{"id":8137,"date":"2025-04-22T10:02:09","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T10:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=8137"},"modified":"2025-04-22T10:02:09","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T10:02:09","slug":"flux-marines-electric-outboard-advances-propulsion-innovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=8137","title":{"rendered":"Flux Marine\u2019s Electric Outboard Advances Propulsion Innovation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>    Flux Marine\u2019s Electric Outboard Advances Propulsion Innovation<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    <!-- no image --><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><\/p>\n<div>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-1-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image disable-lazyload\" alt=\"Flux electric outboard on a Highfield RIB\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-1.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The Flux-powered Highfield 660 offered a smooth, silent ride.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Flux Marine<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p><iframe id=\"wxuzj5efbz\" src=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.dragonforms.com\/wxuzj5efbz\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"width:100%;height:165px;border:none;overflow:hidden;\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Flux Marine co-founders Ben Sorkin, Daylin Frantin and Jon Lord say that they began developing an electric outboard \u00admotor in a garage. That\u2019s a startup plan that worked out for Bill \u00adHarley and Arthur Davidson, and famously for Bill Hewlett and \u00adDavid Packard. It\u2019s too early to tell if Flux \u00adMarine will scale similar heights of market success, but after 10 years of research and \u00addevelopment and a claimed investment of $30 million, the founding trio has expanded to 50 employees, the garage has been replaced with a 40,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Bristol, Rhode Island, and the sleek and sophisticated Flux \u00adMarine electric \u00adoutboard is in production.<\/p>\n<p>Sorkin started tinkering with electric power for small hydroplane boats while studying mechanical and aerospace \u00adengineering at Princeton \u00adUniversity, from which he graduated in 2017. He spent time at Tesla and designing electric propulsion systems for the office of Naval Research before devoting his full attention to the startup.<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-2-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Flux electric outboard powering a boat\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-2.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The completely completely closed system does not require maintenance or winterization.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Flux Marine<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p>\u201cThe idea behind Flux Marine was that there has to be a better, more-sustainable way to power a boat. We are not trying to do something so radically different that it alienates people,\u201d Sorkin says. \u201cWe are trying to do something that evokes excitement and offers innovation but still makes you feel comfortable with what\u2019s powering your boat.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Flux Marine outboard went into production in late 2024, and the company is currently providing an OEM propulsion system for the Scout 215 Dorado, the Scout 215 XSF and the Highfield Sport 660. The company also offers the Flux outboard paired with a 24-foot pontoon it sells directly.<\/p>\n<p>Every component of the Flux Marine outboard was designed in-house, according to Sorkin, in an effort to optimize affordability, safety and performance. Sorkin reveals that the system underwent field testing aboard boats from 2022 to 2024, and recently survived 1,300 hours at wide-open throttle in a test tank, with no maintenance issues. The production motors and battery system are all assembled by Flux. A five-year standard warranty covers the Flux drivetrain and the battery pack that powers it.<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-4-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Flux Marine electric outboard\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-4-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-4-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-4.jpg 1941w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The charging port below a hatch in the cowl accepts a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 connection.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Flux Marine<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p>The outboard is rated at 100 hp sustained and, for bursts of acceleration, 150 peak horsepower. It weighs about 325 pounds. \u00adEnergy is provided by a modular system comprised of three 400-volt 28 kWh batteries, for a total of 84\u00a0kWh of storage. Each battery weighs 325 pounds, so the entire system weighs roughly 1,300 pounds. By comparison, it\u2019s about 750 pounds for a 150 hp internal combustion motor, 37 gallons of gas in the Highfield 660, plus a starting and house battery. The charging port below a hatch in the cowl accepts a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 connection, so when trailered, it can be plugged into an EV-charging station.