How do you convert a sailboat to electric propulsion when its design doesn't allow for a conventional outboard motor? That was the challenge facing the owner of this Revolution 22, based at La Noëveillard Marina in Pornic, France.
His boat was equipped with a 9.9 HP combustion outboard mounted in an unusual offset cage system. A complicated setup that made operating the engine a real hassle, even for simple harbor maneuvers.
Looking for a quieter, easier and more practical alternative, he discovered the TEMO OUTPOD·3000, a retractable 3 kW electric propulsion system, through word of mouth.
Here's how a flexible motor design and technical support from the TEMO engineering team helped make this electric conversion possible.
The Boat: A Revolution 22 with an Unusual Engine Setup
Boat model: Revolution 22
Boat type: Sailboat
Length: 7 m
Weight: 1.6 tonnes
Home port: La Noëveillard Marina, Pornic, France
Original engine: 9.9 HP combustion outboard
New propulsion system: TEMO OUTPOD·3000
Motor power: 3 kW
Battery: 1 TEMO battery 2.5KWh with rack
Installation: Completed by the own
Why Replace the Original Combustion Engine?
On this Revolution 22, the combustion outboard was installed in an offset cage, making the system particularly difficult to operate.
For its owner, using the engine had become a real struggle, even though he mainly needed it for straightforward tasks: leaving and entering the marina, maneuvering in confined spaces and reaching open water before setting sail.
He wanted to replace this complicated setup with a more convenient electric motor, but there was one major obstacle: none of the conventional electric outboards he had considered would fit his boat's specific mounting arrangement.
He eventually heard about TEMO through a personal recommendation.
As soon as he discovered how the OUTPOD worked, he realized it could be the solution he had been looking for.
Why Choose the OUTPOD·3000 for a Revolution 22?
Unlike a conventional electric outboard, the TEMO OUTPOD features a retractable mounting system designed to adapt to different boat configurations.
For this Revolution 22, the design offered two key advantages: it allowed the owner to retain much of the existing installation without completely redesigning the engine mount, while making everyday operation significantly easier.
Another major benefit for a sailboat is that the motor can be lifted completely out of the water while sailing, eliminating drag from a submerged lower unit.
How Much Electric Motor Power Does a Revolution 22 Need?
Choosing the right power output involved several discussions between the owner and TEMO's engineering team.
Initially, he was considering two options: the 1.3 kW OUTPOD·1000 and the 3 kW OUTPOD·3000.
Since the motor would mainly be used for entering and leaving the marina, the 1.3 kW version might have been sufficient in favorable conditions.
However, the boat's weight (1.6 t), windage and local sailing conditions suggested that additional power would be beneficial.
La Noëveillard Marina can be exposed to challenging conditions, making a greater power reserve particularly valuable for safe and confident maneuvering.
The owner therefore selected the OUTPOD·3000, delivering 3 kW of nominal power.
This project highlights why choosing an electric sailboat motor isn't simply about boat length or displacement. Windage, local conditions and intended use are just as important.
A Custom Installation Supported by TEMO's Engineering Team
Before making his final decision, the owner visited TEMO's facilities to meet the team and see the motor in person.
Several technical discussions followed to determine how best to integrate the electric propulsion system into his Revolution 22.
The aim was to preserve as much of the existing setup as possible while ensuring a clean, practical installation of the electrical components.
Installed configuration:
Electric propulsion: TEMO OUTPOD·3000
Motor power: 3100 W
Battery: 1 TEMO battery 2.5 kWh with rack
Display: TEMO display with optional extension cable
Electrical distribution: Distribution box
Onboard integration: Connection to the boat's 12 V electrical system
TEMO 2.3 kWh battery with auto-connect rack
Because of the boat's layout, the installation required an optional display cable extension to position the controls conveniently.
A distribution box was also integrated to accommodate the necessary electrical connections alongside the boat's existing 12 V system.
For energy storage, the owner chose a single TEMO battery, although a two-battery configuration is generally recommended for the OUTPOD·3000 depending on the intended use.
In this case, the single-battery setup was selected for short harbor maneuvers, with operating time and power demand adapted to the available battery capacity.
A DIY Electric Conversion Completed in Two Days
From the beginning, the owner was keen to install the system himself.
With guidance from TEMO's engineering team, he was able to handle the installation independently while receiving technical assistance whenever needed.
The entire process took approximately one to two days, including the careful routing of cables and integration of the electrical components.
The result was a neat, customized installation that preserved the boat's existing arrangement while making the propulsion system considerably easier to operate.
Quiet, Powerful and Easy to Use: The Results on the Water
Once the installation was complete, the difference was immediate.
Gone were the complicated maneuvers required to operate the old 9.9 HP combustion engine. The owner now had an electric propulsion system that was simple to use, quiet and perfectly suited to his needs.
The OUTPOD·3000 proved to have more than enough power, even in the sometimes exposed conditions of La Noëveillard Marina.
But beyond performance, the greatest improvement was the overall boating experience: no more combustion engine noise during harbor maneuvers, and the ability to retract the motor completely out of the water once under sail.
This allows the owner to enjoy sailing without additional drag from the propulsion system.
Converting an Unusual Sailboat to Electric Propulsion: It's Possible!
This Revolution 22 is a great example of the flexibility offered by a well-designed electric propulsion system.
While conventional electric outboards couldn't accommodate the boat's unusual engine mounting arrangement, the OUTPOD·3000 allowed the owner to retain much of the existing setup while dramatically simplifying its operation.
With the right power output, a DIY installation completed in just two days and technical guidance from TEMO's engineering team, this project demonstrates that an unconventional boat configuration doesn't have to be an obstacle to switching to electric propulsion.
Looking to replace your sailboat's combustion engine, but struggling to find an electric outboard that fits your boat? Contact the TEMO team to explore the best electric propulsion solution for your vessel.
