FAQ's FAQ - français avec les questions les plus fréquentes Who are the Ruban Bleu boats for? Electric Boats International, is pursuing the residential waterfront markets for electric boating. It has become highly successful in areas which are speed controlled (no wake zones, 5-6 mph for all boats) or where NO GAS POWER boating is allowed. We have found a tremendous number of boaters and nonboaters who are seeking a quiet alternative to messy and loud outboards. Additionally, they are drawn to the ease of operation and the minimal maintenance required. The social and well-designed interiors, with classic lines, have proven to attract a wide range of customers around the world. How long will a Ruban Bleu boat cruise? More than a full day! Our standard battery configuration provides up to 10 to 20 hours of cruising on a full charge. This depends on the average cruising speeds ranging from 6 to 10km/h (4 to 6 mph). Our boats come standard equipped with a digital battery gauge (%), which gives you real time energy usage, and time remaining can be deducted. This feature keeps the skipper informed and eliminates any concern of running out of power. For example, if your battery gauge reads 50%, you know that you have another 5 hours of autonomy. As you can see, It is much easier to figure out the remaining autonomy than with a gas motor. How long does it take to recharge my Ruban Bleu boat? Overnight. The standard battery pack can be recharged in 1 to 8 hours depending on the battery initial state of charge. Standard 110 AC household current is all that is required for the onboard “Automatic Charging” system. Most docks are equipped with this type of circuit. A simple and convenient overnight charge readies the boat for full operation day after day. Charging is completely automatic, and simply requires plugging the cord into our inlet located inside the boat. There is no need to turn the battery charger off. Once the batteries are fully charged, the “Automatic Charger” will shut itself off automatically. How much does it cost to charge my Ruban Bleu boat? Based on average kWh rate of $0.06, we have calculated that a 4 hours cruise with our 1 kWh motor will cost approximately $0.24 to recharge. Very inexpensive when compared to the cost of gasoline. What is the lifetime of the battery pack? With proper care, a Ruban Bleu battery pack can provide 5 to 10 years of clean, reliable service before replacing. Proper care means maintaining water levels in the battery cells and always plugging in the shorepower to start the onboard “Automatic charger ” system when you return to your dock. We also recommend monitoring battery water levels every month or so during the boating season. What do I have to know to operate a Ruban Bleu boat? Ruban Bleu boats are by far the simplest to operate on the market today! No different than operating a golf cart. To prove the point, Ruban Bleu boats are used at more than 100 rental fleets in Europe and Canada. Many hundreds of Ruban Bleu boats are in operation year round. The public is welcome, and within minutes of introduction to the boats, they are enjoying a private cruise. Women boaters have loved the Ruban Bleu boats over the years because of their ease in handling and manoeuvring. Even teenagers can navigate in all security. How does a Ruban Bleu boat handle saltwater, wind and current? The Ruban Bleu boats were originally designed, tested and marketed on an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean in Nantes, France where we constantly face these elements. All of our components are selected to withstand this harsh marine environment. The Ruban Bleu boats main models (ACE and SCOOP) are powered with the famous Minnkota motor renowned worldwide. Depending on which Ruban Bleu model you choose (ACE, SCOOP, MOST), it is recommended that you evaluate the wind and wave conditions. One has to keep in mind that these boats are more suited for rivers and lakes with a current of less than 3 km/h (2mph) and small waves. Every precaution is taken to isolate our electric systems from moisture, which gives our customers low maintenance and years of trouble free boating. How does the Ruban Bleu power compare to trolling motor power? The Ruban Bleu motor systems are designed to be the primary power system for the boat, developing from 55 lbs to 160 lbs of static thrust. The MOST 20 feet weighs about 3,500 lbs. with 10 adults aboard and can still maintain a top speed of 10 km/h (6 mph) into wind and waves. Trolling motors of 30 lbs to 45 lbs are mainly used on small fishing aluminium boats. These boats have what we call a planning hull and are inefficient at low speed. That is why the maximum speed that can be reached on these boats is 2 km/h to 3 km/h (2 mph). The Ruban Bleu boats, with its efficient displacement hulls can reach 3 to 4 times that speed. What kind of warranty is provided with my Ruban Bleu boat? The Ruban Bleu hull is warranty for 5 years and all other original equipment is covered for one year. Can I custom order my Ruban Bleu boat? Of course! You are the customer and Electric Boats International is committed to providing the boat you desire. We offer a wide range of solid hull colors, optional features, material color and power systems, so you can personalize your Ruban Bleu boat. I live in Florida. How will I take delivery? We make cross-country deliveries all the time. We'll personally bring your new Ruban Bleu boat to your dock, rig