Joe Grez is an experienced consumer product developer with a degree in physics and portfolio of US patents. In 2008, when he was required to put a mandatory CO2 warning on the dinghy he and his young granddaughter took to go out fishing, it made him think about the effects the exhaust and fumes had on her when she was in the boat.

He began to explore the possibilities of electric motors, and put together a design team who had hundreds of years of combined experience in electromechanical device technology and high-volume consumer products for brands like beauty care giant L’Oreal and Sonicare electric toothbrushes.

In 2017 the EP Carry electric outboard was launched and is now well proven, with hundreds of customers having logged over 73,000 hours of use on a wide variety of boats under just about every condition. Grez himself has run over 800 Nautical miles – about 920 miles, 1500 kilometres – on Salish 100 cruises and solar-powered micro-cruiser expeditions.

Now EP Carry is introducing its Gen2 model that builds on that depth of knowledge, using the same lightweight, patented design, but with improved performance and new features that emphasize ease of use, efficiency, and adaptability to a wider range of vessels and use cases. An example is the unique electronically impact-protected propeller able to move vessels up to 1,000 pounds and 19 fret in length (455 kg and 5.8m).

The new features and benefits of Gen2 can be seen in mechanical design, the electronics of electric boat propulsion, the monitoring of the battery, and general advances in battery technology, specifically the LFP type (Lithium Iron Phosphate).

The motor weight and power output are the same as the Gen1 at 14 lb (6.4 kg) and 220 watts, but a new controller system can provide a 22% boost, to 280 watts.

The EP Carry Gen2 Complete Integrated Package includes a 24V LFP battery with energy storage of 288 Watthours. On a 9 ft (2.75m) rowing dinghy the company’s tests demonstrate a runtime of 140 minutes at half power (speed: 3.4 kt / 3.9 mph / 6.3 kmph), 70 minutes at full power (speed: 4 kt / 4.6 mph / 7.4 kmph) and 50 minute with boost (speed: 4.2 kt / 4.8 mph / 7.8 kmph).

There is also the option to add another battery to double the range. For more flexibility, the Gen2 motor can be purchased alone and coupled with a 12V, 24V or 36V LFP battery from another supplier. The company says cruising ranges – even at full throttle – can exceed 20 miles (32 km) on a single charge, depending on boat and battery configurations.

Whether the battery is from EP Carry or another supplier, he decreasing cost, improved performance, safety and long life of LFP batteries provides excellent options both now and when considering future upgrades.

On the electronics side, the EP Carry battery and most off-the-shelf units now come with wireless monitors built in that can operate with the Gen2’s optional wireless Bluetooth battery monitor for users to see real-time charge levels on their smartphone. The smartphone can also facilitate wireless free firmware updates.

Mechanically, the Gen2’s has long and short shaft versions, a transom adjust system for boats with severe transom rakes, and the choice of a patented automatic release pivot clamp module or traditional tilt latch fitting.

The tiller handle is now detachable and there is an optional extension for boats where the driver has to sit farther away from the motor. A remote throttle kit is also available.

While the Gen2 was generally designed for for dinghies and other small lightweight vessels, its unique electronically impact-protected propeller can move vessels up to 1,000 pounds and 19 fret in length (455 kg and 5.8m).

A new snap-lock battery connector provides an easier, faster and more robust cable attachment. A security lock helps prevent theft at the dinghy dock.

The Gen2 Package also includes a 5-hour charger compatible with standard outlets. Solar panels are easily added for on-the-go and dockside or remote charging. Founder Grez completes cruises each year of about 100 Nm (115 mi / 185 km) with two small, onboard lightweight panels the only charging available for the LFP batteries.

Included in the Complete Integrated Package is the EP Carry Gen2 motor with choice of shaft length and tiller arm length; 24V/ 11.25 Ah / 288 Kwh battery snap lock connector cord and soft buoyant carry case; 5-hr AC charger, security lock and two magnetic safety keys.

There is a two year warranty and free direct customer troubleshooting support from factory experts as well as with downloadable or printed guides. The Package, standalone Gen2 motor, options and accessories can be purchased on the EP Carry website.

EP Carry website

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