Battery-powered sub-boat- Ego seeks distributors

by Jeni Bone on 27 Feb 2011 One of the most fascinating launches at the recent Miami International Boat show, the Ego, 'compact semi-submarine' from Korean company, Raonhaje, comes in luxury (personal use) and standard editions (resort and environmental monitoring) and functions as both a motor boat and as a sub to seat two.

Instead of using a rudder and outboard motor, both models are run by electric podded propulsion with a battery-powered BLDC (Brushless DC electric motor).

The completely battery-powered sub uses a Trojan T-890 battery pack, a golf-cart battery, that allows the boat to run for up to eight hours at moderate cruising or about four hours at top speed between charges, according to company specs. It needs six to nine hours to fully recharge the battery pack.

Best of all, the electric sub-boat creates no pollution to the environment and is comparatively cheap to run.

Rather than a typical boat style throttle lever, the semi sub has a foot-pedal located under the dashboard, like a car. There's also a steering wheel, and a easy flip forward/backwards toggle switch.

Other accessories on the boat include an LED battery gauge, a digital depth sounder, and a front/back switch to cruise in both directions.

It also has an LCD screen fed by an onboard camera for viewing your above-board surroundings when you are down below.

It’s available in sufficient colours to please everybody – take your pick from a palette that includes Persian Pink, French Rose, Lime Green, Chrome Yellow and Pure Red. The Ego is marketed as a leisure toy or a vessel that can be fully outfitted with equipment for research purposes.

The Ego semi-sub boat will be available for purchase from October 2011, but Raonhaje has yet to announce any pricing. The company says a four-seater version is currently under development and it is looking for international distributors. Enquires to info@raonhaje.com

More at www.raonhaje.com