Rim Drive Technology

A shaftless design for safety and reliability

One of the standout features of rim drive technology is the absence of a center shaft, which significantly reduces the risk of entanglement with ropes, fishing nets, or debris. This makes it an invaluable solution for fishing vessels, research ships, and any operation in cluttered waters.

 Immediate Acceleration Response

Rim drive technology offers unparalleled acceleration performance compared to traditional systems. This immediate response is achieved through its advanced design, ensuring seamless and efficient power delivery.

 Compact and Lightweight Design

Space and weight are valuable commodities in any vessel. Rim drive motors boast a compact and lightweight design, making them ideal for even the smallest installations.

 Stepless Control

Thanks to their stepless control capabilities, rim drive motors can be operated proportionally, delivering exactly the amount of thrust required for any situation. This level of control enhances maneuverability.

 Reduced Maintenance

Maintenance is a significant operational cost for any vessel. Rim drive motors simplify this challenge with only one rotating part in their mechanism. This reduction in complexity not only minimizes wear and tear but also cuts down on maintenance and costs.

Rim Drive as main propulsion

We carry the POD, the steerable POD and two outboards as main propulsion for boats.

POD

The Rim Drive POD combines minimalist design with exceptional performance. With only one rotating part, it requires minimal maintenance while delivering over 90% efficiency at medium speeds, ideal for cruise operations. Its compact, lightweight design ensures compatibility with small installations, and its 0.5kW to 75kW power range makes it versatile for various applications.

Key features include immediate acceleration, clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, and IP68 waterproofing, achieved through full casting rather than seals. The design also minimizes propeller damage, ensuring reliable performance in all environments.

Steerable PODs

Entry-Level Steerable POD

The Entry-Level Steerable POD is the most affordable way into Rim Drive's steerable POD range. Combining affordability with exceptional reliability, it integrates effortlessly with most existing systems. Featuring a trusted rim drive design for superior stability and performance, it also includes enhanced sealing to ensure your boat's watertight integrity.

Steerable POD

The Steerable POD combines innovation and efficiency, offering power options from 2.5kW to 75kW with over 90% efficiency. Its 320-degree rotation (160 degrees each way) enables exceptional maneuverability. With control options including joystick, steering wheel, or CAN interface, it offers flexibility for any setup. This motor is fully waterproof with an IP68 rating, achieved through complete motor casting.

Outboards

Rim Drive's newest additions are the entry-level outboard and the steerable outboard, both engineered for strong performance and user-friendly operation.

Steerable outboard

The steerable outboard offers 320° rotation and 360° propulsion for precise maneuverability, with configurable angles and remote support via Rim Drive Technology. With the AZECU system, operators can make real-time adjustments using a phone or laptop, ensuring seamless and efficient marine operations. This outboard can be mounted directly to the transom of the boat or to a standard tilt and trim bracket.

Entry level outboard

The entry-level outboard offers affordable propulsion without compromising functionality, featuring a manual trim and tilt bracket compatible with standard hydraulic steering cylinders for easy installation and refits. With four trimming positions, it ensures efficient power use and tailored performance. 

Rim Drive as secondary drive

With a wide range of boat sizes and applications, offering a variety of bow thrusters sizes ensures optimal performance and efficiency.

Rim Drive has designed several products around the bow thruster. First, the bow thruster box: the motor can be removed from its box easily, even when above the waterline, so the boat doesn't have to come out of the water. The bow thruster package includes a bow thruster and bow thruster box.

Rim Drive has also developed a tunnel set for the bow thruster. The tunnel set is specially designed for difficult conditions where the bow thruster remains protected. The tunnel set is easy to integrate into the boat. The bow thruster tunnels are easy to install due to the various mounting options.