Less noise, zero emissions, and unprecedented comfort on board: electric power is no longer an alternative, but a new standard that is redefining recreational boating.
Electric propulsion for boats is no longer a futuristic innovation: it is progressively establishing itself as the ideal solution for recreational boaters who care about the environment and about their comfort on board. If you’re thinking of swapping your motor or are undertaking a full refit of your boat, electrification is a logical evolution, offering environmental benefits, comfort, and a forward-looking approach.
But how can you electrify your sailboat, or any craft, without compromising its lines or integrity? At TEMO, a key player in marine electric propulsion, that question can be answered in one word: Pod.
What is a pod?
A pod is a compact, lightweight electric propulsion system, fixed under the hull of your boat, which combines power, maneuverability, and discretion.
An outpod, on the other hand, is a retractable electric motor fixed to the outside of the boat, usually on the transom, rudder, or hull topsides.
The SEASIDE by TEMO range of pods combines these two configurations and offers an intuitive, French, electric solution for all types of vessel, from recreational craft to work boats.
Why switch to electric with a pod?
Adopting electric propulsion means saying goodbye to noise and vibration, to filling up with gas, and to the smell of fumes. It also means choosing reliability and simplicity: no fuel to store, no oil changes, and minimal maintenance, thereby reducing costs and constraints for boaters.
Electric propulsion relies on a battery bank, which acts as an energy reservoir. Electricity is produced by a generator (charger, genset, wind generator, or solar panel), then converted by a controller before being transmitted to the pod motor. The propeller, which is permanently submerged and can be either folding or fixed, optimizes thrust and drag.
In addition, the fact of having a shorter propshaft between the motor and the propeller increases energy efficiency. This type of design reduces the size of the circuit, improving reliability, reducing maintenance, and therefore the risk of breakdowns.
Forward-looking boating
Choosing a TEMO electric pod means making a concrete commitment to the energy transition in the maritime and inland waterway sector. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) took a decisive step on April 11 by adopting a legally binding framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combining mandatory limits and a pricing mechanism, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 (IMO, 2025). This framework primarily concerns commercial shipping, but the spirit of these regulations is gradually extending to other forms of navigating.
In this context, recreational craft boats and also water sports centers have a role to play, especially as more environmentally sensitive areas are gradually seeing the banning of internal combustion engines. For example, the city of Amsterdam has introduced restrictions on diesel-powered boats in its canals. The Memorandum on Waterways in Amsterdam plans to allow only emissions-free boats in the city center from 2025 and throughout the Amsterdam inland waterways area from 2030.
Investing in electric power therefore means contributing to the reduction of your carbon footprint while ensuring the sustainability of your boating activities in the face of future regulations
The SEASIDE by TEMO range of pods: discreet and high-performance
Electrifying your boat is about taking a step towards cleaner and more responsible boating.
With TEMO pods, this transition becomes simple, accessible, and efficient. Discover the range of modular and scalable Seaside by TEMO pods, which are easy to integrate and super ergonomic.
These pods stand out for:
- Four standard power ratings: 500W, 1 kW, 3 kW and 6kW, suitable for boats between 500 kg and 3 tonnes.
- Discretion and integration: the pods are submerged in the water and therefore invisible, preserving the aesthetics and freeing up space on board. As for the outpod version, these are attached to the transom and can be easily lifted clear of the water.
- Performance: no compromise on efficiency.
- Instant responsiveness: immediate torque guarantees precise maneuvering even at low speeds.
- Silence restored: conviviality and harmony with nature.
Customized plug & play propulsion
As each boat is unique, TEMO offers individual boaters or shipyards the option of configuring their entire system according to the power and range required and delivers a complete, ready-to-use kit for installation.
The modularity of the range allows you to choose:
- suitable power ratings (500W, 1kW, 3kW up to 6kW);
- fixed or steerable motors (in a rudder tube);
- customizable remote screen control solutions with versatile mounting options and various connection options;
- tailor-made integration via the TEMO design office.
A new boating experience
Thanks to the remotely-mounted control unit, piloting a TEMO pod is intuitive and enjoyable.
Every movement is smooth and precise, thanks to the direct drive from the motor to the propeller, and intelligent propulsion modes optimize energy consumption. All TEMO systems are designed for easy installation.
Electrical integration on demand:
- choice of removable battery capacities: 1kWh, 1.6kWh, 2.3kWh, and 5kWh;
- option to combine up to 4 batteries to 3,000 W to extend range;
- flexible and fast charging via shore-power or at home thanks to compact 48V chargers with intelligent protection against overloads and short circuits;
- compatibility with solar power.
Robustness for long-term use
A TEMO pod is a motor designed to last.
- No submerged electronics;
- IP68 waterproofing without seals in the motor block, reducing annual maintenance;
- No excessive maintenance before 1500 engine hours;
- Robust design to withstand marine conditions;
- Easily repairable motor -> response within 24 hours if on-site service is required;
- Made in Brittany, France.
Whether you’re a boatbuilder or owner of a cruising sailboat, recreational craft or workboat, TEMO pods are opening up a new route: one of silent, intuitive, and future-driven boating. Let’s work together to design your electric propulsion system optimized for your needs.
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