Cruise 6.0 RS TorqLink

Lower transoms and smaller tenders call for the short-leg Cruise 6.0 RS TorqLink rather than its long-shaft sibling: a 25-inch shaft on Torqeedo's 48-volt outboard, equivalent to roughly a 9.9 hp petrol motor and sized for dinghies and sailboats up to 6 tons. Bare, the motor weighs 45 lbs; add the matched lithium battery and you're carrying about 80 lbs more.

Durability

An IP67 rating and saltwater-resistant construction let the drivetrain take repeated commercial-style duty, groundings included, without the corrosion problems that shorten the service life of an ordinary outboard's exposed parts.

Electronics and setup

TorqLink reports speed, draw, charge level, and remaining range to the onboard display in real time by linking motor and battery directly, rather than leaving those figures to a rough guess. A main switch, TorqLink cable set, and B 12.5 x 17 HSP propeller come as standard; a third-party 48-volt battery can be substituted too, as long as its output matches and the required extra cable set is fitted. The throttle, battery, and charger are each purchased on their own, separate from the motor.

Buying it

Sold new, Torqeedo's non-commercial coverage runs 2 years.

How is this different from the long-shaft 6.0? Mainly shaft length and weight; this short-leg build suits lower transoms.

Does it include batteries? No, the Power 48-5000 lithium pack is bought separately.