The ePropulsion Pod Drive 3.0 Evo is a quiet 3 kW electric pod motor for sailboats and other vessels. The motor is mounted under the hull, ensuring the drive takes up little space inside the boat and thrust is directed straight aft.
Battery and installation: The battery is separate and not included. View the scope of delivery and required components.
Available for demonstration in the Marinaut showroom.
Key features
- Power: 3 kW.
- Comparison to combustion engine: ePropulsion claims a theoretical equivalent of 6 hp. Marinaut practically compares the sailing performance to approximately 5 hp of propulsion power up to 8 hp of thrust. Electric power, thrust, and combustion engine power are not directly convertible.
- Drive: brushless direct-drive DC motor.
- Hydrogeneration: while sailing, the rotating propeller can charge the battery when the conditions in the manual are met.
- Noise and vibration: quiet, low-vibration operation.
- Cooling: no complex external cooling system required.
- Use: suitable for fresh and salt water.
- Maintenance: low maintenance; check the anodes and other maintenance points according to the manual.
- Warranty: three years after registration, under ePropulsion's current warranty terms.
Which boat is the Pod Drive 3.0 Evo suitable for?
As a practical selection guideline, this pod motor is used to bring boats up to approximately 2,700 kg to cruising speed and boats up to approximately 950 kg to hull speed. Actual performance depends on hull shape, load, propeller, wind, current, and battery installation.
For a lighter boat, the Pod Drive 1.0 Evo may be suitable. For a heavier boat, there is the Pod Drive 6.0 Evo. An installation with two pods and dual controls is also possible.
Controls and included parts
At Marinaut, the propeller, driver module, five-meter communication cable, and top-mount remote control are included.
- Top-mount remote control: product number NE-RC00-00, weight 0.7 kg, and a 3.4-inch display.
- Display: shows power, battery status, voltage, and remaining runtime, among other things.
- Connection: wireless up to 10 meters or wired up to 15 meters.
- Safety wristbands: up to eight bands can be paired.
- Side-mount control: available for an additional charge of €149.
- Dual control: suitable for controlling two motors jointly or separately. Article number NE-DR00-00, EAN 6971312631920.
Steering is normally done with the attached rudder. A steerable version integrated into the rudder blade is also possible.
Battery
The battery is not included. Use at least a suitable 48 V battery of 63 Ah. Marinaut recommends, among others, the ePropulsion E80 LiFePO4 4.1 kWh battery.
Runtime and range are not provided as a fixed value. These depend on battery capacity, speed, boat, load, and conditions.
Technical specifications
| Article number | P3-0000-E0 |
|---|---|
| EAN | 6971312631876 |
| Input power | 3 kW |
| Nominal voltage | 48 V |
| Input voltage | 39–60 V |
| Current at 48 V | 62.5 A |
| Weight | 15.3 kg |
| Motor dimensions | 298 × 80 × 465 mm |
| Propeller | 10.2 × 6.7 inches, two-blade composite, product number N3-LU05-00 |
| Nominal RPM | 2,300 rpm |
| Shaft length | 351 mm |
| Static thrust | 590 N / 132.6 lbs |
| Operating temperature | -25 °C to 50 °C |
| Hydrogeneration | Yes |
The split mounting plate allows for two depth positions. During installation, ensure sufficient space between the propeller and the hull to limit cavitation.
Folding propeller for sailboats
A two-blade NAB folding propeller is available for sailboats. The propeller reduces drag while sailing.
- Article number: P3-LU01-E0
- Dimensions: 9.96 × 6.34 inches
- Material: nickel-aluminium bronze
- Price: €489
Steerable Rudder Drive
The Pod Drive 3.0 Evo can be mounted as a steerable pod motor in a rudder blade. This Rudder Drive is also suitable for a hybrid installation. While cruising with a combustion engine, the pod can generate electricity via hydrogeneration under suitable conditions.
- Dimensions: A 575 mm, B 60 mm, and C 600 mm. Different sizes are possible on request.
- Rudder Drive: €1,275.
- Rudder stock of 275 mm for a 30 mm shaft: €459.
- Folding propeller and additional bracket for higher speeds: €295.
According to Marinaut, this construction has been successfully tested on an Antaris with a 200 hp diesel engine.
Sea trials
The speeds below are practical measurements. The range is deliberately not listed as a fixed value because it depends on the battery used and the conditions.
Beneteau 235
Sailboat of 7.1 meters and 1,282 kg dry weight, tested with two people, approximately four knots of wind, and an ePropulsion E80 4,096 Wh battery:
- 1.0 kW: 8.0 km/h.
- 1.5 kW: 8.9 km/h.
- 3.0 kW: 10.5 km/h.
7.3-meter sailboat
Tested with an ePropulsion E175 8,960 Wh battery:
- 0.75 kW: 6.0 km/h.
- 1.5 kW: 7.5 km/h.
- 3.0 kW: 13.0 km/h.
The results are not guarantees. Speed and consumption vary by hull, load, propeller, wind, current, and installation.
Business use
For business use, an electric propulsion system may qualify for a tax environmental scheme. Always check the current conditions and environmental list at RVO.
Documentation and advice
Need help with motor power, battery, or installation? Contact us for advice.
