XCAT eProp User manual
USER MANUAL
XCAT eProp Outboarder
User Manual XCAT eProp
Page 2
Edition: 02-2023
Acknowledgements
Thank you for choosing to purchase the eProp outboarder.
In addition to the sail, the XCAT sailing catamaran can be powered by the RowMotion®
rowing system, the RowVista® forward rowing system or the eProp outboarder.
If you have any questions, suggestions or problems, please do not hesitate to contact
us. Please also visit our official website www.x-cat.com.
Using this Manual
Before use of the product, please read this reference manual thoroughly to understand
the correct and safe operations. By using this product, you hereby agree that you have
fully read and understood all contents of this manual. Row&Sail accepts no liability for
any damage or injury caused by operations that contradict this manual.
Due to ongoing optimization of our products, Row&Sail reserves the rights of
constantly adjusting the contents described in the manual. Row&Sail also reserves the
intellectual property rights and industrial property rights including copyrights, patents,
logos and designs, etc.
This manual is subject to update without prior notice, please visit our website www.x-
cat.com for the latest version. If you find any discrepancy between your products and
this manual, or should you have any doubts concerning the product or the manual,
please visit www.x-cat.com.
Row&Sail reserves the rights of final interpretation of this manual.
Symbols
The following symbols will help to acquire some key information.
Important instructions or warnings
Useful information or tips
User Manual XCAT eProp
Page 3
Edition: 02-2023
Product Identification
Below Figure 1 indicates the position of the serial number for VAQUITA Battery. Figure
2 and Figure 3 indicate the position of serial numbers for VAQUITA Remote Control
and VAQUITA Motor.
The above three parts have different serial numbers. Please record all the
three serial numbers for access to maintenance or other after-sale services.
1)
2) 3)
User Manual XCAT eProp
Page 4
Edition: 02-2023
Table of Contents
1. Important Safety Instructions .................................................................. 6
2. Product Overview ..................................................................................... 8
2. . In the Package ................................................................................... 8
2.2. Parts and Diagrams ......................................................................... 0
2.3. Technical Data .................................................................................
3. Insta ation .............................................................................................. 3
3. . Fixing eProp Battery ........................................................................ 3
3. . . Connecting battery, holder and remote control ............................. 3
3. .2. Sliding the battery unit onto the XCAT ........................................... 4
3.2. Installing the eProp outboarder on the XCAT ................................. 5
3.3. Connecting Battery to Motor .......................................................... 5
3.4. Attaching VAQUITA Remote Control .............................................. 6
3.5. Hole for locking pin ......................................................................... 7
4. Operation ................................................................................................ 8
4. . Swing down ..................................................................................... 8
4.2. Driving operation ............................................................................ 8
4.3. Swing up .......................................................................................... 9
4.4. Using the Battery ............................................................................ 20
4.4. . Battery LEDs .................................................................................... 20
4.4.2. Switching On/Off VAQUITA Battery ................................................ 22
4.4.3. Charging the Battery ....................................................................... 24
4.5. Use of VAQUITA Remote Control .................................................... 25
4.5. . Switching On/Off the Remote Control ............................................ 25
4.5.2. Controlling the Motor ..................................................................... 27
4.5.3. Replacing Battery for Remote Control ............................................ 28
User Manual XCAT eProp
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Edition: 02-2023
4.6. Pairing Remote Control with Battery .............................................. 29
5. Detaching eProp-Motor ......................................................................... 30
6. Transport and Storage ............................................................................ 30
6. . Transport ......................................................................................... 30
6.2. Storage ............................................................................................ 3
7. Routine Maintenance ............................................................................. 3
User Manual XCAT eProp
Page 6
Edition: 02-2023
1. Important Safety Instructions
This user manual contains important information pertaining equipment installation and
safety instructions. Before starting to use the product, please read this manual fully and
pay special attention to the following safety instructions:
Before Operation
•Users who are allowed to use VAQUITA should be in good physical state,
know how to swim and how to paddle.
•Always wear a life vest when operating.
•Always take a paddle or a rowing system on your XCAT.
