A versatile, modular electric motor
The Kahe Pod 600 is a multi-purpose electric pod for your boat. Weighing less than 5 kilos, it can be transformed into a dinghy motor, an underwater scooter or a paddle or kayak propeller. The unit is IP68 waterproof to a depth of 5m.
Developed and designed at Lacanau, near Bordeaux, the Pod 600 represents an interesting alternative to engines with conventional outboard architecture.
One engine, three uses
The main element of the Pod 600 is a polymer warhead housing the battery, motor and propeller, protected by a fairing.
For outboard operation, simply clip the warhead onto the transom bracket, which acts as a tiller. Engine power is regulated by the remote control, which is mounted on the tiller. Installation takes just a few minutes.
In the event of a fall overboard, the distance between the remote control and the motor acts as a circuit-breaker, with the motor switching off automatically if the remote control is too far away.
For use as an underwater scooter, a snorkeling handlebar clips onto the slide. An additional protective grid is added to the existing fairing, to ensure safe use.
If the user drops it underwater, the Pod 600 rises to the surface on its own and floats upright for easy retrieval.
Finally, for use as a paddle, kayak or float tube thruster, the Pod 600 fits onto the fin housing. Several interfaces are available to suit all models.
Honorable performance
Tested on a 3.5 m inflatable dinghy, the Pod 600 propels a crew of four at 5 knots in mild conditions, as we were able to test it on the Côte Bleue in Marseille. Although the prototype still needed some fine-tuning, its main functionalities were well up to scratch. Autonomy, at full speed and on charge, is one hour. It is 2 to 3 hours in underwater scooter mode, and up to 6 hours for use with a kayak or stand-up paddle, representing a distance of over 20 miles.
Recharging the battery takes between two and five hours, depending on the charger model used.
The LG Chem 420 Wh , a recycled and recyclable battery
The battery, a sensitive component of an electric motor used in a marine environment, is based on an innovative architecture patented by Bordeaux-based start-up Gouach. The lithium components are not permanently fixed, which means the battery can be easily dismantled, making it easier to recycle and repair. Once the defective component has been identified, it can be dismantled in a matter of seconds by simply removing two screws. This ensures a longer battery life, and better use of lithium resources. Instead of replacing an entire battery, just one cell is replaced.
Competitive pricing in a fast-growing market
Available in spring 2024, the Kahe 600 will be priced at ?1295 incl. VAT for the motor alone, or ?1595 incl. VAT with all accessories. Although it doesn't offer the same performance and usability as a conventional electric outboard, the Kahe Pod 600 stands out for its lower price than its competitors, while offering superior modularity.
