Southern Pacific Boats Sets a New Standard for Yacht Club Support with the ZeroJet-Powered Cormorant Electric 490
Southern Pacific Boats, a premier name in high-quality Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), has announced the launch of the Cormorant Electric 490. This new model represents a significant leap forward in marine technology, combining the southern hemisphere’s most popular coach boat platform with the innovative ZeroJet 30kW electric jet propulsion system.
The Cormorant Electric 490 is built upon a highly efficient 16-degree aluminium hull, renowned for its ruggedness and superior handling. By integrating ZeroJet’s 30kW system and 22kWh of high-capacity batteries, Southern Pacific Boats (SPB) has created a vessel that offers an unrivalled combination of performance, safety, and sustainability. Designed for versatility, the Cormorant Electric 490 is perfectly suited for the coaching, tender, and commercial markets.
The transition to electric jet propulsion offers distinct advantages, including safe shallow-water operation and the total elimination of petrol and complex mechanical maintenance. Featuring thermally welded tubes and a robust aluminium build, the Cormorant Electric 490 is engineered to withstand the most demanding marine environments.
“Having been for a run in the new SPB ZeroJet 490 last week, I am thoroughly impressed with the performance and handling of the boat,” said Dean Barker, Director of Southern Pacific Boats. “The Cormorant 490 is already a fantastic platform, but coupled with the electric ZeroJet technology, it opens up many different possibilities.”
Barker continued: “This platform is ideal as a mark layer and safety boat for yacht clubs, and the added manoeuvrability from the jet unit makes it a great boat for coaching also. With the waves we encountered during the Bays Regatta at Murrays Bay over the weekend, the added safety of the jet unit for ferrying the support boat crew on and off the beach was an amazing feature. I am really excited by the way this boat has performed; it has exceeded my expectations in the way it handles and manoeuvres.”
ZeroJet’s CEO, James Morton, added, “We are thrilled to partner with Southern Pacific Boats to bring the Cormorant Electric 490 to life. This project perfectly showcases our 30kW system’s ability to deliver high-performance, commercial-grade power in a lightweight package. In its first day of Use at the bays regatta the boat was the first on the water at 8.30am and the last off the water at 4pm, We covered over 20 nautical miles and we still had plenty of battery to show the boat off at the end of the day. This was great proof that electric boats can do everything clubs and commercial operators need and more.
The Cormorant Electric 490 features a digital throttle with instant electric reverse, providing effortless control during docking and precision tasks. The system is managed via a 3.5-inch display that provides advanced diagnostics, battery information, and an intelligent range predictor.
Technical Specifications:
- Length / Beam: 4.9m / 2.0m
- Dry Weight / Payload: 400kg / 600kg
- Propulsion: 30kW ZeroJet System
- Battery: 22kWh Semi-solid State Lithium
- Range (1 Person):
- Slow Cruise (3 knots): 80Nm
- Fast Cruise (14 knots): 30Nm
- Top Speed (23 knots): 17Nm
- Charging: 2 hours (Fast Charger) / 12 hours (Standard)
Key Features:
- Safe stern access and no exposed propellers.
- Double Jockey seat as standard and large volume bow locker.
- Accessible transom and full walk-around deck for easy bow access.
- Railblaza cleat handles and heavy-duty rub strake.
- Minimal maintenance propulsion with no requirement for petrol.
Southern Pacific Boats is now accepting enquiries for the Cormorant Electric 490, with custom options available upon request. Contact sales@southernpacific.co.nz for more information.
About Southern Pacific Boats: Southern Pacific Boats is a leading New Zealand manufacturer of high-quality rigid inflatable boats. Known for their durability, innovation, and performance, Southern Pacific hulls are used globally by yacht clubs, commercial operators, and recreational boaters who demand the very best in aluminium RIB technology.
About ZeroJet: ZeroJet is a New Zealand-based company pioneering the development of integrated jet propulsion systems for small boats. The company’s innovative technology provides a powerful, smooth, and safe alternative to traditional outboards, with a focus on delivering a superior on-water experience.