ePropulsion Vaquita SUP, kayak, canoe, boat POD motor 0.3 kW with 0.3 kWh battery

Comfortable speed

The Vaquita, equipped with a 300 Watt motor, brings a sup to 9 kilometers per hour . If you use your Vaquita at half its top speed, you have 5 hours range .

Enjoy more time on the water

The Vaquita lets you go further, explore more, and help you move forward when needed. The motor makes paddling effortless and gives you the opportunity to spend more time on the water.

Suitable for almost all types SUPs, kayaks, canoes, and most other small boats . Easy to carry and mount on a US fin box, for example.

Want to go hybrid? Then this pod motor is also a great option! For example, via the mounting on the swim platform or rudder blade.

• The battery is waterproof and unsinkable.
• technical drawing
• manual
• brochure
• installation instructions for mounting to rudder blade

• Wireless control
• The Vaquita has 8 speeds, an LED indicator, and an emergency stop function. Operation is very simple.
• Built-in sensors will immediately stop the Vaquita engine if you fall overboard.
• Easy to attach with the included US/inflatable Fin Box Adapter or the included universal adapter. The motor can also be mounted to a rudder.
  The bottom of the battery has two buckles that give you an additional option for securing the battery.

Performance & range

• Slow speed: 4 kilometers per hour, 34 kilometers, 8 hours sailing time
• Average speed: 6 kilometers per hour, 30 kilometers, 5 hours sailing time
• Full speed: 10 kilometers per hour , 12 kilometers, 1:10 hours of sailing time

The above data was tested using a JP Outback 12'6" SUP board. Actual speed, range, and runtime may vary due to various external conditions.

• Experience/review: We were very pleased with our purchase; it does what it's supposed to do. It allows us to glide our inflatable kayak through the water with two adults and one dog. We're very pleased with the speed and distance, which is highly recommended. All in all, we're very happy with this purchase. Van Dijk Family, June 2020

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

• Article number VA-0000-00
• EAN number 6971312630428
• Power 300 Watt
• Weight: only 4 Kilograms
• Dimensions 162 x 167 x 182 mm
• Operation Wireless Remote Control (included) with 8 speeds
• Screw diameter 150mm
• IP67 completely dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter depth
• Suitable for salt water
• VAQUITA is the ideal lightweight motor for your SUP or kayak. With its 300W motor, you can reach a top speed of around 9 km/h (5 knots). The engine is suitable for propelling vessels up to 270 kilograms to cruising speed and vessels up to 90 kilograms to hull speed. For heavier vessels, we recommend the ePropulsion Pod Drive 1.0 Evo electric pod motor with a 1 kW rating.
• Comparable to a 0.5 hp (propulsion power) to 0.8 hp (thrust) combustion engine.
• The battery is sufficient to sail at full speed for approximately 70 minutes.
• If you sail a little more calmly at half speed (4.5 kilometers per hour), you can even spend 5 hours on the road and cover about 20 km.
• The 324Wh lithium-ion battery weighs only 2.5 kilograms and has an energy density of 120 Wh/kg.
• The battery is so small that it fits even in a small backpack without much effort.
• In total, the VAQUITA engine with battery weighs only 4 kg, the engine weighs 1.5 kg and the battery weighs 2.5 kg.
• This makes the drive easy to transport and store.

Carrying bag (optional)

• The Vaquita can be safely packed and stored with this custom-made bag. Transport and store your Vaquita with less effort.
  Made of oxford fabric, waterproof and dustproof, also washable.
  Article number VA-BG00-00

Battery (included)

• Stay informed about the battery status with the 4 LED indicator lights.

• Dimensions 216 x 178 x 100 mm

• Charging voltage 25.2 V (battery charger included: Article number VA-C000-00, Input power: 180 Watt, Input voltage (AC): 100 V ~ 240 Volt, Max input current: 3 Ampere, Output voltage (DC): 25.2 Volt / 7 Ampere, Dimensions: 8.5 × 7 × 4 inch / 216 × 178 × 100 mm).
  
  
• Supply voltage 22.2 Volt
• Charging time 3 hours
• Capacity 324 Wh (0.3 kWh)
• Weight: 2.5 kilograms
• Technology: Lithium-ion. Advantages:
  • No maintenance required
  • Very low self-discharge
  • No memory effect, can be loaded at any time
  • High charging currents (0.5-1A) possible, allowing for faster charging
  • Constant discharge voltage, which ensures that the device provides a stable current during the entire discharge period
• Battery life : 500 cycles at 80 % DOD . The battery can remain at 80% capacity after more than 500 cycles at 80% DoD (discharge rate).
• Sailing time at full power: 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Suitable for salt water
• Waterproof class: IP 67: 1 meter under water for 30 minutes without suffering damage.
• Only functions in water.
• Article number VA-B000-00
• EAN: 6971312630923

Remote control

• The wireless remote control can be worn comfortably on the wrist or attached to the paddle.
• 8 positions
• The control provides infinitely variable speed control in forward gear.
• All you have to do is push the button on the remote control forward.
• When you press the on/off button the motor stops immediately.

