That was the subject line in my email from BoatUS said! I had to see what kind of boat they were talking about. It seems an ex-Microsoft engineer leaves them in order to to build fast electric boats. Following two years in development, Zin Electric Boats launched its Z2R, a 20-foot carbon-fiber runabout powered by the BMW i3 battery coupled with a Torqeedo Deep Blue propulsion system. One of the advantages to electric power is that it provides instant torque. Weighing just 1,750 pounds, the Z2R can top 35 mph, and at cruising speed of 10 to 12 mph has a range of 80 to 100 miles. The battery can be charged with either 110V or 220V and costs less than $6 to recharge. The interior combines wood finishes with composite accents, comfortable seating, touchscreen system monitoring, and a custom-designed Fusion sound system. The Z2R was launched at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2020, where BoatUS Magazine’s senior editor Rich Armstrong took it for a spin. The boat sells at the luxury price of $250,000. Zin says his primary market will be as a tender for large yachts. Look for a feature story on electric and hybrid marine propulsion in the April/May 2020 issue of BoatUS Magazine.
Here’s a video showing the boat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QobFuOs0zbo&feature=youtu.be
Learn more at http://www.zinboats.com/
Info on the engine is here: https://www.torqeedo.com/us/en-us/products/inboards/deep-blue-25-50i-1800/M-3301-00.html
Video used with permission from BoatUS (www.YouTube.com/BoatUS) (Thank you Scott Croft VP Public Affairs BoatUS)
See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1772
