Looking for an electric motor for your motorboat?
For which motorboat is an electric motor worthwhile?
For conventional motorboats, electric motors are a great alternative and a real recommendation. You can find more information about the many advantages of electric motors here: From small motor or cabin boats to large steel displacement boats, every electric drive makes sense.
However, there are also applications where an electric motor is currently not optimal. Simply because the batteries are very large, heavy and expensive when used. Although it is technically possible, it is not economical compared to a combustion engine.
Especially worthwhile for displacement drives with normal driving behavior.
Our current top recommendation are the relatively affordable drives from ePropulsion.
Recommended outboard motors for motorboats (price-performance)
Boat weight | Current recommendation | Image | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
up to 500 kg |
1 kW motor with 1.28 kWh battery |
from €2,199 |
|
|
up to 1,500 kg |
3 kW motor with 3 kWh battery |
from €5,699 |
|
|
up to 3,000 kg |
6 kW motor with 6 kWh battery |
from 8,299€ |
|
|
up to 5,000 kg |
11 kW motor with 10 kWh battery |
from 13,999€ |
|
|
up to 10,000 kg |
20 kW motor with 20 kW battery |
from 29,499€ |
|
|
up to 20,000 kg |
40 kW outboard motor with 40 kWh battery |
from 45,999€ |
What should I consider for my motorboat?
Especially if you are currently looking for a new motor, you should at least consider an electric motor. If you are buying a new motor now, it should also be designed for the next 10 years. On the one hand, because in the future there will be more and more driving bans and nature reserves.
On the other hand, because the residual value of your boat is strongly linked to the propulsion system. A boat with a new combustion engine will be more difficult to sell in 3-4 years than it is today.
Important points for the electric motor are the following:
-
Sizing of motor and battery (not too much or too little power/capacity)
-
Suitable charging option (shore power connection at the port/dock or portable battery)
-
Compatibility of components (especially for motor and battery)
-
Special features (battery information via Bluetooth to your phone)
-
Additional accessories (solar panel, inverter, onboard electronics, generator, etc.)
Installation of an outboard motor
The installation of an outboard motor is uncomplicated and takes place on the motor mirror, which is located at the stern of the boat. The attachment is done by means of clamping screws or bolting. Depending on the weight of the motor, this is easy, especially for motors under 11kW (15PS) and can usually be carried out by laymen.
Size and weight vary depending on the outboard motor from 2.2kg to 470kg. For the larger models, it is recommended to use lifting equipment due to the higher weight. You can also hire a service provider for installation.
We are happy to advise you personally and find the perfect solution!
Simply contact us via phone, email or through our website. Feel free to send us information and pictures of your motorboat.
Popular electric inboard motors for motorboats
Of course, there are also inboard motors available that are suitable for your motor and cabin boats and can be flanged directly onto the existing shaft system.
Our recommendation for inboard motors are especially the WaterWorld electric motors from 4 to 15 kW with air cooling. If you are traveling longer distances, we recommend an inboard motor from Propel or E-Tech with water cooling.
Boat weight | Current recommendation | Image | Price complete package |
|---|---|---|---|
|
up to 2,000 kg |
4 kW motor with 5 kWh battery |
from 7,499€ |
|
|
up to 3,500 kg |
7 kW motor with 10 kWh battery |
from 9,399€ |
|
|
up to 5,000 kg |
10 kW motor with 10 kWh battery |
from 13,399€ |
|
|
up to 10,000 kg |
20 kW motor with 20 kWh battery |
from 16,999€ |
|
|
up to 20,000 kg |
40 kW motor with 40 kWh battery |
from 37,499€ |
Installation of an electric inboard motor
The installation of an inboard motor is more complex than that of an outboard motor and should be carried out by a boat builder. The existing shaft system can usually be reused, as can the propeller. Afterwards, the driving behavior, especially the propeller, should be tested and optimized. The inboard motor is mounted firmly in the hull of the boat.
Motorboats with electric motors are cheaper in the long run.
Why are electric boats so much cheaper to maintain? The biggest cost driver is operating costs. Instead of several liters of gasoline, only a few kWh of electricity are needed. Currently, gasoline prices are at €1.70 per liter, while a kWh costs only 30 cents.
At the beginning of 2022, gasoline prices were repeatedly increased. In addition, there are also annual maintenance costs and the repair of wear parts for the combustion engine. (Oil change, filters, etc.) A similar observation can be made for electric cars.
Electric motor for planing boats
It is technically possible, but in terms of range and cost it is not really economical. Electric motors for planing boats are worthwhile if no combustion engines are allowed on your lake.
Auxiliary motors and hybrid drives
There are also various alternatives. Especially for planing boats, an electric auxiliary motor is recommended. The main engine can be used for planing, while the auxiliary motor can be used for an economical speed of 6-12 km/h. This is particularly interesting for areas where speed is already limited.
For large and heavy displacement boats, an electric motor is actually perfect, as the boat does not exceed its hull speed. Depending on the range requirements, a hybrid system is among the options.
What kind of boat do you have? We electrify it!
Open questions?
Your advantages using greenboatsolutions
Few clicks will save you a lot of time and stress!
You will get a result within 5 minutes.
You compare nearly 600 different electric motors.
You have an overview of more than 30 manufacturers.