The ePropulsion motor ensures that you can achieve a greater range with your SUP, kayak or canoe, prevent fatigue and reach further distances faster.

• Advantages of electric boating: A Premium boating experience . Electric boating is clean, quiet, and requires less maintenance. Compared to other electric boating options, ePropulsion stands out as a technological pioneer with guaranteed quality. ePropulsion promises to amaze you and can deliver the boating experience you desire.
  • Why electric boating?
    
    • Environmentally friendly : Zero greenhouse gas emissions and the engines will not leak oil or fuel.
    • Carefree transport: No stains or odors in your car when transporting fuel or engine.
    • No harmful exhaust fumes : Enjoy a boat trip with family and friends without the nasty exhaust fumes. Choosing an electric motor means you and your passengers won't inhale any harmful substances.
    • Save on maintenance costs: A combustion engine requires an annual minor service (110 euros) and sometimes a major service (200 euros).
    • Why ePropulsion?
      • It Best product for the best price : With ePropulsion, you get more horsepower and battery capacity at a lower cost. ePropulsion products are more technologically advanced, more reliable, and of higher quality.
      • Pioneer in technology: ePropulsion is the first company to offer advanced technologies like FOC (field-oriented control), a maintenance-free closed-loop fluid circulation system that you won't find in any other outboard motor.
      • High standards of customer satisfaction: This is reflected in the quality of the products, the finish, and the after-sales service (good technical support in the Netherlands and Belgium).
      • Quality Control: ePropulsion maintains strict quality controls and innovates faster than others.
      • Focus on electric boating: The focus has always been on improving the electric boating experience. To achieve this, the past six years have been dedicated to research and development. Ease of use and the overall experience are paramount.
      • Attention to detail: Every detail is important and impacts the performance of your outboard motor. That's why ePropulsion focuses on detail from production to design. It's the smaller details that create the best user experience.

The electric motor "Vaquita" from "ePropulsion" tested at the German Rowing Club's competence center for people with disabilities

A leading innovation that needs to be adapted for rowing

In the summer of 2019, the Rowing with Disabilities Competence Center conducted an extensive field test on electric mobility in rowing. This makes the center a pioneer in the field of rowing inclusion once again. Until now, people with disabilities who wanted to participate in rowing have faced a number of significant obstacles. Since 2019, the German Rowing Federation has supported the Competence Centers and has made rowing somewhat more accessible. Using the latest e-mobility technology, the manufacturer "ePropulsion" has developed a propulsion concept that people with any disability can use. It is possible to move in a rowing boat without using muscle power. The reason for this is that rowing entails certain dangers, especially for people with a sudden loss of strength and movement, as well as for people who are strictly prohibited from exceeding a certain threshold (e.g., diabetes). Until now, these athletes could only row to the shore or jetty themselves in a safe proximity; you can use the electric motor if necessary to get electric assistance.

Our test team consists of staff from the Competence Center, the DRV, and participants in the Trainer C training program on the topic of "Rowing with a Disability" who entered the test with special expectations.

For the testers, it was especially important to have a lightweight, easy-to-attach device with easy-to-understand controls, so that everyone can use it intuitively. Furthermore, the device must not generate any additional water resistance when switched off, and it must provide sufficient support while rowing, equivalent to a rowing boat at normal speed. Our testers also placed high demands on the company's power pack in terms of durability and resistance. "A waterproof case that can withstand impacts, along with short charging times and a battery that lasts at least four hours," says Susann Elker from the competence center. Elker continues: "Because the device is intended for everyday rowing, it must be suitable for everyday use."

