Two speed specialists join forces on the water – a Travel 1003 from Torqeedo has won the race to become the favoured drive for the new J/70 sportboat from J/Boats.

The new J/70 sportboat from J/Boats – eagerly awaited on the European market – was successfully launched on the US East Coast at the beginning of June, and it had a Travel 1003 on board. That's the drive that the boatbuilders from Newport, Rhode Island, chose for their new speedboat.

The Travel 1003 can propel the almost seven-meter sailboat at a full 6 knots through the water. And at a speed of 5 knots, it will manage at least 13 km on a single battery charge. In other words, it was above all the efficiency and range of the Travel that contributed to the decision in favour of a Torqeedo drive system for J/Boats.

"We didn't consider any other electric outboard," says Jeff Johnstone, President of J/Boats, "And why should we? After all, we knew that Torqeedo is the market leader in efficient, lightweight e-outboards. Weight and performance are extremely important for us – and Torqeedo outboards deliver great quality and great performance. We think J/70 owners will love the Travel 1003 – and we look forward to offering new boats with Torqeedo drives in future, too."

In general terms, the 1003 is comparable to a 3 HP petrol outboard – but weighing just over 14 kg it is lighter, significantly quieter and of course more environmentally friendly than any petrol outboard motor. The Travel 1003 is the first choice for dinghies, inflatables and sailboats up to 1.5 tons. The tiller can be replaced with a remote throttle. Both versions are equipped with a display that provides GPS-based information at all times on battery charge status, remaining range and current speed over ground.

The new J/70 – incidentally the first keelboat that can be launched down a slipway without the use of a crane – in any case sails outstandingly well with the Travel 1003 and is already the boat that the New York Yacht Club will use in the Qualifying Series for the NYYC Invitational Cup.

The J/70 will set its sails in Europe in the course of the summer. And the favoured drive system here is also the Travel 1003

Torqeedo propels the new J/70
19 JUNE 2012