used in some water-based paints, most primers and undercoats and nearly all lacquers.
- Inboard engines
More fast chargers for Australia
The larger e-inboards also require the ability to fast charge, and companies such as Aqua Superpower continue to extend rechargers in popular cruising areas in Europe and the US. The most recent chargers have been installed in Sweden.
- Inboard engines
Drop-in and bolt-on tech for inboards
Even the smallest craft can benefit from a modular inboard motor, which explains the rise of the electric jetski and jet-powered tender.
- Inboard engines
Amping up electric inboard propulsion
Inboard electric propulsion systems are returning better power-to-weight ratio as OEMs harness advances from all sectors of ‘e-mobility’. Meanwhile, fuel cell and hybrid technology is helping to eliminate range anxiety