GLEN JUSTICE
If you are interested in the growing trend toward electric propulsion, you should see the Lear 204 Electric Boat, which the company says is the first of its kind to be designed from the keel up. Whatever the case, the Lear definitely has some unique and compelling features.
The Lear 204 is driven by a 36-volt DC motor, powered by six AGM batteries, and a custom 5-blade E-Prop that was designed for low-RPM propulsion. The hull, with a 20-foot, 4-inch LOA, was engineered to minimize resistance and wake.
The result is a boat designed to cruise at 5 mph — and that's about it. The top end is only about 6 mph, and the company's enhanced engine package, designed to accommodate areas with tidal surge, gives the boat 7.6 mph. As the company literature puts it, "the Lear 204 is not about speed."
The company says the Lear 204 will run for about 10 hours at 5 mph, giving it a range of 50 miles. A full recharge takes about 10 hours, and can be accomplished in any 20-amp, 110-volt outlet.
A UNIQUE RIDE
The Lear 204 is definitely a unique ride.
One major feature on the Lear 204 is the retractable hard top. Sitting atop four large actuators, it can be raised electrically to provide cover and is fitted with soft acrylic windows to keep out weather. The boat accommodates 9 to 11 adults with the top up.
When lowered, the boat becomes a two-person craft. The hatch (in grey above) flips to create a two-person cockpit around the helm, and the rest of the hard top can be used as a sun pad. See the Lear website for how this looks in action.
The company says the fiberglass hard top is all that is needed to secure the boat for trailering, storage or docking. No canvas is needed. The top also has safety features, to avoid catching people or gear in the closing, and can be operated from the helm or a key switch.
The interior of the Lear is appointed with a teak table, insulated cooler, a JBL sound system and overhead lighting that can be switched to red to peserve night vision. The transom has a swim platform andretractable ladder. Options include a freshwater sink, shower and 12-volt recepticle for appliances. A fixed hard top, or just canvas, are also available.
The boat has a beam of 8 feet, 5-inches and draws 22 inches. We did not get a base price from the manufacturer, but internet listings for a used Lear 204 ran in the $49,000 range.
