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Electric Sailboat Motor: Range, Cost, Best Kits for Conversion

Today, owning a completely green sailboat has been made possible with electric sailboat motors.

Imagine cruising with the silence of an electric sailboat motor and the ease of use with a simple press on the start button. What’s better is there are no exhaust fumes at all with significantly less maintenance.

It’s so appealing that a lot of sailing liveaboards have made their electric sailboat motor conversion.

However, some sailors are still on the fence, worrying about the range and price of the electric sailboat motor.

If you are one of them, you are in the right place!

This post will guide you through every aspect you need to know about electric sailboat motors to help you make an informed decision.

Besides, you will get professional insights on how to make the electric sailboat motor conversion for your own boat and learn the best electric sailboat motors (with honest reviews).

Table of contents:

• Electric Sailboat Motors: Confusion Explained

Electric Sailboat Motor or Combustion Motor

• Electric Yacht Motor Conversion: Two Solutions
• How to Size an Electric Sailboat Motor

Best Electric Sailboat Motors (with Reviews)

Electric Sailboat Motor: Confusion Explained

Can you go cruising with an electric sailboat motor? Can you put an electric motor on a sailboat? Are there any limitations?

Whether electric sailboat motors are a good fit for your boat is not a YES or NO question. Here we will explain your top worries with statistics and facts. That way, you can make a wise decision according to your situation.

You may hear some complaints about the batteries and range of the electric propulsion.

However, their experience may not suit electric sailboat motors.

In fact, even small electric engines work pretty well in many sailboats. That’s because most of the time, the wind can power the boat, and the motor is just used for docking or in rare times when there is no wind.

Therefore, it makes more sense to learn electric sailboat motor performance in real-world applications.

Here is a test report of a 3 HP electric sailboat motor on an RS21 racing sailboat:

As you can see, the small electric sailboat motor can run at 5.5 mph top speed for one hour continuously.

And there is a big difference in terms of range vs speed for electric sailboat motors:

If you lower the speed, the range and runtime can be greatly extended. The slower you go, the further you’ll get. For example, if you cut your speed in half, the electric sailboat motor can last 7 hours and go 20 miles within one charge.

That’s pretty sufficient if you use the electric yacht motor mostly for docking or as an auxiliary engine.

Faster top speed (and more range) is available with higher power electric sailboat motors depending on your specific requirements. Contact a specialist to design your electric sailboat motor solutions.

Also, don’t forget to get the electric sailboat motor with regeneration (See recommendations below).

That’s to say, when there is a lot of wind and you’re moving rapidly via your sails, they regenerate and store electric power on the batteries to keep you moving at other times. Solar recharging is also a plus.

Essentially, the range depends on how many batteries you have, so it’s not a limitation of electric sailboat motors but energy and batteries.

If you are still worried, you can offset this by getting a diesel generator, which is more efficient than a diesel engine. And it is a range extender when you need it, but for 90% of your motoring that you don’t need the range, you can rely on the electric sailboat motor.

Some of you might be concerned about the extra weight of the batteries.

In fact, an electric sailboat motor with lithium batteries weighs less than a diesel engine, particularly if you include the fuel weight.

If you want a lightweight electric sailboat motor solution, make sure you get one with LiFePO4 batteries . Compared with other marine batteries, they are more compact in design with much less weight and higher energy density.

Some more advanced electric motors for small sailboats (such as Spirit 1.0 Evo) feature an integrated lightweight battery. So you don’t need to worry about the complex wiring to hook it up or extra space to store the battery.

This is a huge plus if you want to use the electric sailboat motor on a tender or dinghy.

Here is also a chart that collects the weight of some popular electric sailboat motors for your reference:

For many people, another big problem with electric sailboat motors is the cost.

It’s true that a gasoline outboard with similar power is a lot cheaper to buy. However, the electric sailboat motor eventually wins in long-term operating cost. That’s especially the case if you are going to do a lot of motoring.

Electric sailboat motors save on fuel and maintenance costs, which can build up to a large amount over time.

Here is a chart that compares the cost of a 3HP electric sailboat motor (coming with a built-in battery) with its combustion counterpart:

That’s to say, you will cover the price difference for electric yacht motors eventually as long as you use it long enough. Click to check the details of the calculation .

What makes the electric sailboat motor even more worthwhile is it saves you a lot of hassles, especially for sailors who only use the engine in and out of the harbor. Dealing with the maintenance of the gas outboard for a 10 minute motor out of and into the harbor is disproportionate and painful.

*The higher horsepower electric sailboat motor may be different in terms of the cost calculation. Check out the outboard motor pricelist by HP for more information.

As you may have already noticed, electric propulsion has already been widely used in the marine industry:

It’s quiet while motoring, clean to handle, environmentally friendly, with less maintenance and operation costs.

The electric sailboat motors are easier to use with dramatically fewer moving parts to break and no worries about being a diesel mechanic to deal with the hard pulling start. You can have it always on, so it is ready whenever you need it.

And it makes even more sense in sailing applications:

You don’t really need to motor much if your plan is to actually sail. If you are completely becalmed, you will probably just need to motor at 2 knots to keep making way, which is easy for electric sailboat motors.

If you mostly use the motor to get into and out of the harbor, the electric sailboat motor also works great for you.

You can always charge up at the dock, motor out of the marina (or even motor to your sailing area or race start), then hoist the sails and when you’re through, the batteries are charged again.

The electric sailboat motor is also useful as a backup (kicker) motor in case your system goes down. That’s why you can see people pushing a lot of big boats with small electric motors. (Click to learn more information about kicker motors .)

Personally, it’s really nice to have an electric auxiliary in the boat – no smelly, messy diesel and motor oil to deal with, a much simpler system with less maintenance, and much, much quieter operation.

However, powerboats tend to have much higher requirements in terms of both power output and runtime. In that case, an electric sailboat motor can be hard to satisfy your needs.

How Do You Size an Electric Motor for a Sailboat?

As a rule of thumb, you will need approximately 1 HP per 550 lb of the displacement of your boat.

Generally speaking, a 3 HP electric sailboat motor can push a sailboat up to 25 ft and a 9.9 HP motor is sufficient for a 30 ft sailboat to motor at a satisfying speed.

However, bear in mind the horsepower you need always depends on your needs and applications.

It’s better to check the data from real-world tests to decide whether the electric sailboat motor is suitable for your specific needs.

For example, the 9.9 HP electric sailboat motor Navy 6.0 allows you to go at 6.9 mph (11.1 kph) on a 30 ft sailboat, and the range can be extended to 46.4 miles if you decrease your speed to 2.9 mph (4.6 kph).

Click to see more test reports with other electric motor and sailboat combinations, and find the electric sailboat motor that suits you best.

If you are still not sure about the size of the electric sailboat motor for you, feel free to leave us a comment and we will get back to you ASAP with professional suggestions.

Electric Sailboat Motor Conversion

Basically, there are two ways for you to convert your sailboat to a clean and quiet electric drive system:

You can either convert your current vessel to electric or buy an engineless yacht and install an electric sailboat motor on your own.

#1. Repower Your Sailboat with Electric Motor

If you decide to replace the diesel engine with an electric motor, you will need to do a lot of preparations:

The DIY approach requires an electric sailboat motor kit (including motor and controller), batteries, a good level of mechanical ability and basic electrical knowledge, as well as some common tools such as a voltmeter.

You will need to take the old engine out for the new electric sailboat motor installation. It’s not an easy task that involves removing the engine mounts and the drive shaft (dealing with the numerous hoses and cables), taking out the engine, exhaust system, fuel tank, and its attendant tubes, etc.

Remember to balance the boat to avoid listing during the electric sailboat motor conversion.

Then in with the new electric sailboat motor. The installation process can be straightforward if you choose the electric sailboat motor kit wisely (See steps below). Furthermore, you can set up solar charging for your electric sailboat motor with solar panels and charger.

Many sailors have recorded their electric sailboat motor conversion process and experience. Be sure to check them out to get some inspiration. For example, Ed Phillips has documented everything which can serve as a guide for newbies to get started.

Mind you there can be a whole heap that can go wrong in designing and maintaining the electric sailboat motor systems. You really need to be totally on top of it if you want decent performance or reliability.

