The Greenline Hybrid might not be the very first diesel-electric powered motorboat, but it is the first one you might be able to afford and that's the very important bit. In fact, starting at under £100,000 this is one of the best value 30ft cruisers on the market full stop.



Click on the video above to find out more about the boat's hybrid system but what we have here is a diesel engine installation that can provide up to 14 knots, with an electric engine and generator providing slow, inland and marina speed power.

This electric power comes from a bank of batteries which can be charged via the diesel engine or a huge solar panel that covers the wheelhouse roof. In theory, if the sun stays out, you could rely on solar-charged electric power for your cruising. This eco-motorboating ideal does mean cruising at slow speeds but for pottering and inland use it is a real option.

The Greenline comes from the massive and very influential Seaway yard, which has utilised one of its sailboat hulls to provide the slippery hydro-dynamics required for the comparatively small amount of electric horsepower. Underway the hull worked well in both diesel and electric modes with a soft, if wet, upwind ride.

On board the low price does not transfer into a bleak, empty interior. There is only one cabin but the fit out is good and there are lots of smart features, from the scissor berths forward to the drop-down transom aft.

The saloon is designed to open up to the cockpit with the aft galley serving both. By day this creates a stylish and very cool run of social space, but sealed up at night the saloon retains that cosy feel we want on board.