An electric Yamaha outboard
Yes, you read that right. It's electric. In a tough year for everyone with a pandemic and a broken supply chain, innovation still endured, and we got to see some very interesting products brought to light in 2021. Yamaha was one of those companies that, despite supply chain challenges was able to introduce some new and innovative products. Their new HARMO electric outboard system topped the list.
Image courtesy of Yamaha Marine
At IBEX (the International BoatBuilder’s Exhibition and Conference) at the tail end of September 2021 in Tampa, Yamaha introduced the HARMO. With its unique design this futuristic outboard motor is leading Yamaha into the future of electric vessel propulsion. Although a small motor, when coupled to a 48-volt power supply the outboard produces around 225 pounds of thrust which equates to about the same power as a 9.9HP gasoline motor. It utilizes rim drive motors previously seen on some models of bow thrusters, and while not a new design it is the first time they have been used with an outboard motor. This design also helps give the motor a futuristic look.
The engines will be available in single or twin applications and a single motor is said to be able to effectively maneuver boats up to 32 feet. It weighs 121 pounds and “HARMO is the perfect system for horsepower or internal combustion restricted waterways,” said Ben Speciale, President of the Yamaha Marine U.S. Business Unit. Effective run times with this outboard will depend on load, speed, battery type and size, configuration and other parameters. The system includes Yamaha’s Helm Master EX controls and even includes the steering system’s joystick. Once set up the Digital Electric Steering (DES) allows for a 140-degree steering circle. This translates to a boat being able to turn a single engine boat within its own length producing excellent maneuverability. Twin engine setups can achieve lateral operation.
While these motors are small, they point to new technology that will lead to bigger things, literally. Silent and powerful these electric motors are a set towards an inevitable future of electric outboards. With engines being deployed in Europe, the US will soon follow. As part of Yamaha’s engineering philosophy known as CommandBlue it fills all the components of this Philosophy. They are, “advanced propulsion technology, environmental awareness, future vision and proven joystick control to provide high thrust and maneuverability.” How this technology will play out is yet to be determined. “Ultimately it is up to our boat builder customers to decide how to integrate it into their boats, and we are eager to see the result,” said Speciale. It’s safe to say we are all eager to see how electric outboards develop in our very near future.