If you are not that technically inclined, it’s better to talk to a specialist first to discuss your plan for a smooth electric sailboat motor conversion.

#2. Install an Electric Motor in a Sailboat

If you own an enginless sailboat, the electric sailboat motor conversion is much easier for you.

All you need to do is to find a reliable electric sailboat motor and install it in simple steps. The whole process can be easily done, even for beginners. Here we take the popular 6 HP electric sailboat motor Navy 3.0 as an example to show you the installation process:

• Step 1 : Rotate the clamps or use the screws to fix the outboard onto the sailboat.
• Step 2: Mount the steering system in the proper position.
• Step 3: Install the tiller on the electric sailboat motor.
• Step 4: Connect the batteries to the electric sailboat motor system.

Click to check the video tutorial that guides you through each step of the installation.

If you are worried about aesthetic issues and want higher horsepower options, an electric inboard motor can be a better suit for your sailboat. If you prefer an inboard motor for your sailboat, contact our OEM team to get an electric propulsion solution tailored to your needs.

Note : You might find some electric trolling motors rated by #s of thrust on the market. Actually, those electric trolling motors for sailboats can only provide limited speed and range. If you are heading into the wind, the trolling motors for sailboats are definitely not an ideal solution.

Once you’ve evaluated if electric sailboat motors are right for you, there are a lot of options for electric systems.

Here are some popular electric sailboat motors with positive reviews from customers worldwide. Fast charger is available for all the models recommended to reduce your charging stress.

#1. 3 HP Spirit 1.0 Evo

If you are looking for an electric motor for a small sailboat, be sure to check out the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Evo. It’s suitable for large daysailers or small cruising sailboats under 25 ft.

With the Spirit 1.0 Evo electric sailboat motor, you can go 5.5 mph (8.8 kph) at top speed on the 21 ft RS21 sailing boat, or troll for 20 hours continuously at 2.2 mph (3.5 kph) according to our test .

This electric sailboat motor with regeneration allows you to recover energy from the prop while under sail. It will start to generate power automatically when the sailing speed reaches 2 knots.

As an electric auxiliary sailboat motor, it can also be easily installed on your tender boats or yacht dinghies since it’s portable and easy to transport (with a lightweight integrated battery).

Features You Will Love:

• Come with the industry-first hydrogeneration capability
• Direct-drive technology makes it maintenance-free
• Portable with a 1276Wh large integrated lithium battery for long range
• Safety wristband keeps you safe in case of MOB
• Digital operation keeps you informed of the battery status

Spirit 1.0 Evo Electric Sailboat Motor Reviews:

“Great weekend with my 17′ sailboat powered by the Spirit Evo. This is great. Quiet and reliable. Went at 3/4 throttle for about 1.5hrs when taking it back to boat ramp.” – Robert Taylor

“Very happy with our Spirit Plus. Pushing our Kolibri 560 a 750 Kg sailboat, with ease. Doing about 5.8 km/h at 500W.” – Frank van Asten

#2. 6HP/9.9 HP Navy Evo Series

If you want a little more juice on the electric sailboat motor, check out the ePropulsion Navy Series. It offers 6 HP and 9.9 HP models for your selection and it provides sufficient power for sailboats up to 30 ft.

According to our test , the 6 HP electric motor Navy 3.0 can push the Catalina 25 sailboat (25 ft) at 6 mph (9.6 kph) top speed, while the Olga 33 sailboat (33 ft) can go at 7.5 mph (12 kph) with the 9.9 HP Navy 6.0 motor.

The Navy series electric sailboat motor also comes with regeneration features which can be recharged with hydrogeneration, wind turbine, and solar panel.

• Four controls to fit your sailboat installation and your boating style
• Accompany LiFePO4 batteries (need separate purchase) are more energy efficient
• Digital display offers real-time monitoring of the power and battery
• Magnetic kill switch and safety wristband keep you safe on the boat
• Electric start saves you trouble pulling the cord to start

Navy Series Electric Sailboat Motor Reviews:

“I have a Navy 3.0 with E80 on a Catalina 25 sailboat. It is working well. Currently I am using about 4% battery to go in/out of the marina by boat.” – Aaron Young

“Just finished my 8 weeks sailing journey in the Baltic Sea. The two Navy 3 outboards provide enough power for my 33ft catamaran. The 400W solar panels provided enough energy for engines and all other energy consumed on board with 2-6 persons. The two Navy Batteries provide power for engines and all other on-board electric devices. I never had to use shore power, so totally self-sufficient electric system.” – Martin Hildebrand

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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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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Would you switch to electric propulsion?

• Katy Stickland
• April 26, 2021

Would you make the switch? We ask two sailors who have looked at how the real-world numbers stack up on electric propulsion but have reached different conclusions

Ian is changing his Sadler 29's 10kW electric pod for a smaller 6kW pod which will still have more than enough power. Credit: Ian Thomson

Ian Thomson: ‘I am an electric propulsion convert’

Let’s be clear, electric yacht propulsion is nowhere near a 300-mile range at 6 knots on a 38ft yacht.

Ian Thomson is the founder of Nestaway Boats and changed his Sadler 29 to electric when his old diesel engine kept overheating

But I think it is viable for a typical 30 footer in the Solent and crossing the Channel occasionally, as long as you don’t motor long distances against full-bore spring tides, and use the sails most of the time.

For example, a 60-mile range under power in a flat calm at 4.5 knots looks achievable.

That’s why I have decided to convert my Sadler 29 to electric propulsion .

You may need a more traditional approach to cruising, but for me having no noise, no vibration, no smell and no maintenance is worth the compromise.

After a season of real-world testing in our Sadler 29 here’s what we found.

We fitted a prototype 10kW pod in August, with 18kWh of lithium batteries where the Bukh DV20 used to be.

This gave us the following results:

• 3.3 knots at 1kW output, 54-mile range
• 4.5 knots at 2kW, 40-mile range
• 5-5.5 knots at 3kW, 30-mile range

Additionally, the power generated under sail often puts nearly as much charge in on passage as we’ve used coming in or out of harbour.

On a sail of more than a couple of hours, we might even make a net gain in battery charge.

Cost aside, it would be possible to add another 50% in battery capacity and still come in just under the weight of the Bukh and diesel tank removed, and double that again if you took out all the 12V batteries.

Two 87kg, 9kWh batteries fit where the diesel used to sit. Credit: Ian Thomson

This would make 80-100 miles on battery alone achievable, although I didn’t feel the need for that much capacity.

If you accept 4 knots as a useful speed then a 2kW petrol suitcase generator small enough to keep in a locker would charge the batteries at about the same rate that you’re using electricity, getting you home if the wind died mid-Channel.

Electric motors are incredibly efficient, but you also don’t seem to need as much power as a direct conversion of horsepower to kilowatts would suggest.

3kW is about 4.5hp, and we can achieve 5 knots with 3kW.

We’re actually going to change the 10kW pod for a 6kW pod, as there are no circumstances in which 10kW does any more than 6kW, just as you very rarely use all 20hp of a diesel engine.

A small briefcase generator can get you home if the wind dies, but with only 1-2kW you won’t be able to go fast

And the 6kW pod is smaller (less drag) and lighter, so there are incremental gains there too.

This disparity between rating and power delivered could be due to a couple of different reasons:

• The torque is instantaneous so you can turn a propeller of a larger more efficient size for cruising that would stall an equivalent power diesel at idle.
• The propeller itself, in a pod installation, is vertical rather than at an angle as on a shaft drive, converting all the power into forwards rather than upwards thrust.

Another advantage when manoeuvring is the complete controllability.

You don’t have to knock it in and out of gear at idle, you can run it at 50rpm if you wish.

The lack of noise and vibration is fantastic.

Similarly, motoring downwind in light airs with a Sunday morning hangover, there are no diesel fumes in the cockpit, and there’s no oil in the bilge.

What’s not to like?

The components we fitted are as follows:

• Epropulsion 6kW EVO pod drive, £2,500 (inc VAT)
• 2x Epropulsion E-175 9kWh lithium batteries, £3,800 each
• Epropulsion 30A mains charger, £400
• Remote control throttle, £250
• Miscellaneous connection cables, £300
• Total system cost £11,050

The range figures quoted are with two batteries as above – a perfectly viable system could be rigged up with one battery (and half the range) at about £7,000.

