French electric propulsion manufacturer TEMO is bringing a new approach to sailboat auxiliary power to North America. The company will introduce its OUTPOD™ electric propulsion system at the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, October 15–18, 2026.
Designed specifically for sailboats, the OUTPOD combines the underwater efficiency of a pod drive with the accessible installation of a transom-mounted outboard. It is now available to order in the United States.
Electric Propulsion Without Cutting Into the Hull
Traditionally, sailors considering electric propulsion have faced a choice: mount an outboard on the transom or install a pod drive through the hull. TEMO’s OUTPOD offers a third option. The underwater drive attaches to a bolt-on transom fitting, eliminating the need to drill below the waterline.
A slide-mounted fastening system allows the motor to be removed in one motion for storage or maintenance. Its height-adjustable shaft can also be raised using a halyard, lifting the drive clear of the water to eliminate drag while sailing and reduce exposure to fouling when the boat is not underway. The shaft rotates 180 degrees to aid maneuvering and hydrogeneration.
The system earned a Best Innovative Product award at the 2025 Paris Nautic Show.
Two OUTPOD Models for Different Sailing Needs
TEMO is offering two versions of the new electric drive:
- OUTPOD 1000: 1,300 watts of power and 66 pounds of static thrust, with an announced package MSRP of $2,600.
- OUTPOD 3000: 3,100 watts of power and 148 pounds of static thrust, with an announced package MSRP of $5,400.
Both motors weigh approximately 26 pounds. The OUTPOD 1000 is rated IP67, while the OUTPOD 3000 is rated IP68. A direct-drive design connects the motor to the propeller without a gearbox, and mechanical-seal waterproofing is intended to keep maintenance requirements low.
Flexible Batteries, Solar Charging and Hydrogeneration
The OUTPOD uses a 48-volt electrical system, with remote forward-and-reverse throttle controls and a digital display. Instead of putting all the weight on the transom, owners can locate the batteries inside the boat.
TEMO offers removable 2.3 kWh battery cassettes that fit into an auto-connecting rack, allowing charging aboard from shore power or ashore at home. The system can also work with an existing 48-volt lithium battery bank, solar charging and hydrogeneration.
The OUTPOD forms part of TEMO’s SEASIDE platform, which shares batteries and controls across several outboard and pod configurations. TEMO manufactures its motors in Europe and provides U.S. sales and workshop support from Portland, Maine. Registered motors include a three-year warranty.
See the TEMO OUTPOD at the Annapolis Sailboat Show
Sailors attending the United States Sailboat Show, October 15–18, 2026, can see the OUTPOD at TEMO USA’s booth in ENG Tent 9 at Annapolis City Dock. A launch press event is scheduled for Friday, October 16, at 11 a.m.
For sailors exploring quieter auxiliary propulsion, electric refits or a new-build installation, TEMO’s removable drive offers an interesting alternative to conventional outboards and permanently installed pods.
Learn more: Visit TEMO’s official OUTPOD product page.
