The ThrustMe Kicker is an electric motor for dinghies. Its strong point? Its lightness. In fact, this engine, which offers a thrust equivalent to that of a 2-stroke engine, weighs only 4.7 kg. A real featherweight when you know that a 4-stroke engine has difficulty to go under the 20 kgâ?¦ bar
A complete package
The Kicker is made in Norway. It is complete, in one block. Its battery is therefore integrated into the engine. This has the advantage of making it completely waterproof. On the other hand, to charge it, you will have to position the engine close to a socket. The Kicker is delivered with a 110/230 volt charger, but an accessory also allows you to charge it in 12 volts, which will be very useful when you are at anchor on board. The integrated battery is a Li-ion in 18 V of 14 Ah âeuros 259 Wh. A complete charge is assured in 4 hours in 230 volts.
From 0.5 to 2.5 hours of autonomy
In terms of autonomy, this engine has a 6-position cruise control. In the fastest speed, the "Turbo" mode, the announced autonomy is about 30 minutes. But it can be 2.5 hours in the slowest mode. These figures are given as an indication and will depend on the sea and wind conditions and on the dinghy used.
A remote control to control in the hand
This motor, which can be adjusted in height to vary the length of the shaft, has a small remote control to adjust the speed. This remote control can remain on the head of the motor or be held in the hand during navigation. It is with this control that you can change the direction of rotation of the propeller, and find the right speed. An LCD screen on the motor indicates the selected mode as well as the state of charge of the battery in percentage.
A protected propeller
In addition to its lightness, the Kicker also has a propeller integrated into a cage. This is a safety feature for swimmers, but also to avoid damage when approaching the coast, as is often the case when arriving on land with a tender.
A competitive rate
Delivered with its carrying case, the ThrustMe Kicker is ready to use. It is distributed in France by Interdist at a price of 1,390.00 euros including tax. As an indication, the French competitor's Temo 450 engine, the one that looks like a sculler, costs 1,590.00 euros including tax, without the optional carrying case.