The charger will charge each battery if completely flat in about six hours, or two could be rigged in series to double the charging speed.

Recharge cost of the complete 18kWh system is approximately £2!

For transparency, Ian’s company is an Epropulsion supplier, but the boat, and the costs, are his own.

Alan Kohler: ‘It’s horses for courses

For serious coastal cruising in boats like this Xc38, diesel still offers much greater range, safety and affordability

Boats come in a wide range of sizes, as do our cruising aspirations, from marina day-sailing to high latitude exploration.

Alan Kohler is a member of the Cruising Association’s Regulations and Technical Services (RATS) group and sails an X-Yachts Xc38 from Scotland. Credit: Alan Kohler

The suitability of electric propulsion technology depends largely on these two factors.

For dinghies, electric outboards are proven and attractive solutions.

Inland waterways craft with low speeds and easy access to shore power are also ideal candidates.

And the technology is advancing quickly.

Recent trends include electric drive options on many day-sailing boats, which only need power to get in and out of their berth.

The ‘maths’ gets more challenging for larger coastal cruising yachts on longer passages, anchoring ‘off-grid’.

So what are the sums? Roughly:

• 1 litre of diesel (0.83kg) = 2.9kWh net engine equivalent (allowing for engine efficiency)
• Thus the energy density of diesel is circa 0.3kg.kWh
• The best car batteries (eg. Tesla) are circa 6.6kg/kWh
• Hence net energy density of diesel is 23 times better than current battery technology.

Additionally, electric engine ranges are typically quoted in flat water, with no headwind and no tide – how often does this equate to your typical cruise?

Many boat owners use their engines more extensively, motoring into strong headwinds, plugging round tidal headlands or rushing to get back for work on Monday.

Power consumption rises sharply, and range plummets in these circumstances.

The case study above shows electric power can now be considered for smaller yachts, if the reduced range and power fits with a primarily local cruising style (or using a generator as a DIY hybrid solution).

The 18kWh battery equates to just 6.2 litres of diesel (compared to the 70 litre tank).

My X-Yachts Xc38 is typical of many larger yachts, with a 55hp (41kW) engine and a 200-litre (166kg) diesel tank, giving power to handle adverse weather and a range of nearly 400 miles – handy for cruising the Hebrides or crossing the Bay of Biscay.

Continues below…

Electric yacht: What are the options for going electric?

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The equivalent sized battery would be 580kWh, weighing 3.8 tonnes.

Clearly this would be too large, heavy and costly to be practical.

This is where hybrid solutions start to become attractive, perhaps using a generator or fuel cell for longer range with a more modest battery bank.

Indeed many blue water cruising cats are now offered with hybrid drives, their speed aiding power regeneration.

Adapting cruising style also helps.

Perhaps we need to drop the fixation with ‘6-knot passage planning’?

The BMW i3 battery pack will take you less far at sea than on land

Realistically, the cost of large battery packs, drives and all the other systems mean that most of us are unlikely to be able to justify replacing the diesel engines in our existing cruising boats for some time, though hybrids are an interesting option for new boats or major refit.

Don’t get me wrong, I am excited about silent, low emission electric power and hope to have an electric motor to replace my 55hp Volvo when it reaches end of life in 10-15 years.

Also I will likely buy electric to replace my dinghy outboard.

We should, however, avoid rose-tinted spectacles when assessing whether an electric system will suit our boat and cruising plans.

Enjoyed reading Would you switch to electric propulsion?

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Electric yacht - qt10.0 system plus solar & wind generator.

It has been a fun project. Once the old saildrive bit the dust, I made the decision for convert to electric so sourced a good electric saildrive from Sillette Sonic. While the bolt pattern was slightly different, I fabricated an aluminum plate to allow the new electric saildrive to use the existing saildrive foundation.

GulfStar Sailmaster 39

Gulfstar Sailmaster 39

Converting the  Gulfstar Sailmaster 39, to Electric Power San Diego California

Happy to share a few thoughts on the system and more importantly, how  it has affected my sailing “habits”.  First, I couldn’t be more  leased with the overall end results, as  with anything new, there has been a learning curve of course but the  system has performed, not only as quoted but in some cases better than  expected.

I am a sailor. 

Converting Manta 38

Converting friendship sloop 35 "sarah mead" doesn't burn a drop of fuel.”.

Hi Michael,

Sunny Ray and her crew are doing great. We have almost 6000 miles on  our GPS odometer and still perfect performance of the electric motors  from Electric Yacht ! (now over 20000NM)

Top speed under power is 7.5 knots in our 38ft  Manta Catamaran with two blade Flex O Fold 15×10 props on shaft drives.  The previous fixed 3 blade props were great for regenerating power but  we prefer the folding props which give much better sailing performance.  When the sky is clear and the sun is hitting our solar array we can  power at 2 knots without using the battery bank! When the wind is light,  true wind at 7 knots we can motor sail with 6 knots of boat speed only  using 10 amps on each motor. Our generator has only used 100 gallons of  diesel fuel cruising for two years! …

In 2012, Captains Nate and Randy obtained a Maine DEP 

grant to repower "Sarah Mead" with a quiet, clean and 

powerful electric propulsion system. 

She is the first commercial vessel in Maine, and possibly 

New England, to go "Zero Emissions." 

Converting Ingrid 38 – A Reference Letter about converting 2 Ingrids 38s

Hi Glenn, Hi Mike, 

I am writing to gush over the many attributes of electric propulsion which includes solid service help from 

Mike and Scott at Electric Yachts.  Our family owns two Ingrid 38 heavy displacement (30,000 lbs) 

sailboats.  We have one converted already and are in the process of completing our SECOND sailboat.

Better yet, call us!

We love our customers, so feel free to call during normal business hours.

Electric Yacht Pacific

Laguna Niguel, California 92677, United States

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How to convert a small blue water, sailboat to an electric vessel on a budget

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Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Electric sailboat conversion: How my Parker Super Seal went zero-emissions

• Ed Phillips
• April 5, 2022

Ed Phillips embraces zero-emissions sailing by ditching the diesel and converting his Parker Super Seal into an electric sailboat.

Electricity is generated by the engine hydrogeneration system when sailing

Aiming to do our bit for the environment, we recently made a number of lifestyle changes – and one of them was converting our Parker Super Seal yacht into an electric sailboat with the use of an ePropulsion electric motor.

It has proved a great transition in so many ways, taking our sailing experience to the next level. At first it felt a scary, big step into the unknown, but in fact proved a relatively straightforward job.

Skylark is our eco Parker Super Seal. She is an accomplished sailing boat, quick, safe, and fun. She is a joy to sail, we regularly achieve over eight knots through the water.

Our cruising range is generally the South Coast between the Solent and the West Country plus the Channel Islands and France. We have aspirations to take her round Britain , we just need to prioritise the time.

Skylark is primarily powered by sail, a main and genoa (140%) and a couple of asymmetric spinnakers.

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Leap of faith

Last winter we took the big decision to convert Skylark from diesel to electric propulsion. So her motor is now a 6kW electric engine, with a 9kWh lithium battery, both made by ePropulsion. Leisure power is supplied by Totalcool 12V lithium batteries and solar panels .

Was it a crazy or brave step? Well, somehow taking a perfectly serviceable engine out and going to an emerging technology seemed quite scary, especially when it involved drilling holes through the bottom of your own boat.

Interestingly, having done it, we now feel the most complex part was taking the old diesel out and that if you can put together a piece of IKEA furniture you can convert a yacht to electric. We will never look back, nor go back to a diesel.

ePropulsion pod drive 6.0 Evo 1

The 40 year old Bukh engine before removal

Out with the old

Skylark ’s 40-year-old Bukh 10 engine was still going strong, well bedded-in but was getting expensive to run and maintain. And like all diesels it was not exactly environmentally friendly.

Taking it out wasn’t something to be rushed. Getting the spanners into what is inevitably a very restricted space is an art that takes a while to master.

Persuading the embedded bolts and fixings to loosen is not for the faint hearted. However, a little cussing, the odd cut and much WD40 given time to work seemed to do the job.

In a few hours each day over a couple of days we removed the Bukh. The bits we were worried about, the engine mounts and the drive shaft, turned out to be easier than expected.

