ELECTRIC JET RIB FOR ZERO COMPROMISE BOATING

The new EJET 330 electric jet combines Highfield’s performance and strength as the world’s leading manufacturer of aluminium RIBs, with ZeroJet’s e�cient and powerful electric system.

• No exposed propeller means safer use in the water.

• The low-profile makes beaching easy and allows the boat to skim over shallow ecosystems.

• The compact size makes it easier to stow and store in smaller spaces.

• The ZeroJet 15 kW electric motor and jet pump is integrated into the hull, giving more space on the boat compared to outboard engines.

For information out on the water and when charging, the display screen shows speed, power-train levels and battery stateof-charge.

The ZeroJet propulsion system is housed beneath the two-person, aft orientated seat, which has a back rest that can lay flat for ease of movement around the boat, and which also allows unrestricted access to the stern, which is fitted with a small but useable swim platform extending the full width of the stern between the Hypalon tubes. This feature is not available with an electric outboard set up, as the outboard takes up too much space. Another plus for the ZeroJet system. The 48V LiFePO4 batteries (10.8kWh) are housed in a bespoke, watertight battery box under the brushed foam teak finish deck, which can be accessed by simply unbolting the deck floorboards.

Up forward is a waterproof bow locker with more than ample space for spare clothing, etc. and when shut, it serves as a padded seat. In my opinion, this vessel is ideally suited for two to four people, even though it is rated for five, maximum. With only two people, it is perfect.

The helm station is well designed for the driver and companion to sit comfortably beside each other while allowing the helmsperson ample room to steer the boat and operate the forward/aft throttle unit attached to the arm of the FCT console. As mentioned above, the throttle works pretty much the same as an outboard unit, the only key difference I noted is that it takes a bit more of a definitive downward thrust when engaging reverse and it is important to remember that one needs to progress in stages from forward throttle to neutral to reverse. The reason for this is simple to understand, when you appreciate that what you are doing is mechanically altering the position of the stern jet pod which, as you would suspect, is heavier and bulkier than a propeller.

Enough said, time to rock and roll!

Despite the blustery weather, we were able find relatively calm waters outside the breakwater to put the E Jet 330 through its paces.

Zane piloted the boat initially so I could learn how she handled at several throttle speeds and through various low and high-speed manoeuvres before I took over the helm, so as not to make a complete fool of myself. While watching Zane, it soon became apparent that there were a few key differences with this propulsion system versus an outboard motor set-up and when it was my turn to drive, these differences became abundantly clear.

First off; acceleration. Over the past decade there has been a lot of hoopla around the insane acceleration that electric vehicles are able to achieve compared to their fossil fuel brethren. So too is it true when it comes to marine electric jet propulsion. You hit that throttle full forward and the boat jumps instantly up on the plane and, in super quick time, we hit our maximum recorded speed for the day, of 19 knots. Exhilarating to say the least!

Second; sound. There is a lot of hype over how quiet electric boats are, and for the most part, this is true. However, with the E Jet 330, there is some noise. Not from the electric motor, but from the volume of water being thrust through the jet propulsion unit. Basic physics. But is this noise annoying? Not in the least. And compared to the noise an outboard generates, even though modern four stroke units are a way down on the decibel level, compared to good old two stroke units, the ZeroJet unit is noticeably quieter.

Third; handling. Here is where you experience a difference between a RIB of this size fitted with a conventional 20 hp equivalent outboard and the ZeroJet drive. The helm is somewhat ‘heavier’ when you push the boat at speed through tight turns. Not surprisingly, when you think about it, as there is a lot of hefty ‘jet-pod’ at the stern to move around. In discussion with Jonathan Tuboeuf, the director of Highfield operations in New Zealand, when I mentioned this to him, he advised that the steering is conventional mechanical cable. I suggested that perhaps hydraulic steering may alleviate some of this ‘heaviness’ when careening the craft around at high speeds?

As the E Jet 330 package is still evolving, this may be something for consideration?

That tiny niggle aside, once you start putting this RIB through tight turns at high speeds, the exhilaration of the ride soon puts all other thoughts from your mind!

When Zane jumped ashore and handed the helm over to me before I headed back out on my own, my immediate question was; “How hard can I push this craft”? Receiving his “Go for it” response, I went for it! With increasing confidence, I pushed harder and harder, bouncing the 330 through a short chop and executing alarmingly tight turns, thinking to myself that if this all turns to custard, at least I’ve got my inflatable life jacket on, and the kill switch cord is securely looped around my leg! As it turned out, my concerns were ill-founded. No matter how hard I tried to ‘unhinge’ the E Jet from the ocean surface, it just dug its ass in and kept going. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to test a 330 with a conventional outboard, I suspect that if I were to do the same manoeuvres the stern would have let loose. Although this craft is tremendously pragmatic in this age of alternative fuel consideration and, for much of its use will be simply ferrying people and supplies from shore to boat and vice versa, this is also a safe, fun boat. With no exposed propeller and abundant power, this little craft is ideal for water skiing or towing the kids around on a sea biscuit, not to mention that its low profile (draft) allows it to be beached easily and to skim over shallow reef ecosystems.

Sea trials completed, we returned to the boat ramp to wrap up the day. I mentioned launching was easy, well retrieving the boat is equally easy. Once the trailer is backed down into the water and submerged to its wheel arches, simply power the boat onto the trailer and secure it. Job done! After that, it’s just a matter of plugging the boat into your home charger or (if stowed in a large vessel ‘parking garage’) onboard power source.

Conclusion: This is the complete package, but it does, as one would expect with a top quality, state of the art product, not come cheap (starting at NZD $55,000.00 without trailer). Cost aside, there is little to find fault with the E Jet 330 powered by ZeroJet. As I said in the conclusion of my previous ZeroJet article. No pollution, minimal noise. Just you, the ocean, and a rechargeable battery. I like that!

With an underfloor battery pack and internal jet drive, the E Jet 330 is designed to maximise on-board space.

Specifications

Boat Design Name

Highfield E Jet 330

Overall length 336cm

Overall width 182cm

Tube diameter 43cm

Number of air chambers 3

Maximum load 425kg

Boat weight from 225kg Price (without trailer) from NZD $55,000 HIGHFIELDBOATS.COM ZEROJET.COM

Features

Hypalon tubes, High tensile chromated & powder coated Aluminium, Deep V Hull, 15 kW/ 20 hp ZeroJet drive, 48 V system, 40A charger (requires a 16A socket & AC 90 – 264V power source), 10.8 kWh battery packs (underfloor-mounted), Eliminates the necessity of having dangerous petrol on board the mother ship, LCD display, Electronic, with a mechanical reverse throttle, Wheel and steering system. FCT console, 20-degree hull deadrise angle gives handling assurance in the toughest conditions, Flush Mount nonreturn valves, Bow Locker, Integrated Transom Supports, Removable Set Lifting points and Towing Eyes, Tow bridle points, Brushed Foam Teak Finish deck, Heavy duty rubbing strake, Full length keel guard, Tank strap kit, Highfield dry bag, Foot pump, Oars

Zerojet System Specifications

3 knots speed (nautical miles) * 23 Range @ 14 knots speed (nautical miles) * 12

Runtime @ 3 knots speed (hours) 7.5

Runtime @ 14 knots speed (hours)

Charge time 40A charger at 220V (hours)

*Based on a standard 1-person load