•Only adults who have fully read and totally understood this manual are
allowed to operate this product.
•Check the status and function of VAQUITA before use and make sure all
components are in good condition.
•Make sure the VAQUITA Motor is securely mounted on the XCAT before
operation.
•Make sure the remote control works well by wireless connection.
•Familiarize yourself with all the operations related to this product.
•Check applicable local water safety rules and boating regulations before use.
•Observe the surrounding environment in advance to avoid unfavorable
conditions such as strong winds, waves, currents or rapids, etc.
During Operation
•Do not rotate the motor in shallow water or out of water. Only operate it in
water with enough depth and avoid all possible obstacles.
•Follow the correct operating instructions in this user manual.
•Attach VAQUITA remote control to the battery or your wrist for easy access.
•Do not run the motor if swimmers or other watercrafts are near the boat.
•Press the on/off button on the VAQUITA remote control immediately in
emergency situations.
•Observe local water safety rules and boating regulations while operating the
product.
•Do not run the motor under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Switch off VAQUITA Battery and VAQUITA remote control before detaching
VAQUITA Motor from the XCAT.
•Make sure the power cable connector is tightened before use, otherwise
severe damage may occur to the product during operation.
User Manual XCAT eProp
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Edition: 02-2023
Handling
•Never run the motor in the air as it will seriously shorten the motor
service life, generate loud noise and possibly cut fingers. Even if users
unintentionally run the motor in the air, the motor will stop running
immediately in 5 seconds for protective purpose, and the motor may be
unable to start normally. Never get close to the running propeller.
•Never dismantle or repair the product on your own or by any unauthorized
third party.
•Keep it away from flammable gas, corrosive and other dangerous substance.
•Store it in a dry and ventilated place without direct sun/rain exposure and
store it far away from dangerous substances.
•Pay attention to battery safety and operate it in the right way to avoid short-
circuit, overheat, overcharge and over-discharge. Never drop the battery.
•Only VAQUITA Charger designed for the battery. Other chargers may lead to
shortened runtime, premature battery failure, or even fire or explosion.
•Clean VAQUITA Motor with fresh water after each use.
•After using the VAQUITA motor in salt water, it must be cleaned
thoroughly:
First, rinse the motor thoroughly with fresh water. The motor must then
be run at low speed in a container of fresh water to prevent salt deposits
on the moving parts of the drive. Salt incrustations can cause damage to
the motor!
User Manual XCAT eProp
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Edition: 02-2023
2. Product Overview
XCAT eProp outboard is an electric propulsion kit for the XCAT sailing catamaran.
The product mainly consists of the bracket with the motor, VAQUITA battery and
VAQUITA remote control. This small but powerful propulsion system can run at full
speed for more than an hour and supports you perfectly, whether in a lull in the wind or
as a support during a tack.
2.1. In the Package
Unpack the package and check if there is any damage caused during transport. Check
all the items inside the package against the below list. If there is any transport damage
or lack of any listed item, please contact your dealer immediately.
No. Items Qty./Unit Figure
1 VAQUITA-
Battery 1 piece
2
eProp mount
including
VAQUITA motor
1 set
3 eProp battery
holder 1 set
User Manual XCAT eProp
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Edition: 02-2023
4 Velcro strap
30 x 550 mm 1 piece
5
VAQUITA
Remote Control
(w/ a loop band)
1 set
6
VAQUITA
Battery
Charger
1 set
7 Battery bag 1 piece
8 Outboarder bag 1 piece
9
eProp User
Manual,
VAQUITA User
Manual,
Quick Start,
Warranty
Card, Quality
Certificate &
Lanyard
1 set
Save the original package for transport and storage.
