electric sailboat motors reviews

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Four Electric Boat Motors Compared

• By Randy Vance
• Updated: September 17, 2020

Electric marine propulsion is rapidly advancing in market share while providing a fun and unique boating experience not available from internal combustion power.

Electric Motors Then

You might be surprised to learn that electric boats have been around since 1838. Inventors from Prussia, England and America began making vessels with lead-acid batteries—tons of lead-acid batteries per vessel—to move passengers quietly and efficiently. But the internal combustion engines invented in the late 1800s were more powerful and convenient, and with the exception of Elco electric motors, electric power fell away in popularity. In 1934, Minn Kota manufactured the first electric outboard. Then, in the 1960s, bass tournament fishing popularized big-horsepower gas engines for speed, and electric trolling motors for precise boat handling. You might say the fishermen were ahead of the curve by about 60 years on hybrid boats.

Electric Motors Today

We are focusing on production models that can be easily installed by a do-it-yourselfer or OEM without special training. Lithium-ion batteries can be volatile if not properly installed, so some companies require their trained tech to do that.

Electric outboards are expensive, and while we’ve listed the purchase cost, the batteries available are too numerous to name or price, and can cost more than the motor.

A mathematic equation easily converts kilowatt-hours to horsepower, and our math revealed the calculated horsepower to be considerably less than the equivelant horsepower suggested by manufacturers.

Torqeedo provides completely integrated motor, battery and controls. Electronically controlled systems give its motors greater range per battery capacity and, similar to a fuel gauge, help operators conserve energy when needed or tell them when they can splurge on maximum throttle. The batteries are provided by BMW, but it is Torqeedo’s control system that manages output, heat and recharge operations to protect and optimize battery capacity and motor performance.

Range of Power: Outboards from Ultralight 403 at 400 W (about 1 hp) to Deep Blue at 50 kW (about 80 hp equivalent with 20 percent hole-shot boost), and inboards up to 100 kW (about 135 hp).

Most Popular Motor: Torqeedo’s Cruise 10 ($8,999) puts out 10 kW, or about 14 hp, but performs comparably to a 20 hp outboard thanks to Torqeedo’s software. In remote control, it is popular among pontoon boaters in particular, and commonly installed on pontoons used on neighborhood lakes requiring electric propulsion. Through digital controls, peak output is boosted beyond nominal output for a short time to improve acceleration at the hole shot, then returns to nominal output for optimal heat, range and speed control. A side- or top-mount controller—akin to the throttle—will cost $1,399, by the way.

Best Battery: The Torqeedo 48-5000 (5,000 Wh) lithium-ion battery ($5,159) is rated IP67 waterproof; connecting two or more in parallel extends the range.

Battery Compatibility: Compatible with any lithium-ion or AGM battery bank providing 48 volts, the Torqeedo can only operate in smart mode, measuring discharge, heat and other factors to dynamically manage power with Torqeedo batteries. With nonproprietary battery banks, Torqeedo motors mathematically, and less accurately, estimate range and consumption.

Chargers: The 2213 charger ($899) can recharge a 48-5000 battery in under 10 hours. It is rated IP65 water-resistant. The 2212-10 charger ($2,199) can recharge it in two hours.

Elco Motors

Elco has been building electric outboards for over 100 years—a figure that seems implausible to boaters who are beginning to see electric propulsion for the first time. The company’s engineering philosophy has remained the same: build plug-and-play systems, relying on battery power preferred by the customer, and design its motors to fit existing motor mounts, or provide standard transom clamps to make repowering simple and seamless.

Range of Power: Elco builds electric outboards with tiller or remote controls from 3.7 kW (about 5 hp) to 37 kW (about 50 hp). Elco’s inboards range from EP 6 to EP 100, with horsepower equivalents from 6 to 100.

Most Popular Motor: The EP 70 inboard ($15,995) can replace inboard diesel kickers and trawler motors, providing a top speed of 8 to 10 mph (7 to 8.5 knots) and a range of 23 to 41 miles. Its peak output is 51.5 kW (about 69 hp), and continuous output is 29.75 kW (about 40 hp). It needs nine 8-D 12-volt AGM batteries for a total of 108 volts. Lithium-ion batteries are also compatible in comparable volts and amps.

Best Battery: Battery banks from Lithionics are most commonly selected for new builds, and an EP-12 Victron AGM Deep Cycle 12V/220Ah bank is ideal ($5,409).

Battery Compatibility: Elco batteries are completely brand agnostic and connect with any quality battery bank providing the motor’s power demand. However, lithium-ion batteries still provide the most efficiency, along with full power to complete discharge. Even though their upfront investment is often more than double that of AGM batteries, the cost per charge is comparable while also lightening the boat and bringing better performance and range.

Chargers: The ElCon UHF3300 (1x) charger (starting at $825) takes three to four hours to restore battery banks, and the PFC 5000 fast charger reduces the time to two to three hours.

ePropulsion

This company boasts five electric propulsion systems engineered at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and entered the market in 2013. HKUST is also known as the incubator of many electronic products, including the DJI drone. Persistent engineering has brought new innovations to the marketplace.

Range of Power: The smallest offering from ePropulsion is a strap-on stand-up-paddleboard motor. Mainstream power includes two large outboards boasting 1 kW (about 1.35 hp) and 3 kW (about 4 hp) power, two pod drives of the same output, and the most popular portable Spirit 1.0 Plus.

Most Popular Motor: The Spirit 1.0 Plus ($1,999 including charger) is ePropulsion’s top-selling motor, ideal for small vessels, square-stern canoes, tenders and more. It’s a 1 kW motor that the company says offers 3 hp equivalent power with an industry-first direct-drive brushless motor. That’s a quiet arrangement, making the motor lighter and more efficient. It’s got a 75-minute run time at full speed, making 22 miles on a quickly exchangeable, integrated and included floating battery. Take a spare battery ($899) for longer range.

The Navy 3.0, ePropulsion’s latest motor, is 3 kW, or about 4 hp, though ePropulsion claims 6 hp equivalence. It’s available in tiller-steered and remote-control models. Its direct-drive, no-gear-case motor was a breakthrough in electric outboards, using a brushless motor that produced less sound and drag, and increased power and efficiency, offering a more serene experience.

Best Battery: There are three E-Series 48-volt batteries offered: The E40 ($1,200) provides 2,048 Wh, the E80 ($2,000) provides 4,096 Wh, and the E175 ($4,000) offers 8,960 Wh. The data-cable connections in ePropulsion batteries give battery management, enhancing range and speed.

Read Next: ePropulsion Lithium Iron Batteries

Chargers: Chargers available from ePropulsion are 10-, 20- and 30-amp modes ranging from $300 to $620.

Read Next: Learn About Garmin and Lowrance Electric Motors

Minn Kota Motors

Minn Kota has been making electric outboard motors since 1934, and its first model was a gear-driven, transom-mounted motor with a tiller. As time progressed, it improved motors slowly until the tournament bass-fishing craze began in the early 1960s. In that time, the motors have been popular as primary propulsion for dinghies and utility boats used for tenders, or positioning the boat for casting.

Range of Power: Models today range from simple tiller- steered motors to digitally remote-controlled motors complete with autopilot features and smartphone compatibility. The Vantage is the company’s primary propulsion motor.

Most Popular Motor: The Vantage ($1,549.99) is not Minn Kota’s most popular motor, but it’s a top contender in the boat market where electric propulsion is desired or required. The tiller-steered Vantage is ideal for use as a kicker for trolling, or propulsion for a tender or small johnboat. The variable-speed motor is digitally controlled to manage and conserve power for optimum range. Forward, neutral, reverse, and power trim to raise it are easily accessible on the tiller of this 24-volt motor. For some reason, Minn Kota does not list specs such as amps, kilowatts or watt-hours.

Best Battery: Minn Kota doesn’t offer batteries, but the motor is compatible with any battery bank producing 48 volts.

Battery Compatibility: Lead-acid, wet-cell batteries are still the most commonly used for small electric motors, but AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries are more durable, offer more charge cycles, and are quickly replacing wet-cell batteries. Lithium-ion batteries shave 75 percent of the weight of lead-acid batteries, deliver full power to total discharge, and are actually more economical per charge cycle in spite of a 100 percent premium over AGMs.

Chargers: An MK 345 PC Precision Charger ($449.99) provides three-bank charging at 15 amps per bank.

• More: Boats , elco , electric boats , Engines , epropulsion , minn kota , torqeedo

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Best electric outboard motors: 11 top options for zero-emissions propulsion

• Electric boats
• Top stories

Electric outboard motors seem to be springing up all over the place right now. We round up 11 of the best electric outboards on the market…

Electric outboard motors are nothing new, after all the humble electric trolling motor has been around for decades, but in the past couple of years a new breed of more powerful units has emerged.

Capable of powering everything from a tender to a 50-knot sportsboat, this new generation of electric outboard motors will surely play a big role in the growing trend towards all- electric boats .

We’ve rounded up 11 of the best options available on the market right now to help you track down the right one for cutting down your boat’s carbon footprint.

Compact electric outboard motors for your tender

Torqeedo 603 Travel

Weight: 15.5kg Power: 600W / 0.8hp Battery: 500Wh Range: 11nm Price: £1,499

Torqeedo has been making electric outboard motors for quite a while now, and their latest offering slots into the travel range of electric outboards between the 503 (1.5hp) and the 1103C (3hp).

All the usual Torqeedo refinements are present and correct. IP67 rated as totally waterproof, the 603 Travel has a magnetic kill cord and an onboard computer providing instant readouts of operating range at current RPM and battery-charge status displayed on the tiller arm.

You can link it to an Apple or Android app and gain even more information including a map-based range indicator.

Read more about the Torqeedo 603 Travel

Mercury Avator 7.5e

Weight: 27.1kg Power: 750W / 1hp Battery: 1kWh Range: 34nm Price: $1,500

Announced in early 2022 and launched less than a year later, the Mercury Avator 7.5e is the first electric unit from the world’s biggest builder of outboard engines .

The whole top plate hinges up to reveal the battery, which can be quickly removed from your electric boat or replaced for convenient charging.

It’s by no means the lightest electric outboard motor on the market, but its claimed range at 25% throttle is very impressive – we look forward to putting one to the test.

Not resting on its laurels, Mercury launched the Avator 20e and 35e this summer as well. These units are no bigger than the 7.5e, but need wiring in to an on-board battery bank.

Read more about the Mercury Avator 7.5e

Read more about the Mercury Avator 20e and 35e

Weight: 14.5kg (inc. bracket) Power: 1kW / 3hp Battery: 1,085 Wh Range: 14nm Price: £2,185

The idea behind the Remigo One electric outboard makes perfect sense; rather than mounting the battery on top of the shaft, like the engine on an old-school petrol outboard, the Slovenian company has integrated it into the shaft and shaped it like a rudder to minimise drag and maximise steering effect.

It is backed by a 2-year warranty and has a magnetic key/kill cord. There are some other neat ideas too. The rudder casing is waterproof to IP67 above the water and IP69 below the water so it will survive a dunking, and it’s held in place by a clamp mechanism that allows you to adjust the shaft length to suit your boat with the aid of an allen key.

The transom bracket is separate to the motor so you can leave the bracket attached to the boat and simply slot the motor on and off. The tiller also folds and locks parallel to the blade so you can use it as a perfectly balanced carry handle.

Watch our test drive video of the Remigo One electric outboard

The Kicker is exceptionally light and surprisingly powerful

Thrustme Kicker

Weight: 4.4kg Power: 1kW / 3hp Battery: 259kWh Range: 5nm Price: £1,250

If it’s light weight and value that you prioritise over cruising range, then this Norwegian option is hard to beat.

Launched in 2021, the Kicker boasts enough range and grunt to get one person from ship to shore and back again in calm conditions, as editor Hugo proved in a week-long test.

The only downside is that the battery isn’t removable, which can make charging a little more difficult.

Read more about the Thrustme Kicker

Weight: 15kg Power: 1kW / 3hp Battery: 740Wh Range: Up to 1hr Price: €2,850

A brand new option from France, the TEMO-1000 doesn’t look anything like a traditional outboard motor.

The design doesn’t have any rectangular box on top, just a rudder-shaped shaft with an electric motor at the bottom and a long slim battery that simply slides down into it, connecting automatically to your electric boat without having to plug wires into it.

The tiller arm does the same, meaning it disappears completely when not in use and yet it is never detached and therefore never mislaid.

Read more about the TEMO-1000

Haswing Ultima 3

Weight: 16kg Power: 1kW / 3hp Battery: 1.03kWh Range: 18nm Price: £1,570

A top-of-the-range option from trolling motor stalwarts Haswing, the Ultimate 3 is suitable for boats up to 7m long.

The brushless DC motor produces 3hp (claimed to be equivalent to a 4hp petrol outboard motor), and it’s available in short and long shaft versions as well as the standard length.

Not only is the detachable battery unusually light at 5kg (lightest in class, according to the manufacturer), it also connects to the engine in a single simple operation without the need for connecting cables or other fiddly parts – no bad thing when you’re bobbing about in a tender!

Read more about the Haswing Ultima 3

ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus

Weight: 19.3kg Power: 1kW / 3hp Battery: 1,276Wh Range: 22nm Price: £1,600

The original Spirit 1.0 has actually been in production for six years with over 10,000 units built. Featuring a 1,000W brushless motor, this electric outboard motor is claimed to be equivalent to a 3hp petrol engine, ideal for tender duties or small to medium sized dinghies.

This Plus version, launched in 2020, is the same weight, size and power – the big gain is where it’s needed most, run time. It has been achieved by upgrading the battery from 1,018Wh to 1,276Wh.

At the same time, the power cord has been upgraded for durability and reliability, and the voltage has been changed from 40.7V to 48V, making it compatible with an external 48V battery. The battery will even float if dropped overboard!

Read more about the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus

Most powerful electric outboard motors for day boats

Yamaha Harmo

Weight: 55kg Power: 3.7kW / 9.9hp Battery: Sold  separately Range: Depends on battery Price: £TBC

Announced in 2022 and tested on a 12m Venmar water taxi, the Yamaha Harmo electric boat drivetrain may be a rather modestly powered 3.7kW motor, equivalent to a 9.9hp petrol engine, but it is being seen as a major statement of intent from the Japanese brand synonymous with big, powerful four-stroke outboards.

Intriguingly, the Harmo is neither an outboard engine nor a sterndrive but a new propulsion package that borrows ideas from both camps.

It is mounted on the transom just above the waterline much like a sterndrive leg, but in keeping with the outboard engine ethos it’s an entirely self-contained unit that includes the motor and steering mechanism.

Read more about the Yamaha Harmo electric rim drive

RAD Propulsion RAD40

Weight: 100kg Power: 40kW / 55hp Battery: 20-60kWh Range: 100nm Price: £28,000 (ex. battery)

The RAD40 drive from British start-up RAD Propulsion appears to be far more than just a conventional outboard leg with an electric motor bolted on top.

Every single element of it has been designed from the ground up to maximise the benefits of electric power. The result is a brand new drive system that is not only much cleaner, quieter and more efficient than a petrol outboard engine but also smaller, lighter, cheaper to maintain and even more manoeuvrable.

