N.C. company goes 'green' with new boat

NORFOLK

Although many in the boating industry claim high fuel prices aren't stopping people from fishing, it's no secret that paying for gas is getting tougher and tougher.

Those at Egret Boats of Washington, N.C., say they have a solution.

After extensive testing, the company has come up with what it says might just be the most fuel-efficient fishing machine on the market.

The Egret 306 looks strikingly similar to just about any other 30-foot center-console fishing boat. But it uses about two-thirds less diesel fuel as comparable boats because its hull is so much lighter.

The 306 is part of the company's "green" movement.

"It's extremely fuel efficient," said Capt. Steve Miller of Morehead Yachts, the company sells the new boat. "Where some inboard (engine) boats burn 20, 25, even 30 gallons an hour at top speed, this one burns only 8 to 9. We've done lots of testing, and it holds up every time."

Egret's fuel-sipping fishing machine will be unveiled today at the fourth annual Virginia In-Water Boat Expo and Sailfest along the downtown Norfolk waterfront.

This year's show has an emphasis on going green.

There will be an entire "Boat Green" section. Included will be a hydrogen generator and an exhibition on green boating tips.

Joining the Egret 306 as a "green" boat will be the Scout 145 Hybrid, a boat powered by both a 20 horsepower Yamaha outboard and dual 36-volt electric drive motors mounted on either side of the outboard.

Other highlights at this year's show include the Miss Geico, considered the world's fastest offshore racing boat; a display of antique and classic boats; a display of 50 miniature, to-scale electric replications of military and civilian boats; and daily discussions on a wide array of boating and sailing topics.

Hundreds of boats also will be on display - some in the water and others on land.

The Egret is powered by a Volvo Penta Duoprop diesel engine that sits mid-ship. Buyers have a choice of three different engines, with all three generating 300 to 370 horsepower.

The boat weighs 1,500 to 2,000 pounds less than others in its class because the hull is built with carbon fiber and Kevlar.

The Egret 306 on display this weekend is the only one built so far.

Miller said it will take his company about two months to build each boat, which sells for a base cost of about $160,000.