Crews building a new research boat for the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium tested it in the water for the first time Tuesday.

News 12 got a sneak peak of the $2.7 million project, which is being funded solely by donations.

The 65-foot catamaran, which is being built at a ship yard in Mamaroneck, was lifted into the Long Island Sound Tuesday.



The boat is said to be eco-friendly, with a hybrid diesel/electric engine that is powered by special emission-free lithium batteries. The builder says that the engine won't spit out toxins into the Sound.



Roughly 10,000 local students will use the boat each year at the aquarium.

The builder says it will teach students just how important the Sound is to the community.

News 12 has been told that the boat is the first hybrid water research vessel of its kind in the country.

Crews will continue sea trials in Mamaroneck before delivering it to the aquarium later this month.