For the Tofinou design office, the goal was not simply to electrify a dayboat, but to create a propulsion solution that perfectly matched the boat's philosophy: elegant, intuitive and effortless to live with.
On the Tofinou 7.9, the electric propulsion system needed to:
- preserve the yacht's sailing performance,
- minimise maintenance,
- enhance onboard comfort,
- and provide a solution truly adapted to the way owners use their boats.
This shared vision led Tofinou and TEMO to collaborate on the development of a dedicated electric propulsion system.
The Tofinou 7.9, an Elegant and High-Performance Dayboat
Boat Specifications
Model: Tofinou 7.9
Type: Dayboat
Hull Length: 7.20 m
Overall Length: 7.90 m
Beam: 2.30 m
Draft: 1.70 m
Draft (Centreboard Raised): 0.90 m
Intended Use: Day sailing / Coastal cruising
The Tofinou 7.9 is a lightweight, performance-oriented sailing yacht designed to deliver an engaging sailing experience while remaining exceptionally easy to handle.
As Benjamin, a member of the Tofinou design office, explains:
"It's a dayboat, so everything happens outside."
Designed for Low Maintenance
With this latest generation of the Tofinou 7.9, the shipyard also focused on reducing maintenance requirements.
The objective was straightforward:
- retain the yacht's timeless elegance,
- while making ownership easier and less demanding.
Why Choose TEMO Electric Propulsion?
Going electric was a natural choice for this project.
For a yacht of this size, only moderate propulsion power is required.
According to Benjamin:
"3 kilowatts is more than enough for this boat."
But beyond the power rating, it was the owner's experience that drove the development.
The Tofinou team was looking for a propulsion system that would be:
- easy to operate,
- quiet,
- highly responsive,
- and, above all, compatible with removable battery packs.
Installed Configuration
Propulsion System: TEMO POD·3000
Motor Output: 3,100 W
Nominal Voltage: 48 V
Battery Bank: 2 × TEMO 2.3 kWh batteries with AutoConnect Rack
Chargers: 8 A shore charger + 7.5 A onboard charger (350 W)
Optional Equipment: GORI folding two-blade propeller
TEMO 2.3 kWh battery with auto-connect rack
Removable Batteries Designed for Real-Life Boating
One of the key objectives of the project was making energy management as practical as possible.
Tofinou and TEMO therefore worked together around a removable battery system.
This solution is particularly well suited to owners whose boats are:
- on moorings,
- on swinging moorings,
- or berthed in marinas without shore power.
The batteries can simply be removed and recharged at home.
As Benjamin explains:
"Owners can take the batteries home and charge them just like an e-bike battery."
This flexibility makes day-to-day ownership considerably easier.
A Helm-Mounted Throttle for Greater Control
To further improve manoeuvrability, Tofinou and TEMO also developed a throttle control integrated directly at the helm.
This configuration provides excellent comfort when manoeuvring in harbour, offering:
- instant forward and reverse,
- immediate throttle response,
- and intuitive control.
The skipper can remain in a natural steering position throughout every manoeuvre.
Silent... Yet Exceptionally Responsive
One of the most appreciated features is the way the electric motor behaves on the water.
Contrary to common misconceptions, electric propulsion delivers:
- instant response
- extremely precise control,
- and remarkably smooth manoeuvring.
According to Benjamin:
"The biggest advantage of electric motors today is that they're completely silent, yet incredibly responsive."
The absence of engine noise and vibration completely changes the experience of docking and low-speed manoeuvring.
Already Sailing Around the World
Today, several Tofinou 7.9 yachts are already equipped with TEMO electric propulsion systems.
These boats can be found in a wide range of cruising grounds:
along France's Atlantic coast,on inland lakes, and internationally.
As Benjamin points out:
"There's even one sailing in Australia."
This growing fleet demonstrates the increasing appeal of electric propulsion among dayboat owners looking for quieter, simpler and more user-friendly solutions.
A New Generation of Electric Dayboats
With this project, Tofinou illustrates how premium dayboats are evolving.
Electric propulsion is no longer simply an environmentally friendly alternative—it has become a smarter way to power a modern sailing yacht. It offers:
- greater onboard comfort,
- intuitive operation,
- lower maintenance,
- and seamless integration with the boat's overall design philosophy.
For the Tofinou design office, the conclusion is clear: combining the pleasure of sailing with a quiet, reliable and beautifully integrated electric propulsion system.
Planning an electric conversion or refit?
Get in touch with the TEMO team to discuss your project.
