On test. Greenline 45 Fly HDrive: the boat that holds the perfect balance between the present and the future of yachting, capable of revolutionizing the seas
Those who think that green yachting is just a fleeting trend or a passenger fad are greatly wrong, and Greenline 45 Fly HDrive is clear proof of this. One of the exhibitors at the recently held Venice Boat Show, the Slovenian shipyard Greenline Yachts has been designing and manufacturing hybrid-powered boats since 2008. For the past few years, the production has also included full electric models.
Maybe astonishing at first glance, but also at the Venice Boat Show, where one side of the P2 pier was specifically reserved for electric boats, it was possible to realize the importance and the giant strides that hybrid/electric propulsion has been making in recent years in the field of boating, with full respect to our seas.
Greenline’s is a real revolution in the way of experiencing the sea, which, with yachts of this size, is getting closer and closer to some of the advantages of sailing: zero emissions and no noise. Now you can enjoy cruising just with the lapping of the sea on the hull…something impossible on a 45-footer, you say? Let’s find out together.
Greenline 45 Fly Hdrive Sea Trial
The day is nothing short of perfect here in Venice: sunshine, a cool sea breeze coming and going, and lots of people who have come to visit the Boat Show.
We climb on board the Greenline 45 Fly HDrive around lunchtime; it is moored at P1 dock, next to the smaller 39- and 40-foot Greenline models. We immediately get the helm seat, open the sliding glass door overlooking the starboard side-deck, and begin unmooring under the curious eyes of the visitors who have stopped on the dock.
Many of them catch a glimpse of this 40-footer while leaving the dock without the sound of engines, without a wake, and they are astonished at this scene, believing such a thing impossible, wondering how a boat of this size can perform like this… I can’t blame them, I kind of understand them.
The feeling on board is strange, I confess, the feeling of sailing in a family yacht confuses me a bit, but I quickly get used to it, and it is beautiful.
The hull is designed to handle the sea perfectly, which turns into a feeling of smoothness and extreme comfort aboard. Once we get out into the Venice Lagoon, things get more complicated, there is a lot of traffic, and it is not an easy area in which to test the Greenline 45 Fly HDrive, but we did, and she performed really well.
We start our navigation, gradually speeding up to see how far the electric motors can go and with what results: idling at 1.7 knots we recorded a consumption of 1.39 kw with a residual range of a good 33 hours; at 4.7 knots, with a consumption of 14.5 kw the boat guarantees navigation for a good 3 hours, which is more than enough if you want to move from one bay to another or even from a port to another, with a pleasant (not racing, of course) speed.
Such performance result from the special attention the shipyard also pays to the weight distribution and undoubtedly to the study of the water lines of the hull which, as I mentioned earlier, is not only really smooth under way but also gives pleasant performance under electric power.
As we almost reach the Canal Grande we are continually being overtaken left and right by steamers, ferries and small boats, so we decide to turn on the two Yanmar 370-hp diesel engines to quickly get us out of that situation. The engines installed in this boat are not the standard Greenline 320-hp ones, but they can be installed as an option.
Switching 
from one mode to the other is very easy, we slow down from the electric and turn on the two buttons on the control dashboard, in an instant the noise of the engines starts to be heard and the wake appears (for the first time since we left) at the stern.
We try to get out of the chaotic mouth of the Canal Grande and, speeding up, turn left to head back toward the Arsenal. In turning, the boat remains stable and safe, the power of the diesel engines helps us get out of this chaos easily, and the guests on board hardly notice we are already going back.
The 45-degree crossing with the rather formed waves is passed with flying colors by Greenline 45 Fly HDrive, which in a few moments brings us back to the calmest stretch of sea in the Venice Lagoon. At maximum power the two diesel engines reach 25 knots, with a consumption of just over 100 l/h.
To return to the Arsenal, we decide to turn the electric mode back on and turn off the diesel engines: the wake goes away, the noises are zeroed out, and the navigation becomes incredible again.
What’s more, these few minutes of using the conventional engines have allowed us ti charge the batteries of the electric engines. The solar panels on the Flybridge then allow to power the large 230 V refrigerator and the other on-board amenities such as the oven, microwave, TV, and even air conditioning that need power without having to turn on the generator, even when at anchor.
If the batteries are running low in navigation and we have to continue in traditional mode, with a medium speed, the batteries will be charged in a maximum of 30 to 40 minutes, being then able to easily resume electric navigation.
In electric mode it is precisely on the 4 to 5.5 kn range that Greenline 45 Fly HDrive is designed to go and perform at her best, with a semi-displacement speed and total silence: in my opinion, the right way to experience the sea. The boat is extremely comfortable, spacious, safe, and plus it takes care of our seas. It is proof that being sustainable and practical in boating is possible.
The Greenline 45 Fly Hdrive in detail
Exteriors
The exterior lines conform to other Greenline models, the design with a modern and clean character retain the most important features needed at sea: comfort and safety. Often neglected, these features, on Greenline 45 Fly HDrive instead, have been decisive and have resulted in winning choices.
