The creation of a brand
Jerôme Clément, founder of Bagou Boat, is not at his first try when it comes to boat design and construction. This manager of an electricity company in Lorient has already given life to two amateur constructions: a catamaran and a sailing trimaran.
Passionate about sailing and windsurfing in his spare time, he decided this time to launch a series production with a first model of electrically powered catamaran, with an overall length of 7.30 m, the Bagou 7.0.
"The choice of the catamaran is justified by the search for a minimum of drag in the water to obtain a high-performance electric boat" explains Xavier Petitcolin, in charge of marketing and business development.
After the presentation of a model in December 2018 at the Nautic de Paris, the boat has been under construction since April 2019 in the workshops of Sailwood, a carpentry company and yard in Lorient. The launch is scheduled for early July. For the design, Jerôme Clément worked in collaboration with naval architect Julien Marin, spécialisé? in the construction of plywood/epoxy boats. The result is a refined and sober design with inverted bows.
The first model will be officially launched at the Grand Pavois (La Rochelle) in September 2019.
Coastal or river navigation
Approved in category C, for a coastal cruise or river navigation programme (or lakes), the Bagou 7.0 can accommodate up to 10 people. As standard, it is also designed for people with reduced mobility.
This open catamaran is designed for day sailing. "The program is the coastal walk, hence the use of electric motors. The objective is to go as far as possible without consuming too much. We focused on the energy performance of the boat" xavier explains.
With a fully open deck layout, the Bagou 7.0 offers several different living spaces. The front is occupied by a large square with different table formats as an option. The central cockpit has a galley area to starboard, just in front of the cockpit and a cabinet that can be transformed into a toilet. At the stern, there is an L-shaped bench to port and a single bench to starboard, set back from the central helm station where the pilot is seated.
As an option, a retractable and foldable bimini and a sun canopy will probably be offered. While only one model is planned for the moment, other versions may be released in the coming years. "The architecture of the platform can allow us to adapt different deck plans. Why not think of a fishing version for a walk, for example?" supports Xavier.
Electric motorization or thermal option
The hulls are left partially empty to accommodate batteries or a fuel tank for internal combustion engines. Because if the Bagou 7.0 is above all designed to sail cleanly and silently, especially on lakes or canals, it will nevertheless be able to accommodate internal combustion engines up to 2x75 HP. "We recommend small powers, between 2x20 and 2x30 CH in order to avoid overmotorization" explains Xavier. The hull is optimized to sail between 5 and 15 knots.
"Some brands design boats designed to accommodate internal combustion engines and offer electric motors to give them a "green" image. With Bagou Boats it's the other way around. The boat is first developed for electric, but nevertheless designed for thermal to have a complete offer" xavier explains.
As far as electric motorization is concerned, Bagou Boat offers 4 choices: 2x2kW/2x4 kW/2x6 kW or 2x10. "Bagou 7.0 has been optimized to receive up to 2x50 kW. It will not be immediately in the catalogue, but can be installed on specific request of a customer" explains Xavier. The hull is optimized to sail between 5 and 15 knots.
Price: between 45?000 and 50?000 ? and up to 85?000 ? depending on engines and options.