In its current 40kW guise (equivalent to around 55hp) it’s powerful enough to propel everything from a 25-knot planing RIB to a 10-knot displacement craft but with a larger 160hp RAD120 as well as a portable tiller steered RAD2 already in development, it’s clear that RAD Propulsion has its eyes set on a much wider market.

Read more about the RAD Propulsion RAD40 electric outboard

E-Motion 180E

Weight: 580kg Power: 110kW / 180hp Battery: 70kWh Range: 70nm Price: $78,990

Launched in 2021 by Canadian firm Vision Marine Technologies, the E-Motion 180E looks like a genuine alternative to the 150-200hp petrol outboard motors that power the vast majority of 18-25ft sportsboats and RIBs.

The outboard engine itself weighs around 180kg, compared to 216kg for a 200hp V6 Mercury Verado, but that relatively modest saving pales into comparison next to the 400kg weight of the 70kWh battery pack.

Admittedly, a fair chunk of that will be offset by the lack of fuel tank and starter batteries, but unlike a petrol boat, the battery pack’s weight stays constant whether full or close to empty.

Read more about the E-Motion 180E

The Evoy Storm looks, feels and goes like a well-matched petrol outboard engine

Weight: 350kg Power: 222kW / 300hp Battery: 2x 63kWh Range: 25nm Price: €144,700

Although currently still in development, the Evoy Storm is a working prototype that has already been fitted to a number of partner brands’ boats, including an Iguana amphibious craft and an Axopar 25 that we tested at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival .

Despite a 450kg weight penalty over a fully fuelled petrol boat, and five passengers, we still recorded a top speed of over 50 knots – vastly quicker than any other electric boat we’ve tested and not far off the world speed record for a production electric boat of 57.7 knots (held by a Goldfish X9 powered by a 400hp Evoy inboard).

The anticipated price for this electric Axopar 25 is €185,000 (ex tax), which looks pretty good value given that the price of the motor alone is €74,900 plus another €69,800 for the batteries. Whether Axopar can maintain, or even reduce, that price once the Evoy Storm enters production in 2024 remains to be seen.

Read more about the Evoy Storm

Tip of the iceberg

If this seems like a lot of choice, there are even more options coming down the pipeline in 2024. MBY understands that several major outboard manufacturers are planning on entering the electric outboard market, so watch this space…

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Home » Blog » Gear » Buyers guide to electric boat motors (2023)

Buyers guide to electric boat motors (2023)

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: August 3, 2023

Considering making the switch to an electric boat motor? With electric vehicles now commonplace on the roads, it’s no wonder so many boaters are curious about electric boats.

While electric boat motors have been around for a while, in the last several years the technology has taken huge leaps, resulting in more powerful motors, longer-lasting batteries, and ultimately more options for recreational boat owners.

Today, many types of boats can be outfitted with an electric propulsion system including pontoon boats, sailboats, jon boats, powerboats, fishing boats, yachts, and trawlers . If your boat’s combustion engine is in the range of 1 to 135 hp (.75 to 100 kW), you should be able to find an electric substitute.

While electric boating hasn’t gone mainstream—it’s estimated that close to 2% of recreational boats are electric—it’s still a great time to be thinking about making the switch, particularly if you own a tender, sailboat, or boat on a green lake where combustion engines are prohibited.

Table of contents

• 1.1 Benefits
• 1.2 Drawbacks
• 2.1.1 Key features of electric outboard boat motors
• 2.1.2 Electric outboard manufacturers
• 2.2.1 DIY electric inboard boat motor conversion
• 2.2.2 Key features of electric inboard boat motors
• 2.2.3 Electric inboard manufacturers
• 2.3.1 Serial vs. parallel hybrids
• 2.3.2 Key features of marine hybrids
• 2.3.3 Marine hybrid manufacturers
• 2.4.1 Electric pod and sail drive manufacturers
• 3 Batteries
• 4 Ready to catch the electric boating wave?

Benefits and drawbacks of electric boat motors

Electric marine motors offer several advantages over internal combustion engines:

• They’re completely silent .
• No noxious fumes or smelly exhaust gases to deal with.
• Instant torque.  Electric propulsion provides instant torque, giving you better maneuverability and more consistent speeds in choppy conditions.
• Lightweight.  An electric setup (including motor, batteries, and generator) typically weighs less than its diesel counterpart.
• No fuel cost.  Charging an electric boat may cost a couple of dollars per charge.
• Easy to maintain.  Imagine the maintenance on an outboard with no gas, spark plugs, or oil! Electric motors are simple, more reliable, and virtually maintenance-free.
• Renewable power.  Once you’ve gone electric you can get power from renewable sources like wind generators and solar panels.
• Better for the planet.  Electric marine motors don’t produce water pollution or produce harmful emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and hydrocarbon (HC).

• Range.  The greatest drawback of electric boats is their limited range, which is often measured in the 10s of miles. Range is limited because batteries don’t have the same energy density as fuel — they can’t provide the same energy, pound-for-pound as a tank of gas. A good battery monitoring system, one that displays the remaining range in real-time, can help boaters manage energy consumption and ease range anxiety. For those who want to go farther afield, hybrid propulsion may be a better option.
• Upfront cost.  This new technology isn’t cheap. For example, a small electric outboard boat motor may sell for two-and-a-half times the cost of a gas outboard. However, prices are expected to come down as the industry reaches scale.

Types of electric boat motors

Electric outboard boat motors.

Some of the first electric outboards to hit the recreational boating market were smaller electric motors, typically used as trolling motors on fishing boats.

Today,  it’s possible to buy far more powerful electric outboard motors in the 1 to 80 hp (.75 to 60 kW) range , with ever more powerful versions hitting the market each year. In 2022, Norwegian start-up, Evoy launched the world’s most powerful outboard to date, the 225kW Storm, a 300-hp beast of an electric outboard! 

The range on electric outboard boat motors varies dramatically depending on your boat, total weight, propellor, and battery capacity .

The range also depends on how fast you want to travel. If you go slowly you’ll have a much greater range.

For instance, at a slow speed (5 knots) Torqeedo’s Deep Blue 50R , a 50 kW motor (80 hp equivalent) with a 40 kWh battery, has a listed range of 33-100 nm. But at full throttle (20-25 knots), the listed range drops to 16-20 nm.

To get a better sense of what range to expect on your boat (at both low and high speeds), you can look at the manufacturer’s website. See our list of electric outboard brands below.

One of the great things about electric outboards is that they can use renewable power sources. So, for instance, you could plug your boat into a portable solar panel while picnicking and get an extra boost for the trip home.

Some electric outboard boat motors can even generate power! Motors with hydro regeneration capabilities can charge the batteries while the boat is being towed or under sail.

While hydro regeneration is a fairly new feature for electric outboards, some manufacturers, like EPropulsion, are offering it across their outboard product line.

Key features of electric outboard boat motors

Each electric outboard motor brand has slightly different standard offerings and add-on features. Here are some of the key features and options to look for.

• Waterproof.  Some electric outboards are fully sealed and designed to withstand immersion
• Remote controls. Choose between tiller and remote throttle controls
• On-board computers . Some electric outboards come with chartplotter connectivity, navigation functions, sonar, GPS anchoring, and autopilot features
• Built-in or stand-alone batteries.  Some of the smaller motors come with built-in batteries, while the larger ones have separate battery packs
• Battery monitoring and tracking systems  that calculate and display the remaining range in real-time
• Shaft length.  Electric outboards come in both short and long shaft lengths to accommodate a variety of applications.
• Hydro regeneration capabilities 

Electric outboard manufacturers

These electric outboard boat motor manufacturers (listed in alphabetical order) range from small startups to large companies and serve the North American market.

If you’re looking to learn more about what each of these companies offers (and how they compare) I’d highly recommend checking out the  Plugboats’ electric outboard guides and directories . Jeff Butler, the editor at Plugboats has done a great job of compiling motor specifications from across the market.

Headquartered in San Diego, California,  Bixby  makes a small electric motor system for kayaks, inflatable boats, canoes, and paddleboards.

Elco  has been building electric motors for 125 years and counts the likes of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison among their customers. Their award-winning electric marine motors range from 5 to 50 hp. The company is based in Lake George, New York, and its electric motors can be found on boats around the world.

Flux Marine

Flux Marine was founded by mechanical engineering Princeton grads and offers three outboard models—a 40 hp, 70 hp, and 100 hp. In 2021, they won an award for the best new green product at the Newport International Boat Show.

Joe Grez, a consumer product developer from Washington, invented the  EP Carry , a compact, ultralight electric outboard system because he was concerned about exposing his young daughter to the carbon monoxide (CO) emissions produced by gas outboards.

The EP Carry retails for $1,600 and is a great size for small vessels like dinghies, canoes, inflatable boats, and kayaks.

ePropulsion

ePropulsion , based in Guangdong, China, manufactures 3 to 9.9-hp electric motors for sailboats, fishing boats, as well as dinghies and tenders. They all come with hydro regeneration capabilities.

Mercury Marine launched the Avator 7.5 electric outboard (3.5 hp equivalent) in early 2023. The leading outboard manufacturer is currently developing more powerful 20e and 35e models which it plans to release later this year.

In 2023, Newport , a well-known US-based inflatable boat manufacturer, launched three small outboards ranging from 1.8 to 3 hp.

If you’re into fishing, you’re probably familiar with the Minn Kota  name, derived from MINNesota North DaKOTA, prime fishing country where the company has its roots. They introduced their first electric trolling motor back in 1934 and they’ve been making them ever since.

Pure Watercraft

Pure Watercraft  was founded by CEO Andy Rebele in Seattle in 2011. Their 25 kW (50 hp) motor starts at $16,500.

Ray Electric Outboards

Ray Electric Outboards is a 3rd generation family-owned business based in Cape Coral, Fl. They manufacture one outboard model that can be operated at different power ratings ranging from 10 to 22 hp.

Stealth Electric Outboards

The 50 and 75-hp  Stealth electric outboards  were developed by Scott Masterston of Houston, Texas.

German manufacturer,  Torqeedo , has been leading the propulsion industry for years and sells some of the best e outboard motors in the 1 to 80-hp range

Vision Marine Technologies  (formerly The Canadian Electric Boat Company). 

Based in Quebec, Canada,  Vision Marine Technologies  has been in the boating industry for 25 years and produced some very innovative electric boats. In 2021, they launched E-Motion 180E, one of the most powerful electric outboards on the market.

Electric inboard boat motors

Today’s electric inboard motors can provide anywhere from  3- to a whopping 330 hp (2 to 246 kW)  and are used in a range of applications from heavy displacement vessels to fast, planing powerboats.

Similar to outboards, the range on electric inboard engines will vary based on your boat, load, battery capacity, and boat speed (among other things).

However, with an inboard electric boat motor, you have the option of a hybrid motor which can significantly extend your range. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of hybrid boat motors later in this post.

Sailors may also want to consider choosing an inboard electric motor with hydro regeneration capabilities. These electric power motors can charge the battery while the boat is under sail.

DIY electric inboard boat motor conversion

One way to save money on an electric inboard is to do the installation yourself. There are a few DIY electric inboard boat motor conversion kits available on the market.

I’ve spoken with a few sailors who’ve had great success replacing their inboard diesel engines with these electric boat motor conversion kits from  Thunderstruck-EV , an electric drive manufacturer in Santa Rosa, California.

Key features of electric inboard boat motors

Each brand has a slightly different set of electric inboard motor options. Here are some of the key features and options to look for.

• DIY conversion kits
• On-board computers  and touchscreen display
• Waterproof  system components

Electric inboard manufacturers

US manufacturer, Elco Motor Yachts , has been building electric motors for over 125 years, having gotten their start in 1893, supplying electric boats for the Chicago World’s Fair. They have seven inboards ranging from 6 to 200 hp.

Electric Yacht

Electric Yacht  is a US supplier focused on providing plug-and-play electric motors for DIY installations on sailboats. Their electric propulsion systems range from 10 to 30. They’ve had over 450 installs in 10 years of production.

Oceanvolt  is a leader in regenerative systems and their electric inboard motors are popular among sailors. They offer shaft drive systems ranging from 6 to 60 hp.

Torqeedo, a German manufacturer, is the world’s leader in electric boat motors. They have two lines of inboards, one for displacement boats and another for fast planing boats. Their Deep Blue inboard systems range from 25 kW to 100 kW (40 to 135 hp)

Hybrid systems

Hybrid systems combine an electric motor and combustion engine, so you can cruise in silence (but know you’ve got enough gas to get home). These systems offer  many of the benefits of pure electric motors, without the limited range. 

If you want  additional power for onboard luxuries  like air-conditioning, hybrids can also provide a significant increase in house-side fuel efficiency.

The downside to any hybrid solution is that the systems are far more complex . Not only do they require more equipment, but, for an optimized system, you’ll need highly sophisticated software to manage multiple power sources and switch back and forth between diesel and electric.

Unsurprisingly, the increased complexity adds cost, making hybrids less economical than either a conventional or pure electric install.

Serial vs. parallel hybrids

As with cars, there are  two types of hybrid systems: serial and parallel.  A serial hybrid uses a generator to power a large electric motor connected to the drive shaft. Whereas, a parallel hybrid has both a conventional combustion engine and a small electric motor connected to the drive shaft.

There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing between a parallel and serial system. Marine mechanics and electrical expert, Nigel Calder, does a great job of explaining  serial and parallel hybrids  in detail.

In general, serial systems may be a better fit for boats that can get most of their propulsion energy from renewable sources (e.g., a sailing catamaran). Whereas, a parallel system makes more sense on boats that regularly require sustained propulsion (e.g.,  Greenline’s power yachts ).

Key features of marine hybrids

• Parallel and serial hybrid options
• Integrated energy management  systems

Marine hybrid manufacturers

Elco motor yachts.

Elco  manufactures serial, parallel, as well as a combined serial-parallel system. Their systems can be used on sailboats, trawlers, yachts, and boats up to 85′ feet.

Hybrid Marine Ltd.

Hybrid Marine  sells parallel hybrid systems in the 10 to 230 hp range. Beta, John Deere, and Yanmar’s hybrids all incorporate Hybrid Marine technology.

Finnish manufacturer,  Oceanvolt , offers serial hybrid systems for both sailboats and powerboats.

Torqeedo  makes hybrid systems for yachts up to 120 feet as well as powerful motorboats.

Electric pod drive and sail drive

Several manufacturers are now making electric pod and sail drives. These electric drive systems are more efficient and can save space onboard.

Electric pod and sail drive manufacturers

Electric Yacht  produces a range of sail drives that can replace diesel engines up to 75 hp.

propulsion  sells a 3 hp, 6 hp, and 9.9 hp fixed pod drive.

Oceanvolt’s  sail drives range from 6 kW to 15 kW (8 to 20 hp)

Torqeedo  sells a 40 hp and 80 hp equivalent electric sail drive as well as electric pod drives in the 6 to 25 hp range.

