Zodiac eOPEN 3.4: How the inflatable boat runs with a Torqeedo electric motor
Ralf Marquard
· 09.05.2023
It is therefore not surprising that the brand is also at the top of the list for trailers with electric drives. There are normal electric outboards with a piggyback battery, such as the Torqeedo Travel 1103 C. However, if you want more power for your boat, you can switch to outboards with more power and a separate battery.
The test drive
On our test boat, the Zodiac eOPEN 3.4, this is a Torqeedo Cruise 6.0 RL with a 48-5000 battery (also from Torqeedo). A boat for discovery tours and a cosy trip to a restaurant or café. Swimming trips are also possible, especially if you order the optional side bathing ladder (63 euros) and a bimini (597 euros) for sun protection. There are also hot eyelets on the accessories list, making the boat a dinghy for larger yachts.
We were able to drive the E-Zodiac at the Gründl E-Boottage. As you can easily see from the photos, we had a "winter onset" on the test day at the beginning of March and had to drive the boat in driving snow. However, this weather should not affect the measured values.
I take the Zodiac out of the harbour and chug away at a relaxed 5 km/h. The instrument on the control panel shows a consumption of around 0.3 kW. With a battery capacity of 5.0 kWh minus 15% reserve (4.25 kWh), this gives a range of just under 71 kilometres. At a good 7.2 km/h, the power is 1.0 kW, which gives a range of just under 31 km. Then I put the pedal to the metal and reach around 10 km/h, leaning forwards over the driving position, but I don't manage to glide. Zodiac specifies a top speed of 22 km/h...
Propeller affects the speed of the Zodiac
Stephan Rudolph (Central Europe & Middle East Sales Manager Z NAUTIC GROUP) explains why we are not travelling as fast as the manufacturer claims: "Unfortunately, this was due to the propeller configuration of the Torqeedo motor not being optimally selected.
The entire electrical system is installed by Zodiac to ensure a high standard of safety. This includes the 48-5000 battery (installed under the driving position) and a Torqeedo charger as well as a single lever control and the instrument. As already mentioned, the latter shows the speed, current power consumption and other important information such as the battery charge and remaining range. Zodiac has positioned the instrument and gearstick well on the driver's console, around which a solid handle is attached. The speed and direction of rotation are controlled electrically, steering is by means of a cable control. Driving is carried out from a double bench, which offers suitable cushions and allows the driver to ride in a relaxed manner. Zodiac has installed additional seating next to the driving position and in the bow. And to ensure that the maximum of four people can be supported, Zodiac attaches sufficiently thick double ropes to the top of the support tubes. There are also three step reinforcements on each side of the tubes to provide slip resistance. All materials are neatly finished and make a high-quality impression.
Technical data
- Shipyard: Zodiac (F)
- Type: eOPEN 3.4
- Hoses: Strongan or neoprene
- Air chambers: 3
- Hose diameter: 0,45 m
- Length (outside):3,4 m
- Length (inside): 2,16 m
- Width (outside): 1,70 m
- Width (inside): 0,80 m
- Weight: 226 kg
- Battery capacity: 5.0 kWh
- Motorisation:Torqeedo Cruise 6.0 RL
- Price:from 31,862 euros
