The Whaly uses a Epropulsion Navy 3.0 Evo electric engine with a E30 Battery. The charger is is the console so that the boat can be plugged in to charge.
We wanted a better system than this so we have another charger at home to charge the battery off our home solar system. When released we intend to purchase the Epropulsion solar battery charger to directly charge the battery from solar panels.
We also have a eLite Epropulsion motor to go on the Toura to get us back to the club if the wind fails.
I recently invested in a new E30 battery for the Whaly, along with a second charger to enhance our boating experience. One charger is installed on the boat, with cables neatly buried under the floor and a mains outlet in the steering console, allowing convenient charging while the battery is on board.To maximize efficiency, I bought a second charger to use at home, powered by our solar array. This setup enables us to charge the boat for free. However, despite advertising as the current model, the second charger turned out to be an older version with spade clips, not the latest connectors. Epropulsion informed me of this discrepancy, but they do not offer replacement cables. The new cable is only available with new chargers.
I reached out to Epropulsion three days ago to inquire about the necessary plug type EPropulsion didn't have any spares of the leads as they only come with the charger. But after a week they managed to find some for me. Hopefully they will be with me soon.
Weighing in a 6.5kg it is one of the lightest motors. The motor comes complete with a self contained batter and also with mains battery charger. The battery capacity is 378Wh with a foldable and extendable telescopic tiller with a twist grip control of F-N-R and throttle functions at a cost of £995. It is easy to remove the motor part (6.7kg) from the clamp part (1.2kg) at the touch of a button. We have our clamp left onto the RS Toura.
Its smart Battery Monitoring System (BMS) efficiently optimises performance, carefully regulating battery level, temperature and the remaining state of charge and all of this is displayed on a simple interface. Its standard operating power is 500W – the equivalent of 0.7hp with a 750W "sports mode", which kills the battery off very quickly for a meger gain in speed. There are different options for charging including solar which can give unlimited free motoring.
The motor part’s weight also balances nicely around the folded tiller – which is plenty strong enough to carry it by. The eLite also comes with a decent motor bag as standard, making it even easier to carry on your shoulder. The clamp bracket is very substantial, and has three adjustment angles, I assume to cater for different transom shapes, or as a partial tilt/shallow water drive, and full tilt for transporting the boat, although it is so easy to remove that is a better and easier option. The motor is equipped with a collision protection system. If the motor hits a stone or other underwater obstacle, it automatically tilts up to minimise the risk of damage. No electrical connections need to be made and no tools are required. The motor can be removed (for charging etc.) without having to dismantle any of the mirror mount.
The eLite will run flat out, at around 500W, for about 45mins. On the RS Toura with two adults in it, the maximum speed is about 4 knots, which gives it an approximate range of about 3 nautical miles which is more than enough to return us to the club or take us out on a day trip up or down the river. The speed is infinitely adjustable. At 250W, then the running time is increased like most battery boats to 1.5hrs which increases the range to about 4.5 nautical miles. The eLite includes a USB-C output to charge phones and other electrical devices. The Motor is built to the IP67 waterproof standard and is constructed from aluminium for minimal weight and maximum durability.
Pros
Very Light and easy to carry
Quiet 55 dB - this is almost silent.
Fast recharging
Easy to fit on and remove from the boat
Ideal for pootling along the river or get you home or put the boat away
Cons
Its not fast -don't buy if you want speed.
