RimDrive - a Bit More In-Depth - Electric motors and Outboards

Rim Drive Technology develops, manufactures, and sells Rim Drive motors from 0.5 to 75kW for the leisure boat, subsea, and industrial markets. Our motors are 100% electric and can be used as either main propulsion or secondary drives. With production, R&D and main office located in the Netherlands. 

Rim Drive Technology has more than 25 employees and more than 15 partners around the world. With unique Rim Drive advantages A shaftless design for safety and reliability being one of the standout features of rim drive technology with the absence of a center propellor shaft, which significantly reduces the risk of entanglement with ropes, fishing nets, or debris. This makes an invaluable solution for ASV's, fishing vessels, research ships, and any operation in cluttered waters. 

The technology offers unparalleled acceleration and performance compared to traditional systems. This immediate response is achieved through advanced design, ensuring seamless and efficient power delivery with a compact and lightweight design, space and weight are valuable commodities in any vessel. Rim drive motors are ideal for even the smallest installations. 

Thanks to their stepless control capabilities, rim drive motors can be operated proportionally, delivering exactly the amount of thrust required for any situation. This level of control enhances maneuverability. 

Reduced Maintenance Maintenance is a significant operational cost for any vessel. Rim drive motors simplify this challenge with only one rotating part in the mechanism. This reduction in complexity not only minimizes wear and tear but also cuts down on maintenance and costs.

Offering variants in POD, steerable POD and outboard as main propulsion for boats and combining minimalist design with exceptional performance. With only one rotating part, requiring minimal maintenance while delivering over 90% efficiency at medium speeds, ideal for cruise operations. The compact, lightweight design ensures compatibility with small installations, and its 0.5kW to 75kW power range makes it versatile for almost all applications. Key features include immediate acceleration, clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation, and IP68 waterproofing, achieved through full casting rather than seals. The design also minimizes propeller damage, ensuring reliable performance in all environments. 

Offering 320-degree rotation (160 degrees each way) the steerable POD enables exceptional maneuverability. With control options including joystick, steering wheel, or CAN interface, there is flexibility for any setup. This motor is fully waterproof with an IP68 rating, achieved through complete motor casting. 

Outboard Marine propulsion is advancing rapidly, and we're excited to unveil our latest innovations: the entry-level outboard and the steerable outboard. These cutting-edge solutions are engineered to deliver outstanding performance, user-friendly operation, and meeting the needs of operators who value both functionality and efficiency. The steerable outboard offers 320° rotation and 360° propulsion for precise maneuverability, with configurable angles and remote support via Rim Drive Technology. With the AZECU system, operators can if required, make real-time adjustments using a phone or laptop, ensuring seamless and efficient marine operations. This outboard can be mounted directly to the transom of the boat or to a standard tilt and trim bracket. 

Our new entry-level outboard offers affordable propulsion without compromising functionality, featuring a manual trim and tilt bracket compatible with standard hydraulic steering cylinders for easy installation and refits. With four trimming positions, it ensures efficient power use and tailored performance. 

Offering a variety of bow thrusters sizes ensures optimal performance and efficiency. Behind the scenes, we have designed several products enhancing to the bow thruster. First, the bow thruster box. This allows for easy motor removal from its box, avoiding the need to take the boat out of water. The bow thruster package includes a bow thruster and bow thruster box. We have also developed a tunnel set for the bow thruster. specially designed for difficult conditions while ensuring the bow thruster remains protected. The tunnel set is easy to integrate into the vessel due to the variety of mounting options.