Here’s something that looks interesting for eco-conscious cruisers, an electric-powered, jet-drive dinghy.
Highfield is one of the world’s leading builders of advanced inflatable, rigid-floor tenders. With more than 54,000 dinghies sold in the last 13 years, the company pioneered aluminum-hull inflatables that are lighter than fiberglass and more durable.
With the launch of the n EJET 330, once agin they display the innovative thinking behind every Highfield. Powered by ZeroJet MKII jet drive system, the 24-volt electric motor delivers 24-horsepower but less than half of an equivalent outboard more. And, it produces no carbon emissions.
The battery pack provides 10.8 kilowatt hours of power at 48 volts, stepped down to 24 volts for the motor. The battery takes between two and five hours to completely recharge. This could be an issue for yachts at anchor without a generator.
Highfield dinghies have aluminum hulls and the tubes are built of ORCA Hypalon, which is the most durable fabric for inflatables. The tubes have 17-inch diameters, which is large enough to keep your butt dry in most conditions. A front locker and towing points on the bow are standard.
Highfield dinghies, like Model-Ts, come in only one color, normally gray. So it is fun to see the company branch out and offer their somewhat radical electric EJET dingy in four different colors and aesthetic modes.
