Buster electrifies boats in collaboration with Torqeedo

The very first factory-produced electric Buster is the 4.18-meter-long Buster XSr, one of the most popular small recreational aluminium boats made by Buster. The motor is Torqeedo’s flagship model from the Cruise series, the 12 kW Torqeedo Cruise 12.0.

"We are now introducing electric power as an option for our smaller boats. The electric Buster XSr is suitable for the same type of use as its petrol-powered version – fishing, short trips to the summer house, and for lakes where combustion engines are not permitted," says Artturi Niittynen, Buster's Sales and Marketing Director.

The collaboration between Torqeedo and Buster started last year when the renowned German manufacturer of electric outboards became part of the Yamaha Motor Corporation. Yamaha Motor also owns Inha Works, the manufacturer of Buster boats. Since its founding in 2006, Torqeedo has produced 250,000 electric boat motors. Meanwhile, Buster has been building aluminum boats since 1955, with more than 130,000 boats produced to date.

According to Niittynen, Buster closely follows Yamaha’s investments in electric propulsion, hydrogen, and alternative fuels as part of the ongoing development of boating technology. "Our collaboration with Torqeedo will continue into the future," Niittynen promises.

As part of the Yamaha Motor Corporation, Inha Works is committed to the group’s goal of achieving carbon-neutral production in its factories by 2035. During this decade, the company is working towards this target by minimizing energy consumption and transitioning to carbon-neutral and renewable energy sources.

Electric Buster XSr with center console and separate battery system

Unlike the standard model, the electric Buster XSr features a center console, allowing optimal battery placement for better balance. The boat is equipped with two Torqeedo Power 48-5000 Cruise lithium batteries.

"The main advantages of an electric motor are its silence and minimal maintenance requirements," says Niittynen.

The combined weight of the two batteries and the electric motor is 134 kg, with a total battery capacity of 10 kWh. The total weight of the boat, including motor and batteries, remains under 350 kg. Torqeedo states that the batteries have a lifespan of over 3,000 full charge cycles with a maximum 20% capacity loss.

The batteries are charged using Torqeedo’s own charger. With a 2.9 kW fast charger, two batteries can be fully charged from empty in under four hours. If needed, the charging power can be adjusted via the engine’s remote control display, for example, if the summer house’s electrical system has limited capacity.

Buster Mini also available with a Torqeedo electric outboard

Alongside the electric Buster XSr, the smallest model in the Buster range, the Buster Mini, will also be available with Torqeedo’s new Travel XP motor. This motor is a perfect fit for a small, lightweight aluminum boat, as it weighs only 22 kg including the 1.4 kWh standard battery.

The Mini’s Travel XP comes with a 180 W power adapter, which fully charges the battery in about eight hours. The battery can also be charged using a solar panel placed in the boat or connected to a solar power system at a summer house.

The Travel XP battery is removable and connects to the motor without cables. The motor is tiller-controlled and features an informative LCD color display that provides real-time information on speed, battery status, runtime, and range.

Technical specifications

Buster XSr + Torqeedo Cruise 12.0

• Capacity: 4 persons
• Width: 1.76 m
• Length: 4.18 m
• Motor: Torqeedo Cruise 12.0
• Power: 11 kW
• Batteries: 2 x Torqeedo Power 48-5000 (5 kWh)
• Max speed with electric motor: approx. 16 knots
• Weight: 345 kg (incl. motor and batteries)

Buster Mini + Torqeedo Travel XP

• Capacity: 3 persons
• Max load: 285 kg
• Width: 1.49 m
• Length: 3.88 m
• Motor: Torqeedo Travel XP
• Weight: 126 kg (incl. motor and battery)