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.
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.No fuel cost. Charging an electric boat may cost a couple of dollars per charge.Lightweight. An electric setup (including motor, batteries, and generator) typically weighs less than its diesel counterpart.Instant torque. Electric propulsion provides instant torque, giving you better maneuverability and more consistent speeds in choppy conditions.They’re completely silent and there’s no smelly exhaust gases to deal with.Photo credit: Torqeedo Benefits and drawbacks of electric boat motors BenefitsĮlectric motors offer several advantages over internal combustion engines: 4 Ready to catch the electric boating wave?Įlectric runabout, GANZ Elovation Epox 6.8., with Torqeedo Deep Blue electric inboard engine.2.4.1 Electric pod and sail drive manufacturers.2.2.2 Key features of electric inboard boat motors.2.2.1 DIY electric inboard boat motor conversion.2.1.1 Key features of electric outboard boat motors.
1 Benefits and drawbacks of electric boat motors.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. 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. 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. 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. Considering making the switch to an electric boat motor? With electric cars now commonplace on the roads, it’s no wonder so many boaters are curious about electric boats.