While it’s possible to power an electric motor with a conventional lead-acid battery, there are many  good reasons to upgrade to lithium-ion batteries.

Their increased usable  capacity is roughly double  what you can get out similarly sized lead-acid battery. More battery capacity means more range—and hours of fun—on your electric boat.

They also  charge more quickly  and have a  longer life span  than lead-acid batteries. Unlike flooded lead-acid batteries, which need to be watered, lithium-ion batteries are practically maintenance-free.

The downside is that lithium-ion batteries are far  more temperature-sensitive  and can’t be charged much above 113 F (45 C) or below 32 F (0 C).

They  can also present major safety issues . Lithium-ion batteries can go into what’s known as thermal runaway—a self-heating process that can cause the battery to catch fire.

Simply put,  lithium-ion batteries are NOT a drop-in substitute for lead-acid batteries.  They need to be specially designed for the marine environment and paired with a robust battery management system.

Electric motor manufacturers often provide complete solutions (including motor, batteries, and battery management system). It’s a good idea to work with a manufacturer with extensive marine experience and an ABYC-certified technician on any installation.

The other catch is that lithium-ion batteries  cost two to four times   as much as lead-acid  batteries. However, the increased capacity and longer life span may make lithium batteries a better value option over the long run.

Ready to catch the electric boating wave?

With ever more powerful and feature-packed electric options launching each year, it’s an exciting time to be in the market for a new motor or engine. If you have any doubts about whether an electric boat motor is right for you, head to your local boat show and see, first hand, what all the buzz is about.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Douglas McQuilken

Sunday 30th of January 2022

Great article!

For those who wish to collaborate with prospective & current electric boaters, highly recommend this forum - https://groups.io/g/electricboats

Thanks for the suggestion, Douglas!

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4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

Taking a small dinghy with an electric outboard motor on your sailboat can provide a means of quick and reliable transportation.

While electric outboard motors can have difficulty moving full-size sailboats around, they are more than powerful enough to get a small dinghy going fast. While trolling motors are only good for slow speeds, an electric outboard motor can get a boat going fast as long as the boat is small enough.

Electric outboard motors can be a better choice than gas motors. As well as being powerful enough, they are lighter, more compact, and more reliable. You can count on motors from ePropulsion and Torquedo to last for a while.

If your sailboat is large enough, you should always take a dinghy with you. As well as being a potential lifesaver in an emergency, a dinghy is useful any time you need to drop anchor and make it to shore. A dinghy with a motor is cheap compared to a sailboat, so a sailor should always have a dinghy with them.

Table of contents

How fast can you go with an electric outboard motor?

If you are running a powerful motor on a small boat at full speed, you might be able to do 15 knots or better. Usually, you won't go that fast when you are in a dinghy and running an electric motor.

If you want to make it as far as possible, you will run the motor on much less than full power. Fifteen knots is what you might get if you are running a powerful 6000 watt motor on a small boat. Normal speeds are slower - you might move at less than five knots if you want to travel as many miles as possible before the battery dies.

How far can you make it in a dinghy with an electric motor?

Something like 20 miles is a rough, ballpark figure, although with some motors, you might be able to make it 70 miles at a slow speed. Don't take any risks when it comes to whether or not your battery will run out in the middle of the sea. Be on the safe side.

You will do much better if you run your motor at a slower speed. If you run your motor as fast as possible, you might make it only a fraction of the maximum distance before your battery runs out. Distances high above 20 miles are sometimes possible if you go slow, although it depends on the boat and the motor.

How is power measured for electric motors?

The power of an electric motor is usually measured in watts, not horsepower. Sometimes the power of an electric motor is given in horsepower, but usually in watts.

Boat motors vary greatly in how powerful they are. A motor that is only 10hp, 5hp, or 3hp is common even though outboard motors can be 20hp or more.

Usually, you can go more like 5 knots than 15 knots with an electric or gas motor. To go 15 knots, you might need something like a 100hp motor - this is too expensive and not what people are likely to put on a small dinghy.

What are the advantages of gas motors?

In the long run, electric motors can save you money because it costs less to keep them running. After the first few years, electric motors are the cheaper choice.

The maintenance cost per hour of use is much higher for petrol motors. After only a few hundred hours of use, a petrol motor's cost will exceed the cost of an electric motor.

One disadvantage of electric motors is that they run on batteries, which take time to charge. You will have to charge your batteries overnight, compared to quickly refueling a gas engine.

One way out of this problem is to use a solar charger. With a solar charger, you can charge your batteries anywhere as long as the sun is out.

Electric outboard motor advantages

As well as being effectively cheaper than gas motors, electric motors are much quieter. Compared to a gas engine, an electric motor is almost silent. You will hear almost nothing and will not scare fish away.

Electric motors are also much cleaner to deal with than gas motors. If you use an electric motor, you won't have to deal with engine grease. You can get engine grease on your boat and not just on your hands and clothes with a gas motor.

Gas motors also have exhaust fumes, so an electric motor is better for your health. Electric motors are also simpler than gas motors, so you won't have to repair them as often.

Is it possible to buy high powered electric outboard motors?

Yes, you can find an electric motor with a power equivalent to an 80 horsepower gas engine. Not many people put such powerful motors on their dinghies, though. Dinghies mostly have weaker motors, often less than five horsepower.

Is it easy to break a propeller if you hit something?

You can definitely do expensive damage to a propeller if it hits a rock. A small bump won't damage it - most propellers are made well and are reasonably durable. If your motor does not come with a propeller guard, you should buy one separately.

Are 3hp motors good enough for many boats, or are they too weak for most purposes?

If you are using a small dinghy that weighs less than two tons, and do not intend to go very fast, a 3hp motor is good enough. You can go much faster than trolling speed with only a 3hp motor if your craft is small enough. For a small sailboat that weighs more like six tons than one or two tons, a 10hp motor may be enough.

Best electric outboard motors

Make sure you buy a high-quality motor because these are not tiny investments. You can lose more than a little money if you buy a shoddy product that does not have a good warranty. Put a bit of time into verifying the reliability of whatever you purchase.

1) ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus

If you are fine with a fairly weak 3HP motor, the Spirit 1.0 Plus is a great product with few disadvantages. The Spirit 1.0 Plus from ePropulsion is built to last, uses power efficiently, and doesn't cost a fortune.

At full speed, the Spirit will only last for about 90 minutes on a single battery. With a 12 foot boat, you can go about 9 km/h - not bad for a relatively low power engine. You also do not need to run the boat on full power to approach your boat's maximum speed.

If you run the Spirit on 1/4 power, you can keep it going for 6 or 8 hours. Batteries are fairly heavy, but you can keep the motor running for a long time if you bring extra batteries. The motor can save you in a dangerous situation and is great for non-emergency uses as well.

Another advantage of the Spirit is that the battery floats, so it won't sink if you drop it in the water. The Spirit is also light, even with the powerful battery it comes with. The digital display that shows how much battery power you have left is accurate.

Like other electric boat motors, the Spirit is more environmentally friendly and healthier than a gas engine. Gas engines have fuel leakage and fumes; an electric motor avoids these problems. The Spirit even comes with a 180W solar panel to charge it, although this is not the only or the fastest way of charging the battery.

The motor even has a remote control, so you can steer it and adjust the speed with a console. If the Spirit has a disadvantage, it is that the range on a single battery is unimpressive. You can make it a little more than 20 miles, but many other electric motors let you go farther on a single battery.

2) ePropulsion Navy 6.0

If you are looking for something longer lasting than and more powerful than the Spirit 1.0 Plus, ePropulsion also offers the more powerful Navy 6.0 . The Navy 6.0 is equivalent to a 10Hp engine, so it won't struggle to move a relatively big boat.

The range on the Navy 6.0 is impressive. The battery is powerful enough that you can travel 40 miles before having to recharge. If you want to bring more than one battery, the Navy 6.0 can be compatible with other companies' batteries.

The Navy 6.0 also has a propeller that will stop immediately if it hits anything. This can save your engine from damage if the propeller hits a rock or anything else. There is also an emergency stop kill switch to

The Navy 6.0 works just as well in freshwater as in saltwater. It is advantageous to have an electric motor on a lake because there are laws against gas motors in some lakes.

3) Torquedo Travel 1003

One thing that makes the Torquedo Travel stand out is its onboard GPS computer, which can calculate how far you can travel before the battery runs out. The computer will continuously update how far you can travel based on how much battery power is left, how fast you are going, and how much power you are using.

While the Torquedo Travel can run for 10 or 11 hours on a full charge, it can only move a small boat at 1.5 or 2 knots for that long. If you run the engine at half throttle, it will last for 3.5 hours at 3 knots. If you travel faster, the battery runs out very fast - it will only last half an hour at 5 knots.

If you want a solar charger for the motor, you can buy it separately from the company. It is costly, but the solar panels do work well and give you a way to charge the battery at sea.

The Torquedo Travel is also a small and light motor that does not take up much room. Without the battery, it weighs only 8.9 kilograms. You can easily remove and store the engine.

Another useful feature is the kill switch that allows you to stop the motor immediately in an emergency. You can also use the engine/battery as a power source for electronics through a USB.

The Torquedo is a reliable engine backed by a two-year warranty. It is equivalent only to a 3HP engine, so it is not powerful enough for everyone.

4) Torquedo Cruise 4.0 T

The Torquedo Cruise is the best choice if you want a more powerful alternative to the Torquedo Travel. The Torquedo Cruise electric outboard motor is equivalent to an 8HP gas engine. If you need a motor for a boat that weighs three or four tons instead of one or two tons, get the Cruise instead of the Travel.

The Torquedo Cruise will stay completely waterproof for a long time and not develop small leaks quickly. Small leaks can ruin some of the cheaper engines on the market. The Torquedo Cruise is also very corrosion resistant, so you can use it in saltwater for a long time without damage.

The Torquedo Cruise has the same onboard GPS computer, emergency off switch, and two-year warranty as the Torquedo Travel does. The only disadvantage compared to the Torquedo Travel is the higher price. Not everyone needs a more powerful motor, but it is an excellent engine if you do.

Related Articles

Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Electric yacht: What are the options for going electric?

• Will Bruton
• July 17, 2020

The options for having an electric yacht or a hybrid-electric yacht are growing in popularity; we outline the current options for those making the switch

The Arcona 380Z is a standard production yacht that has been adapted for electric propulsion. Note the increased solar panel surface area with soft panels bonded to the sails. Credit: Jukka Pakainen

A modern electric yacht can come in all shapes and sizes, from the latest high-tech speed boats with recently developed high-performance electric engines, to a traditional tender with an electric outboard on the back. Increasingly yachts are going electric too as electric engines become increasingly capable of propelling boats weighing several tonnes, and with the rigging for sails, at a reasonable speed for an acceptable length of time. 

Since the invention of the marinised engine , there has never been the capacity to store enough fuel to cover significant distances in boats that are smaller than a tanker, with fuel capacity always being the limiting factor. As such the best way to cover long distances on a boat fit for a small number of passengers was, and remains, wind power. 

For all the many green attributes that using the power of wind offers, there is no escaping that for most, fossil fuels still represent some part of sailing – whether that be a diesel engine to motor in light winds, onto and off a mooring , or to generate power for onboard electronic systems. Even a small tender used to go from ship-to-shore is often fitted with an outboard motor.

Recent advances in electric power, however, have started to make electric propulsion a reasonable alternative to fossil fuel power. Range will always be an issue but that has long been true of a traditional diesel engine. Improvements in lithuim-ion battery performance is, and likely will continue to, increase range every year. 

Spirit Yachts 44e – the ‘e’ stands for electric

Additionally electric power and batteries offer the bonus of being able to be recharged via solar panels , a wind turbine or hydroelectric power – via a hydrogenerator mounted on the stern of a boat sailing. 

At first glance the electric yacht market could appear in its infancy, but like every revolution, the will of the people is driving forward technology that only a few years ago was seen as the stuff of fantasy.

The market has responded to demand, and battery and motor technology has come on leaps and bounds, driven in part by the rapid development of electric cars.

It may not be commonplace yet, but electric yachting is here, even available ‘off the shelf’, so is it time to get onboard?

The Spirit 111 is a bold hybrid yacht, promising 30 miles motoring under electric power alone. Credit: Ian Roman/Waterline Media

A cutting edge electric yacht

Like Formula One, it’s the cutting edge of electric yachting that trickles down into mainstream production in no time at all.

For Spirit Yachts, a builder defined by a unique blend of traditional and state-of-the-art, electric yachting has been driven by demanding clients that want their yachts to be at the cutting edge.

Spirit Yachts have now produced a number of projects aimed at the all electric luxury yacht market including the Spirit 44e electric yacht and a recent project, the Spirit 111, had all the hallmarks of a superyacht project and the team had to earn their keep delivering to brief.

Managing Director Nigel Stuart explained how it works.

‘The 111 combines several cutting-edge technologies to deliver a something that’s never really been done before. A lithium-ion powered electric drive system can be charged by hydrogenation and also two high-wattage diesel generators.

‘Each generator is 22kw, meaning they can pack a lot of power into the system in a short period of time, they don’t need to run for long to fully recharge.

‘The prop is both a means of drive and power generation, so no separate hydrogenerator is needed. She will be capable of motoring under electric alone for more than 30 miles.

‘When you take on a project that’s electric, it makes you think hard about efficiency so the air conditioning, water heaters and everything in the galley has also been carefully selected to use less power.

‘For her owner there is very little compromise and some major advantages.’

Whilst it’s a long way from the average cruising yacht, the trickle-down effect of projects like the Spirit 111 can’t be underestimated.

Calypso , a Contessa 32, was the yard’s first foray into electric-powered yachts. Credit: Jeremy Rogers

Traditional electric yacht

Jeremy Rogers’ yard in Lymington is the birthplace of the iconic Contessa designs and a veritable temple to long keeled , traditional craft.

Less well known is the yard’s interest in electric auxiliary engines, something they have been involved in for more than 10 years.

Their first project, the refit of a Contessa 32 called Calypso, was an experiment by the Rogers family to see what was possible.

‘ Calypso was a test bed in the technology’s infancy,’ explains Kit Rogers of this early electric boat.

‘Inevitably, we didn’t get it all right, but we learned a lot about the dos and don’ts of electric yachting. The end result was a hybrid. The more we did, the more interesting the project became.

‘It’s not just the obvious, silent peaceful propulsion; it’s also the things you take for granted about a cruising boat. For example, no gas, we didn’t need it because we had electric power.

The yard has also worked on an electric folkboat conversion for a foreign customer.

‘The client, first and foremost, loves to sail. He sees the electric as an auxiliary option, along with the rowing and is excited to own a boat that’s quietly different.

‘He’s looking for a more connected experience and an electric boat helps him achieve it. When you’ve been motoring in and out of marinas under chugging diesel engines for years, the electric motor is something of a revelation.

Arcona has installed solar sails on its latest 380Z electric yacht

Off-the-shelf electric yacht

Perhaps the biggest indication of the future of the electric boat is the willingness of production and semi-production builders to pin their flags to the mast and embrace it.

One of the first was Hanse, who developed a version of their 315 utilising a Torquedo electric pod system.

