Seawork was the venue for the first opportunity to see the new Momentum M10 electric outboard in action. Distributed in the UK by Electric Outboard, the Momentum M10 is designed and manufactured in Singapore, and according to spectators at the show, can claim to be a ‘game changer’ in electric outboards.
“We’re delighted with the really positive reception,” says Lesley Bennett, Director at Electric Outboard. “We first saw Momentum at Dusseldorf, and were really impressed with their team, which included naval architects, engineers and entrepreneurs.”
It was a combination of all those skills that resulted in the design and development of the Momentum I 15hp/ 10 kW electric outboard. Amongst the many design features, the most impressive is the 6.4 kilowatt hours output from a lithium ion battery weighing just 37 kilos with a 22 kilo engine. Then there’s the speed – the engine can go from zero to 15 knots in a matter of seconds, enabling boats to quickly get onto the plane.
Yet to encourage and preserve battery power, ingenious features include a throttle inhibitor, which initially will only reach 25% of power, and can be released using a power booster button. There’s also an auto speed lock, to maintain a steady speed over long distances. “Crucially,” says Algie Bennett, Director of Electric Outboard, “there’s higher power output in reverse, vital for docking, safety boat operations, and recovery situations.”
The Momentum M10 comes with long or short shaft option, and can be easily removed from a vessel in one piece, leaving the docking plate firmly secured to the craft. It comes with the option of remote steer (£9,000 inc VAT) or tiller control (£8,400 inc VAT). The battery recharges using a standard 3-pin plug. Target customers include tenders, RIBs, workboats, rescue boats and water authority maintenance vessels. At Seawork, the owner of a Discovery 55 yacht destined for world sailing is also interested in this new electric engine. Another observer notes the practicality of the battery being exactly the same size as a standard outboard fuel tank, making it easy to store the battery onboard.
“The M10 can run all day at low speeds,” says Algie Bennett, as he disappears off with the show’s videographer in a club safety boat, typical of the type of customers that will buy the M10. Sometime later, we’re still waiting at the dock for their return. It could be a while….
