Following a number of requests, we are working on an electric-drive version of the Trio. Her efficient hull is an ideal starting point for such a project.

The idea is to build a battery box that attaches to the removable centre thwart, with sufficient capacity to power the Torqeedo 401 or 801 motors for a typical day out - perhaps 4-5hrs actual motoring - and rechargeable overnight. The batteries would generally stay in the box, making the whole unit easy to put in the boat or attach to a mains outlet for recharging. The weight of the batteries is then exactly in the right place, central in the boat and low down. 

This is still in development, but our initial estimates are:
- a 24volt system including the Torqeedo 801 Base Travel, two 100 amp hour batteries, battery box, cables and installation would cost approximately £1200. Maximum speed 5.5knots, range at half power (4knots) approx 20 nautical miles.
- a 12volt system including the Torqeedo 401 Base Travel, one 100 amp hour battery, battery box, cables and installation would come in at around £950. Maximum speed 4.5knots, range at half power approx 12 nautical miles.

A single battery installation could also be made under the thwart that spans the aft buoyancy chambers - reducing the length of wiring etc - but you would need some other weight (such as another person) further forward, so this is not the right solution if you are likely to want to use the boat singlehanded.

We can also turn the Trio into something of an "electric speed boat":
- with the 2kW Torqeedo motor she will do approx 9knots, and as this is a 24volt motor it would run off two batteries as above (obviously draining them faster at higher speeds). The acceleration is virtually instantaneous, and the combination of speed and silence is incomparable to anything else on the water. 
- with the 4kW version (not yet tried) on a lightweight carbon-fibre Trio we think she should achieve 15knots (30 kmph!), with breathtaking acceleration. This motor needs 48volts, either 4 conventional lead acid batteries (getting heavy), or 2 of the Torqeedo Power packs. For about £12,000 all-in (a carbon-hull Trio, 4kW motor, 2 Torqeedo Power batteries, remote steering etc) this would be a spectacular boat and so far as we know much lower priced than anything with comparable performance in the electric market. 

More information and pictures to follow soon, please do not hesitate to contact us for the latest updates.