Electric boat manufacturer Vita has confirmed that its 10.5-meter (34 ft 5 in) flagship, the LION, will be constructed at Hodgdon Yachts in East Boothbay, Maine. Hodgdon, founded in 1816 and still family-owned, is the oldest continuously operating shipyard in the United States and has a long reputation for building high-quality tenders and custom craft for the superyacht market. The partnership marks a notable step for both companies as more builders move into electric propulsion.

Vita’s development path and earlier prototypes

Vita, founded in 2017 and organized into Vita Yachts and Vita Power divisions, has steadily developed electric boat technology through a series of prototypes. Its initial 9-meter prototype, the Vita IX, won both the speed and endurance classes at the 2018 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, showcasing the company’s emphasis on performance and reliability. A subsequent 10-meter prototype, the Electrix dayboat, also performed well at the Monaco event the following year, helping establish Vita’s credibility in the electric-marine sector.

Performance, propulsion and battery

The LION was introduced as Vita’s flagship model in 2020. The dayboat is engineered for spirited performance, with reported top speeds exceeding 35 knots and an efficient cruise speed around 22 knots. Propulsion comes from Vita Power’s V4 electric motor, which delivers a peak output of 590 horsepower. The LION is fitted with a 233-kWh onboard battery pack that supports both AC and DC charging. Vita reports the battery can enable approximately 90 minutes of cruising at 22 knots, while mixed-speed use should allow for a full day on a single charge under typical conditions.

Fast recharging is part of the LION’s operational concept: the battery is compatible with DC fast charging and can reportedly recharge in under an hour when connected to a high-capacity DC fast charger (DCFC). Vita has cited compatibility with the marine fast-charging network Aqua superPower as part of the vessel’s charging strategy, enabling shorter turnaround times between outings.

Design, layout and onboard features

The LION was engineered by Vita in the United Kingdom and styled by BorromeodeSilva in Milan. The layout is aimed at versatile dayboat use while maximizing comfort and practicality. The cockpit converts into a dining area to accommodate social outings, and the otherwise sporty deck plan includes a generous sunpad, an integrated shower, and a swim ladder for boarding from the water. An enclosed cabin contains a daybed, a head, and a sink, making the boat usable for extended day trips and comfortable shelter in changing weather.

The boat’s accommodation is designed for up to eight passengers, delivering a balance of performance and hospitality typical of modern luxury dayboats, but with an electric propulsion system to reduce emissions and the environmental footprint while operating in sensitive marine areas.

Production, trials and ambitions

With construction set to take place at Hodgdon Yachts, Vita is combining its electric propulsion and naval engineering with Hodgdon’s centuries-long craftsmanship. The LION is scheduled to begin sea trials this summer in both the South of France and in the United States, marking the next stage in validation before series production or deliveries.

“Our vision was to create a boat with no compromise in terms of user experience, performance and functionality while also ensuring the least impact possible on the marine environment in which it operates,” said Rory Trahair, CEO of Vita’s Yachts Division, in a company statement. “This collaboration with Hodgdon combines our technical innovation and their centuries of craftsmanship at the highest levels to produce the most advanced electric powerboat built to date.”

What this means for electric boating

The partnership between Vita and Hodgdon underscores a broader industry shift: traditional boatbuilders and established shipyards are increasingly partnering with electric propulsion specialists to bring mature, high-performance electric boats to market. By placing production at a historic yard like Hodgdon, Vita aims to blend modern electric technology with time-tested boatbuilding skills, potentially accelerating customer confidence and adoption of electric powerboats in both leisure and luxury segments.

As sea trials proceed, observers will be watching real-world performance, charging logistics, and how the LION’s balance of speed, range and amenities translates into owner experience. If the LION meets its published targets, it will represent a significant entry in the evolving market for high-performance electric dayboats.