Rudder Drive, the new electric propulsion system for sailing yachts developed by Torqeedo in collaboration with the large-scale boat builder Hanse Yachts and rudder manufacturer Jefa, combines outstanding manoeuvrability and minimal weight with a powerful emission-free motor.
The core of this innovative concept is the proven and specially adapted Torqeedo Cruise 4.0 with folding propeller, designed in to the rudder blade itself. The streamlined system replaces the combustion inboard or sail-drive and removes the need for a separate thruster on the new sailing yacht Hanse 315 e-motion rudder drive, which debuted yesterday at the International Boat Show Hanseboot 2016 in Hamburg.
Outstanding maneuverability
Due to the unique rudder placement of the 4 kW (8 horsepower equivalent) Torqeedo electric motor, the motor can apply efficient, directional thrust. The Jefa rudder blade’s range of motion was extended to a total of 100 degrees. Demanding manoeuvres can now be accomplished without a separate thruster. While motoring, the yacht can spin on its own axis – both forward and in reverse. While docking, the stern can easily be manoeuvred into the proper position. This is highly useful in windy conditions or in narrow slips.
Exceptional endurance with minimal weight
Making 4.5 knots with calm seas, the new Hanse 315 equipped with four lithium-ion batteries has a range of up to to 30 nautical miles – enough for all European inland waters and many coastal waters. At lower speeds, the range is significantly increased. The Rudder Drive can also be used with two batteries if a shorter range is required. The maximum speed is 6.1 knots – nearing the maximum speed of the diesel version. The quiet Rudder Drive is also lightweight: 100 kg less than the diesel sail-drive option. The Rudder Drive does not require a hole through the hull, lowering the resistance while sailing. The electric drive’s simplicity means less maintenance, as well.
Power generation while sailing
With integrated Torqeedo fast chargers, the emission-free version of the Hanse 315 is fully charged in just three hours. The batteries can be recharged at the dock or during sailing when the Rudder Drive’s folding propeller is used to generate power. Torqeedo is the only manufacturer of electric boat propulsion systems offering industrial engineering, complete system integration and ISO 9001 certified serial production in Germany.