The numerous hoses and cables felt a bit ‘Forth Road Bridge’ and seemingly endless, although it was a relatively straightforward task. Just painstaking and on occasions painful.

Having taken everything off the engine the next task was to lift it out. At 140kg this was not a light load. We constructed a frame over the boat using scaffold poles, attached a chain hoist and lifted it gently up and out. It was a dream, all went without a hitch.

Once in the air we had the advantage of having the boat on her trailer, so simply rolled the trailer forward and lowered the engine onto a wheeled pallet. Job done.

With the engine out, there was so much space which got even bigger as we took out the exhaust system. This was actually a genuine ‘five minute job’ and revealed a massive space now used for extra stowage.

Then out came the fuel tank and its attendant tubes and more space gained. But most of all was the joy of saying goodbye to smelly diesel.

Next was to fill the redundant holes in the skin of our ship, the water inlet and outlet, the exhaust outlet. That felt good, the fewer holes in the hull the better!

Drilling holes through the bottom of your boat is a daunting prospect

Finally, the ‘Big Clean’! The bilges of any boat are always a bit grimy, but years of oil and muck warranted a really good scrub. Traffic film cleaner worked well as a degreaser, then loads of soap and water – a task made so much easier knowing that it was the last time our lovely hull would be subjected to those yesteryear hydrocarbons. Hurrah!

Finally we had a clean slate and perfect foundations for the new installation.

In with the new

This proved to be so straightforward, despite being a little daunting at first. Just like IKEA kits, with a good read of the instructions and marshalling the right tools we set to with an engineering chum (to bolster our confidence!)

First, we spent a good amount of time planning. Second, we glassed a 50cm x 50cm marine ply pad onto the inside of the hull, as belt and braces to spread the load of the engine fitting. Essential, no. Diligent, yes. We felt it ensures our engine will be safe and securely mounted for the coming decades.

The ePropulsion Pod engine is totally external and is simply secured to the hull with three 10mm bolts. All that’s required is a 66mm hole for the cables to feed through.

Feeding the cabling through the hull from pod to battery

Shaping the mounting plate to the contour of the hull

Testing the pod’s position before securing it

Carefully working out how and where to position the engine took a good amount of time. We cut off the last 15cm of the drive shaft cowling, otherwise our propeller would have been too close to the rudder. The cutting was easy (in retrospect). Shaping the spacer to the shape of the hull so the engine would sit vertically did take time.

In retrospect, a sharper cutting edge, and more confidence, would make it much simpler next time. Engine fitted, next we moved on board to install the controller, the charger, the morse and the control panel, all very straightforward.

Our top tip – place the control panel in an easy to see position with the instrument cluster on the forward cockpit. The data is really useful and benefits from easy viewing while at sea.

Scaffold pole crane and block and tackle were required to lift the new battery aboard

Next came the battery. Our ePropulsion E175 9kWH battery is compact at 52 x 55 x 27cm although quite heavy at 87kg. It fits perfectly on the engine mounts, the load spread by a piece of marine ply, and takes up only half the space of the old engine.

We lifted it on board using the same chain hoist, lowered it gently into the cabin and slid it forward on an old mountain skateboard that I found in the garage. It was so much simpler than we had dared hope.

Finally, connecting it all up was a steady, logical process that needs to be approached methodically, but it’s not difficult. Then, the big switch on. A press of a button and all springs to life.

I still marvel every time I switch it on. Apart from a few lights, there’s little to show or hear! Push the morse forward and silent, powerful thrust results.

Subsequently, we haven’t looked back and will certainly never go back to burning noisy, smelly, dirty, hydrocarbons with all the damage that they do to our fragile environment.

New battery in situ where the Bukh diesel engine used to be

12V leisure system

Prior to conversion Skylark carried two 12V batteries. These worked well for day sailing, charged by the engine when motoring and trickle charge solar when at rest.

However, with an electric engine there is no alternator so power can get a bit short living aboard after a couple of days out, running instruments, charging phones, lighting etc, without a means of recharging power.

A new solution was required and after much experimentation we have gone for two Totalpower 500 12V lithium leisure batteries, one for the instruments and one for the Totalfreeze fridge. This provides so much power and is easily maintained by the Totalsolar 100 solar panel.

The control box and charger in place behind the battery with lots of stowage space still available

Lithium batteries have many advantages. You can use all the capacity, as opposed to around 50% with lead acid and they can run 240V appliances as well as 12V. In-battery data screens provide all information live.

Weighing only a few kg – less than a quarter of the weight of lead acid batteries – they are much easier to use and so much more versatile.

Wind generation

Currently, we carry an experimental 48V wind generator. So far it is proving most successful. It is powerful, quiet, and neatly out of the way.

The great benefit is that on a swinging mooring, or at anchor, it means we rarely need to use 240V. We are continuing our research into which brands to select until we have enough data to make informed decisions.

Skylark on her mooring in Chichester Harbour

Solar generation

We carry two 12V Totalsolar 100W solar panels This means that we charge the fridge battery in parallel with the leisure batteries. We now have much more 12V capacity than we need – and there is now always ice on tap!

Tenders and paddleboards

To complete our eco set-up our tender has an ePropulsion electric outboard recharged by hydrogeneration and solar. We carry a lightweight ThrustMe engine for runs ashore. Even our Sandbanks Style paddleboards have an electric Vaquita motor, enabling us to always get back to the boat against strong winds and tides.

Tender has an electric outboard engine too

Electric sailboat experience

Some people fear running out of power, but it’s not proving an issue for us. Electricity is generated by the engine hydrogeneration system when sailing. Input is around 100W per knot when sailing between 4 and 10 knots, at the cost of 0.7 knots of boat speed. In addition, we have the wind generator and on occasion 240V mains power.

Solar panels charge the 12V system when living aboard. Skylark lives on a swinging mooring and on the odd occasion when we want to charge from the mains, usually before a long passage, Chichester Harbour Master and MDL Marinas supply 240V electricity free of charge to electric boats at four points around the Harbour (an eco practice worth encouraging).

In reality we rarely use more than a small proportion of the engine’s potential. Skylark weighs approximately three tonnes loaded. We normally cruise at about 975W at just under four knots, which gives over nine hours of motoring.

Silent motoring under engine catches others unawares

A full 6kW gives around eight knots for a much shorter time. We lived aboard for three weeks in the summer, charged just three times (as there was very little wind), and never went below 50% on the battery.

Motor sailing back 29 miles from Southampton Town Quay in under 4 knots of wind, with strong tides both with and against us, we used less than half the battery.

Electric sailboat conversion costs

At the time of conversion we’d retired from the commercial world and had been philanthropists for eight years, gifting our time, so cost management was a critical factor. We spent a good deal of time looking at costs, and the conversion has dramatically reduced our running costs. The logic is as follows:

Bukh annual running costs

I’m a reasonably capable with practical maintenance, however the single cylinder Bukh with its quirky oil seals and gaskets, took me days of work, so it was more practical to work with a professional engineer at a cost of around £300pa for parts and labour, fuel was around £100pa, my morse replacement in its last year was £268, and a new 12V engine starter battery at £120 making a total of £788 spent in 2020.

Pod drive awaiting its prop. New skeg just forward protects the drive from grounding

Electric sailboat running costs

The total cost of the engine set up, including engine battery controller etc. was £6,800. The chain hoist cost £35, 66mm drill bit £12, fuel £0 (free electricity supplies in Chichester Harbour) so total installation cost £6,847. This engine should last for decades.

Assuming a conservative write-down over 15 years, this equates to £456pa. Economically, going electric has been a great decision. It costs around half the annual cost of before, and is so much less damaging to the planet.

Electric sailboat liveaboards

Our three weeks away were an absolute joy – silent eco sailing and silent motor-sailing in the many days of calm we experienced this summer. Everyone stops us wanting to know how we do it, as we silently cruise past 38-footers!

Electrical power is generated while sailing

Range anxiety? We are totally over it! We did passages of up to 40 miles in little wind and didn’t use more than 50% of our battery capacity.

We motored from the Solent into Poole Harbour where we spent several days pottering and stand-up paddleboarding, only charging from shore power prior to embarking on our next long passage as due diligence, since the calm weather had limited our wind generation.

