J/Boats offers electric option

J/Boats is now offering a factory installed Torqeedo electric pod drive as an option on its new 28ft J/9 daysailer.

“In recent years, we have seen growing interest in electric propulsion as a sustainable alternative to diesel inboards or gas outboards,” says Jeff Johnstone, president, J/Boats.

“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.

“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. 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.”

The electric drive option on the J/9 comprises a Torqeedo Cruise 4.0 pod drive with a dual-blade folding prop, powered by a Power 48-5000 lithium-ion battery with a 650W charger that can be plugged directly into dockside shore power.

Included in the Torqeedo package is a throttle and cockpit display showing battery status and projected cruising range at current speed. This data can also be displayed remotely on a wirelessly connected mobile phone app.

Mary Jo Reinhart, Torqeedo director of OEM and retail sales, comments: “Electric just makes good sense when it comes to powering a daysailer like the new J/9. 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.”