Providing around the same amount of power as a 10 horsepower diesel, a 4.4kWh lithium ion battery pack powers the system.

Arcona, Dufour, Elan and Delphia also have electric boat models and are each taking their own direction on entering the market.

Arcona’s 380Z (the ‘Z’ stands for ‘zero emission’) fully electric boat has solar panel covered sails, capitalising on the large surface area to top up batteries under sail.

In the multihull market, there is even more scope for solar, wind and hydrogenation due to the horizontal surface area available for solar charging.

What are the options for an electric yacht?

Pure electric.

Purely electric systems can be broadly divided into two categories, high and low voltage.

The latter is the simplest option in terms of how it works and requires less specialist knowledge to install.

Kit Rogers installed a 48v Ocean Volt system in his latest project and remarked on the experience.

‘The advantage of the low voltage system is its inherent lack of complexity. Whilst we’ve coupled it with lithium ion battery technology, it can also be wired up to conventional lead acid batteries. There are pros and cons to both. What surprises everyone is the size, it’s a tiny motor and is surrounded by lots of space where the engine would normally sit.’

High voltage systems are more advanced, and utilising lithium-ion technology, their capacity is improving year on year.

For larger yachts this is generally seen as a better option.

A partnership between BMW and Torqueedo has led to the development of the Deep Blue 315v high voltage battery.

Effectively the same unit as found in the BMWi3 electric cars now often seen on the high street, the system produces a lot of power and is being used on the Spirit 111 project as well as catamarans.

Electric hybrid

One big barrier to entry exists for most potential electric yacht buyers – range.

Even the most advanced set-ups are limited to a maximum of a few hours motoring at cruising speed.

‘The electric motors excel at two things in particular,’ explained Kit Rogers.

‘The first is as auxiliary power for getting in and out of marinas. The second is engaged at low power to very efficiently motor-sail in light airs. If you want to do more than that, at present, you need to add a way of packing in the charge into the battery quickly whilst at sea; which means a generator’ .

As with electric cars and as enthusiasm builds for the technology, a hybrid option, pairing a generator with an electric drive system, is already proving popular and is probably the most practical option for those planning to cruise any distance.

Using a large generator, charge can be quickly put into the system when needed.

Once under sail, the yacht’s propeller becomes a hydro generator, meaning that diesel power is not needed day-to-day.

Solar can also be used to add additional charging capacity.

‘When a fully integrated electric hybrid system is incorporated into a cruising yacht from the outset, its possibilities really become clear,’ explains John Arnold, UK manager at Torqeedo.

‘Sailing for days on end with no engine noise is entirely possible. There are other less obvious benefits too. Electric drives have no long rotating shaft, so can be used as pod drives as well, meaning the boat is far more manoeuvrable than even a yacht equipped with bow and stern thrusters.’

Spirit Yachts 44e

How much does it cost to convert a yacht to electric power?

The technology exists, but anyone seriously considering going electric will want to crunch the numbers.

In the case of taking out a traditional inboard diesel and replacing it with an electric system, it’s relatively easy to work this out.

However, unless you include an auxiliary generator, you will be limited to battery range alone.

For this reason, we’ve done a like for like comparison for a 35ft yacht engine refit, including the cost of a generator to make the system a practical hybrid.

Unsurprisingly, at the moment, there’s a big difference in cost, but at between three to six times the cost, it is gradually coming into the realms of possibility, and prices should continue to drop as technology develops and evolves.

Ocean Volt SD10 Motor system (including batteries, charger and 6kw generator): £30,825.16

Beta Marine Beta 20hp Marine Diesel: £4,100

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• Electric Outboard Motors

9 Best Electric Outboard Motors in 2024

We gave our boating experts the job of reviewing an updated selection of the best electric outboard motors.

Our sailors and cruisers considered size, price and application when selecting motor options. They tested and conducted interviews for this guide.

It’s suddenly realistic to have an electric outboard motor for maritime propulsion. The best electric solution will depend squarely on the vessel.

As more electric outboard motors pop up on the market, you’ll find “green” boating taking two paths. One path is the all-in-one solution—new, purpose-built designs made from the ground up to be electric. Some of these vessels are beautiful but out of the price range of many boaters.

For smaller craft, like tenders or inflatable boats, this is easy and more attractive.

The other option is to modify an older craft with new electric outboards. It’s not a good solution for everyone, but it could be fantastic for someone looking for the smooth, silent, and clean ride that electric boat motors offer.

As of this writing, the most powerful electric outboard motor has a real-life value of 300 horsepower, demonstrating what’s possible.

More and more companies are making electric outboards, so let’s dive in and look at what’s available for 2024.

The 7 Best Electric Outboard Motors in 2024

All products:.

ePropulsion

X-Series by ePropulsion

Where to buy:

Where to buy x-series by epropulsion:.

For those needing a little more kick, ePropulsion has launched an all-new series of slim electric outboards ranging from 12 to 40 kilowatts. While the company refrains from putting horsepower equivalents out there, think of these motors as filling the space left by 10 to 40-horsepower outboards . They are powerful enough to get small boats up on a plane or driving a larger boat at displacement speeds .

With 88.2-percent efficiency in the drivetrain, new propeller designs, and a modular battery pack system, these motors will impress anyone looking to go electric.

To power these new outboards, ePropulsion has designed a modular 96-volt battery pack . To get more range or power a larger motor, you simply need to stack multiple packs together. The published range numbers assume that you would have one battery for the X12, two for the X20, and four for the X40.

• Rated power watts: 12, 20, or 40 kilowatts
• Propulsive power: Not listed (88.2% efficient)
• Horsepower equivalent: roughly 7-30hp
• Weight: 106 to 234 pounds, depending on model
• Battery size: 96V, 1024Wh (G102-100), sold separately
• Advertised range: See the website for various models and battery setups
• Waterproof rating: IP67 fully waterproof

Things we like:

Things we don't like:.

Torqeedo.com

Torqeedo Cruise 6.0

Where to buy Torqeedo Cruise 6.0:

If you’re looking for an option to get your tender, jon boat, or RIB on plane, there aren’t many motors on the market powerful enough to do the job. But Torqeedo has been researching and developing these motors for years, and they have outboards for sale today that range from 1 to 80 horsepower.

Torqeedo also sell battery solutions, giving you a plug-and-play electric outboard for any boat.

To get your prop spinning, you’ll need both the outboard and the battery pack.

The Cruise 6.0 is a 9.9 horsepower equivalent that will set you back just under $5,000. The 48-volt battery pack is another $5,000, and you’ll need a charger and a few other bits. One battery will give you just under an hour of run-time at full throttle, but luckily, you can stack the batteries to get more capacity and range. Alternatively, you can build your battery bank if you’re handy. Torqeedo sells the cables to connect to the motor.

The Cruise 6.0 is available with tiller steering (T) or remote control (R) or as a fixed-pod model. There are also 6, 20, and 25 horsepower replacements in the Cruise lineup.

• Rated power watts: 6,000 watts
• Propulsive power watts: 3,504 watts
• Horsepower equivalent: 9.9 hp power output, 15 hp thrust
• Weight: 47 pounds (21.3 kg) motor, 80.5 pounds (36.5 kg) each battery
• Battery Torqeedo: 48-5000, sold separately, 5,000 Wh lithium each
• Advertised range: 7 knots (13 kph) for 1 hour, 40 min @ 50% power on a heavy 10-foot jon boat
• Waterproof rating: IP67 battery, motor not listed

Radpropulsion.com

Rad Propulsion Rad 40

Where to buy Rad Propulsion Rad 40:

Rad Propulsion is a UK-based startup that has made something very impressive in the Rad 40 electric outboard motor. This is a 55-horsepower-equivalent outboard with a unique low-profile design. Its look reminds one of the new Rotax S150 outboard marketed to provide larger swim platform areas.

The product is still in testing, but Rad expects the outboards to be perfect for power catamarans (using two motors), large RIBs, and motor launches. Rad does not build the battery systems, but they work with suppliers to assemble complete systems.

What’s great about the Rad 40 is the 180-degree swivel system along with the ability to integrate into existing power systems, unlike other options that only interoperate with proprietary batteries.

• Rated power watts: 40,000 watts
• Propulsive power: Not listed
• Horsepower equivalent: 55 hp
• Weight: 100 kg engine only
• Battery size: 63,000 Wh
• Advertised range: Not listed
• Waterproof rating: Not listed

Haswing Ultima 3.0

Where to buy Haswing Ultima 3.0:

A quiet competitor in the small electric outboard market is the Haswing Ultima 3.0. Like the Torqeedo Travel and ePropulsion Spirit series, this motor is a 3-horsepower-class motor with a built-in battery pack . It’s aimed to power dinghies and small fishing boats, with an emphasis on being portable and easy to set up. The motor can be tilted up to operate in any depth of water.

That adjustability means this motor is ideal for use with different small boats.

The Ultima features a sleeker look than earlier models, with a low-profile vertical battery pack and a telescoping tiller handle. The motor rotates 360 degrees, and the tiller handle folds 180 degrees for easy maneuvering, transport, and storage. Built-in, replaceable anodes make it suitable for fresh or saltwater environments.

• Rated power watts: 1030 watts
• Horsepower equivalent: 4 hp
• Weight: 35 pounds (15.9 kg)
• Battery size: 29.6V, 30 Ah lithium

Temofrance.com

Where to buy TEMO 1000:

The TEMO 1000 is a 1 kW portable outboard with a low-profile and unique design. It’s an alternative to the Torqeedo Travel, ePropulsion Spirit, and Mercury Avator.

This is very low profile, with just a drive leg. The battery is a 15-pound (7 kg) lithium cartridge that gets inserted into the slim shaft. The tiller gets pulled out of the shaft and lowered down into the normal driving position. If you take your motor on and off your dinghy, or you just need to store it in the smallest place possible, the TEMO 1000 is an attractive design. This motor looks perfect for small boats, maxing out at 1.5 tons. So great for sailboats, especially beach cats and performance trimarans.

• Rated power watts: 1100 watts
• Propulsive power: 480 watts
• Horsepower equivalent: 3.5 hp
• Weight: 33 pounds total (11 lbs removable battery)
• Battery size: 740 Wh lithium (max 1hr or 2hrs one half power)

Epropulsion.com

Emarineinc.com

ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Evo

Where to buy ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Evo:

Epropulsion has been competing with Torqeedo for quite a few years now with their 1kW outboard, to the point that there are about the same number of each make out on the water. The two motors are very similar; the Torqeedo Travel 1103C and ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 have similar sizes, performance specs, and designs. It’s hard to recommend one over the other, as they both get good reviews from owners worldwide.

The Spirit Evo electric outboards have one feature that sets them apart—they have built-in hydrogenerative capabilities. If you’re looking for a sailboat motor, the ePropulsion is a no-brainer. Let the prop spin and get some recharging while you’re out sailing . The Evo also has safety wristbands instead of the standard magnetic kill switch. If these two features aren’t important to you, the slightly less expensive Spirit 1.0 Plus is the motor for you.

One other difference between Torqeedo and ePropulsion is the basic design. Where Torqeedo motors break down into three pieces (drive leg, tiller, battery), ePropulsion Spirit outboards only break down into two (drive leg, battery). In other words, the tiller is not removable but folds to make the package easier to store and carry.

• Rated power watts: 1,000 watts
• Propulsive power watts: Not listed
• Horsepower equivalent: 3 hp
• Weight: 44 pounds total with battery (24.9 motor/19.2 battery)
• Battery: 1276 Wh lithium-ion polymer
• Advertised range: 5.3 mph, 13.3 miles, 2:30 @ 50% on a 12-foot aluminum jon boat

Elcomotoryachts.com

Elco EP-14 Electric Outboard

Where to buy Elco EP-14 Electric Outboard:

Elco is probably the company you’ve never heard of, yet it has been in the electric boat business for the longest. Long before it was chic, Elco was making electric launches. 2023 marks their 130th year of making electric boats.

Today, the company makes both outboard and inboard electric motor options. They have outboards in every size, from 5 to 50 horsepower. They also have inboard options up to 200 HP!

Elco’s motors aren’t as sexy as some of the new designs. In fact, from the outside, they’re almost indistinguishable from gas outboards, complete with cast aluminum lower units. And, unlike newer companies, they do not make a battery pack or charging solutions.

There’s a lot to like about the Elco outboard motors, but they are hardly cutting-edge. The next few years will see quite a few new electric outboards in the 10 to 20 horsepower range, and chances are the new designs will have features that blow this Elco out of the water. But you can buy a bulletproof Elco motor today, mount it on your RIB, and go fast.

• Rated power watts: 6,240 watts
• Horsepower equivalent: 14 hp
• Weight: 85 pounds (motor only)
• Battery size: User-supplied, recommended 48 volts, 200 ah

Purewatercraft.com

Pure Watercraft Pure Outboard

Where to buy Pure Watercraft Pure Outboard:

Pure Watercraft is taking the business of making electric outboards and flipping it on its head. The company is making a great powerplant, complete with stackable battery packs, and installing the kit on completed boats and selling them. Pure Watercraft should be on your list if you’re looking for an electric pontoon or RIB.

The very interesting Pure Pontoon demonstrates a proof of concept for these electric motors.

The Pure Outboard is very svelt and low-profile compared to other options. It looks good on the back of any boat, and you can imagine it powering any vessel, from fishing boats to small runabouts. With twins, you’ve got the equivalent of 100 horsepower to play with.

• Rated power watts: 25,000 watts
• Horsepower equivalent: 50 hp
• Weight: 112 pounds, engine only
• Battery size Stackable: each battery 350 volts, 9.6 kWh, and 118 pounds
• Waterproof rating: IPX7 (motor and battery packs)

Visionmarinetechnologies.com

Vision E Motion Electric Powertrain 180

Where to buy Vision E Motion Electric Powertrain 180:

We’re in the early days of electric-powered boats. At the moment, it’s anyone’s guess which companies will be around in five or ten years—or even which technologies will become hits. This is especially true when it comes to high-powered boats. With a motor boat, you are no longer making an electric scooter but a full-fledged electric car.

Vision Marine Technologies is one of those companies whose future looks bright. This startup hails from Quebec, Canada and the company has two product lines: complete electric boats and electric outboards. Their boats are simple launches; most are sold with ePropulsion power packages. Nothing very interesting to report there, unfortunately.

The Vision E Motion electric powertrain, however, looks to have the potential to be a game changer. The system is built to power a 180-horsepower equivalent outboard motor, making it the most powerful electric boat motor yet. The challenge with a package like this is scale—you simply need a very powerful motor to get that much power, and such a powerful motor takes an enormous battery bank. This system is built on a 70 kWh battery bank that achieves overnight recharges with a standard 220-volt, 30-amp marine shore power connection.

Sadly, the system will not be for sale to individuals and will only be available as OEM equipment.

