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Yamaha Starts Trials on Electric Boat Motor

The twin motors are being tested on a canal boat in Japan.

Yamaha has begun testing a boat equipped with twin electric motors in what is being called a “steering control system.” It has been dubbed Harmo and trials started August 7 on the Otaru Canal tourist attraction in Hokkaido, Japan.

Next Generation

Yamaha calls Harmo a “next-generation control system platform” that includes electric rim motors, a remote-control shift-throttle box and a joystick. The company hopes to offer Harmo as a re-power package for people looking at electric boats for use on canals. It views the European market as a primary market.

The motors are rim-style, which means they are housed in the shroud around the propellers. Instead of being driven through a central shaft, they attach to the rim. According to plugboats.co, Yamaha prefers this for generating strong thrust at low speeds.

The individual elements of the Harmo system.

The joystick and Harmo steering mechanism provide a large steering angle so a boat can allegedly spin almost on the spot. For docking, tilting the joystick moves the boat horizontally, which is important in a narrow canal. The drives can also be trimmed.

Years in the Making

HARMO dates back to 2016 where it attracted attention at the METS Trade international marine trade show in Holland. It was also on display at the 2020 BOOT Dusseldorf show last January.

Harmo falls under the mandate of Yamaha’s “Art for Human Possibilities, Rethinking Solutions, Transforming Mobility.” Other projects include electric golf carts, small vehicles, electric motorcycles, electrically power assisted bicycles, electric wheelchairs and drones.