it and show you the ropes. FAQ's Who are the Ruban Bleu boats for? Electric Boats International, is pursuing the residential waterfront markets for electric boating. It has become highly successful in areas which are speed controlled (no wake zones, 5-6 mph for all boats) or where NO GAS POWER boating is allowed. We have found a tremendous number of boaters and nonboaters who are seeking a quiet alternative to messy and loud outboards. Additionally, they are drawn to the ease of operation and the minimal maintenance required. The social and well-designed interiors, with classic lines, have proven to attract a wide range of customers around the world. How long will a Ruban Bleu boat cruise? More than a full day! Our standard battery configuration provides up to 10 to 20 hours of cruising on a full charge. This depends on the average cruising speeds ranging from 6 to 10km/h (4 to 6 mph). Our boats come standard equipped with a digital battery gauge (%), which gives you real time energy usage, and time remaining can be deducted. This feature keeps the skipper informed and eliminates any concern of running out of power. For example, if your battery gauge reads 50%, you know that you have another 5 hours of autonomy. As you can see, It is much easier to figure out the remaining autonomy than with a gas motor. How long does it take to recharge my Ruban Bleu boat? Overnight. The standard battery pack can be recharged in 1 to 8 hours depending on the battery initial state of charge. Standard 110 AC household current is all that is required for the onboard “Automatic Charging” system. Most docks are equipped with this type of circuit. A simple and convenient overnight charge readies the boat for full operation day after day. Charging is completely automatic, and simply requires plugging the cord into our inlet located inside the boat. There is no need to turn the battery charger off. Once the batteries are fully charged, the “Automatic Charger” will shut itself off automatically. How much does it cost to charge my Ruban Bleu boat? Based on average kWh rate of $0.06, we have calculated that a 4 hours cruise with our 1 kWh motor will cost approximately $0.24 to recharge. Very inexpensive when compared to the cost of gasoline. What is the lifetime of the battery pack? With proper care, a Ruban Bleu battery pack can provide 5 to 10 years of clean, reliable service before replacing. Proper care means maintaining water levels in the battery cells and always plugging in the shorepower to start the onboard “Automatic charger ” system when you return to your dock. We also recommend monitoring battery water levels every month or so during the boating season. What do I have to know to operate a Ruban Bleu boat? Ruban Bleu boats are by far the simplest to operate on the market today! No different than operating a golf cart. To prove the point, Ruban Bleu boats are used at more than 100 rental fleets in Europe and Canada. Many hundreds of Ruban Bleu boats are in operation year round. The public is welcome, and within minutes of introduction to the boats, they are enjoying a private cruise. Women boaters have loved the Ruban Bleu boats over the years because of their ease in handling and manoeuvring. Even teenagers can navigate in all security. How does a Ruban Bleu boat handle saltwater, wind and current? The Ruban Bleu boats were originally designed, tested and marketed on an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean in Nantes, France where we constantly face these elements. All of our components are selected to withstand this harsh marine environment. The Ruban Bleu boats main models (ACE and SCOOP) are powered with the famous Minnkota motor renowned worldwide. Depending on which Ruban Bleu model you choose (ACE, SCOOP, MOST), it is recommended that you evaluate the wind and wave conditions. One has to keep in mind that these boats are more suited for rivers and lakes with a current of less than 3 km/h (2mph) and small waves. Every precaution is taken to isolate our electric systems from moisture, which gives our customers low maintenance and years of trouble free boating. How does the Ruban Bleu power compare to trolling motor power? The Ruban Bleu motor systems are designed to be the primary power system for the boat, developing from 55 lbs to 160 lbs of static thrust. The MOST 20 feet weighs about 3,500 lbs. with 10 adults aboard and can still maintain a top speed of 10 km/h (6 mph) into wind and waves. Trolling motors of 30 lbs to 45 lbs are mainly used on small fishing aluminium boats. These boats have what we call a planning hull and are inefficient at low speed. That is why the maximum speed that can be reached on these boats is 2 km/h to 3 km/h (2 mph). The Ruban Bleu boats, with its efficient displacement hulls can reach 3 to 4 times that speed. What kind of warranty is provided with my Ruban Bleu boat? The Ruban Bleu hull is warranty for 5 years and all other original equipment is covered for one year. Can I custom order my Ruban Bleu boat? Of course! You are the customer and Electric Boats International is committed to providing the boat you desire. We offer a wide range of solid hull colors, optional features, material color and power systems, so you can personalize your Ruban Bleu boat. I live in Florida. How will I take delivery? We make cross-country deliveries all the time. We'll personally bring your new Ruban Bleu boat to your dock, rig it and show you the ropes.