ELECTRIC POWER
While gasoline outboards are prevalent, new companies are emerging in the market creating electric outboards for both recreational and commercial use.
The electric outboard sector has recently made significant advancements, focusing on extending their range and decreasing recharge times. These electric outboards are appealing to environmentally-conscious boaters and are notably quiet in operation.
Even though traditional outboard manufacturers are working on their own electric versions, demand still favors gasoline models amongst consumers. Here we explore a few noteworthy companies in the electric outboard space.
Vision Marine
When a boat reaches a speed of 109 mph powered by electricity, it garners attention. Vision Marine achieved this with a 32-foot catamaran utilizing two of its flagship E-Motion 180-hp outboards during the 2022 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout.
Currently, Vision Marine provides only the E-Motion 180E, which can be charged at any marina or private dock via a 220-volt outlet, completing a full recharge overnight.
Concerns regarding range persist for some boaters, but the E-Motion 180E enables 3.5 hours of use or a distance of 70 miles at a cruising speed of 20 mph, which aligns well with the daily usage patterns of many boaters, according to Vision Marine.
The battery pack takes the place of the fuel tank, and although Vision Marine endorses its outboards for new boat builds, existing vessels can also undergo retrofitting. The E-Motion requires less upkeep than conventional combustion engines due to fewer components, including the absence of oil changes.
Vision Marine has already formed partnerships with builders like Groupe Beneteau, Freedom Boat Club, and Nautical Ventures.
www.visionmarinetechnologies.com
Evoy
The Norwegian company recently marked its fifth anniversary and offers a range of inboard and outboard products aimed at both commercial and leisure sectors. Evoy manufactures electric outboards exceeding 120 and 300 horsepower.
The Evoy Breeze 120 is suited for boats ranging from 15 to 25 feet and 23 to 30 feet in twin setups, while the Evoy Storm 300 is tailored for single installations on boats from 25 to 35 feet and for twin engines on boats over 30 feet.
In January 2023, Evoy revealed a redesigned version of the Storm 300, with CEO and Co-founder Leif A. Stavostrand describing the new model as “simple yet elegant and timeless,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge designs. The 300-hp electric outboard draws power from two 63 kWh batteries and utilizes an 800-volt system for impressive torque, allowing most boats to exceed speeds of 50 knots.
Range remains a key factor for consumers, and Evoy states that boaters can anticipate 30 nautical miles at planning speed, while operating at 5 knots could yield up to 12 hours of battery life.
Evoy aims to introduce a 200-hp Gale Series and a 400-hp Hurricane Series of outboards and inboards in 2024.
www.evoy.no
Torqeedo
For those in search of a tender to assist with a yacht or simply explore the harbor, Torqeedo presents a selection of both inboard and outboard options, featuring models from 3 hp up to 100 hp.
On the outboard side, Torqeedo provides eight different models ranging from 1, 2, and 3-horsepower outboards suitable for light vessels, kayaks, tenders, and dinghies. However, the models that are most relevant for center-console fans would be the 40 hp and 80 hp, designed for recreational and commercial applications.
The 25 R (40 hp) and 50 R (80 hp) models incorporate fully integrated systems that come with an onboard computer and touchscreen to monitor battery performance, these systems are available with a warranty of nine years.
At a leisurely pace of 5.5 mph, the battery lasts for up to 20 hours before requiring a recharge. When operating at maximum capacity (around 25 knots), the Deep Blue 50 R can achieve a range of 16 to 20 nautical miles, but its runtime will be under one hour. When utilizing 50-amp shore power, a fully drained battery can recharge to 80% in approximately 90 minutes.
Torqeedo boasts low operational costs, as their battery and outboard combination demands minimal maintenance.
www.torqeedo.com
Pure Watercraft
For boaters wishing to replace an aging gas outboard in the 25 to 50 horsepower range, Pure Watercraft presents an attractive option. This company is recognized for its electric boat offerings, which include rigid inflatables, pontoon boats, and bass boats, and specializes in its sole Pure Outboard System.
The 50-horsepower outboard is designed for straightforward drop-in installation. The starting price for Pure Watercraft’s outboard motor is $21,000, which includes the motor, battery pack, charger, throttle, and power/data cable. The charger is compatible with both 120- and 240-volt outlets, with a 240-volt connection allowing a 90-minute charge from half to full. A 120-volt connection takes approximately five hours to achieve a full charge.
www.purewatercraft.com
For more information, explore the 2023 Outboard Buyers Guide here: https://www.centerconsolelifemag.com/reviews/2023-outboard-buyers-guide/