The Axopar 25 Electric we have already published. It is powered by an electric outboard motor from Evoy. However, the Norwegian electric motor manufacturer not only sells outboards, but also high-quality, high-performance inboards. We travelled with the most powerful version, a Hurricane 400+HP. This engine is the second generation of inboard models (800 V system) and is installed in a Goldfish X9 Explorer. The predecessor engine (Generation 1) sits in the older RIB sister, the so-called "Evoy1", which has already reached a top speed of 55 knots. The model weighs around 1000 kg more than our Goldfish version. According to the shipyard, the combination of Goldfish X9 and Hurricane inboard achieves a top speed of 62 knots. That is a top value. According to Evoy, the new drive system is easy to install. The key words here are "plug and play". It is ready to plug in and is suitable for new boats, but also for used boats with a length of around 25 and 35 feet (single system). The new Hurricane generation has a revised cooling system that is also designed for warmer regions. In addition, 500 kg of weight has been saved compared to the old system.
Sea Trial in Floro, Norway
The idea for all these systems came from Leif A. Stavostrand, founder and current CEO of Evoy. Evoy employs around 40 people in total. They are based in Floro, where we were also able to test ride the Goldfish X9. As with the Axopar, we had the area around the famous Stubben lighthouse at our disposal. Now onto the driver's seat: I start slowly and let the boat creep across the water at displacement speed, with the hull following a stable course (around 6 knots with a power consumption of 18 kW). Then move the lever a little further forwards and the bow lifts only slightly and planing begins. The stepped hull glides easily over the water and the ride always remains stable and pleasant, even at higher speeds. I make my turns at a fast planing speed and the Goldfish hull pulls round sportily. Patrol seats provide good support. The steering remains smooth and precise during all manoeuvres. If you quickly push the easily accessible throttle lever forwards, you will notice the incredible acceleration within the first few seconds. The engine has a torque of 770 Nm and gets the Goldfish up to speed in no time at all - the entire carpool is thrilled. The range? Of course, it depends on the installed battery capacity, with 126 kWh (normal range), 252 kWh (long range) and 378 kWh (X-long range) on offer. Evoy specifies the following values for a cruising speed of 25 knots: One battery pack 19 nautical miles, two battery packs 37 nautical miles and a range of 56 nautical miles for the X-Long version.
During slow manoeuvres such as mooring at the jetty or pulling into the box, the electric version behaves like the versions with a combustion engine, which is no surprise as both have a manoeuvrable Z-drive.
The skipper keeps an overview on board the Goldfish X9 Explorer
The boat is driven from a technically well-equipped driving station, where the skipper has two monitors for monitoring the engine and batteries and for navigating. However, the patrol seats mentioned above are the special feature. Drivers and co-pilots can really squeeze into them and have excellent lateral support. Solid grab handles are installed in the back of the consoles to provide additional safety. Matching the driver's seat, the windscreen has a top that is pulled aft to protect the car pool from above. At the rear of the cockpit is a huge box. Everyone can probably guess what is hidden here: the batteries and the rest of the electrical system.
Goldfish runs on batteries
It is a matter of honour that Evoy works professionally here, because they deliver a high-end product with their systems. Which, for example, works with liquid-cooled batteries (protection class IP67). The installations that I was able to inspect certainly make a good impression. The weights? The motor weighs 290 kg, plus cables, cooling and accessories weighing 110 kg, and the 128 kWh batteries weigh 780 kg with coolant. Charging the batteries is still missing: Evoy offers two systems here: a 22 kW (3-phase, 32 A) and 44 kW version (3-phase, 63 A). The small system with 22 kW is the standard equipment and can also be operated on a single-phase socket with 230 V, but then you have to accept significantly longer charging times. According to the manufacturer, the regular time for a 126 kWh battery with 3 phases, 32 amps and 400 volts is 5 hours and 39 minutes. In order to be able to monitor the charging process at other locations, Evoy offers a mobile phone app that can be used to monitor the boat 24/7.
About the boat: The Goldfish X9 is no longer available as a new boat, but only the successor model X10, which can also be easily equipped with the Evoy drive, the price is then 493,850 euros (incl. 19% VAT). You can find out more about the X10 model at www.goldsfishboat.com. The entire Goldfish range is also listed there - these are high-quality plastic boats and RIBs between 7.80 and 14.80 metres in length. If you would like to see the entire range of Evoy engines, you can find them at www.evoy.com. There is a button "Design System" with which you can put together the respective drives (motor, battery pack monitor and charging unit) with prices (without VAT) at the click of a mouse.
Technical data
- Shipyard:Goldfish / NOR
- Type:X9 Electric
- CE category: B /12persons
- Length over everything: 9,70 m
- Width:3,10 m
- Weight (minimum):1800 kg
- Motorisation:Hurricane 400+HP 300 kW nominal/600 kW peak
- Battery capacity:126 kWh
- Price: on request
- Contact: www.evoy.no
