Helsinki, Finland-based startup Juva Yachts has announced the launch of its first funding round. The company wants to raise €500,000 to build the Juva e/y 30, its first electric boat prototype, as well as strengthen its team and open into the first markets of Northern and Central Europe and the U.S.

After the prototype, the company expects the manufacturing process will be developed for smooth and cost-efficient serial production. With one set of molds, the cost for serial production of boat manufacturing will be €98,000, producing one boat a week.

Juva is on a mission to drive sustainable change within the leisure boating industry, addressing the industry’s current issue of range anxiety using an array of solar panels and optional foils. The e/y 30 project started in February 2022, and by October the concept and mold design had been completed.

The company was founded by “Project Captain” Oskari Juva, a professional seafarer and startup business developer. He is backed by experienced and passionate seafarers like CEO Stina Mantyniemi. Arttu Myllar, an experienced naval architect and a founder at R2 Marine, is responsible for “this Juva’s” engineering and design. Jussi Kallasvuo takes care of the business, bringing his experience of international capital markets and investments.

“Having spent all my life on waters, I felt the need to do something in order to give the next generation the same chance to enjoy our wonderful seas,” said Juva, commenting on the funding effort. “We have been working hard to create a boating experience that serves the needs of both today and tomorrow. With our own personal sailing knowledge, combined with decades of yacht design experience, I’m confident to say we have created something extremely appealing. We are happy and excited to welcome new investors to join the crew before we truly put the wind in our sails.”

The company claims that the all-electric cabin cruiser will have a limitless range. The 100% electric craft will come with a solar roof for “energy autonomy” at 2-3 kt. Plans call for three battery pack sizes of 46, 70, or 93 kW·h, and solar-roof charging power of 1.4 kW. Range at 6-8 kt is from 50-110 nmi, with an underwater foil option increasing range by as much as 15%.

The boat’s optional Juva Foil will reduce resistance by 10-15% at 3-12 knots, leaving minimal wake and zero noise and emissions to allow users to be at “one with nature.” Balancing performance and energy consumption, the boat will reach a top speed of 12 kt and comfortably cruise at 6-10 kt.

Propulsion is by two 15-kW pods from SeaDrive AS, maker of electric maritime drivelines founded by CTO Finn Limseth and Sales Director Sture Karlsen. The supplier makes state-of-the-art electric motors, modular submersible pod concepts, motor controllers, and steering systems, with the main components of its pods made of bronze for long-lasting endurance and no corrosion.

The boat’s design is a clean Scandinavian functional layout with a low-resistance minimal-wake hull and seating for 6 to 8 people. Main specifications are 9.3 m overall length, 8.8 m hull length, 2.9 m beam, and 0.7 m draft. Weight is 2800 kg.

The manufacturing process solves another prominent sustainability issue that oceans face, with the hull and deck core materials made from recycled plastic bottles. Use of innovative vacuum infusion technology means that the boat will be optimized and ecologically manufactured with recycled materials and results in lightweight structures. A nano coating on surfaces minimizes dirt and odors.

Aft deck and pilothouse floors are on the same level, with a free-flow space between. There is enough space to sleep up to 4 people in the main double cabin and two additional cabins. Continuing the electrification theme, the living space has an electric bathroom, including a rain shower, and electric AC, and the option for heating in the colder climes.

Technology enables an intuitive user experience, with joystick steering from two places and a special harbor mode to help docking. Safety is enhanced with remote access and monitoring and an electric locking system, good for not only private boaters but also boat rental services and hospitality clients.