Anglers have been familiar with the brand for some time, as Rhino outboards have been around for over 20 years, with numerous model lines for salt and fresh water. Now the manufacturer is presenting a new motor series, the "Black Edition", a special model completely in black. However, this is not only intended to appeal to carp and catfish anglers who have always wanted an inconspicuous motor on their inflatable boat.
The series can be used on many types of boat thanks to its wide range of power ratings, as a slack-side pusher on a sailing boat or dinghy. Each Black Edition motor is equipped with a motor head that can be folded 30 degrees vertically and moved 180 degrees horizontally, making it easy to install. There is also an LED gear and battery indicator, a telescopic tiller and five forward and two reverse gears. "The weedless propeller pushes the motor through weed beds without any problems," promises the manufacturer, "so even use in the dark is risk-free".
Electric motor in three stages from 380 to 600 watts
The Black Edition motor series is available in three power levels. The entry-level model has a power consumption of 380 watts and 35 lbs of thrust and costs around 350 euros. There is also a variant with 55 lbs of thrust and 600 watts of power consumption or 65 lbs of thrust with a power consumption of 510 watts - which then costs around 450 euros. For every 50 kilograms of boat weight, at least three to five lbs of thrust is required; 55 lbs corresponds to a thrust of around 25 kilos. With a 2.30 metre inflatable boat that weighs 45 kilos, a maximum speed of around 18 kilometres per hour can be achieved with 55 lbs. The Black Edition outboards weigh between seven and 10.5 kilograms and will be available from specialist dealers from mid-May, according to the manufacturer.
"This motor is an optimum combination of reliable, proven Rhino motor technology and practical innovations," says Andreas Gawenat, who has been responsible for the Rhino motor range for over 20 years.
DX-V series with infinitely variable speed control
The Black Edition is based on the Rhino VX motors, which have sold thousands of units, and there is now also a new motor series called "DX-V" with infinitely variable speed control. The models each have a display that provides information on the current battery voltage or the current motor power level, as well as a USB port for charging lights and smartphones.
The so-called pulse width modulation is intended to achieve infinitely variable speed control with the highest possible efficiency, and there is also a protection function against overvoltage, short circuit or overload. A stainless steel shaft is also intended to guarantee corrosion resistance and stability. The DX-V motors are available in the same three power levels as the Black Edition, and there is also a model with a shaft length of 91 centimetres. The recommended retail price here is between around 430 and 620 euros.
- More info at zebco-europe.biz
