J/Boats Goes Electric With Torqeedo Pod Drive
J/boats latest model - the J/9, embraces green propulsion. The result? A lighter and more efficient boat without fumes or noise.
J/Boats is part of a family dynasty. It is run by a second-generation family who has kept a tight grip on the company since 1988, headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island. J/Boats have just debuted the all-new J/9 daysailer, which will incorporate a range of features designed to raise the bar, demonstrating new standards for comfortable, easy and efficient sailing. The J/9 will feature a Torqeedo electric pod drive, which has been installed on the 28-foot boats.
Jeff Johnstone, President, J/Boats comments, “In recent years, we have seen growing interest in electric propulsion as a sustainable alternative to diesel inboards or gas outboards. Torqeedo’s electric outboards have been popular as add-ons to our popular J/70, but this is the first time we’ve offered the Torqeedo electric pod as a standard propulsion option on new boats.”
It’s All So Quiet When You Boat With a Torqeedo Pod Drive
The Torqeedo Cruise 4.0 pod drive is extremely popular for many reasons:
- Space-saving - they fit inconspicuously below the water.
- Lightweight, thus making the boat more efficient.
- They are incredibly safe.
J/9 electric drive option includes a dual-blade folding prop, powered by a Power 48-5000 lithium-ion battery with a 650W charger that can plug directly into dockside shore power.
If you opt for the Torqeedo package, it includes a throttle and easy-to-read cockpit display that gives you battery status and projected cruising range at current speed and a convenient mobile phone app that connects wirelessly to display all the data remotely. These details are extremely useful on a long trip to prevent you from getting caught out at sea!
Sustainable Boats: It’s Plain Sailing
The absence of noise, fumes and vibrations enhance a passengers connection with the natural environment, and there are no more expensive visits to the fuel dock. Mary Jo Reinhart, Torqeedo director of OEM and retail sales comments on the pricing structure, “The Torqeedo electric propulsion package is priced slightly lower than the inboard diesel option on the J/9 and is approximately 30 per cent lighter in weight. It’s also much simpler to install and maintain, with no fuel tank, no fuel lines or exhaust system.”
“After nearly two months of active demo use and trouble-free operations, we found the Torqeedo electric system to be quiet, reliable and easy to manage,” said Johnstone. “In calm conditions, the range is 20 miles at 5 knots and about 12 miles at 6 knots. We were pleased to see that even in a very light four-knot breeze, having the mainsail hoisted and trimmed can add several miles to the cruising range.”