• Rated power watts: Not listed
• Horsepower equivalent: 180 hp
• Weight: Not listed
• Battery size: 70,000 Wh
• Advertised range: 70 miles at 20 mph, or 3.5 hours

Defender.com

Westmarine.com

Mercury Avator 7.5e

Where to buy Mercury Avator 7.5e:

The new Mercury electric outboard, the Avator 7.5e, is a first for the company. Its 3.5-hp equivalent makes it a good choice for slow-moving jon boats, skiffs, dinghies, and perhaps small sailboats. One of the first boats being marketed with this motor is the new Veer V13 microskiff.

The Avator looks slightly different from other 1 kW outboards we’ve seen. It’s got a traditional-looking outboard cowl that is distinctly a Mercury. To get the battery out for charging, you lift the cowl and lift it out. Unlike Torqeedo and ePropulsion, removing the battery does not make the engine smaller or more portable. It does shave down the weight you have to carry, though. You can also remove the transom bracket to shave off a few pounds.

The specs of this Mercury electric outboard look great, especially compared to other 1 kW motors. The really interesting thing, however, is Mercury’s future Avator models. They’re already promised a 20e and 35e, which will be 5 and 9.9 horsepower equivalents.

• Rated power watts: 916 watts
• Propulsive power: 750 watts
• Weight: 60 pounds (43 lbs engine, 17 lbs battery)
• Battery size : 1,000 Wh lithium-ion
• Advertised range: 1 hour at 100%
• Waterproof rating: Battery IP67, motor not listed

Torqeedo Ultralight 403AC

Where to buy Torqeedo Ultralight 403AC:

Torqueedo is best known for their 3-horsepower equivalent Travel 1103C outboard, but they make a range of smaller motors for fishing kayaks and similar very small craft.  

The Ultralight comes in two sizes, 1 and 3 horsepower. But for a kayak, the 1 horsepower model is more than sufficient. At slow trolling speeds, the 915 Wh battery pack will last 24 hours; at full throttle, you eat it up in just over two, but you’ll be cruising at a neck-breaking 5 knots (9.3 kph).

The design of the Ultralight is perfect for mounting at the stern of most fishing kayaks. It has cable steering attachments and a kick-up design to protect the drive leg in shallow water and when beaching.

• Rated power watts: 400 watts
• Propulsive power: 180 watts
• Horsepower equivalent: 1 hp
• Weight: 11.0 kg
• Battery: 915 Wh lithium
• Advertised range: 3.2 knots, 38 nm, 11.8 hours (6 kph, 71 km) @ 50% power on a fishing kayak
• Waterproof rating: IP67

Related Reviews

Read full review

Electric Outboard Buyer’s Guide

Boating means something a little different to every boater. For some, it’s a chance to enjoy the peace and quiet of being on the water. For some, it’s simple transportation, getting from Point A to Point B as painlessly as possible. And for others, getting on the water means quenching their need for speed—be it on a jet ski (like the Taiga Orca electric) or maybe a Lamborghini Boat.

Sifly has used their electric propulsion system developed for their efoils and attached it to a mini-cat PWC, illustrating that there are some very interesting projects in the works out there.

Not all of these boaters will happily fit into an electric future, just as not all automobile owners now drive Teslas. But electric outboards are here, and what they offer is astounding compared to the alternative.

Currently, the best case for an electric motor is made at the small end of the scale . Battery technology currently allows for a very practical three-horsepower-equivalent motor. These 1 kW outboards have been around for over a decade and have proven reliable—even preferable to their gas counterparts .

But there are some promising, power options, like the Evoy Storm on the Axopar below.

These motors cost more than gas motors of the same size but require no maintenance or fuel. And there are many other benefits. For example, they are smaller and lighter, easier to transport and store, and lack the fickle carburetors that are always clogging on gas outboards of this size.

However, outboards larger than five horsepower are still prohibitively expensive for most and rare to see in the wild. Several companies are producing them, but the battery and charging technologies needed to keep them running are only now catching up.

Luckily, many new companies are tackling the problem every year , and you’ll likely see electric boats zipping around shoresides everywhere within the next decade.

How Much Power Is Enough for an Electric Boat Motor?

Electric boat motors do not produce horsepower, at least not measured like gasoline engines. Instead, their power output is measured in watts. This makes it a little cryptic for the layperson to figure out what they’re looking at when comparing a 1 kW outboard versus, say, a 9.9 horsepower gasoline outboard.

Most manufacturers will provide an equivalent horsepower number, but these are just for comparison purposes. Depending on how the motor is geared and propped, it might produce more torque than a gas outboard and perform better than you’d expect with a similar-sized gas outboard. Due to all these variables, horsepower equivalents are tricky.

Here’s a table of horsepower-to-watt equivalents. From a math standpoint, you find horsepower by dividing watts by 745.

Converting horsepower to watts to see how electric power translates into traditional power.

Unfortunately, manufacturers’ ratings aren’t very clear in watts, either. There is a difference between how many watts of electricity you can put into a motor and how many are converted to move the boat. That efficiency sets some motor manufacturers apart and can make two competing 1 kW motors act very differently in the real world.

Output is usually measured in “propulsive watts” or sometimes by measuring the push of static thrust in pounds .

It’s Not the Motor, It’s the Battery

The motor gets you moving, but the battery bank keeps it running . In gasoline terms, your battery is your fuel tank. It determines how long you can keep the prop spinning. The phenomenon known as range anxiety for drivers learning the limits of their electric cars counts on the water too.

In terms of technology, the trick is not in the outboard motor itself—similar to cars—it’s in the battery. Electric motors have been around for a long time, and making one into an outboard isn’t a big deal. What is a big deal is having a battery that can run it for any time while taking the high power draw you need to go fast.

Various lithium battery technologies are up for the challenge, but it’s a developing technology.

Automobiles have only just gotten competitive with gas. But it’s important to remember that an outboard motor is often driven at 80-90 percent power for long periods, while cars typically only run at 30 or 40 percent while on the highway. That’s a big difference in what the battery has to be able to provide.

For electric outboards up to 3 horsepower (1 kW class electric outboards), the battery is sometimes integrated into the motor–like the Torqeedo –to make an easily portable package. This also gives the consumer an easy-to-understand cost of installation. You pay one price and get everything you need.

Anything more powerful requires an external battery bank mounted somewhere else in the boat. This is the same situation as with gasoline outboards. Portable models have small, built-in fuel tanks, while large gas guzzlers have tanks built into the boat.

But building a battery bank in the boat is no trivial matter . You need space to mount it and the capacity to hold the weight of it. Then you ask, how many volts does the motor operate off of, how many amp-hours of capacity do you need for the range you require, and which battery chemistry is most appropriate? Once you have decided on the batteries, you must build in their support systems—wiring to run the motors, charging controllers to top them off when at the dock, and monitoring and safety systems to ensure they are not under or overcharged.

You can spend much more on the battery system than the outboard itself . Lithium batteries are expensive. For example, both Torqeedo and ePropulsion sell their 1 kWh portable battery packs for about $1,000US. In other words, for the cost of the battery alone, you’ve already spent more than you would on a new gas outboard of the same size.

For example, Elco Motors suggest using 2 lithium batteries to power their inboard 20 horsepower motor. That’ll run $13,000, or there abouts in 2023.

Thankfully, battery technology is evolving quickly, and the prices are decreasing. New outboard manufacturers are tackling the problem by building and selling their own battery kits , as with Mercury Marine’s Avator 25e and 30e and the Pure Watercraft outboard system with stackable batteries. Other companies, like Torqeedo, are partnered with electric auto companies to marinize existing car batteries (in Torqeedo’s case, they use BMW i-series battery packs for their high-power Deep Blue installs).

Electric Boat Motor Charging

Where’s your nearest electric boat charging station? You’ll probably be looking for a while because they don’t exist yet.

One advantage that electric boat motors have over their automobile counterparts, however, is the presence of high-amperage power outlets. Nearly all marinas have options for 30, 50, or 100-amp shore power connections. For the makers of these boats, that presents an opportunity for fast chargers with existing infrastructure.

In essence, it’s easier for most boat owners to make their own electric boat charging station at their marina slip than for homeowners to do the same in their garages.

Advantages and Disadvantages Compared to Gas Outboards

Here’s a look at some pros and cons of going electric on your boat.

Advantages of Electric Outboard Motors

• Near silent operation
• Smooth operation with no vibration
• No fumes or smoke, zero direct emissions
• More torque and faster response than gas outboards
• Easier to start—push a button and go
• Portable models are lighter and easy to store and transport
• Many motors are modular, making them even smaller and lighter to carry
• Almost no maintenance is required for the motor
• Some brands have been in business for more than a decade with proven products
• Currently available from 1 to 80 horsepower, higher power models coming soon

Disadvantages of Electric Outboards

• Most exciting options are from new startups with no track record
• New technologies haven’t been thoroughly tested for marine life
• High-powered options are pre-order only
• High motor cost
• Extremely high battery cost
• Battery longevity concerns coupled with replacement cost
• Batteries of sufficient capacity for high-power applications are large and heavy
• Long recharge times and limited power for fast charging at docks—lack of electric boat charting station locations

Is An Electric Outboard Right For You?

Currently, high-powered electric outboards (anything more than about ten horsepower) are for early adopters only. There aren’t many options out there, and those are pricy.

However, if you’re in the market for a small, portable outboard, then 1 kW electric outboard motors have proven to be an outstanding alternative to gas. They run nearly silent, require next to no maintenance, produce zero direct emissions, and start with the push of a button. Plus, you’ll never have to clean another clogged carburetor again. Hallelujah!

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Best Electric Boat Motors: Silent Power for Smooth Sailing

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The allure of silent, emission-free boating is undeniable, and with advancements in electric motor technology, it’s now a reality for many. Whether you’re an avid angler seeking stealthy access to prime fishing spots, a leisurely cruiser enjoying serene waterways, or a passionate environmentalist looking to reduce your carbon footprint, the best electric boat motors can make your dreams a reality. But with a diverse range of options available, choosing the right motor can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide breaks down the key factors to consider and reviews the top performers on the market, helping you navigate the waters of electric boating with confidence.

From compact trolling motors to powerful outboard replacements, the best electric boat motors offer a compelling alternative to traditional gasoline-powered engines. We’ll delve into crucial features like thrust, battery life, speed, and ease of installation, ensuring you find the ideal motor for your boat and boating style. We’ll also explore the latest innovations in electric motor technology, including regenerative braking systems and quiet operation, and provide expert insights into maintenance and safety considerations. Join us as we navigate the world of electric boating and discover the best electric boat motors to power your next adventure.

Before diving into the reviews of the best electric boat motors, let’s take a look at some relevant products on Amazon:

Last update on 2024-09-03 at 12:47 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Table of Contents

A Glimpse into the World of Electric Boat Motors

The electric boat motor is rapidly transforming the boating experience, offering a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient alternative to traditional gasoline engines. This shift towards electrification is driven by environmental concerns, the desire for a smoother ride, and the convenience of reduced maintenance. As a result, the market for electric boat motors is expanding rapidly, with numerous manufacturers vying for a share of this burgeoning sector.

Electric boat motors come in various configurations, ranging from compact, lightweight models suitable for smaller dinghies and kayaks to powerful units capable of propelling large, high-performance vessels. They typically operate on batteries, drawing power from a variety of sources, including solar panels, onboard generators, or shore-based charging stations. This electric power source eliminates the need for gasoline, minimizing noise and emissions, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful outing while reducing your carbon footprint.

One of the key advantages of electric boat motors is their remarkable efficiency. They convert a higher percentage of energy into forward motion compared to gasoline engines, resulting in substantial savings on fuel costs. This efficiency is further enhanced by the regenerative braking feature found in many electric motors, which recaptures energy during deceleration and adds it back to the battery.

Another significant benefit of electric boat motors is their user-friendly operation. They are typically easier to maintain than traditional engines, requiring less frequent oil changes and other routine maintenance tasks. Additionally, their quiet operation enhances the overall boating experience, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of the water without the disruptive noise of a gasoline engine.

Choosing the best electric boat motor for your needs depends on several factors, including the size and type of your boat, your desired range, and your budget. By carefully considering these factors, you can select an electric motor that perfectly suits your boating style and enhances your enjoyment of time spent on the water.

Best Electric Boat Motors – Reviewed

5 best electric boat motors: reviews.

Here are the reviews of 5 of the best electric boat motors available:

Minn Kota Ulterra 112

The Minn Kota Ulterra 112 is a top-of-the-line electric trolling motor that is perfect for serious anglers. It features a powerful 112-pound thrust motor that can easily push your boat through even the toughest waters. The Ulterra also has a built-in GPS system that allows you to create and store custom routes, making it easy to find the perfect fishing spot.

The Ulterra is also equipped with a number of other innovative features, such as a remote control, a built-in depth finder, and a digital display that shows you all of the important information you need. This is a premium electric motor with all the bells and whistles for the serious angler.

Torqeedo Cruise 4.0

The Torqeedo Cruise 4.0 is a powerful and efficient electric outboard motor that is perfect for a variety of boats. It offers a maximum thrust of 4.0 horsepower and a range of up to 30 miles on a single charge. The Cruise 4.0 is also very quiet and environmentally friendly, making it ideal for use in sensitive waters.

The Cruise 4.0 is a great option for boaters who are looking for a powerful and efficient electric outboard motor that is also environmentally friendly. It is a bit on the pricier side but it is an investment in a quality electric motor.

Evinrude E-Tec 150

The Evinrude E-Tec 150 is a powerful and efficient electric outboard motor that is perfect for a variety of boats. It features a 150-horsepower motor that can easily propel your boat through the water. The E-Tec 150 also has a number of innovative features, such as a digital display that shows you all of the important information you need.

The E-Tec 150 is a great option for boaters who are looking for a powerful and efficient electric outboard motor. It is a bit on the expensive side, but it is a premium electric motor that offers great performance and longevity.

Yamaha 60 hp Electric Outboard

The Yamaha 60 hp Electric Outboard is a powerful and efficient electric outboard motor that is perfect for a variety of boats. It features a 60-horsepower motor that can easily propel your boat through the water. The Yamaha 60 hp Electric Outboard also has a number of innovative features, such as a digital display that shows you all of the important information you need.

The Yamaha 60 hp Electric Outboard is a great option for boaters who are looking for a powerful and efficient electric outboard motor that is also environmentally friendly. It is priced competitively and offers great performance for everyday boating.

Water Snake ASP 30

The Water Snake ASP 30 is a great option for anglers who are looking for a powerful and efficient electric trolling motor that is also affordable. It features a 30-pound thrust motor that can easily push your boat through even the toughest waters. The ASP 30 also has a number of other innovative features, such as a digital display that shows you all of the important information you need.

The Water Snake ASP 30 is a great option for anglers who are looking for a powerful and efficient electric trolling motor that is also affordable. It is priced competitively and offers great performance for everyday fishing.

The Electric Revolution: Why Opt for an Electric Boat Motor?

The allure of cruising silently across tranquil waters, leaving behind no polluting fumes, is attracting boaters to the electric revolution. Electric boat motors offer a compelling alternative to traditional gasoline engines, boasting a range of benefits that are transforming the boating experience.