We have found that, as with all electric engines, there is a huge amount of torque giving fabulous manoeuvrability and the joy of silent motoring.

At steady speeds she uses very little power, then faster speeds seem to push the effort up on a roughly cube basis. This is great at encouraging us all to be traditional and work with the wind and tides not despite them.

Having an electric engine also totally changes the way one sails, tacking up wind with just 2-300W gives an extra couple of knots and an additional 10° of pointing angle (as the apparent wind shifts), and all this silently. Wow!

Electric sailboat conversion: What we learned

Switching to lithium.

We haven’t found anything to fear and it takes our sailing to the next level. The one thing that took us a while to suss out was how to run our leisure systems as lead acid batteries only last a couple of days with no alternator on hand!

Our learning was to ditch lead acid in favour of lithium, a quarter of the weight and you can use all the battery power, not just 50% of it. We now have so much power that we happily run a TotalCool fridge solar charged.

We will never go back to hydrocarbons. Going electric is such an all-round better experience as well as making a significant difference to the fragile marine environment. Downsides? The only one we’ve found is that folk joke they’re reluctant to race us, as they can’t tell if we’re running the engine!

Looking to switch to an electric outboard engine ? Click here for advice on how to choose the right engine for your type of cruising

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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

How hybrid sailing yachts finally became a feasible option

• May 17, 2019

They’ve been a long time coming, but marine hybrid propulsion systems are finally a working reality, as Sam Fortescue reports

The Bootswerft Heinrich-built 13m Yamila uses an Oceanvolt electric motor rather than a diesel engine. Photo: Peter Minder

Every sailor is familiar with the wet cough of the diesel engine, and the acrid smell of its exhaust. For some it’s the sign that an adventure is starting, for others it is the reassurance that all is well on board the boat. The traditional engine is perhaps your boat’s most important safety feature, but its days may be numbered.

The electric sailing revolution is coming – and though adoption in the marine sector is proving much slower than in the automotive world ashore, progress is being made.

The market is still relatively small. Clear market leader Torqeedo had sales of €25m last year, most of which was in ferries and compact outboards. It also offers a range of saildrive and pod drive motors for yachts displacing from 2 to 50 tonnes, or roughly 20-60ft LOA.

But sailors have been slow on the uptake, and for one good reason: if you’re planning to cross an ocean or take on tough conditions offshore, you rely on your engine to help you outrun danger or motor through the doldrums – sometimes for days at a time.

Oceanvolt AXC series is a modular shaft drive system (10kW to 40kW) that will fit in place of a tradition diesel engine

Even with the current crop of advanced lithium-ion boat batteries , the range of an electric system is measured in tens of miles, not hundreds. So a 35ft monohull with 10kWh of lithium battery (four units weighing 96kg in total) would have a range of just 24 nautical miles at 3.8 knots, or less than 16 nautical miles at full throttle.

Taking into account the incredible wastage of combustion engines, which dissipate more energy as heat and noise than they provide in propulsion, diesel is still ten times more energy dense than batteries.

Full-carbon luxury daysailer Yamila uses an Oceanvolt SD8 8kW electric saildrive system. Photo: Tobias Stoerkle

“When you look at bluewater cruisers, of course you will have a diesel,” says Torqeedo’s founder and CEO, Dr Christoph Ballin. “And it’s right that not many coastal sailors opt for pure electric.”

But that doesn’t mean that electric has no interest for cruising sailors – far from it. The more common route for ‘normal’ sailors will be to combine diesel and electric in a hybrid sailing system.

Under this model, the engine is replaced by an electric motor, hooked up to a bank of lithium batteries. This can be charged via hydrogeneration – when the speed under sail turns the propeller and puts charge back into the batteries – and solar or wind. But when extended periods under power are required a standalone DC generator, which can be installed anywhere on board, supplies the electricity.

This is the set-up recommended by Finland’s Oceanvolt, which has focused on the cruising sailing market with a range of shaft and sail drive motors from 3.7kW to 15kW (roughly 10hp to 45hp in diesel engine terms).

“In the case of the round-the-world cruiser, we recommend a hybrid system with a backup genset to support continuous drive when/if needed,” says Oceanvolt CEO Markus Mustelin. “A regenerating prop, which spins while sailing and recharges the batteries (sacrificing 0.2-0.4 of a knot, depending on the boat and conditions) makes it possible to be almost independent of the genset and use it only for backup.”

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This system has the advantage that the generator is only needed on longer passages, so the boat still manoeuvres silently in and out of ports and anchorages.

And a well-designed, correctly sized generator is much more efficient at turning diesel into electricity than an engine not originally designed for the job. Some sailors opt for an in-line hybrid system, like those offered by Hybrid-Marine, which bolts onto the existing diesel.

These are easier to retrofit, with many of the same characteristics as the full hybrid system, but there’s the disadvantage of still having an engine boxed away somewhere near the middle of the boat.

Electro magnetism

Until now, most business has been done through retrofitting existing yachts. But an increasing number of yacht builders are looking to include electric propulsion as original equipment. The world’s third largest boatbuilder, Hanse Yachts , is perhaps the most advanced – offering its entry-level Hanse 315 with an electric rudder-drive option.

The system takes up less space than the standard diesel, is much quieter and vibration- and emissions-free. But Hanse admits take up has been disappointing.

The technology has found more interest among lake sailors. Innovative young German brand Bente has been fitting Torqeedo motors to its successful 24ft model, originally designed for Germany’s ‘Green Lakes’.

Closer to home, dinghy specialist RS Sailing has decided to fit a retractable electric drive to its new RS21 keelboat. Already christened the ‘invisible gennaker’, the system is based on Torqeedo’s Travel 1003 outboard motor.

Bigger race boats have also been attracted by the lure of low-weight propulsion. Just look at Malizia , an IMOCA 60 being prepared for the 2020 Vendée Globe with a lightweight Torqeedo system.

“Emissions-free round the world under race conditions, while simultaneously producing your own energy, is a thoroughly inspirational concept,” said Malizia skipper Boris Herrmann.

Electric has also been successful at the luxury end of the market, where lithium-ion batteries account for a smaller share of the boat’s overall cost. A 50ft Privilege 5 catamaran and a carbon fibre Gunboat 60 have both been retrofitted with Torqeedo kit, while Oceanvolt appears on a Swan 57 and an all-carbon Agile 42.

Overview of the Torqeedo Deep Blue propulsion system installed in the Gunboat Moonwave

The Gunboat Moonwave has two 25kW Deep Blue saildrives both capable of regenerating under sail. There is still a generator on board to extend battery range offshore, but “they no longer use the generator – it’s just for emergency,” says Torqeedo’s Ballin.

Spirit Yachts is also designing electric propulsion into its Spirit 111  flagship, due for launch this summer. With four big 40kW lithium batteries aboard and a 100kW motor, the yacht will be able to operate silently for hours, although it also has 100kW of diesel generator capacity.

“The real focus is not the propulsion,” explains Spirit director Nigel Stuart, “but that everything works in harmony, from galley equipment and hot water to heating, air conditioning, hydraulics etc.” The British yard is also building a 65-footer using Oceanvolt hybrid technology and a new 44-footer that is pure electric.

With racing on one hand and high-end cruisers on the other, there is something of a gap in the middle. By Torqeedo’s own admission, the cruising sailor hasn’t been a big focus of the electric revolution, but all that is about to change. “We started a bit late with sailing,” Ballin admits, “but in the next five to eight years it will be addressed big time.”

Fully integrated electric drive system will power the new 111ft Spirit Yachts flagship

What does that really mean? Well, in the first instance, it means system integration. If that doesn’t sound revolutionary, then imagine a set-up on board where solar panels, hydrogenerators, batteries, generators and motors all worked seamlessly together to keep the yacht supplied with ample power around the clock. “That’s what people are willing to pay for: plenty of energy with heating or air-con through the night,” says Ballin.

The future of hybrid sailing

In the near future, Torqeedo is planning a new range-extending DC generator specifically for hybrid sailing boats. Its existing unit is built by WhisperPower and provides 25kW, which is too much power for boats using the pod drive system.

The genset will be designed to operate at optimum revolutions, while clever DC to DC conversion decouples the battery voltage from the charging voltage, for much greater efficiency.

