On Feb. 2, Hodgdon Tenders of Damariscotta launched its latest build – the 10.5m, all-electric LION.

LION is the result of a collaboration with marine technology company Vita in the UK and designers BorromeodeSilva in Milan, Italy; engineering design and development was by Hodgdon’s in-house team. LION is powered by a Vita propulsion system that has four batteries and is, said Hodgdon Tenders Director of Sales and Marketing Audrey Hodgdon, “the first and only premium electric powerboat compatible with fast DC charging. With just a one-hour charge she can cruise at 24 knots and reach a top speed of more than 35 knots.” LION can seat eight and has a sunpad, swim shower and ladder, and an enclosed cabin with a berth and head.

Since Hodgdon Tenders opened in in 2010, it has built more than 25 high-end limousines, beach landers, and open tenders ranging in size from 6.5m to over 12m. In luxury yachting, LION is the business’s first recreational day boat and its first all-electric boat.

“Our vision,” said Hodgdon, “was to create a boat with no compromise in terms of user experience, performance, and functionality, while also ensuring the least impact possible on the marine environment in which it operates. Thanks to our amazing team in Damariscotta and the dedication of our partners in the UK and Italy, LION has fulfilled that vison.”

After sea trials on the Sheepscot, LION will be shipped to Italy and will be based in the Mediterranean for several months before coming back to the U.S. in the fall.