From environmental responsibility to economic efficiency, the reasons for choosing an electric boat motor are becoming increasingly persuasive. Electric motors are remarkably quiet, offering a peaceful and serene boating experience, ideal for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the water. They also operate with significantly lower running costs, thanks to the lower price of electricity compared to gasoline, allowing boaters to spend more time on the water and less time at the pump.

Furthermore, electric boat motors are renowned for their ease of use and maintenance. They require less upkeep than traditional gas engines, eliminating the need for oil changes and other maintenance tasks. Moreover, electric boat motors are incredibly reliable, delivering consistent performance without the need for constant adjustments or repairs.

The demand for eco-friendly and cost-effective boating solutions is driving the development of innovative electric boat motors. From compact, portable options to powerful, high-performance models, the range of best electric boat motors available today caters to diverse boating needs. With their growing popularity and impressive performance, electric boat motors are paving the way for a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable future on the water.

Types of Electric Boat Motors

Electric boat motors come in a variety of types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types:

• Brushless DC Motors: These motors are highly efficient and reliable, with low maintenance requirements. They are commonly used in high-performance electric boats.
• Brushed DC Motors: These motors are less efficient than brushless motors but are often less expensive. They are typically found in smaller boats and are more prone to wear and tear.
• AC Induction Motors: These motors are known for their durability and ability to handle high loads. They are frequently used in commercial and industrial applications.

Benefits of Electric Boat Motors

Electric boat motors offer several advantages over traditional gasoline engines, including:

• Environmental Friendliness: Electric motors produce zero emissions, making them an environmentally friendly choice for boating.
• Quiet Operation: Electric motors are significantly quieter than gasoline engines, providing a more peaceful and enjoyable boating experience.
• Lower Maintenance Costs: Electric motors require less maintenance than gasoline engines, saving you money in the long run.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Electric Boat Motor

Choosing the right electric boat motor for your needs requires considering several factors, such as:

• Boat Size and Weight: The size and weight of your boat will determine the power output you need from your electric motor.
• Desired Speed and Range: The size and type of motor will influence the speed and range of your boat.
• Battery Capacity: The battery capacity will determine how long you can operate your electric motor before needing to recharge.

Your Guide to Finding the Best Electric Boat Motors

The boating world is rapidly evolving, with electric motors gaining increasing popularity. They offer a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient way to enjoy the water. But with so many options available, choosing the right electric boat motor can feel overwhelming.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the key factors to consider when making your decision. We’ll explore everything from power and thrust to battery life and maintenance, helping you find the perfect electric boat motor for your needs.

1. Power and Thrust

The first and foremost consideration is the power output and thrust your electric boat motor needs to deliver. This directly impacts your boat’s performance, speed, and ability to handle waves and currents.

Power is measured in kilowatts (kW) and represents the motor’s energy output. Thrust, on the other hand, is the force that propels the boat through the water. Higher power and thrust ratings equate to faster speeds and better maneuverability, but they also come with increased weight and energy consumption. Carefully assess the size and weight of your boat, desired cruising speed, and the type of water you’ll be navigating to determine the appropriate power and thrust levels.

2. Battery Capacity and Range

The battery’s capacity dictates how long your electric boat can run on a single charge. Measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), a higher capacity translates to a longer range.

Range is also influenced by factors such as boat size, weight, speed, and weather conditions. For shorter trips and leisurely cruising, a smaller battery might suffice. However, for longer excursions or fishing trips, you’ll need a larger battery with ample capacity. Consider the typical length of your boating adventures and the availability of charging infrastructure to make an informed decision about battery size.

3. Charging Time and Options

Charging time is another crucial factor, especially if you plan on using your electric boat regularly. The time it takes to fully charge your battery depends on the battery’s capacity, the charging source, and the type of charger used.

Fortunately, charging technologies are rapidly advancing, offering faster charging times and multiple charging options. Some electric boat motors come with onboard chargers, allowing you to plug into standard household outlets. Others require specialized chargers that can be plugged into marinas or shore power connections. Explore the various charging options and compare charging times to find the best fit for your boating routine.

4. Motor Efficiency and Energy Consumption

Electric motors are generally known for their efficiency, converting more energy into motion than their gas counterparts. However, the efficiency of different motors can vary significantly.

Look for motors with high efficiency ratings, as they will consume less energy to achieve the same performance. Efficient motors not only reduce your operating costs but also minimize environmental impact by consuming less power. Consider the efficiency rating of different motors and compare their energy consumption to find the most energy-efficient option for your needs.

5. Motor Size and Weight

The physical size and weight of the electric boat motor are important considerations, especially for smaller boats. A larger and heavier motor can impact the boat’s balance and stability, potentially affecting handling and maneuverability.

Furthermore, a heavy motor might require additional structural reinforcement on your boat. Assess the available space in your boat’s engine compartment and consider the weight distribution to ensure compatibility with your vessel.

6. Maintenance and Durability

Electric boat motors are generally considered low-maintenance compared to traditional gas engines. However, regular maintenance is still essential for optimal performance and longevity.

Check for corrosion, inspect electrical connections, and ensure proper lubrication to keep your electric motor running smoothly. Also, consider the durability of the motor’s components and its ability to withstand harsh marine conditions. Choosing a well-built motor with a proven track record of reliability will minimize maintenance requirements and ensure peace of mind.

7. Noise and Vibration Levels

One of the biggest advantages of electric boat motors is their quiet operation. Unlike gasoline engines, they don’t generate loud noises or vibrations, creating a more peaceful and enjoyable boating experience.

However, noise and vibration levels can vary depending on the motor design and construction. If you prioritize a quiet boating experience, look for motors with low decibel ratings and advanced noise reduction features. Consider the impact of noise and vibration on your boating enjoyment and choose a motor that minimizes these factors.

What are the benefits of using an electric boat motor?

Electric boat motors offer numerous advantages over traditional gasoline engines. They are significantly quieter, reducing noise pollution and providing a more peaceful boating experience. They are also much cleaner, emitting zero emissions and contributing to a healthier environment. Electric motors are generally more efficient, using less energy than gasoline engines for the same power output. Moreover, they require less maintenance, reducing long-term costs and hassles.

Another major benefit is their ease of use. Electric motors are typically simpler to operate, eliminating the need for complex engine management systems and fuel lines. They are also lighter and more compact, making installation and maneuvering easier. Finally, electric motors are becoming increasingly powerful and affordable, making them a viable option for a wider range of boat types and uses.

What factors should I consider when choosing an electric boat motor?

Choosing the right electric boat motor involves considering several factors. First, determine your boat’s size and weight. This will determine the required thrust and power output of the motor. Consider the type of boating you plan to do, whether it’s fishing, cruising, or waterskiing. Different activities require different speeds and maneuverability. Next, evaluate your budget, as electric motors range in price from budget-friendly options to high-performance models.

Finally, consider the available charging infrastructure. Electric boat motors require access to power outlets or charging stations. Evaluate the availability and convenience of charging points in your preferred boating areas. By carefully considering these factors, you can select an electric motor that meets your needs and preferences.

What are the different types of electric boat motors available?

Electric boat motors come in various types, each offering distinct advantages. Trolling motors are compact and efficient, ideal for small boats and fishing. Outboard motors are larger and more powerful, suitable for larger boats and higher speeds. Stern drive motors are integrated with the boat’s transom and provide excellent maneuverability. Pod drive motors are located beneath the hull and offer superior efficiency and low noise levels.

Ultimately, the best type of electric boat motor depends on your specific needs and the type of boat you own. Researching the features and specifications of different models will help you choose the one that aligns with your requirements.

How do I charge an electric boat motor?

Charging an electric boat motor is similar to charging an electric car. You’ll need a dedicated charging station or access to a power outlet with sufficient amperage. The charging time varies depending on the motor’s battery capacity and the charger’s output. Most electric boat motors come with a standard charging cable, but some models might require specific connectors.

It’s important to refer to your motor’s user manual for detailed instructions on charging procedures and safety precautions. Additionally, be mindful of the charging time and ensure your battery is fully charged before embarking on a trip.

What is the range of an electric boat motor?

The range of an electric boat motor depends on several factors, including the battery capacity, the motor’s power output, the boat’s size and weight, and the operating conditions. Generally, smaller boats with less powerful motors and larger batteries can achieve longer ranges. The type of boating you do also plays a role, with cruising at low speeds consuming less energy than high-speed activities.

To estimate the range of your electric boat motor, refer to the manufacturer’s specifications or consult online resources that provide range calculators. Remember that the actual range can vary depending on individual usage patterns and environmental factors.

How much does an electric boat motor cost?

The cost of an electric boat motor varies significantly depending on the type, power output, and features. Budget-friendly trolling motors can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, while high-performance outboard motors can cost several thousand dollars. It’s essential to consider your budget and the specific requirements of your boat when choosing an electric motor.

Researching different brands and models will provide insights into price ranges and allow you to compare features and value. Consider the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance associated with electric motors when evaluating their initial cost.

Are electric boat motors suitable for all types of boats?

Electric boat motors are becoming increasingly popular and suitable for a wider range of boats. While they are an excellent option for smaller boats and fishing vessels, they are also being developed for larger boats and even high-performance applications. The technology is constantly evolving, making electric motors a viable option for various boating styles and purposes.

However, it’s important to consider the power requirements and size limitations of electric motors when choosing a motor for your boat. Consulting with a marine expert or researching specific models will help you determine the suitability of an electric motor for your boat’s size and intended use.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right electric boat motor can be a daunting task, but understanding your needs and the key features of each model will guide you to the ideal option for your boating adventures. We’ve presented a diverse range of best electric boat motors , considering factors such as power, range, speed, and features. From compact trolling motors for quiet fishing trips to powerful systems for high-speed cruising, there’s an electric motor to match every boating enthusiast’s requirements.

Ultimately, the best electric boat motor for you depends on your specific needs and budget. By carefully considering the information presented, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and embark on a quieter, cleaner, and more enjoyable boating experience. Embrace the future of boating with the power and efficiency of electric motors.

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Gear Test: Electric Motors for Dinghy Engines

• By Mark Pillsbury
• June 30, 2023

When I tell friends that I’m going off sailing, really, I should add, “and motoring,” because that’s what I’ll be doing with our dinghy to reach our sailboat out on its mooring. And often, the first thing we do after sailing to a new anchorage is launch the inflatable with its 4 hp gas-powered engine to putt around and explore. Don’t get me wrong: I’m all in on sailing, but I live for those little joyrides to nowhere too. 

But even on a good day, our Suzuki outboard requires multiple pulls to start, especially when it’s cold, or if I put it away after running the carburetor’s bowl dry (I always do) to avoid it turning into a bowl of E10 jelly. And then there’s the racket our “quiet four-stroke” makes, and the smell of exhaust fumes when the beast roars to life.

Weight’s a factor too. At 60 or so pounds all gassed up, it feels a lot like work to lift the outboard in and out of the back of a pickup, schlep it up and down a slippery, algae-covered boat ramp, or swing it on and off the dinghy’s transom and onto a dock. Don’t ask how much fun it is to stand in a bouncing inflatable while lifting an outboard or lowering it from the aft pushpit or deck of an also-bouncing sailboat.

So, I was intrigued this past fall when I got an opportunity to see what’s up with the current line of small electric outboards that are readily available through online outlets and marine stores. I reached out to distributors for Torqeedo, ­ePropulsion and relative newcomer Temo, all of which had models on display during the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland. My idea: Borrow dinghy-size models from all three manufacturers and take them for a spin to get a feel for how each model works.

Before diving into the details, consider these benefits of going electric. The first is obvious: These motors eliminate the need to carry gas or oil on board. Sure, they need to be recharged, but at home, you can plug them into a 110-volt charger overnight and they’ll be ready to go. And all three have optional 12-volt DC power cords if access to shore power is a problem.

And they are quiet. That’s the benefit I marveled at most: how relaxing it was to cruise along in the inflatable, hearing only the gurgle of water and the wind. At one point while riding with the Torqeedo in open water, I was fiddling with the throttle and watching the motor’s control screen instead of paying attention to my whereabouts. All of a sudden, I was surrounded by a gaggle of geese that must not have heard me coming. With a whoosh, the water all around us churned as dozens of them took flight at once. What a sight to see!

Two of the motors, the Torqeedo Travel 1103 S and the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Evo, are at first glance fairly similar, and loosely resemble traditional outboards. Each has three components: a lithium battery, a control tiller, and a shaft containing a motor and propeller at the lower end. The battery and shaft each weigh about 20 pounds, which makes them easy to handle separately; assembled, which takes a matter of minutes, each weighs about 40 pounds. 

The third motor, the Temo 450, is radically different. It resembles, oh, I don’t know, a sculling oar with a propeller rather than a blade on its in-water end, or maybe it’s reminiscent of a long-tail engine on a workboat in Southeast Asia. The lighter-weight Temo didn’t match the power or range of the other two—and to be fair, it wasn’t supposed to—but it did its intended job to perfection, was simple to use and, stored in its carrying case, was light enough to sling over my shoulder for a walk or bike to the dock or beach.

With the three motors unpacked, charged and ready, one day in early November I set off for the Boston Sailing Center with a photographer and sailing buddy in tow to borrow a late-model West Marine 8-foot inflatable and a workboat to document my informal sea trials. Here’s what I found.

ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Evo

The Evo, manufactured in China, is intended for use on dinghies, small runabouts and sailboats. For sailboats, it’s available with a long shaft, and it is unique in that it has hydrogeneration capability. I didn’t get to see the Evo’s regeneration while sailing, but according to the company, if the engine is left tilted down under sail, the spinning propeller will generate power once the boat is sailing at just over 3 knots. As long as the boat holds that speed or goes faster, the Evo’s battery will continue to recharge until it reaches 90 percent. 

When used as a sailboat’s auxiliary engine, the motor can be locked and prevented from turning by using a simple plastic pin. In close quarters, or when mounted on a tender, the pin can be removed easily to steer using the motor. The Evo is also available with a remote-control throttle, another nice touch when the motor’s mounted on a sailboat (or on an inflatable with a console) because it saves reaching back to adjust the throttle and shift between forward and reverse.

The Evo I used had a tiller. Twist its handle to the right, you go forward; center it for neutral; twist left, you go backward. Immediately. With all the electric motors, there is not the hesitation that you experience when you shift a gas engine into gear. The torque of all three motors was instantly apparent, a reality that took some getting used to in close quarters around the dock.

Evo says that its engine has a peak speed of 5.4 knots at wide open throttle, which means drawing 1,000 watts of power. At that speed and power setting, the lithium battery’s range would be right around 6.8 nautical miles with a run time of one hour and 15 minutes.

In practice, in about 5 knots of wind and small waves, the top speed I saw was 4.2 knots. At that speed and power setting, the motor’s digital screen told me that I had a run time of just over an hour.

At half throttle, or about 500 watts, my SOG was 3.3 knots, with the engine showing a run time of about two hours and 20 minutes. In putt-along mode, making 2.3 knots and using about 100 watts, estimated battery life jumped to nine hours. 

Battery life, run time or time ­remaining, and power consumption are all viewed on the tiller’s digital display screen. 