With boats, just as with cars, the breakthrough that will make all the difference is around battery capacity. Until range under electric power can match that of diesel, there will be many sceptics. And that isn’t likely to happen for a decade or more, according to Ballin.

“Theoretically, they’ve tested batteries in labs that are ten times more efficient than lithium,” he explains. “And if that comes through, then gasoline is done. But we are trying to combine long-term vision with short-term mindset.”

In the meantime, the prevalent technology is based on lithium-manganese-cobalt, and a process of steady development is making this 5-8% better each year. For example, BMW has just announced its next generation i3 battery, used by Torqeedo’s Deep Blue system, will be able to hold 40kWh of power – an increase of 33% for the same size, weight and nearly the same cost.

Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 FP Pod Drive is suitable for small yachts up to 4 tonnes – a folding prop can also be fitted

The other area of development is around the propeller. Most cruising systems use a folding or feathering prop designed for diesel engines. But Torqeedo’s own research shows that the consistently high torque of an electric motor is best utilised by props with variable pitch.

And yet it is Oceanvolt that has addressed this issue specifically for electric motors with its Servo Prop system, which it claims to be 30% more efficient ahead, 100% better astern and 300% more efficient in regeneration mode.

Oceanvolt says that this prop can pump around 500W into the batteries at just 5 knots – the average pace of a 30ft monohull. At 6 knots that rises to around 800W, and at a very manageable 7 knots for a larger ocean cruiser you get 1.2kW.

“A new technology can rarely compete in price with an established one in its initial growth phase,” says Mustelin. “However, we have passed this and today electric systems are offered at a quite competitive price. When you add to that the fact the electric system is almost service free, the total cost of ownership is turning in favour of electric.”

So, you may not hear them approach, but expect to see more and more electric-powered boats on the water as the revolution continues.

A question of torque

A key part of the viability of electric propulsion rests on the notion that a smaller motor can achieve the same work as a bigger diesel. There are two elements to this. First, a diesel engine is not an efficient converter of chemical energy into thrust, creating a lot of heat and noise in the process. Second, the torque characteristics of electric are much better than diesel.

Mustelin says that Oceanvolt’s 10kW motor “easily outperforms” a 30hp diesel. “Typically, maximum boat speed will be somewhat lower (0.5kt-1.0kt) than with a comparable diesel engine, but at the same time the boat will maintain the speed better in heavy seas and headwind due to higher torque. Manoeuvrability is much better in confined marina spaces.”

That’s because combustion engines only reach peak power (and maximum torque) over a small range of speeds. Torque is a measure of turning power – at the propeller in the case of a boat.

A diesel engine develops optimum torque between 1,800-2,000rpm, while electric motors deliver it from 0 to around 2,000rpm. This allows electric motors to use higher efficiency propellers that are slimmer and more steeply pitched.

Engine-driven: The ‘alternator on steroids’

It has taken years of development and over $10m of funding, but renowned boat systems expert Nigel Calder has helped design an alternator so powerful that it eliminates the need for a generator on board.

Mounted on the engine, on the second alternator position, the Integrel can produce five to ten times more power. Sitting behind the system is at least 10kWh of lead acid batteries (lithium is also an option), and Victron chargers and inverters.

“If you crank the engine it’ll charge the batteries; if you’re running with the engine in neutral, it’ll know it’s in standalone generator mode and switch to that algorithm,” explains Calder. “It will likely be cheaper than a generator installation, and eliminates the issue of the through-hulls, the cooling circuits, the long running hours, the maintenance.”

The system allows you to run all sorts of creature comforts on board that would normally require a generator: from hot water on-demand to coffee makers and freezers. “We honestly believe that this system is going to supplant generators on almost all boats that currently have, or would like to have, a generator,” adds Calder.

With the engine in gear and at low revs, tests show how the Integrel can produce some 2kW of power without increasing fuel consumption or reducing speed – simply utilising the engine’s wasted capacity. This means it will work with the yacht’s existing engine – no need to overspec – and it has already been successfully installed on a new Southerly 480, a Malo 46 and a similar-sized Hallberg-Rassy.

Case study: Dufour 382 Alcyone

Built by Dufour in 2016, Alcyone was immediately retrofitted professionally with Oceanvolt’s SD15 saildrive motor, supplied by a 14kWh lithium battery bank. Owners Michael Melling and Diana Kolpak also specced an 8kWh DC generator for range extension. The fit out cost €30,600 for the motor and battery system, plus an additional €13,744 for the generator, and installation costs were around €8,000.

They charter the boat out near Vancouver, for exploring Desolation Sound and the surrounding area where silent, clean propulsion is a selling point. “Nothing spoils the joy of sailing – or a secluded anchorage – more than the noise and smell of diesel engines,” they explained. “Installing an Oceanvolt system in our new boat has freed us from that. It’s the way of the future.”

Charter manager Merion Martin said the conversion has also been popular with charter customers, adding: “The main advantage of the system is that it consistently uses around 40% less fuel than a standard diesel engine over the course of a week’s charter. But understanding the power management system takes a bit of getting used to, and the many components involved in the system can make troubleshooting a challenge.”

If you enjoyed this….

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HYBRID AND ELECTRIC MARINE POWER AND PROPULSION SYSTEMS

Zero Emission

No environmental restrictions

No high voltage risk

Remote System Interface

State of the art Lithium Ion battery technology

Safe installation and operation

Instant power output for maneuverability

Zero to full torque in an instant

No waiting for engine rev to settle

No pre-start warning beep

Best quality components available

Patented Technology

Hydro power regeneration

Superior thrust efficiency and energy capture

Remote diagnostics

Low maintenance

System Solutions for a Range of Marine Activity

THE FACTS ABOUT ELECTRIC POWER, BATTERIES AND PROPULSION

Today's electric motor technology has already moved from

the open road to the open ocean.

Instant High Torque

Electric motors are in constant ‘stand by’ mode; you can engage the control lever at any time for instant forward or reverse propulsion.

Electric motors achieve instant torque with Electromotive Force while internal combustion engines need to build RPMs gradually by increasing piston firing frequency.

Hydro Generation

At sailing speeds over 6 knots Oceanvolt systems are able to generate significant power for recharging the battery bank by activating at the touch of a button.

Power regeneration increases exponentially with each additional knot of speed.

Lithium Ion batteries are superior to other battery storage technology; highest storage capacity, high effective current delivery, high charge capacity resiliency and wide temperature range performance. In today's digital age, where everything is just a click away, 1xbet mobile takes a significant chunk of the online casino services sector. Starting as an online casino service in 2007, 1xBet expanded its services in 2014 to include sports betting. Fast forward to 2018, and they marked their entry into the Indian market. Their app and website, designed in a calming blue and white hue, are not just a treat for the eyes but are also super intuitive. With a support interface that covers 50 languages, including Hindi, the platform ensures that language is no barrier to placing your bet.

Oceanvolt highly skilled technical team ensures proper installation and system-optimization.  Only the highest quality Li-Ion batteries are used - to ensure performance and safety.

For those interested in a hybrid solution, generators are a highly efficient way to extend range while at sea.

DC generators have the advantage of rapid recharging capability.

AC generators are, generally, smaller and even portable which means that the generator can be aboard only in situations where longer motoring might be required.

Battery recharging is accomplished with shore connection, hydro generation (an integrated part of all Oceanvolt systems) and/or solar panels.

In Hybrid solutions , a generator (either AC or DC) can be used to recharge batteries / extend motoring range.

Integrated components

It is essential that all system components are properly selected and installed.

Our team of highly skilled technicians ensure that all components are compatible and that system management software is optimized.

Oceanvolt blog

Oceanvolt & Blue Marine showcase electric innovation at Seattle Boat Show 2024

Where to find Oceanvolt at BOOT 2024

HighPower ServoProp 25 wins Overall DAME Award 2023

Owner testimonials.

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• Electric Inboard Motors

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Electric Inboard Boat Motors

Electric inboard boat motors from Elco Motor Yachts are suitable for new boats, or as an upgrade to existing vessels. Our electric inboard boat motor conversion kits can turn a noisy gas-powered boat into a serene pleasure boat for quiet enjoyment of nature’s beauty.

