From the Temo 450 to a new era
French company Temo made waves when it introduced the Temo 450. Compact, light, and built for dinghies, it carved out a new category: the truly portable electric outboard. It was simple, quiet, and ideal for short harbour hops or tender runs, quickly attracting boaties wanting clean propulsion without the hassle of fuel.
In 2023, the company stepped things up with the first Temo 1000. The motor offered twice the power of the 450 and extended Temo’s reach from dinghies into the small yacht category. The idea was clear: a single portable motor that could work just as well on a tender as on a 26-foot day sailor.
The upgraded Temo 1000
Now, two years later, Temo unveiled the latest evolution of the Temo 1000. More than a simple refresh, it introduced a suite of refinements aimed squarely at versatility.
- Power and thrust: At 1100 W with a static thrust of 27 kg, the Temo 1000 now rivals a 3hp petrol outboard, enough to push a six-person tender or an 8-metre sailing yacht.
- Adjustable shaft: No need to choose between long or short shaft versions. The adjustable sliding rail allows fine-tuned propeller height across a wide range of hulls.
- Retractable tiller: For tenders, the twist-grip tiller offers full steering control. On yachts, it retracts neatly so the motor can be locked in position, freeing up cockpit space.
- Flexible mounting: The rotating transom bracket allows quick installation and easy height adjustment, as well as full rotation for storage.
These upgrades mean one compact unit can serve a boatie across several platforms—dinghy, yacht tender, or auxiliary on a light keelboat.
Portable and practical
At just 16 kg all up, including a 6 kg battery, the Temo 1000 is genuinely portable. Its design resembles a rudder blade, slim and streamlined for carrying or stowing. A custom carry case makes transport even easier.
Battery design has also improved. The 949 Wh removable pack offers 50 minutes to more than an hour of autonomy at mixed speeds. Swap in a spare and you’re good for another run. Charging is straightforward with options for 220V, 12V, or 24V systems.
The motor is waterproof to IP67, designed to shrug off splashes and spray. Reviewers praise its quiet operation, clean integration, and 360° rotation for tight manoeuvring. Downsides include the limited runtime at full power and a connection system that could be more secure, but for harbour work these are minor trade-offs.
The “sleek position” feature is another nod to boatie-friendly design. The motor can be rotated parallel to the transom and left in place without affecting sailing performance—no need to haul it off the stern every time.
While not a replacement for long-range propulsion, it answers a common need: short, quiet, reliable trips without fuel fuss.
