Rim Drive Technology, based in the Netherlands, designs and produces 100% electric rim drive motors ranging from 0.5kW to 75kW. These motors are used in both private and commercial vessels, as well as underwater applications. They are particularly well-suited for narrowboats.
The benefits
A 22kW Steerable POD from Rim Drive Technology will power the Waymaker narrowboat. Boaters know narrowboats can be challenging to manoeuvre because of their length and hull shape. But, the Steerable POD changes that. Combining propulsion and steering in a single compact unit, it allows smooth, precise control through intuitive joystick steering.
Silence
The result is effortless navigation, even in the tight canals where narrowboats typically operate. It is compact, quiet, and easy to install. The Rim Drive motor blends seamlessly into every narrowboat’s design and transforms the way it handles on the water.
Being fully electric, the Steerable POD offers the quietest possible cruising experience. Backed up by a large battery bank and solar panels, summer cruising can also be very cheap. Of course, there will be a small backup generator for those days when there is not enough solar available.
This Steerable POD motor truly elevates the narrowboat experience, making it more enjoyable, accessible, and easy to operate. Near silent cruising allows you closer to the natural environment.
Accessibility
Because the POD does not have a central prop shaft, there is nothing for any rubbish in the canal to get wrapped around! This gives a clear advantage for boaters with mobility and dexterity issues, as this obviates the need for those unwelcome trips down the weed hatch.
Similarly, the lack of prop shaft means that there is no stern gland to leak or maintain. The installer simply fixes the POD to the underside of the hull, with a sealed connector for the power cables to go through, and with only one moving part, maintenance is almost zero.
The Waymaker project is all about making boating as accessible as possible. Therefore, this Steerable POD is the ideal solution. Not only will it make normal cruising easier, it will make mooring easier too! This is because the POD pushes the water flow in the direction needed, without relying on a rudder to redirect the flow.
By the same token, reversing, the bane of many boaters’ lives, will also be a lot easier. The POD will directly steer the boat. With a normal prop and rudder configuration, the rudder does little to help steer the boat when in reverse. Yet another benefit to reduce unnecessary stress.