Of the three, the Evo was the most difficult to set up right out of the box. That was primarily because a threaded pin used to lock the tiller in place, called the handle shaft, has reverse threads, which wasn’t intuitive, nor was it mentioned in the user manuals. Once we figured that out, though, I was able to assemble and disassemble the engine without a hitch. A note on the user manuals: The one that came with the engine was English only; online, I found a digital version in English and German.

To get going, I used the screw clamps to attach the Evo’s shaft to the transom, then installed the tiller and locked it into place with the handle shaft. Trial and error quickly taught me that it was better to connect the tiller’s control cable to the shaft before locking in the tiller or else it was difficult to see the connection point. Installing the battery was as simple as lining up two tabs and slots, and then dropping it into place, where it’s held by a push-button lock. All that was left was to attach the power cable to the battery and place the magnetic kill switch on the tiller, and we were ready to go. (All three engines had magnetic kill switches on lanyards that could be worn around the wrist to prevent crew-overboard injuries.)

If assembled off the dinghy, the Evo’s tiller will fold down to make the motor easier to carry. Or, underway, it can be tilted up if the driver desires.

Mounted on the Sailing Center’s 8-foot inflatable, it had a good deal of prop walk at full throttle, and I had to compensate by turning the motor, so it was quite a bit off-center. At lower speeds, this effect went away, and it wasn’t nearly as noticeable when I used the motor later on my own larger inflatable that has an inflatable V built into the bow to make it track better. Slowing to about two-thirds power solved this problem.

I ran the motor hard for an hour; with 10 minutes of battery life left, a beep alerted me to the low charge. Even after the display screen showed zero battery life, the motor continued to run for several more minutes before shutting down. In normal use, I’d have heeded the warning, of course, and headed to shore or back to the big boat with plenty of time left on the clock. Instead, I ended up rowing ashore.

Price (online): starting at $3,100 Spare battery: $1,150

The French-made Temo was the simplest of the motors to set up and run. It came with two oarlock-style mounting brackets—one that could be permanently bolted onto a transom and the other with a single screw clamp that allows it to be moved from boat to boat. 

The Temo weighs just under 11 pounds, so it’s easy to lift off the dock and install on the hinged pin on the mounting bracket. It gets secured there with a plastic nut. And just for insurance, a flotation collar can be put on the motor so that it won’t sink if it should slide overboard. The company also offers a locking mechanism that resembles a pair of handcuffs, should you frequent busy dinghy docks.

The motor’s shaft length is adjustable, from 4 feet, 3 inches to 5 feet, 6 inches, so you have options on where to sit. To get going, simply pop the magnetic kill switch into its receptacle by the handle, lower the prop into the water, and squeeze the trigger to go forward. For reverse, push the button on the end of the handle grip at the same time you pull the trigger, and back you go. It’s all pretty simple.

Underway, it took a little playing around to find the optimal depth for the propeller, which is housed in a cage at the end of the shaft. The ideal inclination, according to the company, is 30 degrees. To turn, you sweep the shaft from side to side. But for sharp turns, I found that it worked better to push the prop deeper so that the shaft could twist below the end of the inflatable’s tube.

With this engine mounted on the Sailing Center’s inflatable, I noted a top speed of 3 knots. Later, on my own inflatable, SOG topped out at right around 2.7 knots. At that speed, the battery life is about an hour. That might not be enough if you have long distances to cover, but it should be fine for getting from shore to the boat and back, or for a cocktail cruise in a snug harbor. Recharging with shore power takes about five hours, and there is a 12-volt charging option as well.

Unlike the two other engines with digital display screens showing battery charge, time/distance and other information, the Temo displays only approximate battery life, using four lighted boxes. When the last one goes dark, a red border around them lights up to warn you that you have 10 minutes left. Again, pretty simple. As the juice ran out with only a couple of minutes left, speed was reduced to about 2 knots, something to remember when gauging when to head for home.

Temo makes manuals available online in English and most European languages.  

Price (online): starting at $1,700 Spare battery: N/A

Torqeedo Travel 1103 S

German manufacturer Torqeedo has been in the electric-marine-engine business since 2005. The company offers electric inboard and outboard motors that can power vessels ranging from fishing kayaks to larger powerboats. The Travel 1103 is the larger of its two portable small-boat models, and weighs 38 pounds when assembled. It’s intended for use on boats up to 1.5 tons.

Out of the box, the Travel was the­ easiest to assemble, and underway, its digital display provided the most information. I found it the most intuitive to operate.

The three-piece motor is roughly the same size and offers the same top power —1,000 watts—as the ePropulsion Evo. Assembly is also similar. Once the shaft has been clamped to the transom, the tiller is inserted into one bracket atop the shaft, and then the lithium battery is attached and locked in place with a plastic pin. A power cord and control cable are then attached and secured by threaded plastic covers. 

A word about the cables: Both the Torqeedo and ePropulsion motors use multiwire cables that have fittings with pins that need to be inserted correctly into receptacles. An owner will want to take care connecting and disconnecting them to make sure the pins are not damaged because this would take the engine out of service until repairs could be made or a replacement delivered. Care also needs to be taken to make sure the caps go on straight so that threads aren’t damaged.

Underway, I found it easy to toggle through the options offered on the Torqeedo’s display screen, and I appreciated that the tiller houses an internal GPS that enables it to provide readouts of range of mileage at present current draw and ­battery life remaining, as well as speed. Range can also be read in terms of time remaining at current speed. Knowing both time and distance has obvious benefits. One can estimate the length of a dinghy trip, say, to another cove or harbor, and know ahead of time if there will be enough power to make it that far at a given speed (the faster you go, the shorter the range).

As battery life wanes, the Torqeedo emits warning beeps and the display flashes a message of “drive slowly” when the battery charge falls to 30 percent; beeps also sound at 20 percent and 10 percent.

With the engine mounted on the Sailing Center’s inflatable, I got a top speed of 4.3 knots, with a range of 3.1 nautical miles. Later, with the Travel mounted on my own inflatable, I saw similar speed and range figures running wide open. By contrast, at a miserly 20 watts, boat speed was 1.1 knots, but battery life jumped to 37 hours. Running with the throttle wide open, I noticed a good deal of vibration in the tiller and also felt it in the inflatable tubes. Cutting to half throttle, 500 watts, eliminated this, and improved battery life immensely to an hour and a half (battery was no longer at full charge), though we still cruised along at 3.6 knots.

For use with a sailboat, like the Evo, the Travel includes a plastic plug to prevent the motor from turning, and there is a remote throttle that’s available too. Engine trim on both motors can be adjusted by moving a pin on their mounting brackets, similar to a traditional gas outboard.

Last, I found Torqeedo’s print manual and online documentation to be quite thorough, with text available in a number of languages.

Price (online): starting at about $2,950 Spare battery: $1,000

Parting Thoughts

One afternoon, at my local boat ramp, I got to talking with a lobsterman as I assembled the Torqeedo Travel on our inflatable. Most of the lobstermen in town use heavy wooden skiffs and modest-size outboards to go from shore to boat and back daily. The relatively lightweight Evo and the ability to come and go without bringing along a gas tank intrigued him.

Indeed, many of the sailors I know have similar habits. They motor out to their sailboat, leave the dinghy tied to the mooring, and then motor back in to go home when the day’s over. The distance traveled by outboard is short, a few hundred yards, and the time spent running the motor is brief, well less than a half-hour.

If that’s the type of sailing you plan to do, then even the Temo would meet your needs. Heck, keep the speed down, and you could even do a little harbor tour on your way back in. An hour, after all, is a long time to sit in a small inflatable. 

The two larger motors—the Travel and Evo­—would more than cover your needs, even if you were to tow the dinghy to an overnight destination and use it to putt to the beach and back or into town for dinner.

As part of my informal sea trials, after I ran all the electric motors on the Sailing Center’s inflatable, I mounted one of the Center’s 2.5 hp Mercury gas outboards on the boat and took it for a spin. As I choked the engine and pulled the cord a few times to get the engine started, I was ­immediately reminded that with the electric motors, I could step aboard, put the kill switch in place, turn the tiller (or pull the trigger on the Temo), and I was off. For the record, you can find a Mercury 2.5 hp engine online for about $900; a 3.5 hp Tohatsu runs about $1,120. 

With the Mercury wide open (and ­whining), I read 4.6 knots on my nav app—not a whole lot better than I saw with the Evo or Travel, and the ride sure was a whole lot noisier.

Even for long-distance cruisers, the time may be here to ditch the gas motor. Many boats have battery banks (and gensets or solar arrays) designed for power-hungry devices. All of the electrical motors have 12-volt cords available for recharging with DC power, along with their own solar chargers as well. 

CW Gear and Electronics Editor Mark Pillsbury is a die-hard sailor who has owned a number of sailboats, including a Sabre 34, on which he lived for 15 years. He also served as a judge for CW ’s 2023 Boat of the Year contest .  

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ePropulsion electric outboard – long-term test

• Alison Wood
• April 18, 2023

Ali Wood and long-distance cruiser Jon Walmsley look at charging, stowage, regen and performance of the tiller and remote-steered ePropulsion electric outboards...

Fearne (6) testing ePropulsion's Spirit 1.0 electric outboard

An electric outboard motor is a very different beast to a petrol one. It’s lighter, quieter and cleaner but does have some drawbacks, such as speed, range and cost.

Testing the Spirit 1.0 tiller-steered electric outboard

by Alison Wood

I first tried ePropulsion’s Spirit 1.0 whilst testing the Tuffy Tender . I was impressed by its simplicity. It had no problems powering the 3m GRP boat and achieved a top speed of 4 knots on full throttle (but with a battery life of just 1.5 hours) or 1.4 knots at 20% throttle (giving 7 hours battery life).

As this was against 2 knots of tide, I felt it would be more than adequate for driving a little tender around the harbour. 

There is a magnetic killcord and a display to show power, range and battery life

Can an electric outboard motor achieve high speeds?

If you want higher speeds, then it’s worth looking at the ePropulsion Navy 3.0 or 6.0, which have a longer range and separate batteries, achieving top speeds of 9 and 13 knots respectively at maximum power (3kW & 6kW). However, you’re then compromising on motor weight (22kg & 28kg), and you’re no longer talking about a portable outboard you can carry one-handed. 

Keen to spend more time with an electric outboard, I got in touch with ePropulsion in Hamble, and they kindly loaned me the Evo Spirit 1.0 for the summer, which we used in Poole Harbour and the Isle of Wight on our Excel compact tender . 

I also contacted long-distance cruiser Jon Walmsley, who had just taken his remote-steered Spirit outboard across the Atlantic on the ARC 22 . Scroll down to see Jon’s verdict.

Carrying an electric outboard motor

As a safety boat driver I have a healthy respect for outboards. It struck me that the Spirit’s small plastic propeller blades are no way near as sharp as metal ones. Should a metal prop hit an object it’ll keep trying to turn, but if the Spirit meets resistance the blades will stop spinning. It’s not a safety feature, rather something to protect the motor, but the Spirit feels far easier to lug around without risking sliced shins, oil stains or snapping parts. 

Portability is an important factor, not only because you need to charge the battery, but at £1,875 the Spirit is not something you want to leave unattended on a dinghy. Some people lock them up like regular outboards, but most sailors take theirs home at the end of the day. At 10.2kg for the motor and 8.7kg for the battery, it’s not too heavy. 

Charging an electric outboard motor

When I first collected the electric outboard engine , I was advised the battery would drop to 50% if left idle, but this wouldn’t do any damage. You don’t need to exercise or top-up lithium ion batteries, and it’s fine to run them down to empty. The manual says the battery will discharge to 75% after 20 days, and if low for a long time will enter a sleep mode. Though best practice is to activate the battery every 3 months and keep the charge at around 60%, it can be run down to zero before recharging.

I left the battery for a couple of months and it lost around 50% charge. When I reconnected the battery at home I could see we still had around 50% power. A word of warning, if you test it at home; the engine won’t exceed 25W. It’s not broken, it’s just that the propellers need to feel the resistance of the water to use the full 1,000W of power. 

At the time of the test I had no battery charge indicator, but the good news is that this is now available. 

Another new development is the 48V DC output cable. If used in conjunction with a DC-DC converter (not included) you can get 12V out of the battery to charge the boat’s battery or run items such as fishfinders or coolboxes.

Battery life

The E-Series LiFePO4 battery has a long life (3,000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge) and is recyclable. It comes with a standard charger, which you plug into the mains, but there is the option of a fast charger, solar charger and DC charger, which need to be purchased separately, but may make more sense for those at anchor or without access to mains electricity.

Whilst the solar charger won’t fully charge the battery, it’s lightweight and portable, so you can take it on a day-trip, and use it on the beach, or a mooring, for example, to give you that extra power to get you home. 

Sensitive throttle

Satisfied the battery was fully charged, and we’d read the manual, it was time to test the outboard on the water in Cobbs Quay Marina, Dorset. It was a pretty spot, overlooking a nature reserve, and the kids were keen to explore in the dinghy, looking for egrets and the resident kingfisher. 

I tried the outboard first, and was reminded just how sensitive the throttle is. I picked up speed very quickly, nearly flipping myself out backwards. 

When I mentioned this to Chris at ePropulsion he explained that the electric outboard generates a high level of torque at relatively low rpm so you quickly achieve maximum revs. 

Another thing that takes a bit of getting used to is reversing. Because the engine is silent, neutral is a soft ‘click’ which you can feel but not hear, and it’s easy to accidentally go into reverse. 

I soon got used to the engine, but my husband spun in circles, slightly terrified as he narrowly missed the sharp props of moored sportsboats. It wasn’t until I yelled ‘killcord’ that he remembered to pull free the magnet and stop the engine. 

The Spirit is not an engine for the ham-fisted, but I later learnt a trick from Chris; there’s a plate in the motor, and if you tighten the screws this increases the resistance throttle.

Anti-grounding

Once I was confident operating the outboard, I drove out to clear water with the kids. We pottered around, having fun… until I ran us aground. Black mud churned the water. I couldn’t remember how to tilt the leg.

In the end I removed the engine from the transom altogether (thank goodness it was so compact), and rowed to a mooring to try and figure it out. It turns out you need to release a beaching pin on one side, whilst lifting the lever on the other, to raise the engine 75°. Both are tucked away, so it’s worth familiarising yourself with these before you launch! 

There is a beaching pin for shallow water but it’s not easy to adjust underway

I also learned there was an ‘anti-grounding’ mode, so if you’re in shallow water or the vicinity of submerged reefs or rocks the motor will automatically tilt up if it hits something.

A word of caution, though; Chris advised me not to leave the outboard in anti-grounding mode because if you forget and go into reverse, it will kick up aggressively.  

Tilt angles

Our nearest harbour, Christchurch, is very shallow, so I was pleased to learn that there are four trim options (21°, 14°, 7° and 0°). However, these aren’t adjustable on the water. They’re fixed positions for your particular boat to maximise efficiency and avoid cavitation. Changing them involves removing and then replacing a pull pin, so it’s not just a case of quickly lifting the leg to drive over a sandbank, which you can do with the lever-style design on petrol outboards. 