Starting from the stern we immediately notice one thing: the hydraulic stern platform allows easy boarding and just as comfortably allows guests access to the water. In this version, the “open air” galley has been placed right on the large aft garage door, and not on the flybridge, but this layout is customizable to the owner’s taste.
Three steps on either side of the garage door give access to the main deck, which opens with a large aft cockpit, where a large settee with height-adjustable hydraulic table is located. A drop-down table joins the galley area, which opens with a large window to the cockpit, and allows for a connection of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Safety 
aboard Greenline is crucial, as the boat is designed to be enjoyed with a family and possibly with children. The side-decks are wide, the Flybridge ceiling is very high, the handrails are raised above the gunwales, and circulation from the stern to the bow is easy in just a few steps, without the fear of falling overboard.
A large sundeck with removable cushions opens at the bow, the walkaround is large, and going around the boat is very easy. Access to the Flybridge is from the stern, right next to the glass door that provides access to the interior spaces.
The handrails are sturdy, the steps to the staircase are wide and covered in teak, the danger of slipping here is extremely low. The Flybridge is one of the widest in its class, and this has been achieved by taking advantage of the width of the side-decks, thus also increasing the space available for the upper deck.
To the left the helm station provides excellent visibility, to the right a huge table with an L-shaped settee can accommodate even 7 people in total comfort while another large sundeck provides the perfect zone for tanning. The Flybridge is designed to have dedicated space for the various guest needs, so that everyone can be together when underway, although with different needs.
If desired, a Hard Top can be added to cover the Flybridge living area, on which additional solar panels can be installed so as to have even more power autonomy on board.
Interior
Interior spaces are accessed from the stern via a large glass door which divides the cockpit from the indoor lounge.
The galley is on the right. An opening window and a drop-down table connect it to the cockpit, while a large, domestic size 230V refrigerator contributes to the utmost comfort even in the middle of the sea.
A small step takes us to the actual interior lounge consisting on the left of a U-shaped sofa with a center table and on the right of a small cabinet and helm station.
A comfortable seat makes up the helm station and gives us easy access to the entire dashboard. A large sliding door on the starboard side opens and allows us to exit onto the starboard side-deck, facilitating mooring maneuvers, as everything is under control even on our own.
Going down the 5 steps of the main corridor forward we have access to the lower deck, the sleeping area of the boat. To the left we immediately find the door to the owner’s cabin: after going down three steps there is a large central bed, which still leaves plenty of side space for this huge full-beam cabin. Large windows, a broadside settee, private head with separate shower and a walk-in closet with beauty table make this berth the perfect place to relax after a long day at sea.
Proceeding forward, again on the port side we find the access door to another head, again with a separate shower, which can be used as a day toilet for guests and anyone on board. At the same time, however, this head also serves the VIP cabin, which dominates the bow. 180-degree windows give an unparalleled light and feeling of space, the head can be directly accessed from the cabin, and there is even a separate room reserved for wardrobe.
In general, the finishes of Greenline 45 Fly HDrive are beautiful, fine and high quality. The small details, however, are what really makes a difference, such as high ceilings, capable of accommodating people as tall as 1.90 m without having any kind of discomfort, plenty of light in all cabins, recurring mirrors that expand the space, and plenty of compartments to place one’s personal belongings.
Conclusions
Greenline 45 Fly HDrive is the perfect boat for anyone wishing to enjoy the sea in total comfort and economy, without giving up any luxure or whim. Yet, having a domestic size refrigerator, spacious outdoor areas and advanced safety measures for children is essential to enjoy the boat in harmony and without the need of having everything constantly under control.
One thing is certain: navigating with no costs and no noise was a special emotion, a mix of contrasting feelings that made me love this boat even more, which I already liked for the arrangement of the spaces, for its finishes and for how it is conceived in general.
Greenline 45 Fly HDrive is comfort, safety, silence and eco-sustainability: the perfect poker for experiencing boating in a more responsible way and enjoying the journey without compromise.
https://www.greenlinehybrid.com/en/yacht/45-fly
Performance Detected
Speed in kn | Power used in kW | Range |
1.8 | 1.39 | 33h 0m |
2.4 | 5.1 | 8h 20m |
3.6 | 8 | 5h 35m |
4.7 | 14.5 | 3h 0m |
5.3 | 21.2 | 2h 24m |
6.8 | 39.3 | 1h 37m |
Technical Specs
LOA | 15.57 m |
Max Beam | 4.57 m |
Unladen Draft | 1.10 m |
Unladen Weight | 13,500 kg |
Fresh Water Capacity | 600 l |
Diesel Capacity | 1,400 l |
Cabins | 2/3 |
Max Berths | 4/6 |
Toilets/Heads | 2 |
Category | B |
Interior Design | Marco Casali Design |
Exterior Design | J&J Design |
