The Cruise 4.0 no longer has a tiller handle
It should be a performance equivalent to the 8 HP petrol outboard, the thrust can even keep up with a 10 HP motor - the Cruise 4.0 from Torqeedo is a real powerhouse, but can still be driven without a driver's license.
The secret is the efficient combination of a brushless motor and a propeller optimized for low speed (up to 1250 rpm). This only requires 3.5 kilowatts and thus remains just below the driver's license limit. The motor is fed by an externally applied battery bank with 48 volts. Matching connection cables are included with the unit, which costs 3200 euros, but the batteries are not. There is a convenient external operator's platform with integrated GPS for this purpose. This makes it possible to read values such as speed and current power consumption on the display, but also the remaining range at the selected speed and the charge status of the connected batteries. With a 200 ampere-hour battery bank and a 2.6-ton ship, two hours of travel should be possible at full load, and up to 30 hours at 3 knots.
The engine, which weighs 18 kilograms, has a shaft length of 62.5 centimeters and folds up automatically when it hits the ground using the "Auto Kickup" function. The preparation for a Teleflex steering system that is typical for a motorboat enables, with a little tinkering, coupling with the existing tiller, the Cruise 4.0 does not have its own.
Dealer registration: Torqeedo GmbH, 82319 Starnberg; Tel. 08151/268670; www.torqeedo.com.