Our electric inboard boat motors, ranging from 6HP to a robust 200HP, are a testament to Elco’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. We meticulously craft each electric inboard motor to offer an unmatched boating experience. Whether you’re navigating serene lakes or braving the open ocean, our motors will power your journey with efficiency and reliability.

For sailing enthusiasts, our electric sailboat motors are game-changers. The silent operation of these motors enhances the tranquility of sailing, allowing you to listen to the waves lapping against the hull and enjoy the sea breezes without the disruption of engine noise.

If you’re looking to retrofit your existing watercraft, consider our electric inboard boat motor conversion kits. These kits enable you to transform your gas-guzzling boat into a quiet, eco-friendly vessel. Experience the joy of boating in harmony with nature, knowing that your adventure is leaving minimal environmental impact.

EP-6 Electric Inboard

Comparable HP: 6HP Voltage: 24 Volts Suggested Battery Package Options: Deep Cycle AGM - Victron - 12V / 110ah (2 pack) Lithium Iron Phosphate - 24V / 100ah (single pack)

EP-12 Electric Inboard

Comparable HP: 12HP Voltage: 48 Volts Suggested Battery Package Options: Deep Cycle AGM - Victron - 12V / 130ah (4 pack) Lithium Iron Phosphate - 48V / 100ah (single pack)

EP-20 Electric Inboard

Comparable HP: 20HP Voltage: 48 Volts Suggested Battery Package Options: Deep Cycle AGM - Victron - 12V / 165ah (4 pack) Lithium Iron Phosphate - 48V / 100ah (2 pack)

EP-40 Electric Inboard

Comparable HP: 40HP Voltage: 108 Volts Suggested Battery Package Options: Deep Cycle AGM - Victron - 12V / 165ah (9 pack) Lithium Iron Phosphate - 96V / 100ah (6 pack)

EP-70 Electric Inboard

Comparable HP: 70HP Voltage: 108 Volts Suggested Battery Package Options: Deep Cycle AGM - Victron - 12V / 220ah (9 pack) Lithium Iron Phosphate - 96V / 100ah (8 pack)

EP-100 Electric Inboard

Comparable HP: 100HP Voltage: 144 Volts Suggested Battery Package Options: Deep Cycle AGM - Victron - 12V / 220ah (12 pack) Lithium Iron Phosphate - 96V / 100ah (Custom setup)

EP-200 ELECTRIC INBOARD

Comparable HP: 200HP Voltage: 144 Volts Suggested Battery Package Options: Deep Cycle AGM - Victron - 12V / 220ah (24 pack) Lithium Iron Phosphate - 96V / 100ah (Custom setup)

Award-Winning Electric Motors

The Trusted Solution for Electric Boating

Our unbeatable, award-winning electric inboard motor system is not only highly-reliable but it’s also one of the most powerful inboard motors on the market. With a maximum of 200HP and over 50,000 hours of service life, you can be confident in your choice to go electric with an Elco electric inboard boat motor.

At Elco, we make electric boating accessible by design. Our electric motors for boat inboards are intentionally manufactured with a plug-and-play design that makes installation simple. If you’re looking for a powerful motor for a new build or you’re retrofitting the motor for an existing inbound system, our electric propulsion system is the superior option for electric boating.

Electric inboard boat motors by Elco offer numerous advantages to boat owners. The incredibly versatile design makes our electric inboard motors well-suited for a wide variety of boats. Sailboats, launches, trawlers, catamarans, workboats, water taxis – the range of compatible boats is vast. If your water vehicle measures between 15 and 120 feet, it could be eligible for an exceptional upgrade to our powerful electric inbound propulsion system.

In regards to powerful electric boating, the Elco Electric Propulsion System gives you the opportunity to customize your boating experience. We offer a wide range of capabilities when it comes to horsepower. From 6HP all the way to 200HP, you can find an electric boat inboard motor that works perfectly for your vessel. Swift and efficient electric boats are possible with the application of an Elco electric inboard motor.

The Elco Electric Propulsion System is all-encompassing, meaning we provide you with all the essential components you need to power your vessel. Our plug-and-play format allows users to have their newly electric inboard system fully operational in just minutes. This level of convenience and simplicity is something you can’t find amongst other electric boat inboard motors.

We’re proud to offer a simple yet dynamic design that is highly efficient and exceptionally powerful. Electric re-powering is much more straightforward than a diesel replacement, and we’ve worked to streamline this process even further. Our electric motors are also highly reliable. We employ AC induction for our inboard systems, making them up to 40% more efficient than competing DC induction motors on the market. They accelerate faster and create more torque all while requiring minimal maintenance.

The famed Elco inboard electric motor is simple and reliable while being incredibly powerful. It not only offers users a uniquely impressive experience but it’s also considered the premier modern solution. Boating enthusiasts know first-hand how important it is to take care of our waters. The planet depends on us to respect and care for the environment. With our electric inboard propulsion system, you can have an exciting boating experience while reducing your carbon footprint. This way we can all enjoy the beautiful waters for generations to come.

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Everything electric boats and boating

2 new swap-in electric motors for MerCruisers

These 2 new swap-in electric motors for MerCruisers are exhibiting at the Duesseldorf Boat Show this week and gaining attention as an easy way for fossil fuel boat owners with sterndrives AKA inboard/outboards to ‘go electric’. The motors and their mounts are being shown by German company AQAForce and EPTechnologies of Denmark.

To be clear, the motors are not associated with MerCruiser, but have been outfitted with brackets and mounts to make it easy to connect to the popular sterndrives.

See all of the electric boat news stories happening at the BOOT show

This is a recent, and exciting development in the electric boat world, with both companies introducing their concepts since August.

First, let’s look at the specifications of the motors. They are quite similar, perhaps because they are both designed to fit into existing spaces on boats and be compatible with the existing mechanics of the MerCruiser Alpha.

Electric motors for MerCruisers developed in two countries

The AQAForce motor is a 150kW BLDC (Brushless DC) unit  operating off 336 Volts and 397 continuous amps.   It is cooled by an ultraquiet seawater system developed by AQAForce Founder Klaus Lehmann. The power source is an   84kWh lithium-ion weighing 440 kg (900 lbs) also developed by Mr. Lehmann.

EPTechnologies was founded 6 years ago by Kasper Falkenberg, who has been working  electric propulsion for over 18 years. Theirs is a 145 kW motor with a 400V system and 90 kWh battery. Both motors operate at 5200 RPMs.

Here is the AQAForce F150 in action, having been installed in a wooden Palena hull from Rivers and Tide Boatbuilding.

And here is the EPTechnologies motor, on a similar river hundreds of miles away, powering a Rand sportboat.

Easy couplings let electric motors fit MerCruiser

In each of the videos you can catch a quick glimpse of how the motor is coupled with the MerCruiser sterndrive, and they both appear quite simple and easy. One of the most striking things, for anyone who has ever taken a look under the engine hatch of a gas boat, is how clean and pristine everything is!

These innovations by EPTechnologies AQAForce are a great opportunity for people with a sterndrive who are thinking about electric boats, but haven’t been able to find an easy way to do it.

Purchasing an electric outboard to run off the transom of a boat is obviously easy, and even replacing a diesel saildrive with electric has been made fairly simple by manufacturers that have motors to fit Yanmar and other existing hardware.

These EPT and AQAForce motors opens up possibilities for the thousands of sterndrive I/O owners, especially in North America. Until now it has been up to individuals to work out their own systems, like Scott Masterson did with his 17 Bayliner .

Both Klaus Lehmann and the crew at EPTechnologies see many opportunities opening up. Marco Ottiker of EPT told us they are already looking at similar mounting kits for other sterndrives.

The AQAForce motor can also be hitched up with a jet drive, similar to the way the famous Shotover Jet adventure boats in New Zealand are being converted from V8 powered jet motors to electric jet.

These two motors see to be an idea whose time has come, and you can see for yourself at the Duesseldorf show. 

AQAForce: Dusseldorf: Hall 9 / E50 EPTechnologies: Dusseldorf: Hall 10 / A40  (with phillipi exhibit)

• ← Powerboat of the Year nominees included 2 electric boats
• New inflatable solar catamaran is ‘light as air’ →

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Electric boats

Temo’s easy-to-install electric outboard motors make diy e-boats simple.