That's how we tested it

In addition to the 2.5 kilograms included in the delivery according to the manufacturer, 300W lithium-ion battery with an energy density of 120 WH / kg with a weight of 1.5-2.5 kilos

The drive unit consists of a propeller and mounting hardware. A remote control and charger are also included. The included adapters for stand-up paddleboards (SUP) cannot be used. According to the manufacturer, the battery lasts approximately 9 kilometers at full load (8.5 km/h), and at half load (5 km/h). According to the manufacturer, a range of up to 9 hours and 45 kilometers should be possible. Since the "Vaquita" was originally developed for SUP, there are no exact dates for its use on a rowing boat. First, our testers secured the battery and propeller on land, in and on the boat. A PR1 One was used, which was connected to the boat's characteristic swimmers, wide hull, and permanently installed backrest. The boat is primarily used for wheelchair users. The battery unit is easily secured using tension straps and mounting eyes on the battery housing. Our test team was able to find a suitable position in the boat within minutes. The 1.5-meter cable connecting the battery and the drive unit allows the battery to be mounted in a location favorable for the boat's center of gravity. Mounting the propeller proved more difficult due to the lack of an adapter for rowing boats; a corresponding fitting as an adapter can be helpful. This type of mounting would make aligning the drive much easier and shorten the installation time. After mounting the boat in the water, the handling characteristics were tested. The focus was primarily on forward and reverse propulsion, optimal propeller positioning (bow/stern), and remote control operation. Furthermore, the handling characteristics were tested while the boat was in motion.

Test result

In our test, the Vaquita impressed our testers. Its ease of use and the increased safety it brings were particularly appealing to our testers, a crucial point for the ePropulsion power pack.

However, our testers had to compromise on price and attachment to the rowing boat. Make wishful thinking.

The following table (Table 1) shows the test criteria in pros and cons and with a score of 1 (not good) to 5 (very good) points.

Criticism of use in rowing boats

Because the propulsion concept wasn't specifically developed for rowing boats, there are some challenges when using the device. This device is primarily designed for applications on sport-specific boats. The drive unit proved difficult to attach because there was no locking mechanism under the boat's hull. The drive unit continued to slip during testing. When attaching the battery unit, it became clear that it's especially important to place a scratch protector under the battery or on sensitive surfaces of the boat. Our testers were consistently impressed with the remote control's functionality. The Bluetooth connection works perfectly, and the layout is easy to understand. It can be difficult to free up a hand while rowing to use the remote control. Rowing with one hand can cause the boat to tip over or present other challenges. Our testers also missed a second remote control, which could, for example, be operated by someone outside the boat to take control of the boat for training support or in an emergency. This remote control must have a greater range to easily control the motor from distant shores or jetties. When the motor is running and the rowing boat is moving, the course must be corrected under full load, requiring considerable effort. The running characteristics of the rowing boat and the rigid mounting of the drive unit under the boat ensure straight-line stability. Open currents can cause small objects in the water, such as aquatic plants or wood, to get caught in the propeller and stall the motor. Furthermore, our testers missed a second thruster for the drive unit, which can be especially useful during complicated docking or turning maneuvers. A major point of criticism is the manufacturer's stated purchase price of €795 for the electric motor and all the additional components, which our testers found to be high.

Positive qualities

Our testers also noted many positive points in our test. They found it very easy to operate the motor with the remote control. It features a simple controller that allows for effortless control of the propulsion power, and the remote control is self-explanatory. The battery mounting options were also positively reviewed. Plenty of factory-installed mounting options are available at the bottom of the almost square plastic cube, suitable for strengthening the boat. The Bluetooth connection between the remote control and the battery also worked flawlessly in our test and had a range of approximately 20 meters. Afterward, the connection was disconnected to prevent further travel. This application was developed for a SUP, so the board doesn't continue if the rider falls. Our testers were impressed with the propulsion power at both full and half speed. The speed is roughly the same as that of a rowing boat at normal speed. The application and deactivation of the thrust levels are smooth, giving the operator enough time to get used to the assistance. When disengaged, the drive unit located beneath the hull will only cause a slight increase in water resistance. This is barely noticeable when sailing slowly; at faster speeds, it will vibrate more and become more noticeable as a drag factor.

Conclusion

The "Vaquita" from "ePropulsion" is a promising new development in the field of electric rowing mobility. However, this motor still has some clear teething problems, as the "Vaquita" is not a product specifically designed for rowing. However, it is a product with great market potential that still needs to catch up. The drive unit currently requires some manual dexterity and effort. Furthermore, a firm grip under the boat is not always guaranteed. The remote control only works while rowing when one hand is released. Our testers also complained about the lack of scratch protection on the battery bottom and the remote control's extended range. However, you have the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience of sport, nature, and self-determination without fear of turning back. With the "Vaquita," people with disabilities can take longer trips and still return safely with the help of the electric motor. When switched off, the propeller also rotates without significantly impacting the boat's performance, providing intuitively controlled extra power, making it suitable for long journeys. The "little" Vaquita is certainly a smart and valuable purchase for all rowing clubs involved in rowing for people with disabilities.