The UK’s Electric Outboard has been selected to be involved in the latest phase of the RYA Midlands Region e-boat trial to help shape the future of electric safety boat solutions.
Phase two will take on board learnings from a previous trial that ran throughout 2025 and aims to address issues raised by the Midlands based clubs involved, mainly relating to the speed and power of the initial trial boat.
Electric Outboard has refitted the original boat – a Rigiflex 360, used by many sailing clubs for rescue and coaching duties – with a Momentum M10 outboard.
The outboard has a 10kW motor (15hp equivalent), making it powerful enough to get a range of RIBS and safety boats including the Rigiflex 360 on the plane almost immediately.
Massive torque
“Having delivered different models of safety boats kitted out with the M10 package for a number of sailing clubs outside the Midlands region, we know it fits the bill for many – especially for those operating on inland waters,” explained Algie Bennett, founder and CEO of Electric Outboard.
And he explained that the massive torque together with its large four-bladed propeller makes the M10 capable of towing multiple boats, a key capability of any sailing club safety boat.
The motor is able to deliver 15 knots of boat speed and provide 24-hours of run time at trolling speeds.
In addition, the M10 package is lighter than comparable electric outboards with the motor itself weighing 22kg and the battery weighing 37kg.
The small motor size enables it to fit in a standard fuel locker.
“Being able to position the battery in the bow locker means that the Rigiflex has a much better balance on the water,” added Algie.
“We’ve also routed the power cable through the hull to keep the deck area as clear as possible to enable easy and safe rescue of any casualties by users throughout this second test phase.”
Racing and training sessions
The RYA Midlands Region began the new test phase aided by Electric Outboard at Burton Sailing Club in May.
The boat will be taken around different clubs in the region over the coming months, with data gathered about how each boat is used in racing and training sessions.
Users will also provide feedback to help shape the development of electric safety boat solutions going forward.
“Data is essential to help us confirm that the M10/Rigiflex package can offer the capabilities that these clubs need, as well as narrow down the gap analysis on where electric power may not still be suitable,” said Algie.
“The more we understand real world use requirements, the easier it becomes to put in place multiple viable options going forward, not just for clubs on inland waters but those operating in coastal waters as well.”
