ZWS Tjotter 500 – aluminium sailboat and electric sloop

The ZWS Tjotter 500 combines sailing and electric slooping in one aluminium boat. Enjoy the wind in the sails or cruise on relaxedly using the electric motor. Thanks to the divisible mast, practical circular seating, and shallow draft, this modern version of the classic Frisian tjotter is suitable for varied days on the water.

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Sailing and slooping with the same boat

With the Tjotter 500, you don't have to choose between a sailboat and a sloop. The characteristic hull and daggerboards give the boat its classic appearance, while the electric propulsion makes it possible to continue sailing even without wind.

Do you want to use the boat as a sloop? Then you store the divisible mast and sails under the benches. This keeps the cockpit clear for comfortable seating. When you want to sail again, the onboard winch assists in hoisting the mast.

Robust aluminium and a shallow draft

The Tjotter 500 is constructed from 5 mm thick, seawater-resistant aluminium 5083 H111. This makes the boat robust and low-maintenance, without the painting and varnishing required for a traditional wooden vessel.

With a length of 4.80 meters, a width of 2.40 meters, and a draft of approximately 40 centimeters, the Tjotter is suitable for varied trips on sheltered inland waters. The shallow draft offers opportunities to explore shallower waterways as well.

Comfortably and practically furnished

The circular seating area seats four to six people. In the center stands a multifunctional battery box that also serves as a table: handy for coffee on the go or lunch on board.

The cockpit is self-draining, allowing rainwater to run off. There is space under the benches to store the mast sections and sails when using the Tjotter as a sloop.

Key features

  • Sailing and electric boating with the same boat.

  • Classic Frisian design with characteristic side swords.

  • Robust hull made of 5 mm thick aluminium.

  • Split mast and sails to be stored under the benches.

  • Winch for assistance when hoisting the mast.

  • Circular seating with seating for four to six people.

  • Central battery box that also serves as a table.

  • Self-draining cockpit.

  • Shallow draft of approximately 40 centimeters.

Specifications

Specification ZWS Tjotter 500
Type of boat Aluminum sailboat and electric sloop
Length 4.80 m
Width 2.40 m
Depth Approximately 0.40 m
Hull weight 650 kg
Material Seawater-resistant aluminium 5083 H111
Aluminum thickness 5 mm
CE design category D
Seats According to the manufacturer, 4–6 people
Sail area 19 m²
Electric drive Manufacturer's specification: 3 kW
Mast Divisible
Stadium Self-draining

The specifications are based on the manufacturer's information. The hull weight excludes engine, batteries, and other equipment. The maximum permissible occupancy is determined by the documentation of the delivered version.

Electric drive and batteries

For the Tjotter 500, Zuidwestersloep mentions a 3 kW electric drive. A possible motor for a suitable configuration is the ePropulsion Navy 3.0 Evo. At Robust-MT, we assess which version matches the motor layout, controls, and your boating preferences.

We also tailor the battery choice to the usage. Do you mainly sail and use the engine for short distances? Then you have different energy requirements than when you regularly make longer trips as a sloop.

Product Power or capacity More information
ePropulsion Navy 3.0 Evo 3 kW View the electric motor
ePropulsion E100 5.12 kWh View the E100 battery
ePropulsion E163 8,345 kWh View the E163 battery

These products are potential components of a drive system to be assembled and are not automatically part of the standard equipment. The final combination is checked for technical suitability and available installation space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Tjotter 500 only as an electric sloop?

Yes. The divisible mast and sails can be stored under the benches. You then use the boat as an electric sloop.

How many seats does the Tjotter 500 have?

The manufacturer specifies seating for four to six people. The maximum permitted occupancy is stated in the documentation of the delivered boat.

How long can I sail electrically?

The cruising time depends on the battery capacity, speed, load, and conditions. Therefore, we tailor the battery pack to your usage and desired trips.

Configure your ZWS Tjotter 500

Whether you primarily want to sail, enjoy electric slooping, or combine both: at Robust-MT, we help you find a suitable model. Discuss your wishes and receive advice on the motor, batteries, and equipment for your Tjotter 500.

Southwesterly sloop

Southwesterly sloop (ZWS) makes beautiful, affordable, and durable aluminum sloops for anyone who enjoys boating and socializing, but not the hassle of bailing, cleaning, painting, repairing, and winterizing. Our sturdy and robust sloops are mostly electric: ZWS has over 12 years of experience in electric boating.

Southwesterly sloop stands for

Making sustainable sloop boating affordable and carefree fun – that's our mission. That's why we design our sloops with these principles in mind:

Functionally sustainable

Sustainability is so logical in the design and use of our sloops that we don't really want to make a big deal about it. It's the foundation of all our choices regarding materials, components, and propulsion. Yet, we're never "green for green's sake." It's a win-win situation. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable and maintenance-free. The plastic of our rubbing strakes is recycled and retains its beauty longer than wood. Electric boating is cleaner and quieter. A win-win situation.

Whisper-quiet sailing

All ZWS sloops are electrically powered. Over 12 years of experience in electric boating guarantees sophisticated and proven electric motor and battery combinations. This is not only good for the environment but also provides a wonderfully smooth boating experience, freed from the thumping and roar of combustion engines.

No hassle

A SouthWesternSloep Always ready to go out. No hassle with tarpaulin, bailing, or cleaning: just unlock, put in a cooler bag, cast off, and set sail. And if you happen to hit something along the way… c'est la vie. Four- or five-millimeter-thick aluminum can take a beating. In winter, the boat simply sits in the water. The aluminum protects itself and doesn't need (toxic) antifouling, nor does it need to be sanded or painted. All our sloops are self-draining, so rainwater drains away automatically.

Affordable and stable in value

Smart design reduces production costs, and as a buyer, you notice this in the purchase price. But the advantage of the ZWS lies primarily in the relatively low annual costs. No winter storage, no winterizing the engine, and hardly any repairs or maintenance. On top of that, we build every sloop by hand. That craftsmanship ensures low depreciation and high value retention. Value for money, in other words. And who doesn't love that… A buy electric sloopSee our full range.