I’ve been around boats and the yacht industry for over two decades now, and I’ll be honest with you—very little truly surprises me anymore. Over the years, we’ve seen some major advancements: joystick controls and dynamic positioning, glass cockpit systems, pod drive propulsion, and more recently, hybrid drivetrains and advanced lithium battery integration. Each of these moved the needle in meaningful ways, making boating more intuitive, more efficient, and more comfortable. But what I saw this past March at the Palm Beach International Boat Show completely changed my expectations of what a yacht can be.
I stepped aboard the Silent 60 for the first time—and wow. It’s not just another electric yacht. Silent Yachts is doing something no one else is doing, with a level of innovation that feels less like an evolution and more like a revolution.
The Technology That Changes Everything
Silent Yachts has created a proprietary solar-electric drivetrain system that’s not just whisper-quiet—it’s reliable, proven, and honestly kind of jaw-dropping when you see it in action. They’ve cracked the code in a way no other builder has. This isn’t a hybrid add-on or a solar gimmick—it’s a true platform designed to handle long-distance cruising with extreme efficiency and far less reliance on fossil fuels than traditional yachts.
The system is elegant, efficient, and—maybe best of all—built to reduce the mechanical headaches that so often come with traditional propulsion setups. Anyone who’s spent time maintaining complex systems offshore will immediately see the value in that.
Quality and Style, the Italian Way
Beyond the tech, the boat is simply beautiful. The 60 I toured was smartly laid out, extremely well-built, and had that unmistakable style and flair that only comes from a top-tier Italian yard. From the fit and finish to the way the boat moved through the water—it all felt right.
And now that Silent Yachts has proven the platform with the 60, they’re not slowing down. The upcoming Silent 80 is on the horizon, and even more exciting, a 120 Explorer is in the works. They’re building a true fleet—each one purpose-built to be clean, quiet, and capable.
A West Coast Game-Changer
Here’s where it gets really exciting for us on the West Coast.
The Sea of Cortez, Baja, the Channel Islands, even longer-range missions down to mainland Mexico—this is exactly the kind of environment where a Silent makes sense. Long days on anchor with full solar charging, silent operation in peaceful bays, and minimal need to run a generator while you sip a cold drink under the stars. Sounds good, right?
From a lifestyle and cruising perspective, this is one of the best platforms I’ve seen for our waters. And from a sustainability perspective—it’s the future we’ve all been hoping for.
Ready to See One?
Now for the fine print: there aren’t any Silent Yachts on the West Coast… yet. But honestly, that’s a small hurdle. These boats are absolutely worth the trip to see in person. The team at Silent will be hosting a special yard event in Italy this July 11–12, which is a rare chance to see how these boats are built and meet the people behind the innovation.
Or, if Italy’s a little far for you this summer, I can help arrange a private showing in Florida. That’s where the magic happens—and where you can experience first-hand what makes a Silent so different.
Let’s Talk Boats
If you’re intrigued (and I know you are), give me a call. Let’s talk about your cruising plans, what you’re looking for in a yacht, and whether a Silent is the right fit for you.
As a Preferred Partner with Silent Yachts, we’re not just here to guide you through the sales process—we’re with you after the sale too. From commissioning to support and beyond, we’re committed to making sure you’re taken care of every step of the way.
This is the future of yachting, and I’d love to help you be part of it.
—
Mark Gibbons
50 North Yachts
Preferred Broker for Silent Yachts
(619) 997-9491
mgibbons@50NorthYachts.com
www.50northyachts.com/silent-yachts