For leisure centres and boat rental operators, electric propulsion offers significant advantages: quiet operation, ease of use and a user-friendly experience for customers who are often first-time boaters.
In Brittany, near Quimper, Canal Loisirs chose to retrofit several Saviboat rental boats with the TEMO OUTPOD·1000. For Olivier, manager of the leisure centre, the objective was straightforward: bring older electric boats back into service after their original propulsion systems had become obsolete.
The challenge was twofold: find a reliable, easy-to-use propulsion solution suitable for public rental operations while avoiding an extensive, costly and technically complex refit.
Boat specifications
Model: Saviboat
Type: Electric rental boat
Length: 4.95 m
Typical use: Hourly boat rental
Users: General public, beginner boaters
Bringing an ageing electric fleet back to life
Canal Loisirs acquired four Saviboat electric boats. Although originally designed for electric propulsion, their existing drive systems were no longer operational.
The main challenge was the age of the boats. Many replacement parts had become unavailable, while others were prohibitively expensive compared to the overall value of the boats and the planned refurbishment budget.
The boats also featured a very specific architecture, including an existing propeller shaft, rudder, inboard drivetrain and propulsion system. Replacing the original motor without completely redesigning the boat therefore represented a genuine technical challenge.
A solution designed for rental operations
Several propulsion options were evaluated, including fixed pods and steerable pod systems from the TEMO range.
Although a steering pod could theoretically have been connected to the existing steering system, the Saviboat's layout left very little space around the rudder and the remaining components of the original drivetrain.
After reviewing the installation constraints and operating requirements, the OUTPOD·1000 emerged as the ideal solution. Mounted on the transom, it simplified installation while maintaining intuitive handling—an important advantage for rental customers with little or no boating experience.
Removing the original propulsion system also made it possible to eliminate the old inboard motor and propeller, freeing valuable interior space. This area was then used to house the battery, motor controller and the remaining electrical components of the TEMO system.
Another major advantage was the ability to retain the boat's existing cable-operated steering system, which had previously controlled the rudder.
To achieve this, TEMO equipped the OUTPOD with a steering linkage—an optional accessory developed to offer greater installation flexibility. Depending on the application, the OUTPOD can be operated with its standard tiller, a tiller extension or, as in this installation, a steering linkage connected directly to an existing mechanical steering system.
On the Saviboat, installation simply involved adjusting the motor mounting height before connecting the steering linkage to the original steering mechanism already fitted to the boat.
The result was a simple, reliable and cost-effective installation perfectly suited to commercial rental use.
Fast installation with minimal modifications
One of the greatest advantages of this solution was that it avoided any major structural modifications to the boat.
Canal Loisirs did not need to drill new large openings in the hull or redesign the existing steering system. The installation preserved both the original layout and the ergonomics of the boat.
Thanks to the plug-and-play design of the OUTPOD·1000, installation was completed in less than half a day.
For a rental operator, this represents a major benefit by minimising downtime and allowing boats to return to service quickly.
Engineered for reliability
Ease of maintenance was another key requirement for Canal Loisirs.
The OUTPOD·1000 features a modular architecture that separates the motor from its main electronic components. Should servicing be required, each component can be replaced independently without removing the complete system or taking the boat out of the water.
Another key advantage is the mechanical face seal used on the OUTPOD·1000—a sealing technology typically reserved for more demanding marine applications. Unlike conventional lip seals that wear over time, this solution significantly reduces maintenance requirements while improving long-term durability.
At this power level, TEMO is currently the only manufacturer offering this technology.
Installed configuration
Propulsion system: OUTPOD·1000
Motor output: 1,300 W
Nominal voltage: 48 V
Batteryt: 1 x Powertech 105 Ah
Battery capacity: Approx. 5,380 Wh
Optional feature: Power output can be electronically limited on request
A propulsion system perfectly suited to boat rental
For rental operators, safety and ease of operation are essential. The propulsion system must be intuitive, reliable and reassuring for inexperienced users.
The OUTPOD·1000 meets these requirements by providing quiet, emission-free electric propulsion with no fuel handling, no complicated procedures and no unreliable engine starts.
The ability to limit maximum power on request is another valuable feature. It allows operators to adapt boat performance to customer experience while extending battery range.
With this configuration, Canal Loisirs achieves approximately 5 hours of autonomy at full power, and up to 7 hours when the motor output is limited.
A tilting motor for easier day-to-day operation
Another appreciated feature is that the OUTPOD·1000 can still be tilted when required.
This makes inspections, adjustments and routine maintenance much easier. By disconnecting the steering linkage, the motor can simply be raised out of the water whenever necessary.
For a rental fleet, where boats require frequent inspections and servicing, this accessibility is a valuable operational advantage.
Expert support throughout the refit
The operator had little previous experience with electric propulsion integration, making TEMO's technical support a key part of the project.
The objective was not simply to replace a motor, but to identify the most appropriate propulsion solution for an existing boat, taking into account its technical constraints, rental use and available budget.
As the customer explains:
"I gave the TEMO team my specifications, and by exploring different integration options together, we found the configuration that best suited both my boat and my needs. It's an accessible solution—both in terms of usability and cost. And it's Breton too!"
A practical way to extend the life of existing boats
This project demonstrates that electrification is not limited to new boats. It also provides an effective way to extend the lifespan of existing vessels, even when original spare parts are no longer available.
For Canal Loisirs, the OUTPOD·1000 made it possible to:
- bring older boats back into service;
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avoid a complex and expensive refit;
- retain the original steering system;
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simplify operation for the general public;
- provide battery autonomy ideally suited to hourly boat rental.
For leisure centres and rental operators, this approach offers an effective way to modernise an existing fleet while keeping costs and technical complexity under control.
Planning an electrification or refit project?
Get in touch with the TEMO team to discuss the best solution for your boat or fleet.