User Manual XCAT eProp
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Edition: 02-2023
2.2. Parts and Diagrams
Power Cable
Motor Module
Locking Pin
Rope Handle
Rope Cleat
Hand Knob
User Manual XCAT eProp
Page
Edition: 02-2023
2.3. Technical Data
General Data
Input power 300 W
Static thrust 23 lbs
Total weight 6.85 kg / 15.1 lbs
Weight motor incl. bracket 1.85 kg / 4.1 lbs
Dimension motor incl. bracket 600 mm x 180 mm x 170 mm / 23.6” x 7.1” x 6.7”
Propeller diameter 150 mm / 5.9”
Propeller pitch 115 mm / 4.5”
Maximum rotation speed 1800 rpm
Signal Reception Area
LED On/Off Button
Throttle
LED Lights
Battery
Buckles
Power Button
Charge/Discharge
Port
Bottom View
Front View
User Manual XCAT eProp
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Edition: 02-2023
VAQUITA-Battery
Battery type Lithium-ion
Rated capacity 324 Wh
Rated voltage 21.6 V
Final charging voltage 25.2 V
Cutoff voltage 18 V
Weight 2.5 kg
Cycle life ≥500 cycles (80% of rated capacity)
Charging time 3 hrs
Temperature range Charging: 0˚C ~ 45˚C / 32˚F ~ 113˚F
Discharging: -20˚C ~ 50˚C / -4˚F ~ 122˚F
Dimension 216 mm x 178 mm x 100mm / 8.5”x 7”x 4”
VAQUITA Remote Control
Type Wireless
Throttle speed 8 levels
Forward/Reverse control Forward control available
Power source One in-built button cell (CR2032)
VAQUITA Charger
Input power 180 W
Input voltage (AC) 100 V ~ 240 V
Input frequency 50 Hz / 60 Hz
Input current ≤3 A
Output voltage (DC) 25.2 V / 7 A
Temperature range Operating: -29˚C ~ 45.5˚C / -20.2˚F ~ 113.9˚F
Storage: -40˚C ~ 75˚C / -40˚F ~ 167˚F
Efficiency ≥87%
Bag E-PROP OUTBOARDER
Content eProp-Motor with bracket
Size 650 mm x 160 mm x 160 mm / 25.6” x 6.3” x 6.3”
Weight including content 2.7 kg / 6 lbs
Bag E-PROP BATTERY
Content Batterie incl. remote control, charger
Size 240 mm x 240 mm x 150 mm / 9.4” x 9.4” x 5.9”
Weight including content 4.15 kg / 9.1 lbs
Range
Half throttle ca. 8 km / ca. 70 minutes
Full throttle ca. 20 km / ca. 5 hours
Battery performance is dependent on many external factors, such as operating
environment, temperature, current, wind, etc.
User Manual XCAT eProp
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Edition: 02-2023
3. Installation
The XCAT eProp outboard is intended for use on an XCAT sailing catamaran.
3.1. Fixing eProp Battery
3.1.1. Connecting battery holder and remote control
First thread the Velcro strap through the two slots on the side of the battery holder.
Then turn the VAQUITA battery onto the underside. Now place the battery holder on
top and slide the Velcro into the two battery clips on the bottom of the battery.
Turn the battery with the holder upside down again so that the 4 rollers are at the
bottom. Then thread the Velcro strap through the side opening of the remote control.
Finally, tie all parts together with the Velcro strap. For driving with, the remote control
should be positioned on top centered on the battery.
If the battery is placed in the bag for transport, the remote control should be
fixed to the side of the battery. This protects it better from damage.
Remote Control
Battery
Battery Holder
Velcro Strap
Battery ready for operation
Remote control on the side
for transport in the bag
User Manual XCAT eProp
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Edition: 02-2023
3.1.2. Sliding the battery unit onto the XCAT
Slide the battery unit from behind onto the center beam of the XCAT.
To do this, the rudder must not yet be mounted on the XCAT. If the rudder is already
attached, it must be removed again.
The discharge connection of the battery points to the rear for attachment. First, thread
the front two rollers of the battery from the top onto center beams and slide them
forward. Then thread in the rear two rollers and push the battery a little further.
User Manual XCAT eProp
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Edition: 02-2023
3.2. Installing the eProp outboarder on the XCAT
1) Check whether the eProp is in the swinged-up position.
2) Check whether the hand knob is open.
3) Push the eProp from behind onto the center beam profile and pull the locking
bolt. Now push the holder forward until the locking bolt engages in the hole of
the center beam profile.