<\/p>\n<p>Because it is always working under heavy load when pushing a boat\u2014just as an internal combustion engine must\u2014cooling the motor and inverter is a challenge for an electric motor. Flux was determined to design a cooling system that does not rely on seawater, and so created a system that circulates a glycol solution around the motor and inverter and through passages in the \u00adaluminum antiventilation plate, which acts as a heat exchanger. This completely closed system does not require maintenance or winterization. There is no need to flush the motor internally after use in salt water, but an exterior wash with fresh water would be advised, as with any outboard.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read Next:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/boats\/differences-between-radial-axial-and-transverse-flux-motors\/\">The Differences Between Radial, Axial and Transverse Flux Motors<\/a><\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-3-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Flux Marine belt-driven propeller\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-3.jpg 1134w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">A belt-driven propeller allows for a flow-through lower unit that reduces drag and feeds more and cleaner water to the prop.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Flux Marine<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p>Another compelling design element of the Flux outboard is its midsection and lower unit. \u00adBecause the outboard does not need an exhaust outlet or \u00adforward\/reverse gears, the Flux team was able to reimagine transfer of power from the motor to the propeller. Flux drives the prop with a 4-inch-wide synchronous belt. The typical midsection is replaced with a \u201cdual strut\u201d \u00addesign that surrounds the belt but is open in the center. This both reduces drag and improves water flow to the propeller.<\/p>\n<p>The Flux outboard powered a 21-foot-10-inch Highfield 660 Sport\u2014a RIB with an aluminum hull\u2014for our short test runs in Michigan. The motor propelled this very light boat from zero to 30 mph in 8.1 seconds, en route to reaching a top speed of 31 mph. The boat heeled over on its inside tube and carved neat turns, and the prop stayed hooked up. The motor would tilt out of the water. Cruising at 21 mph, the display indicated a range of 32 miles while drawing 56 kW, or about 1.5 hours of use. The controls are smooth, and the motor is essentially silent.<\/p>\n<p>This fits the use case of Steve Eddleston, owner of the historic 12-Metre racing yacht <em>Weatherly<\/em>, berthed in Newport, Rhode Island. Eddleston purchased a Flux-powered Highfield 660 as a tender to commute a 25-mile round trip by water from Bristol to Newport.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI hate fumes and pollution,\u201d Eddleston says. \u201cThis boat has the range I need, great stability and handling with the battery weight low and forward, and I can bump right up to <em>Weatherly<\/em>. I return to dock in the evening and plug into shore power, and it charges overnight. No gas dock. It\u2019s \u00adharmonious with my life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Flux-powered Highfield 660 has an MSRP of $110,000, compared with about $83,000 with a 150 hp gas outboard. It will be fun to see how far the young \u00adentrepreneurs at Flux can fly.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Speed, Efficiency, Operation<\/h2>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-Specs.jpg?resize=800%2C310&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Flux Marine Outboard performance data\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-Specs.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-Specs-300x116.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BTG425-MHD-Flux-Specs-768x298.jpg 768w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Flux Marine Outboard Certified Test Results<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Boating Magazine<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/boats\/flux-marines-electric-outboard-advances-propulsion-innovation\/\">Flux Marine\u2019s Electric Outboard Advances Propulsion Innovation<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/\">Boating Mag<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    Charles Plueddeman<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingmag.com\/boats\/flux-marines-electric-outboard-advances-propulsion-innovation\/\">Go to boatingmag<\/a><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Flux Marine\u2019s Electric Outboard Advances Propulsion Innovation The Flux-powered Highfield 660 offered a smooth, silent ride. Courtesy Flux Marine Flux Marine co-founders Ben Sorkin, Daylin Frantin and Jon Lord say that they began developing an electric outboard \u00admotor in a garage. That\u2019s a startup plan that worked out for Bill \u00adHarley and Arthur Davidson, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[126,148,349,167,3463,351,352],"tags":[127],"class_list":["post-8137","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-boatingmag","category-boats","category-electric-motors","category-engines","category-may-2025","category-nextmarine","category-outboards","tag-boatingmag"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8137"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8137"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8137\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8137"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8137"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8137"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}