The proliferation of e-bikes started with easy-to-install conversion kits that allowed riders to take their existing bicycle and convert it into an electric bike. Now, electric boats are charting a similar path. TEMO’s easy-installation electric outboard motors make it painless for boaters to convert their vessels into electric boats.

The French company TEMO just landed a €6 million Series A financing round with the US impact fund At One Ventures, the Ecotechnologies 2 fund, and business angels, to accelerate the company’s growth.

TEMO currently offers two models of small-format electric outboard motors but hopes the funding round will help accelerate the development of its range to include larger motors. The company aims to “add three new power units to its catalog by 2027, so that the entire fleet of small sailing yachts and recreational craft can be powered electrically.”

As TEMO’s CEO Alexandre Seux explained further:

“The combination of At One Ventures and Bpifrance makes an excellent investment team for TEMO. They will help us grow our business internationally and continue to our vision for a carbon-free recreational boating sector. With the Series A funds, we will accelerate our product roadmap and distribution, including in North America.”

The company’s current models are targeted towards dinghies, smaller sailboats, and row boats. The models include a smaller 450W motor and a larger 1,100W motor.

The TEMO 450 uses a telescopic handle with a rear-mounted propellor and is easily mounted in a rowlock similar to oars on a row boat. The unit offers equivalent power to a 1.5 hp internal combustion outboard motor.

Its battery provides enough power for an hour of full-power use or several hours at reduced throttle. At full tilt, it offers around 125 lb of thrust (50 kg).

It can be recharged either from a 12VDC portable source, like a vehicle’s electrical outlet, or from a typical 110VAC wall outlet.

When paired with an inflatable dinghy, an entire electric boat could collapse down into something carryable in a backpack. The entire motor system weighs just 11 pounds (5 kg), though they have a carbon fiber version that weighs 10 pounds (4.5 kg).

For larger vessels, the company’s TEMO 1100 is rated at 1.1 kW yet offers similar performance to a 3 hp internal combustion outboard motor.

It weighs 33 pounds (15 kg) and includes a retractable control tiller.

Like the TEMO 450, it has a 1-hour runtime at full throttle or longer at reduced power and can recharge from either wall power or a 12V source.

TEMO manufactures its electric boat drive systems in France, and will use its new funding to expand operations and roll out a wider range of more powerful electric outboard motors.

The electric outboard market is quickly heating up as several companies have recently presented interesting new products.

It’s becoming easier than ever for boaters to create their own light electric vessels using retail electric outboards that can be powered either by their own internal batteries or off-the-shelf marine batteries.

Images provided by: @Wind4production

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Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

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Electric Vehicle Concepts

  electric yacht conversions.

                       The love for Water Sports

Always been near the ocean and water all my life. Surfing before going to high school classes many mornings. Late for school most days. Left southern California in early 80,s. Went to Florida pan handle of Destin, Fa. gulf coast for five years. Contracting and racing. Left for Lake Norman, north of Charlotte, NC to be closer to the heart of NASCAR teams. I became to old to go stock car racing and moved to Charleston SC in the late 90's. Charleston is one of the oldest and largest ports on the east cost of the United States. A great place to do electric conversions in sailing yachts.  

Test driving some one else's million dollar sailing yacht with an E-V concepts hybrid electric conversion is a great way to spend your time.

Day Sailor Electric Conversion Kits

Electric conversions of the day sailors and non planing hulls is a great idea. One of the great advantages of electric drives is the low maintenance. Most boats or yachts do not get used that often. The biggest problem is the fuel systems causing trouble from none use. Most all yachts are self contained and have generators.

We have created a number of electric conversion kits for mid sized sailing yachts. Our electric conversion kits are complete with all components and batteries to fit in the same location as the original engine and transmission. Since the electric motor can reverse it's rotation electrically there is no need for a transmission.

The Electric conversion kit has adjustable feet on all four corners to get proper shaft alignment and side arms to connect to the factory motor mounts. The most efficient propeller speeds are less than 1000 RPM. The electric motors can deliver full torque at less than 1000 RPM. No reduction transmission is needed.

The electric conversion kits were self contained. Every thing to sit in the same location as the original engine and transmission. AC to DC inverter was also added to convert the battery power to 120 AC current for other appliances.

All components were designed to work with the existing cables and wiring that was used for the petrol engine. Throttle cable and other gauges. Reversing contactor is used to change rotation of the motor eliminating the transmission.

Electric sailing Yacht electric conversion kit. Crated for shipment. Most systems were designed from 70 to 120 volts. Many AC appliances can run on DC or AC without the use of inverters. Secondary battery packs were usually used.

Complete restorations and electric conversions for sailing yachts.

Complete rebuild and electric conversion of 1979 Tarton 62 foot offshore racing sail Yacht. This was a stripped down international racing yacht. The original owner wanted it converted to be a live aboard cruiser.

Every thing was gutted from the interior. Every bit of wiring and all components were updated and upgraded to the latest and greatest.

This was more than a year long project. Some long days sitting at the navigation station soldering. All sails and wenches were manual. Now they were all electric. Electrics included the electric hybrid drive system.

It took more than a few years for this restoration. Using a crane to lower the generator and electric motor down thru the hatch. Since all plumbing was electric that was something I took on also.

All water and sewer is pumped electrically. Two AC and heat systems. Electric water maker and hot water heater. Fans, lights, stereo, satellite antenna and radio.

Two chargers. One for shore use and one for high power generator power. This charger made enough power to propel the yacht.

John Boats, Shore boats, inflatables, skiffs

With our new sealed light weight lithium ion cells the use of battery powered Kayaks are easier to maneuver with longer run time.

There are more private lakes and water ways that are restricted to gas powered water craft. The lithium battery age made many things possible that were not before. Jet Skis being one of them.

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• Electric Boat Conversion Kit (E-Boat)

E-Boat Conversion Kit

We offer a full vehicle conversion kit to make your boat go electric. Our offer includes a kit with or without the installation service with a warranty of 2 years.

EV Products

Please contact us if you are interested in our products or if you want to schedule a test drive in our EV.

EV Conversion Kit​ for Boat

We offer the most complete vehicle conversion kit to make your boat go full electric. Our kit can be assembled by anyone with the needed tools. We also provide full documentation and video instructions for an EV conversion.

Our offer includes an EV conversion kit with or without the installation service with a warranty of 2 years on all parts.

Our EV Conversion Kit includes: EV Motor, Controller, Lithium battery pack,  Accelerator,  DC-DC converter 12V, Charger, Emergency stop switch,  Air conditioning assembly, Motor & Battery mount parts and other parts depending on the boat type.

Our offer includes a kit with or without the installation service with a warranty of 2 years.

Why are we better?

Our EV Kits are designed to be the best and most affordable EV kits for any boat type. Our interest is to have a high number of boats converted into EVs and that is possible only by providing a full kit for an affordable price.

We want to be the most reliable EV kit provider by offering you many benefits that nobody else has. That is why we include a 2-year warranty on all our parts and we also have a stock of all spare parts in our local warehouse.

Even years after of expired warranty, you can get any spare part at the best price or you can even upgrade your vehicle with more power or a longer range.

01. EV kit Installation

02. ev kit installation partners.

Test our demo vehicle before you buy the EV kit

As we want to provide you with the best satisfaction and the real experience before you purchase an EV kit we have prepared the test vehicles which you can use for a test drive to help you decide about your conversion to EV.

Why convert your boat into an Electric?

By converting your boat into an EV you have multiple benefits like you can charge it at home, you don’t need to have yearly oil and filter replacement service, there are much less parts in an EV so it doesn’t break like a normal petrol/diesel engine, you can keep your existing boat which you like and run it with zero CO2 emissions.

Save Your Money

Zero co2 emissions, keep your boat, frequently asked questions, latest projects.

EV Conversion VW Polo 2004

EV Conversion of Citroen Dyane DAK

EV Conversion of Citroen 2CV

Discover Independence For EVs Through Using The Power Of Solar Panels!

We offer products, solutions, and services across the entire energy value chain. We support our customers on their way to a more sustainable future – no matter how far along the journey to energize society with affordable energy systems.

• Reliability
• Energy Independence
• Free driving
• Environment friendly
• Warranty on all parts

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We take great pride in everything that we do, control over products allows us to ensure our customers receive the best quality service.