Spotlight: Highfield E330 ZeroJet

The new Highfield model is the world’s only electric jet tender, featuring an 18.0kW ZeroJet jet drive system.

ZeroJet is a New Zealand company specialising in high-performance electric jet drives as well as planning to launch a 25.0hp-equivalent tiller steer electric outboard motor.

The ZeroJet drive is integrated into the Highfield’s 15.0-degree variable deadrise alloy hull to create the E330 ZeroJet.

The 3.7-metre-long, 1.8-metre-beam Highfield E330 ZeroJet is rated to carry up to five passengers. 

The jet drive and 48-volt battery system can help the tender reach a top speed of 20.0 knots, with a range of around 20 nautical miles at lower speeds.

“As well as the general benefits of electric over combustion (no petrol or diesel emissions, less noise, fewer moving parts and less maintenance, and a faster start), there are several benefits for electric jets when compared to electric outboards,” Northside Marine, which launched the Highfield E330 ZeroJet in Australia, said.

“These include no exposed propeller for safer use in the water and safer swimming, a lower profile for easy beaching and access to shallow water, easier to stow and store, and a light weight.”

The ZeroJet system uses a Dutch-made battery system featuring lithium-ion phosphate technology, making it one of the safest, newest, and fastest charging systems available, and eliminates the need to carry fuel onboard.

 According to ZeroJet inventor Neil Mans, the battery should last an entire weekend of typical tender use going back and forth to shore, equivalent to one hour at full speed or seven hours at slow speeds.

“Then recharge is around 2.5 hours on a fast charge option or five hours with the standard charger,” he said.

“Driving an electric jet boat is the easiest experience you'll ever have; it's fast, fun, and you can't help but smile.”

The Highfield E330 ZeroJet features an electronic throttle and LCD dashboard display.

The design uses 430mm-diameter Hypalon tubes split into three chambers so that if one deflates, the others maintain buoyancy.

The boat features a bow locker, two 10.0kWh battery packs hidden below the sole, tow bridle points, removable lifting points and towing eyes, chromate and powder-coated aluminium hull, and a brushed foam teak-look deck.

Options for the Highfield E330 Zerojet include a moulded bow cleat and a boat cover.