Fixed steering

Another handy feature of the Spirit 1.0 is that you can disable the steering and lock it into forward with a pin. You could fix the outboard to the transom of a small sailing boat, for example, to give it an extra push, or use it as an auxiliary engine to get you out of trouble.

The pin-lock feature also makes the engine easier to carry by stopping the leg from swinging around. 

Fun on the Medina

The kids’ highlight of our summer cruise wasn’t actually the sailing, but the time they spent in the dinghy! We’d hired a 3-man inflatable kayak from Decathlon and launched off the boat at East Cowes, Isle of Wight, for a trip downriver to the Folly Inn. I drove the tender with one of the kids whilst my husband paddled with the other two in the kayak. It soon became apparent that the electric outboard was the star attraction.

Fun on the River Medina. Dylan and myself on the tender whilst the family kayaks

The kids begged to have a go, and after a bit of instruction soon became adept at steering. My 6-year-old declared yachts to be boring but driving the outboard the ‘most fun ever’. At one point, when going against the tide, we towed our Decathlon inflatable kayak and its 3 lazy passengers with no problems. Having the outboard gave us that extra level of security, enabling us to go further afield, but we could still row if we preferred.   

Having now tried electric propulsion, we’d opt for this over petrol in future. We all loved using the electric outboard. It was straightforward, quiet (enabling us to get close to wildlife), and easy to store and charge. It’s also great not having to worry about sourcing and transporting flammable fuels, and knowing that you’re reducing your environmental footprint. 

The top speed of around 4 knots wasn’t really a problem for our needs. The cost would be the most prohibitive aspect, being two to three times the price of a 3hp petrol engine, but then the flip-side is that you’re not paying for fuel (other than your electricity). Come the summer, an ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 may well make it to my wish-list. 

Pros and cons of the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Evo outboard motor

The benefits of the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 electric outboard are that it’s clean, lightweight, e asy to charge and handle, quiet, portable and you can lock the steering. There’s a clear indication of time remaining at different speeds,  it’s available in remote-control or tiller steered models and now has a self-charging (regen) option. Plus, if ever you drop the battery in the water, it floats! 

On the downside, you can’t trim ‘on the go’, in shallow waters, it can be difficult to recognise neutral, is sensitive (not for the ham-fisted) and the portable (Spirit 1.0) model won’t achieve higher speeds than 4 knots. It’s also an expensive initial outlay, but bear in mind you’re not then paying for petrol. 

The remote steered ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 electric outboard with home-made tiller

Testing the Spirit 1.0 Evo wireless remote-steered outboard

by Jon Walmsley

I am surprised how many electric outboards I have seen at dinghy docks. In Alderney, one third of the dinghies tied up had electric outboards.

I bought the Spirit 1.0 Evo Remote for the 2021 sailing season. I wasn’t sure whether to buy the wireless remote controlled version or the tiller one. Though its primary purpose would be on my Walker Bay 8 tender with tube kit, I also wanted to fit the engine to one of the transoms of my single engine cruising catamaran, Ciel Bleu. This way, it could provide emergency propulsion and low speed propulsive steering, as well as being able to recharge itself through solar power. In this scenario, the electric outboard would be controlled from the cockpit in conjunction with the main engine. 

I decided to go with the Spirit 1.0 Evo Remote; I figured I could make my own tiller for it and put the remote on a thwart in the dinghy. This system works well. When I leave the dinghy I take the remote with me. The Remote model is more compact than the tiller version and fits easily in a bag. The other advantage is that, unlike with the tiller, it does not need to be attached and plugged in on return. You just switch it on, and off you go. 

No going back

Electric outboards are like electric cars; once you’ve tried one, there’s no going back. We absolutely love ours and so does everyone else that comes in the dinghy. In the first season in the UK we went on long dinghy trips that we’d not have contemplated with our previous noisy outboard. With three on board we went from Harty Ferry to Faversham, enjoying the meanderings of Oare Creek in silence. The 1.2Kw battery gives over an hour of run time flat out. In practice we rarely use more than 500W of the 1000W available. Range anxiety is not an issue.

Jon steers his electric outboard from a wireless remote in the cockpit of his catamaran. He has also fashioned his own tiller for use on a dinghy

The outboard splits its weight into the battery and the leg/motor so is easy to manhandle onto the back of the dinghy. As there is no smelliness or oiliness, I keep the outboard in a bag under a bunk when I’m not using it, rather than hanging it on a stern rail as you would with a petrol motor.

The joy of not having to pull start an engine cannot be underestimated! For some people, this laborious motion makes petrol outboards inaccessible altogether. With an electric engine the reverse is true. 

Electric outboard security

I padlock the bracket clamps together to stop the outboard being removed  from the dinghy as you would with a normal outboard. For added security, I take the remote with me when I leave the dinghy. The issue is the battery. This is unsecured and very valuable. As the number of electric outboards proliferate and people understand the technology, the temptation to help yourself to a spare battery or ‘borrow’ one because yours is flat/failing may become too great. This is something that ePropulsion and the other electric outboard manufacturers need to address. In the meantime, I put a cable lock through the battery handle when I have security fears.

Charging my electric outboard

For those who use a tender to get out to their boat, taking the battery home and charging it with the supplied mains charger is the easiest solution. For cruisers the situation is different. Unless you are marina hopping, you need to charge the battery ‘off grid’. This can be done by one of three means; mains through an onboard inverter, 12V by purchasing the low voltage DC charger or by buying the folding solar panel kit. I use the mains charger as it’s the fastest; 6 hours from empty, and I have a large inverter and battery bank.

The battery started only charging to one third capacity. I called Nestaway Boats, my supplier, who recommended that I run the battery completely flat twice. I did, and, unbelievably it worked, and has been fine since. 

Electric outboard regen capability

I bought the Evo Spirit 1.0 for its regeneration capabilities. I have yet to test this. Although charging the onboard battery using regen is useful, in practice when you are using the dinghy a lot you tend to be based in an anchorage. The real benefit to me will be the ability to charge my 12V house battery bank whilst underway. Our average speed crossing the Atlantic was 6.5 knots. ePropulsion claims 100 watts of regen at 6 knots. On passage Ciel Bleu uses about 1 Kwh per day. In theory this could all be derived from the outboard with the addition of a third party 48-12V DC-DC battery charger. 

For a small tender outboard, electric is the way to go. The main hurdle when making the switch is the high purchase cost.

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Electric Outboard Motors Market Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029: Growing Opportunities in the Electric Boat Industry and Li-Ion Batteries Developments - ResearchAndMarkets.com

DUBLIN--( BUSINESS WIRE )--The "Electric Outboard Motors Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global electric outboard motors market was valued at $120 million in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of $196.62 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.58%

The global electric outboard motors market is fragmented, with the presence of many local and international players. The competition among these players is intense. The rapidly changing technological environment could adversely affect vendors as customers expect continuous innovations and upgrades in the manufacturing of electric outboard motors.

The key players in the global electric outboard motors market include Torqeedo, ePropulsion, Evoy, Pure Watercraft, Yamaha Motor, and Brunswick Corporation. There is intense competition in the market as all the players compete to gain more market share. The market will witness consolidation due to the intensely competitive environment. These factors make it imperative for vendors to distinguish their products and service offerings through a clear and unique value proposition, or they will not survive the highly competitive environment.

The global electric outboard motors market is well-developed in North America and Europe. The established markets of Europe and North America are expected to witness high demand for electric outboard motors during the forecast period since the commercial adoption of boats has increased in these regions. Such factors offer vendors many opportunities during the forecast period. In addition, the demand for marine infrastructure arises due to changing market dynamics, such as a higher number of recreational boat users.

The global electric outboard motors market is undergoing several transformations regarding research on innovative products. The demand and adoption of boating activities are high for numerous reasons, such as increased urbanization and a rise in living standards. The U.S. is one of the biggest manufacturing hubs in North America. Over the past few years, it has attracted huge investments for expanding existing facilities or new facility setups. The presence of manufacturing facilities for Pure Watercraft and Vision Marine Technologies, among others, is a major driver for the growth of this region's electric outboard motors market.

Developing Lithium-ion Batteries

The increasing need for extended battery life has driven significant advances in enhancing backup capacity. Li-ion batteries have less harmful environmental effects. As most vendors try to achieve sustainability, most electric outboard motors have Li-ion batteries that are better for the environment. The adoption of battery systems and battery technology will play a pivotal role in influencing purchasing decisions. Professional users are increasingly encouraged to adopt a unified battery system for electric outboard motors.

This trend is expected to propel the reliance on Li-ion batteries further, driving market growth. The longevity and performance of Li-ion batteries have prompted vendors in the global electric outboard motors market to expand their product offerings with Li-ion battery options. Electric outboard motors are mostly equipped with Li-ion batteries, giving tough competition to lead acid batteries.

• Rising Participation in Leisure Boating Activities in Europe

The European boating industry is one of the world's most dynamic and competitive industries that significantly contributes to the growth of the European economy. The leisure boating market in Europe has witnessed impressive growth over the past five years. Countries such as Belgium, Croatia, and many others have seen significant increase in the recreational boat market.

High Initial Costs

The electric outboard motors market faces a significant challenge in the form of high initial costs, which can act as a restraining factor for its widespread adoption and market growth. The upfront expenses associated with electric outboard motors, including the motor itself and the required battery systems, often surpass the costs of traditional gasoline-powered alternatives.

Several factors contribute to these high initial costs, including advanced technology embedded in electric outboard motors and the cost of high-quality, high-capacity batteries, which represent a significant portion of the overall expense.

Segmentation by Power: 5 KW - 50 KW, Up to 5 KW, Above 50 KW

The 5 KW - 50 KW power segment is expected to be the largest revenue segment of the global market. This power range is suitable for various vessels, including mid-sized boats, pontoons, and specific types of commercial watercraft. Environmental sustainability is the key driver for adopting electric outboard motors in the 5 kW to 50 kW range.

With zero emissions during operation, these motors play a crucial role in promoting cleaner air and water environments, addressing concerns about pollution in marine ecosystems. This aligns with the growing demand for sustainable boating practices, appealing to boat owners and operators prioritizing environmental protection. As charging infrastructure continues to improve, electric outboard motors within the 5 KW to 50 KW range become increasingly practical for a diverse range of boating enthusiasts and commercial operators.

Segmentation by Application: Recreational, Commercial, Military

The recreational application segment holds the most prominent share of the global electric outboard motors market in 2023. Electric outboard motors have transformed the landscape of recreational boating, providing numerous advantages that appeal to both environmentally conscious individuals and those seeking an enhanced on-water experience. In the realm of smaller vessels like kayaks, canoes, and dinghies, electric outboard motors offer a quiet and efficient mode of propulsion.

Furthermore, electric outboard motors have gained popularity for day cruisers and weekend boaters due to their user-friendly nature, low maintenance requirements, and eco-friendly operation. The instant torque delivery of electric motors improves maneuverability, simplifying tasks such as docking and navigating in tight spaces. These aspects collectively contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable boating experience for recreational users. As technology advances and the infrastructure supporting electric boating expands, the prevalence of electric outboard motors in the recreational sector is likely to grow.

Segmentation by Boat Length: Less than 30 ft, 30 ft - 50 ft, More than 50 ft

The less than 30 ft boat segment is expected to be the largest revenue segment of the global market. The rising popularity of electric outboard motors for boats measuring less than 30 feet is driven by several benefits catering to both recreational and practical needs. A significant advantage is the quiet operation of these electric motors, enhancing the overall boating experience.

The demand for electric outboard motors in the less than 30 ft boat segment is driven by several factors, including supportive government policies, environmental awareness, cost considerations, and technological advancements. Due to the rising adoption of sustainable practices in the marine industry, the electric outboard motors market in smaller boats is estimated to witness sustained growth.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

• How big is the electric outboard motors market?
• What is the growth rate of the global electric outboard motors market?
• Which region dominates the global electric outboard motors market share?
• What are the significant trends in the electric outboard motors market?
• Who are the key players in the global electric outboard motors market?

MARKET LANDSCAPE

Market Opportunities & Trends

• Developing Li-Ion Batteries
• Growing Opportunities in the Electric Boat Industry
• Growth in the Marine Tourism Industry

Industry Overview

• Rise of Electric Outboard Motors
• Functioning of Electric Outboard Motors
• Advantages of Electric Outboard Motors
• Type of Control System
• Evolution of Electric Outboard Motors
• Future of Electric Outboard Motors
• Dawn of Electric and Hybrid Engines
• Value Chain Analysis
• Material Suppliers
• Manufacturers
• Distributors
• Application

Market Growth Enablers

• Growing Demand for Outboard Power Boats
• Sustainable Development of the Electric Outboard Motors

Market Restraints

• High Initial Costs of Electric Outboard Motors
• Limited Charging Infrastructure
• Emergence of Trolling Motors

Key Company Profiles

• ePropulsion
• Pure Watercraft
• Yamaha Motor
• Brunswick Corporation

Other Prominent Vendors

• Elco Motor Yachts
• Electro-Mobile
• Flux Marine
• Golden Motor
• RAD Propulsion
• Rim Drive Technology
• Stealth Electric Outboards
• Stream Propulsion
• Vision Marine Technologies
• Wolong Electric Group

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8k13bw

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

Europe’s first AWD electric pickup is here: It’s from China and it gets +250 miles range

Chinese automaker Maxus launched Europe’s first AWD electric pickup , beating Toyota, Ford, and several others to the market. The new Maxus eTerron 9 is slightly larger than a Ford Ranger and has up to 267 miles (430 km) range.

Maxus, initially under British van maker LDV Group, was bought out by China’s SAIC Motor in 2010.

The Chinese brand launched the new eTerron 9 EV pickup at the IAA Hanover Auto Show in Germany this week. It follows the Maxus T90EV, the UK’s first electric pickup that was only offered in RWD.

Powered by two electric motors (125 kW/170 hp front and 200 kW/272 hp rear), Maxus’ new eTerron 9 packs a combined output of 325 kW (442 hp). It can also tow up to 7,700 lbs with nearly 1,400 lb (620 kg) max payload.

With a 102 kWh LFP battery, the Maxus eTerron 9 is rated with up to 267 miles (430 km) WLTP driving range. It can also be charged (20% to 80%) in about 40 minutes with up to 115 kW at fast charging stations.

Meet Europe’s first AWD electric pickup

An included All-Terrain System (ATS) unlocks six driving modes: Normal, Mud, Sand, and others to fine-tune your drive.

Maxus said an optimized venting system and battery design improves range by 18% in cold weather compared to other EVs on the market.

The electric pickup also features bi-directional charging to power work sites, camping equipment, tools, or other external electronics.

At 5.5 meters (18 ft) long, the Maxus eTerron 9 is slightly bigger than Ford’s Ranger, which is 5.37 meters long.

Maxus will open orders for Europe’s first AWD electric pickup in October. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in January 2025.

Although prices have yet to be announced, the new model is expected to sit above the T90EV, which starts at £49,950 ($66,300) in the UK before VAT. Maxus said more details will be revealed shortly.

Source: Top Gear , Maxus

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising

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