Torqeedo Launches Commercial-grade Cruise Motor
Torqeedo has updated its electric outboards with a new design to meet the demands of commercial users.
Available in comes in 5 hp and 8 hp equivalents, the Cruise is an electric solution for pontoon boats, sailboats, small boats, workboats, water taxis and users on lakes that limit the use of combustion motors since its introduction in 2008.
The redesigned line now features an aluminum lower housing which protects against impact damage and provides increased mechanical support for the propeller shaft. It also has improved shaft sealant rings and lubricant-free polymer bearings that defend against fishing line or debris.
The new Cruise retains its core features such as GPS-based range calculation, up-to-the-minute battery status and speed calculations, and its ability to work with accessories like Torqeedo's smartphone app, TorqTrac.
The aluminum lower housing has been in testing with commercial operations for several months and Bob Bekoff, owner of a water taxi fleet in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, reports, "We've been using Torqeedo motors on our fleet for several years now and were excited to test the improved Cruise. The water taxi business places extreme demands on the motors' durability and the new Cruise has performed flawlessly."
Steve Trkla, president and general manager of Torqeedo, Inc., said, "We initially focused on building a more rugged Cruise motor for commercial and rental operations. Our engineers in Germany delivered such an outstanding product that we've incorporated the changes across the board. The new Cruise motor is now available in North America through Torqeedo dealers and our boatbuilder partners."