4) Use the hand knob to clamp the eProp to the center beam.
3.3. Connecting Battery to Motor
After the eProp outboard and the battery are mounted on the XCAT, you can connect
the motor to the battery. Insert the plug of the motor cable into the charge/discharge
port of the VAQUITA battery and fix the plug. Fix the power cable with Velcro strap so
that it does not interfere or hang in the water.
Make sure VAQUITA Battery is switched off and the connectors are dry before
installing the motor.
User Manual XCAT eProp
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Edition: 02-2023
3.4. Attaching VAQUITA Remote Control
The remote control is fixed on the battery as standard. There it is easily accessible
from all sides and cannot get lost.
Alternatively, the Remote Control can be attached to a wrist for easy access. You need
to penetrate the band through the side opening of VAQUITA Remote Control and bind
the strap tightly around the wrist.
Make sure the band is tightly bound if you wear it or attach it to a paddle to
avoid it falling into water.
If VAQUITA Remote Control falls into water by accident, a wireless
communication failure may occur and VAQUITA Motor will stop rotation at once.
User Manual XCAT eProp
Page 7
Edition: 02-2023
3.5. Hole for locking pin
To fix the eProp drive, there is a lateral hole on the center beam as standard, into
which the locking pin can engage.
This hole may be missing on older XCAT models.
To be able to use the eProp on older XCAT models, you can make this hole yourself
afterwards.
The clamping part of the eProp mount serves as a drilling template - see sketch below!
Attach the clamping part to the rear end on the center beam profile at 32mm
(measured from the end of the center beam). There you clamp the bracket with the
hand knob.
Now you can use a cordless drill and a ø12 drill bit to drill the hole for the locking bolt in
the center beam through the bracket.
Hole for locking pin
Locking pin
Drill a
hole ø 2
Position
of the hole
User Manual XCAT eProp
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Edition: 02-2023
4. Operation
To operate the eProp, it’s critical to understand how to use the battery and
remote control correctly. Read this part carefully before any operation.
4.1. Swing down
To swing down the eProp motor into the
water, pull the rope handle and bring the
rope to tension.
Now you can release the rope from the
rope clamp by moving it sideways.
Then reduce the tension and let the rope
pull back slowly. The weight of the eProp
motor causes it to swing down by itself.
4.2. Driving operation
When driving with the eProp, the XCAT is steered via the rudder.
The eProp is only suitable for driving forward. It does not have a reverse gear.
To prevent damage, the motor automatically folds up when it encounters an
obstacle. If it hooks into an obstacle, folding up is not possible. Therefore,
always check for damage to the drive after a collision.
If you drift backwards against an obstacle, there is no protection. The drive will
remain vertical in the water. Damage to the drive or the bracket could occur.
User Manual XCAT eProp
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Edition: 02-2023
4.3. Swing up
To swing the motor up, take the rope
handle and pull the drive upwards
with a steady pull.
When the motor bracket has reached
the upper stop, fix the rope in the rope
clamp.
If the eProp is no longer in use, you want to land or you discover a possible
obstacle in the water, you must swing the eProp outboard up out of the water.
When swinging up, the motor must not run in any case, the slider of the remote
control must be at zero. The VAQUITA battery should be switched off.
When landing on the beach with the XCAT forward or backward, be sure to
swing up the drive beforehand to avoid possible damage to the drive.
User Manual XCAT eProp
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Edition: 02-2023
4.4. Using the Battery
4.4.1. Battery LEDs
The four LEDs of VAQUITA Battery display battery level, indicate errors and show
pairing status. Find the LEDs in below figure.
This table illustrates LED status while charging and discharging.
Battery Condition
Description Battery Level (L-R)
Charging
0%~40%
☆
40%~60%
●
☆
60%~80%
●
●
☆
80%~99%
●
●
●
☆
100%
●
●
●
●
Discharging
0%~20%
☆
☆
☆
☆
20%~40%
●
40%~60%
●
●
60%~80%
●
●
●
80%~100%
●
●
●
●
Note:
●
refers to steady light,
☆
refers to flashing light (1Hz).
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