PBN Innovative Companies 2022
TECHNOLOGY: Flux Marine Ltd.
BRISTOL-BASED OUTBOARD MOTOR developer Flux Marine Ltd. is aiming to shake up the recreational boating industry by quieting it down. The company’s all-electric outboard motor and battery systems are almost completely silent, and are helping to further reduce pollution from gas and diesel motors.
While a student at Princeton University, Flux Marine CEO Ben Sorkin was passionate about environmental education and used to salvage boats. Over the course of five years, he developed an outboard engine for electric marine use, with the capacity to use high power. “We took apart and redesigned the motor to be efficient,” Public Relations Director Zach Heath said.
Flux Marine’s motors have self-sufficient cooling systems and don’t require much maintenance. Currently, the motors are designed for small lakes, and one of the company’s next goals is to focus on extending their range to use during multiday boating trips.
Flux Marine’s debut at last summer’s Newport International Boat Show impressed the crowd. “We turned heads being out on the water, and there’s excitement over what we’re building,” Flux Marine Chief Operating Officer Daylin Frantin said.
The company recently finished up its first round of funding, ultimately raising $15.5 million. Flux Marine is opening a new headquarters in Bristol, and is already focusing on manufacturing preorders of the motors and battery systems. Flux Marine also has its eye on becoming an engine manufacturer for the recreational boating industry nationwide. “It’s a passion project; if you’re not truly excited, you’re never going to effortlessly grow your idea into a startup, then grow into a company in the industry,” Frantin said.
Frantin acknowledges that the company’s success hasn’t come without its hardships. Technology has hurdles, he said, adding that the company had some pushback to its innovations.
One bright side of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it brought people out to the water more often. “Boat sales are up and the industry’s growing,” Frantin said. “It’s an exciting time for us.”
